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The Web of Arcana #1
The Mage on the Hill
A young magic user who wants desperately to live. A jaded recluse who has forgotten what living means. They’re each other’s only chance.
Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind.
The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind.
The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
75 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
June 5, 2019
I'm a huge Angel Martinez fan, and I enjoyed The Mage on the Hill, even though I wanted more.
This book felt like it took an eternity to read, even though it was just four days. I kept putting it down and coming back to it later. It didn't grab me like I wanted it to. Still, I think the author had some really interesting ideas, and the potential was all there.
I felt like I was missing a prequel or something where the magical world was explained. I needed way more context, way more background. I really didn't get it, and though I sort of pieced it together by the end, I wish I understood everything more. The author should read an Ilona Andrews book to get an idea of how to do it, though Angel Martinez's other series don't seem to have the same problem as this book.
I liked the romance, but I couldn't get a good handle on exactly how far apart in age the two MCs were. I sort of pictured one of them as really, really old, but I'm not sure I'm right. I think I just wanted more details overall.
Though the book was exciting and interesting, and I enjoyed it, I know this author can do even better. I'm excited to see where else she can take this series.
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This book felt like it took an eternity to read, even though it was just four days. I kept putting it down and coming back to it later. It didn't grab me like I wanted it to. Still, I think the author had some really interesting ideas, and the potential was all there.
I felt like I was missing a prequel or something where the magical world was explained. I needed way more context, way more background. I really didn't get it, and though I sort of pieced it together by the end, I wish I understood everything more. The author should read an Ilona Andrews book to get an idea of how to do it, though Angel Martinez's other series don't seem to have the same problem as this book.
I liked the romance, but I couldn't get a good handle on exactly how far apart in age the two MCs were. I sort of pictured one of them as really, really old, but I'm not sure I'm right. I think I just wanted more details overall.
Though the book was exciting and interesting, and I enjoyed it, I know this author can do even better. I'm excited to see where else she can take this series.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
November 5, 2019
You think finals are rough? Fail the Guild's channeling test and you're dead.
Toby has failed all the tests, but he doesn't want to die. When the Guild decides it's time for "humane" euthanasia, he goes on the run, hoping to find someone who can help him control his power before it destroys him.
Darius was once a talented and confident professor of magic. He had some success in helping students like Toby find their paths. But he made an error in judgment that killed his student, injured him badly, and blew up a sizable chunk of Pittsburgh. Now he's a recluse whose friends think he died years ago.
Darius doesn't want to help Toby. He's going to send him on in the morning, really! But you know how once you feed strays it's hard to get rid of them...?
I enjoyed this book very much -- it's my favorite Martinez to date, in fact. I really liked both the characters and the world-building, a magic system which is unique in my experience.
You may see the word "elements" and think oh, those fantasy authors really love the elements, so many books with mages of fire, water etc. But no! These are the actual elements of the Periodic Table (although not the current Periodic Table, and my nerd brain had lots of fun trying to place what historic versions of the PT the author was drawing from) and as magical elements they fit together in different ways that correspond to the relationships between the various real element properties. So to be a mage you need to understand at least some science and get what the difference is between metals and metalloids, why certain structures are crystalline, etc.
Assumptions about how the science works inform mages' understanding of how magic works, and of course also how they assume it *doesn't* work, and without being preachy about it Martinez is definitely making a point about how inherited systems of understanding can blind people to other possibilities. The present system works well enough... unless you're one of the people for whom it doesn't work.
And if it does work for you, you're invested in it, aren't you? I've noticed that Martinez' villains are never evil maniacs bent on destruction. They're motivated by unexceptional human considerations: selfishness, greed, pride, belief in their own rightness. The antagonist here isn't a horrible person, just one who isn't a creative thinker and who genuinely thinks that it would be better for everyone to just kill people who can't find the place their magic fits in rather than take the chance of them losing control and causing damage to others. He's in charge, and he's sure he knows best.
Likewise, the sympathetic characters are not perfect. They are sometimes insensitive, or arrogant, or self-pitying. I thought Martinez did a remarkably good job at portraying the residual effects of trauma without either making those effects superficial (yes, it can take years to heal, and you may still be damaged) or being full of angst. The trauma is evident because the reader can see the scars, not because the characters spend lots of pages crying or talking about how horrible things are. They, and the tone of the book, are ultimately hopeful.
For those who, like me, worry about this when starting a new series: no, this does not end on a cliffhanger! The most pressing issues are resolved, and although I am eager to find out what happens next it is because I liked the extended cast of characters and am curious about the future obstacles they will overcome as they pursue [goal that was decided upon at the end, of course I'm not telling you].
***
I GOT AN ARC, YAY!!!
By got I really mean whined at the author, whom I internet-know, about how it was my birthday.
The freeness of the book and my acquaintance with the author do not influence my rating.
Toby has failed all the tests, but he doesn't want to die. When the Guild decides it's time for "humane" euthanasia, he goes on the run, hoping to find someone who can help him control his power before it destroys him.
Darius was once a talented and confident professor of magic. He had some success in helping students like Toby find their paths. But he made an error in judgment that killed his student, injured him badly, and blew up a sizable chunk of Pittsburgh. Now he's a recluse whose friends think he died years ago.
Darius doesn't want to help Toby. He's going to send him on in the morning, really! But you know how once you feed strays it's hard to get rid of them...?
I enjoyed this book very much -- it's my favorite Martinez to date, in fact. I really liked both the characters and the world-building, a magic system which is unique in my experience.
You may see the word "elements" and think oh, those fantasy authors really love the elements, so many books with mages of fire, water etc. But no! These are the actual elements of the Periodic Table (although not the current Periodic Table, and my nerd brain had lots of fun trying to place what historic versions of the PT the author was drawing from) and as magical elements they fit together in different ways that correspond to the relationships between the various real element properties. So to be a mage you need to understand at least some science and get what the difference is between metals and metalloids, why certain structures are crystalline, etc.
Assumptions about how the science works inform mages' understanding of how magic works, and of course also how they assume it *doesn't* work, and without being preachy about it Martinez is definitely making a point about how inherited systems of understanding can blind people to other possibilities. The present system works well enough... unless you're one of the people for whom it doesn't work.
And if it does work for you, you're invested in it, aren't you? I've noticed that Martinez' villains are never evil maniacs bent on destruction. They're motivated by unexceptional human considerations: selfishness, greed, pride, belief in their own rightness. The antagonist here isn't a horrible person, just one who isn't a creative thinker and who genuinely thinks that it would be better for everyone to just kill people who can't find the place their magic fits in rather than take the chance of them losing control and causing damage to others. He's in charge, and he's sure he knows best.
Likewise, the sympathetic characters are not perfect. They are sometimes insensitive, or arrogant, or self-pitying. I thought Martinez did a remarkably good job at portraying the residual effects of trauma without either making those effects superficial (yes, it can take years to heal, and you may still be damaged) or being full of angst. The trauma is evident because the reader can see the scars, not because the characters spend lots of pages crying or talking about how horrible things are. They, and the tone of the book, are ultimately hopeful.
For those who, like me, worry about this when starting a new series: no, this does not end on a cliffhanger! The most pressing issues are resolved, and although I am eager to find out what happens next it is because I liked the extended cast of characters and am curious about the future obstacles they will overcome as they pursue [goal that was decided upon at the end, of course I'm not telling you].
***
I GOT AN ARC, YAY!!!
By got I really mean whined at the author, whom I internet-know, about how it was my birthday.
The freeness of the book and my acquaintance with the author do not influence my rating.
July 30, 2019
I went into reading this book with very high expectations based on the reviews I read for it on Goodreads and Amazon. I am thrilled to say that it deserves all that praise and more! This book sorted reached out of my Kindle, grabbed me by the throat and demanded my full attention. I would have finished it in a flash except the first 70% of it was read at work, waiting for photos to scan and since they were not HiRes scans I was reading it in short bursts. Even with that being the case I still finished 75% of it today at work.. then the remaining bit once I got home. Ms. Martinez always tells a great story, but this one was downright riveting. Her world-building throughout this book was top-notch, so very detailed and diverse. She has populated her world with mages of many arcana with a magic system that I found easy to understand as well and fascinating! Finally Darius and Toby were just perfection! Absolutely can not wait for book two of this series to be released!!!!
September 19, 2019
“To you, I’ll give the world.”
― Christine McVie, Songbird
Toby is a young mage lacking the ability to channel his wild magic. As he is a danger to himself and others, the Guild has deemed him an “unplaceable” and sentenced him to a “humane” death in hospice. Toby’s only hope lies in Darius, an outcast mage and recluse with one eye who had some early success teaching unplaceables. A magical disaster caused him serious injury, the death of a student, and the city of Pittsburgh to nearly be destroyed. Though Darius is prohibited by the Guild from teaching, he refuses to allow another failed mage to be destroyed. Despite his deteriorated communication skills and emotional wounds, Darius takes Toby under his wing.
Trust, friendship and love take time to develop. Both men are broken in their own way, but Toby’s warmth, humor and zest for life starts to be contagious, earning him half smiles and even a few sentences. Fortunately, Toby is patient and understanding as he learns about his professor’s past and Darius genuinely wants to help Toby control his magic and help him figure out his major and minor arcana. The Guild, however, is not nearly as understanding. Tension builds when friends and fellow exiled mages, Arden, Elias and Zubayr, work with Toby and Darius to fight a system that may work well for the majority of mages but alienates those who practice their magic just a little bit differently.
I enjoyed the characters, the world-building, and the unique magic system. Darius’ response to the traumatic events in his past was handled realistically and sensitively. Overall, this was a sweet, hopeful story. I would have liked a little more darkness and twisted motivations, particularly after Toby’s thought that Darius should be mindful about readily trusting friends he hadn’t seen for 15 years. I very much look forward to seeing Toby and Darius’ relationship develop along with more adventures, challenges, and magic.
Thanks to Gina from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
― Christine McVie, Songbird
Toby is a young mage lacking the ability to channel his wild magic. As he is a danger to himself and others, the Guild has deemed him an “unplaceable” and sentenced him to a “humane” death in hospice. Toby’s only hope lies in Darius, an outcast mage and recluse with one eye who had some early success teaching unplaceables. A magical disaster caused him serious injury, the death of a student, and the city of Pittsburgh to nearly be destroyed. Though Darius is prohibited by the Guild from teaching, he refuses to allow another failed mage to be destroyed. Despite his deteriorated communication skills and emotional wounds, Darius takes Toby under his wing.
Trust, friendship and love take time to develop. Both men are broken in their own way, but Toby’s warmth, humor and zest for life starts to be contagious, earning him half smiles and even a few sentences. Fortunately, Toby is patient and understanding as he learns about his professor’s past and Darius genuinely wants to help Toby control his magic and help him figure out his major and minor arcana. The Guild, however, is not nearly as understanding. Tension builds when friends and fellow exiled mages, Arden, Elias and Zubayr, work with Toby and Darius to fight a system that may work well for the majority of mages but alienates those who practice their magic just a little bit differently.
I enjoyed the characters, the world-building, and the unique magic system. Darius’ response to the traumatic events in his past was handled realistically and sensitively. Overall, this was a sweet, hopeful story. I would have liked a little more darkness and twisted motivations, particularly after Toby’s thought that Darius should be mindful about readily trusting friends he hadn’t seen for 15 years. I very much look forward to seeing Toby and Darius’ relationship develop along with more adventures, challenges, and magic.
Thanks to Gina from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
June 5, 2019
I loved Gravitational Attraction by this author and as I find it hard to say ‘no’ to a bit of magic, I was all in when I saw the blurb for this one.
And it was hugely enjoyable! We get:
.) interesting world building.
I was quite fascinated.
This universe is just like our everyday world, with tablets, Harry Potter and Star Wars movies, but people with magic exist in it, too.
Mages need to channel their magic into the web of Arcana to use it safely. Each mage is linked to one out of eight major web elements and into a minor one.
Problem here: There are some ‘unplacables’, mages that can’t access their channel and therefore head for self-destruction as the magic is kind of stuck inside them and goes ‘wild’. Basically, these people have no control over their magic = danger to all!
Solution for this problem, as executed (and I don’t choose this word haphazardly) by the Guild of Mages: stuff these people full with sedatives to under their eyeballs and let them starve to death in a hospice. Yeah! Great idea!
.) the main characters:
Toby is one of those unplacables. He is going to die, one way or another. Either by his magic or by being starved to death.
I really adored Toby. Despite his fate he’s such a sunny and bubbly character. His humour was cracking me up again and again (and it is certainly working on Darius)
On meeting Darius, who he hopes can help him:
Please Mr. Valstad. You’re like my Obi Wan here. My only hope.
“A good hat.” Darius plunked it on his head, where it felt right and comfortable still.
“Yes. Perfect.” Toby’s grin had recovered from its normal wattage. “Now you’re Indiana Valstad.”
While Toby is chatty and young and full of life (even if his body fails him a bit), Darius is exactly the opposite. He is about 40 and has been an outcast for about 15 years. He’s used his vocal cords so little over so many years he can hardly talk.
Darius is an ultimately sad character. He has given up on life and just exists from day to day, depressed, broken and burdened by the past.
It was hellish to see Darius struggle to speak. And lovely to see Toby as the catalyst of change for him.
.) Toby and Darius:
Their gradually blossoming friendship on top of their initial attraction to each other felt organic and genuine, and it slowly builds throughout the trials and tribulations they face. While I could totally get the friendship aspect of their relationship, I admit I wished for a little bit more sexual chemistry.
This book is low on steam, but big on an entertaining plot. We do get a couple of sexy scenes in the last third of the book, but somehow, for me, it didn’t sizzle as much as it could have.
With a great plot, really likable characters and a good dose of humour this makes a very enjoyable read all in all. I am looking forward to more books in the series and wonder if Darius’s friends (Arden, Zubayr and Elias who I particularly liked) will all get a book of their own.
Certainly hope so!
Recommended to all fantasy lovers!
And it was hugely enjoyable! We get:
.) interesting world building.
I was quite fascinated.
This universe is just like our everyday world, with tablets, Harry Potter and Star Wars movies, but people with magic exist in it, too.
Mages need to channel their magic into the web of Arcana to use it safely. Each mage is linked to one out of eight major web elements and into a minor one.
Problem here: There are some ‘unplacables’, mages that can’t access their channel and therefore head for self-destruction as the magic is kind of stuck inside them and goes ‘wild’. Basically, these people have no control over their magic = danger to all!
Solution for this problem, as executed (and I don’t choose this word haphazardly) by the Guild of Mages: stuff these people full with sedatives to under their eyeballs and let them starve to death in a hospice. Yeah! Great idea!
.) the main characters:
Toby is one of those unplacables. He is going to die, one way or another. Either by his magic or by being starved to death.
I really adored Toby. Despite his fate he’s such a sunny and bubbly character. His humour was cracking me up again and again (and it is certainly working on Darius)
On meeting Darius, who he hopes can help him:
Please Mr. Valstad. You’re like my Obi Wan here. My only hope.
“A good hat.” Darius plunked it on his head, where it felt right and comfortable still.
“Yes. Perfect.” Toby’s grin had recovered from its normal wattage. “Now you’re Indiana Valstad.”
While Toby is chatty and young and full of life (even if his body fails him a bit), Darius is exactly the opposite. He is about 40 and has been an outcast for about 15 years. He’s used his vocal cords so little over so many years he can hardly talk.
Darius is an ultimately sad character. He has given up on life and just exists from day to day, depressed, broken and burdened by the past.
It was hellish to see Darius struggle to speak. And lovely to see Toby as the catalyst of change for him.
.) Toby and Darius:
Their gradually blossoming friendship on top of their initial attraction to each other felt organic and genuine, and it slowly builds throughout the trials and tribulations they face. While I could totally get the friendship aspect of their relationship, I admit I wished for a little bit more sexual chemistry.
This book is low on steam, but big on an entertaining plot. We do get a couple of sexy scenes in the last third of the book, but somehow, for me, it didn’t sizzle as much as it could have.
With a great plot, really likable characters and a good dose of humour this makes a very enjoyable read all in all. I am looking forward to more books in the series and wonder if Darius’s friends (Arden, Zubayr and Elias who I particularly liked) will all get a book of their own.
Certainly hope so!
Recommended to all fantasy lovers!
dnf
December 14, 2019This was my first experience with this author, but unfortunately I picked the wrong book. It seemed like a fairly simple read, which is exactly what I was in the mood for -- but it's an age-gap romance. If I never read another age-gap romance again in my life, it'll be too soon. So with great relief I'm putting it down at 15%, rather than forcing myself to continue on with zero enthusiasm. I'll try something else by Angel Martinez instead some day.
May 8, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
The Mage on the Hill is essentially a story of healing and rebirth. Both Toby and Darius are in need of being saved–Toby so that he either doesn’t die due to his wild magic killing him or the guild medicating him to the point that he slowly drifts away while starving to death, and Darius to right the catastrophic accident that left an unbalanced mage in his care dead and Darius disfigured and outcast. These two reluctantly begin a journey with Darius teaching Toby how to control his magic as they frantically search for his arcana.
The science aspect of this novel was fascinating simply because author Angel Martinez wrapped it in a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat with worry that not even the great Darius Valstad could help poor, sweet Toby. Along the way, Toby meets other “unplaceable” success stories that Darius has helped and who are thrilled to discover that Darius is still alive and teaching again. But the guild Toby escaped is determined to get him back and eliminate the threat he is to himself and others.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
The Mage on the Hill is essentially a story of healing and rebirth. Both Toby and Darius are in need of being saved–Toby so that he either doesn’t die due to his wild magic killing him or the guild medicating him to the point that he slowly drifts away while starving to death, and Darius to right the catastrophic accident that left an unbalanced mage in his care dead and Darius disfigured and outcast. These two reluctantly begin a journey with Darius teaching Toby how to control his magic as they frantically search for his arcana.
The science aspect of this novel was fascinating simply because author Angel Martinez wrapped it in a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat with worry that not even the great Darius Valstad could help poor, sweet Toby. Along the way, Toby meets other “unplaceable” success stories that Darius has helped and who are thrilled to discover that Darius is still alive and teaching again. But the guild Toby escaped is determined to get him back and eliminate the threat he is to himself and others.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
January 8, 2020
Not quite 4 stars but I couldn't see rounding this one down...I really liked this 'verse Angel has created and am really looking forward to whatever is next!
June 17, 2019
Yes, this boooook! I had such a good time reading The Mage on the Hill and it has a secure spot on my all time favorites shelf. The bulk of the credit for my love goes to (well, besides Angel Martinez, obvs) Toby. Oh, that sweet, sweet boy, I just loved him.
I’m getting ahead of myself a smidge as I owe you the reasons I swooned so hard at this book and its characters before I get to the actual swooning.
There were really so many reasons and the fact that everything came together in such an easily cohesive way makes it hard to pinpoint a handful of things, hence my babbling.
All the characterizations, from the MCs to the secondary and on down the line were so well constructed. There’s always a physical description of characters and good books will show the reader more depth, but this author always goes further and I always get a sense of her characters more deeply than I do with most stories. All the subtle movements and idiosyncrasies add up to create not just a sense of personalities but of their lives and motivations. It seems to all happen effortlessly which is why this authors books are so satisfying to read.
Toby is a firecracker with very little future to look forward to. Darius is a broken man after a seemingly failed attempt to teach control of wild magic to another mage ended tragically. Toby sees Darius as a last resort to save his life and for a guy with a likely apocalyptic future, he has the best sense of humor and attitude. It sounds a little weird considering, but he’s just that kind of guy and I absolutely loved him.
As much as Toby is an open book, Darius is a little tougher to get to know. He’s quite the enigma at first and I had the sense that he was much older than he actually was. It made sense given what happened and how his life has been. As an ostracized mage he’s been living like a hermit for years. At first it was a little off putting as I knew he wasn’t the man being portrayed so vividly, but as the story progressed and Toby gave Darius purpose (in a lot of ways) again, who I met at the beginning began to reconcile with who he became.
On the road to save Toby from the fate wished upon him by the mage guild, I got to meet three acquaintances of Darius and that was a treat. Arden, Elias and Zubayr are completely unique individuals and I can’t wait to read more about them in upcoming books. These guys are great and I loved the chemistry amongst all of them.
The premise of the story is fascinating and the worldbuilding had a great balance between focus on Toby and Darius and setting up for a full series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next one and I can’t decide which of the characters I want more of first. I mean, as long as I get them all (plus more of Toby and Darius), I’ll be a happy reader.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
I’m getting ahead of myself a smidge as I owe you the reasons I swooned so hard at this book and its characters before I get to the actual swooning.
There were really so many reasons and the fact that everything came together in such an easily cohesive way makes it hard to pinpoint a handful of things, hence my babbling.
All the characterizations, from the MCs to the secondary and on down the line were so well constructed. There’s always a physical description of characters and good books will show the reader more depth, but this author always goes further and I always get a sense of her characters more deeply than I do with most stories. All the subtle movements and idiosyncrasies add up to create not just a sense of personalities but of their lives and motivations. It seems to all happen effortlessly which is why this authors books are so satisfying to read.
Toby is a firecracker with very little future to look forward to. Darius is a broken man after a seemingly failed attempt to teach control of wild magic to another mage ended tragically. Toby sees Darius as a last resort to save his life and for a guy with a likely apocalyptic future, he has the best sense of humor and attitude. It sounds a little weird considering, but he’s just that kind of guy and I absolutely loved him.
As much as Toby is an open book, Darius is a little tougher to get to know. He’s quite the enigma at first and I had the sense that he was much older than he actually was. It made sense given what happened and how his life has been. As an ostracized mage he’s been living like a hermit for years. At first it was a little off putting as I knew he wasn’t the man being portrayed so vividly, but as the story progressed and Toby gave Darius purpose (in a lot of ways) again, who I met at the beginning began to reconcile with who he became.
On the road to save Toby from the fate wished upon him by the mage guild, I got to meet three acquaintances of Darius and that was a treat. Arden, Elias and Zubayr are completely unique individuals and I can’t wait to read more about them in upcoming books. These guys are great and I loved the chemistry amongst all of them.
The premise of the story is fascinating and the worldbuilding had a great balance between focus on Toby and Darius and setting up for a full series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next one and I can’t decide which of the characters I want more of first. I mean, as long as I get them all (plus more of Toby and Darius), I’ll be a happy reader.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
May 12, 2019
Its no secret that I love fantasy in any form so it's always fun to read an urban fantasy done right such as this book was.
It had an interesting premise: magic users living among non-magic people with these mages either guild-affiliated or otherwise(these otherwise either had wild dangerous magic or had been exiled). Magic was also broken down into major and minor arcana channels with people having one major arcana channel and one or more minor arcana channel.
I found the world to be fascinating even though I(the reader) had to be content with the crumbs of information placed throughout the story till I got a general-ish(I hope) view of the structure of the major arcana web which consisted of eight elements (Fire, Light, Earth, Air, Water, Life, Dark and Animus). Some of these elements were self-explanatory but others were lost on me, kind of like the minor arcana elements which were still mostly a mystery to me by the end of the book.
If there's anything that I would've improved in this book, it would've been the world building. I believe the world building should've been more detailed so as to not leave the reader guessing at every new word/expression/reference that popped up.At the very least, the book should've had a glossary or appendix explaining the things mentioned in the story.
Also, the pace was a bit slow in the beginning but fortunately picked up once our MCs went exploring to find Toby's arcana channels.
Speaking of Darius and Toby, it was nice witnessing the steady progression of their relationship from tutor/mentor to friends and then to lovers.
Toby was such a joyous character. Even faced with the inevitable, he managed to be sunshine impersonated. He was funny, thoughtful, witty and an all around good guy. What I loved most about him was how he helped the grumpy, scarred and depressed Darius rediscover himself and find the merits of coming back into the "realm of the living" so to speak.
This was the first book in the series of an undetermined number so here's to hoping all the awesome secondary characters (Zubayr, Arden and Elias) get books of their own as the plans the gang decided on comes to fruition. Fingers crossed!!
*** eARC was Graciously Provided by The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press in Exchange For An Honest Review ***
It had an interesting premise: magic users living among non-magic people with these mages either guild-affiliated or otherwise(these otherwise either had wild dangerous magic or had been exiled). Magic was also broken down into major and minor arcana channels with people having one major arcana channel and one or more minor arcana channel.
I found the world to be fascinating even though I(the reader) had to be content with the crumbs of information placed throughout the story till I got a general-ish(I hope) view of the structure of the major arcana web which consisted of eight elements (Fire, Light, Earth, Air, Water, Life, Dark and Animus). Some of these elements were self-explanatory but others were lost on me, kind of like the minor arcana elements which were still mostly a mystery to me by the end of the book.
If there's anything that I would've improved in this book, it would've been the world building. I believe the world building should've been more detailed so as to not leave the reader guessing at every new word/expression/reference that popped up.At the very least, the book should've had a glossary or appendix explaining the things mentioned in the story.
Also, the pace was a bit slow in the beginning but fortunately picked up once our MCs went exploring to find Toby's arcana channels.
Speaking of Darius and Toby, it was nice witnessing the steady progression of their relationship from tutor/mentor to friends and then to lovers.
Toby was such a joyous character. Even faced with the inevitable, he managed to be sunshine impersonated. He was funny, thoughtful, witty and an all around good guy. What I loved most about him was how he helped the grumpy, scarred and depressed Darius rediscover himself and find the merits of coming back into the "realm of the living" so to speak.
This was the first book in the series of an undetermined number so here's to hoping all the awesome secondary characters (Zubayr, Arden and Elias) get books of their own as the plans the gang decided on comes to fruition. Fingers crossed!!
*** eARC was Graciously Provided by The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press in Exchange For An Honest Review ***
May 7, 2019
4.5 stars
I really, really, enjoyed this book! It was interesting and different; although there are many familiar themes, I didn’t feel as if I’d read the story somewhere else before. There was magic, action, friends, and adversity. I loved seeing both Toby and Darius heal and get to know each other. Darius’s friends were eclectic and added to the story.
There is very little sex, which was ok as the situation didn’t really call for it. The final sex scene seemed a little perfunctory and the story would have been fine without it (although i do like my sexy times).
I look forward to more in this series!
I really, really, enjoyed this book! It was interesting and different; although there are many familiar themes, I didn’t feel as if I’d read the story somewhere else before. There was magic, action, friends, and adversity. I loved seeing both Toby and Darius heal and get to know each other. Darius’s friends were eclectic and added to the story.
There is very little sex, which was ok as the situation didn’t really call for it. The final sex scene seemed a little perfunctory and the story would have been fine without it (although i do like my sexy times).
I look forward to more in this series!
October 18, 2020
Loved it. Very interesting world building and I definitely want more of it. The plot was interesting and I loved both of the MCs. Looking forward to the next in series!
May 12, 2019
A young magic user who wants desperately to live. A jaded recluse who has forgotten what living means. They’re each other’s only chance.
Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind.
The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
Review:
Dear Angel Martinez,
I liked several of your earlier books but then drifted away from your works. I figured this one may be a good one to revisit your stories.
Blurb describes the set up well enough. I was still surprised though as to how cruel Guild of mages had been to Toby. Oh they supposedly tried everything to help him channel his magic in the proper channels, but Toby's magic still explodes a lot, so let us basically kill the guy?!
It all happens in the very beginning of the story so I do not think I am revealing any major spoilers here. Toby is also a persistent young man who ( shocking as it may be) wants to live instead of being euthanasied and the name dropped in his presence while he was not even fully coherent gives him a crazy hope that maybe Darius would help him, would teach him how to deal with his magic.
"If he delayed, he might find himself sedated with his parents making decisions for him. They’d be devastated, but they wouldn’t fight what the authorities would tell them was necessary. Separation papers from seven guilds and rejections from all the others Toby had contacted, every single guildhall on the continent, had scuttled all hope that he could be saved. No one would take him now, and he was a powder keg waiting to commit magical suicide, possibly taking out a small town or two in the process. Be a stubborn, irresponsible, persistent bastard—or die."
Darius used to help students like Toby and he was successful with some wild mages helping them finding the channels for their magic, but horrible accident which ended the life of one of his students ended up in Darius being a traumatized recluse and giving his word to the League to not ever teach again.
"“Please. My name is Toby Jones. I’m an unplaceable. Montchanin just refused to keep trying. They were the last guild who would take me.” Jones shook his head, the white streak through the middle of his black hair blinking in and out of the light like a strobe. “No.” “Mr. Valstad, I’m dying. My own magic is killing me. I’m desperate. Any terms, any—” “No! I can’t!” “You taught others. Unplaceables like me.” “Go. Away.”"
Of course Darius' resolve does not last too long because his compassion did not disappear even after what he had been through and he takes Toby in and they together begin a very interesting and fun journey of trying to find out what kind of mage Toby was.
I was immersed in the book and finished it in several hours ( probably like three hours). It did not feel like a very long novel, but I hesitate to call it a long novella, maybe somewhere in between? In any event at risk of sounding contradictory to what I just said there were a couple of points which I stumbled upon. It was not enough to jerk me out of the story, but it was enough for me to stop briefly and say huh? I still wanted to know what happened next so I soldiered on.
Magic system which author came up with was cool and I certainly want to know more as to how it works.
I am really not sure how I feel about romance aspect. I was not squeaked out by it, however teacher and student roles fitted them both so perfectly and the age difference sounded like a lot ( I don't believe that their ages were stated if it was I missed it), but I am pretty sure that it was said that twelve or fifteen years passed after accident that ended Darius' teaching career and he was already teaching for a while at that time. I don't know, they were sweet together but I may have preferred to see them as friends. I will be happy to change my mind in the future books.
I loved Darius' friends , and while I have no idea whether the next book in the series will feature one of them as the main character/s , if that happens I will be very interested.
Grade: B-
Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind.
The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
Review:
Dear Angel Martinez,
I liked several of your earlier books but then drifted away from your works. I figured this one may be a good one to revisit your stories.
Blurb describes the set up well enough. I was still surprised though as to how cruel Guild of mages had been to Toby. Oh they supposedly tried everything to help him channel his magic in the proper channels, but Toby's magic still explodes a lot, so let us basically kill the guy?!
It all happens in the very beginning of the story so I do not think I am revealing any major spoilers here. Toby is also a persistent young man who ( shocking as it may be) wants to live instead of being euthanasied and the name dropped in his presence while he was not even fully coherent gives him a crazy hope that maybe Darius would help him, would teach him how to deal with his magic.
"If he delayed, he might find himself sedated with his parents making decisions for him. They’d be devastated, but they wouldn’t fight what the authorities would tell them was necessary. Separation papers from seven guilds and rejections from all the others Toby had contacted, every single guildhall on the continent, had scuttled all hope that he could be saved. No one would take him now, and he was a powder keg waiting to commit magical suicide, possibly taking out a small town or two in the process. Be a stubborn, irresponsible, persistent bastard—or die."
Darius used to help students like Toby and he was successful with some wild mages helping them finding the channels for their magic, but horrible accident which ended the life of one of his students ended up in Darius being a traumatized recluse and giving his word to the League to not ever teach again.
"“Please. My name is Toby Jones. I’m an unplaceable. Montchanin just refused to keep trying. They were the last guild who would take me.” Jones shook his head, the white streak through the middle of his black hair blinking in and out of the light like a strobe. “No.” “Mr. Valstad, I’m dying. My own magic is killing me. I’m desperate. Any terms, any—” “No! I can’t!” “You taught others. Unplaceables like me.” “Go. Away.”"
Of course Darius' resolve does not last too long because his compassion did not disappear even after what he had been through and he takes Toby in and they together begin a very interesting and fun journey of trying to find out what kind of mage Toby was.
I was immersed in the book and finished it in several hours ( probably like three hours). It did not feel like a very long novel, but I hesitate to call it a long novella, maybe somewhere in between? In any event at risk of sounding contradictory to what I just said there were a couple of points which I stumbled upon. It was not enough to jerk me out of the story, but it was enough for me to stop briefly and say huh? I still wanted to know what happened next so I soldiered on.
Magic system which author came up with was cool and I certainly want to know more as to how it works.
I am really not sure how I feel about romance aspect. I was not squeaked out by it, however teacher and student roles fitted them both so perfectly and the age difference sounded like a lot ( I don't believe that their ages were stated if it was I missed it), but I am pretty sure that it was said that twelve or fifteen years passed after accident that ended Darius' teaching career and he was already teaching for a while at that time. I don't know, they were sweet together but I may have preferred to see them as friends. I will be happy to change my mind in the future books.
I loved Darius' friends , and while I have no idea whether the next book in the series will feature one of them as the main character/s , if that happens I will be very interested.
Grade: B-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2019
I adore Angel Martinez, both as a person and author. Her writing is full of mythology and lore, humor, and heavy doses of humanity that inspires the reader to learn more and love more. Her books always leave me with a warm spot in my chest and an impressive hangover! The Mage on the Hill, though? I think it's the best Martinez title I've read to date.
The story is about a young man whose inability to control his magic is killing him. Tobias "Toby" Jones cannot find where he is meant to reside on the magic web of Arcana, which makes him a dangerous and unstable mage. At any moment he may literally explode with magic, and if the power he releases is strong enough, people will get hurt. A lot of people. Maybe even the entire city of Pittsburgh! Every guild has given up on helping Toby, leaving him to reside in hospice, drugged and unable to cast magic, until his body starves and dies.
The only hope Toby has of rescue resides within himself. He is unwilling to lie down, to give up, to let himself be killed humanely because the guilds are too afraid to deter from the rules and come up with an unconventional way to save his life. So Toby escapes the latest hospital he's ended up in and goes in search of a mysterious mage who was once known to help the "unplaceables." Darius Valstad has had his status with the guilds revoked after a terrible magical disaster that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh and left him disfigured. His reclusive behavior is interrupted when Toby shows up at his doorstep begging for help. He says Darius is the only man with the ability and knowledge and courage to help him find his Arcana before it's too late.
This story is full of self-exploration, both for Toby and Darius. The men each complement one another so well. Where one has a hole in their heart, having lost joy or belief after life beat them down, the other is there to help them rediscover the positive trait. There is a gentleness between them that begins as a teacher and student, blossoms to a friendship, and eventually blooms into a long-lasting, powerful love. The healing that these men discover, especially Darius, is beautiful. Darius is definitely on my list of Characters I'll Never Forget. He is complex and three-dimensional, and the way that Martinez built his personality, from the cocky, sure-fire professor, to a man who lost faith in life, to his second chance at happiness without belittling his trauma, makes him the sort of lead character authors should strive to create.
Everything about this book I recommend. The world building, side characters, May/December romance, and adventure will leave you aching for the next story in The Web of Arcana series. I do hope Darius and Toby return in the next book, even as cameos, simply because I selfishly love them. Brilliant urban fantasy and a hell of a read!
The story is about a young man whose inability to control his magic is killing him. Tobias "Toby" Jones cannot find where he is meant to reside on the magic web of Arcana, which makes him a dangerous and unstable mage. At any moment he may literally explode with magic, and if the power he releases is strong enough, people will get hurt. A lot of people. Maybe even the entire city of Pittsburgh! Every guild has given up on helping Toby, leaving him to reside in hospice, drugged and unable to cast magic, until his body starves and dies.
The only hope Toby has of rescue resides within himself. He is unwilling to lie down, to give up, to let himself be killed humanely because the guilds are too afraid to deter from the rules and come up with an unconventional way to save his life. So Toby escapes the latest hospital he's ended up in and goes in search of a mysterious mage who was once known to help the "unplaceables." Darius Valstad has had his status with the guilds revoked after a terrible magical disaster that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh and left him disfigured. His reclusive behavior is interrupted when Toby shows up at his doorstep begging for help. He says Darius is the only man with the ability and knowledge and courage to help him find his Arcana before it's too late.
This story is full of self-exploration, both for Toby and Darius. The men each complement one another so well. Where one has a hole in their heart, having lost joy or belief after life beat them down, the other is there to help them rediscover the positive trait. There is a gentleness between them that begins as a teacher and student, blossoms to a friendship, and eventually blooms into a long-lasting, powerful love. The healing that these men discover, especially Darius, is beautiful. Darius is definitely on my list of Characters I'll Never Forget. He is complex and three-dimensional, and the way that Martinez built his personality, from the cocky, sure-fire professor, to a man who lost faith in life, to his second chance at happiness without belittling his trauma, makes him the sort of lead character authors should strive to create.
Everything about this book I recommend. The world building, side characters, May/December romance, and adventure will leave you aching for the next story in The Web of Arcana series. I do hope Darius and Toby return in the next book, even as cameos, simply because I selfishly love them. Brilliant urban fantasy and a hell of a read!
June 6, 2019
Finished reading May 12, 2019
Review June 6, 2019
3.25 stars
As I scrolled through my news feed today, I can across Heather K's review of The Mage on the Hill by Angel Martinez. I knew I'd read it so went back to find my review. And nada. I was blaming GR for losing my review when I remembered I'd read it just before undergoing some epidurals for a spinal issue. Read: weeks on pain meds. So! Here's what I remember...
The lasting impression that it was not as good as some of Angel's other books. Good bones, but incomplete in execution. The world building was hugely lacking as was background information on the indigenous magic and our protagonists. I just felt like there should have been "more". Of everything.
It pains me to say all this as some of Martinez' books are all-time, all-genre favorites. I will definitely give the next in the series a whirl.
Review June 6, 2019
3.25 stars
As I scrolled through my news feed today, I can across Heather K's review of The Mage on the Hill by Angel Martinez. I knew I'd read it so went back to find my review. And nada. I was blaming GR for losing my review when I remembered I'd read it just before undergoing some epidurals for a spinal issue. Read: weeks on pain meds. So! Here's what I remember...
The lasting impression that it was not as good as some of Angel's other books. Good bones, but incomplete in execution. The world building was hugely lacking as was background information on the indigenous magic and our protagonists. I just felt like there should have been "more". Of everything.
It pains me to say all this as some of Martinez' books are all-time, all-genre favorites. I will definitely give the next in the series a whirl.
May 22, 2019
A great story, and a great start to a series. I had some issues with it but the magic part of the worldbuilding was fun and interesting, and the characters were great. I look forward to reading future installments.
January 21, 2020
Huh.
Well. I expected more from this story than what I got. I love Angel Martinez and was very anticipated reading this.
But...this was...simplistic? Lacked chemistry? Meh?
Yes, all of those.
I both wanted for something to happen and the story to end it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good. It just was.
My rec? Lower your expectations and all will be well.
Well. I expected more from this story than what I got. I love Angel Martinez and was very anticipated reading this.
But...this was...simplistic? Lacked chemistry? Meh?
Yes, all of those.
I both wanted for something to happen and the story to end it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good. It just was.
My rec? Lower your expectations and all will be well.
May 22, 2025
Looking at the high ratings for this book, it's one of those times where I think I read a different book from everybody else. The fantasy elements were enjoyable. There were some annoying plotholes and some things weren't explained clearly but the action plotlines were enjoyable and the magic-discovery adventure was interesting. But the romance fell completely flat. There was zero chemistry between the MCs, certain aspects of their interactions made me not root for them as a couple and it felt like the entire romance was an afterthought, shoved into the book by the author because she wanted the book to fit in the fantasy-romance genre.
Despite my low rating, there were some positives.
My favorite aspect (which you can take as both a good and bad thing) was the magic system the author came up with. I'm not a huge fantasy fan so I found the whole thing a bit confusing but I think basing magic on natural elements (fire, air, earth etc) is pretty common so if you're more familiar with that, you'll probably understand the setup better than I did. It felt like the author expected readers to come into the story with an understanding of the system so there's not a lot of explanation, but I didn't care about that. I loved the process of how Darius and Toby discover Toby's magic channel type and how Toby uses that channel in the final arc . Everything about the climax and the resolution was really cool and I enjoyed it.
Another thing I enjoyed is how the author protrayed Darius' disabilities. It's never explained on page (that seems to be a trend for this book) but I got the feeling Darius had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from being part of a massive magical explosion 15 years before the book starts. The explosion results in him losing one eye, half his face being badly scarred and he also suffers from typical TBI symptoms, such as mild mobility issues, memory problems and difficulties speaking. He's exiled from the magical community and has spent 15 years living in isolation and suffering from depression. Throughout the book, Toby's kindness, patience and positivity result in Darius regaining a lot of his self-confidence and he also incorporates the use of various accessibility aids in his life (ex. a walking cane when going on hikes, using writing instead of speaking to convey large amounts of information etc). I enjoyed all of this.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book wasn't my cup of tea.
Plotholes
Since incorporating natural elements into magic isn't a new concept, you'd think the author would have spent sufficient time making sure everything else is polished. Well, it wasn't. For example - Toby and Darius spend the book doing experiments to find out which element Toby's magic works with (don't ask for details, I didn't understand it). Toby had spent years working with all the magic guilds and having dozens of mages work with him, trying to find his magic channel. So I spent most of the book being under the impression that the reason nobody could find Toby's channel was because he was a unique anomaly. We're even introduced to a side character who only uses minor channels instead of a major one, which is very, very rare. So I assumed Toby's situation would be even more rare than that. But.... So I'm supposed to believe that the dozens of mage instructors that Toby had didn't use that same approach? It's so basic that it's practically common sense. So that entire thing was a disappointment.
Another example of common sense not being used for reasons that weren't explained was the situation related to Darius' exile. After he was exiled by the guilds, he went to live in his aunt's house, which he'd inherited. But here's the kicker - his three closest friends (more on them later) had no idea where he'd gone. Except...they knew about his aunt's house. They just never bothered checking there because they 'didn't think' he liked being there. So for FIFTEEN YEARS, these three people gave up on finding Darius after very little effort and basically decided he'd died. Without ANY evidence and with minimal searching. Toby manages to find Darius after spending 5 minutes googling his name! FIVE MINUTES!! And Darius' closest friends, the ones who had been mourning his 'death' for 15 years didn't think of doing that?!? Toby even points out how stupid this was and it was one of those cases where the author thinks having a character point out a plothole makes it better, but it really doesn't. It just calls attention to the plothole.
Another thing I didn't like was that the author chose to go down the non-magic-people-don't-know-magic-exists route. Fine. But she put zero effort into hiding the magical world from the non-magical one. Mages lived in normal homes, in normal residential areas, they interact with non-magical people all the time and all of their organizations/buildings/etc are out in the open. There was no effort to hide anything so it makes no sense that non-magic people wouldn't notice such things. Never mind the huge magical situations that have taken place, like the big explosion that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh (the one where Darius was injured). There's no excuse for such laziness. I was constantly comparing the setup to the Harry Potter series because JKR actually took the hide-magical-world aspect seriously. She went out of her way to plug those potential plotholes by finding clever ways to hide magical organizations and buildings so that non-magic people wouldn't notice or find them. There's no excuse to not do it because the magic people CAN DO MAGIC so they can use whatever methods they want to hide themselves and their magic related buildings and organizations.
A Guided Fantasy World Tour =/= Storytelling
When Toby shows up at Darius' home, I was really happy because I thought we'd get a slowburn romance set against a domestic backdrop, which I love. But then Darius decides to take Toby on a roadtrip and that's when the story went off the rails. The author has Darius and Toby visit three side characters ONE BY ONE, all of whom are from Darius' past, all of whom are mages and all of whom are meant to help Darius and Toby. The first visit is pointless because Darius and Side Character 1 (SC1) catch up, there's info dumping about SC1 and then the MCs have to quickly leave. The interactions with SC2 and SC3 start out the same way by them catching up with Darius, getting info dumped about and then joining Darius and Toby on a nature hike. The best (please note my sarcasm) part is - none of these side characters end up helping Darius and Toby discover Toby's channel! In fact, Darius and Toby could have made the discovery in Darius' backyard, since all the necessary elements (ha ha) were present there. No, the only reason we spent most of the book going from SC1 to SC2 to SC3 was because these are clearly the MCs from future books that the author planned to write (this was published in 2019 and there haven't been additional installments so it makes the setup even more pointless). This pissed me off so much because doing it once would have been annoying enough, but THREE TIMES?!? Not to mention that the repetition was irritating. All three side characters were best buddies with Darius so they all had the same emotional reunion with him and then Darius had to tell them what's happened, who Toby is etc. It was so boring and repetitive!
But the guided tour didn't end there. We repeat this process FOUR TIMES!!
An author must have a clear understanding of their fantasy world before they start telling stories in that world, but having the MC play tour guide for readers isn't plot.
A Lackluster Romance
My biggest problem with the story is that the author's focus clearly wasn't on the MCs' romance. Toby and Darius had interesting backstories but as a couple, they didn't work. Here are some of the reasons why:
+ Darius and Toby had a large age gap between them (40 vs early 20s) and the author kept emphasizing how massive this gap was by having Toby constantly think about how old Darius was (literally, calling him an old man). I mean - Darius spends most of the story wearing a cardigan and slippers, which added to the old man vibes! This is the exact opposite approach you want to take if you want readers to root for an age gap romance.
+ Toby kept referring to Darius as his teacher, he kept emphasizing how inappropriate their relationship was and their dynamic was purely teacher-student so there was zero chemistry between them and I got strong father-son vibes, which isn't what I want when they're supposed to be romantic partners.
+ Darius hasn't been looking after himself properly for years and the author demonstrates this by his hair being long and unkept and him wearing ill-fitting, unattractive clothes. But the author constantly tells us that Darius is a very sexy, very hot man and I just didn't see it. In fact, the missing eye combined with the stringy, long hair and grumpy nature made me picture him as Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter. Sorry, but I didn't believe that Toby would be sexually attracted to Darius.
+ There's barely any romantic development between them. There would be long stretches where their interactions were purely student-teacher, then we'd randomly have them thinking about having a crush on the other and then we get a random out of the blue scene where they kiss. This already came out of left field, but then the author has them exchanging ILYs a few chapters later. It was one of the worst cases of instalove I've come across because there was so little build up to it. Then the author shoves a smut scene in the final pages of the story and you could tell she only did it because it's a romance story and readers expect an explicit anal sex scene before the end. The entire romance could have been taken out of the story and nothing would have changed about Darius and Toby's journeys, which tells you how much the romance contributed to the overall story.
+ Hilariously, both MCs had much more chemistry with other side characters (Darius + Arden, Toby + Elias). Those pairings didn't involve such a massive age gap but that wasn't the reason I instantly shipped those couples. They had a much more interesting dynamic, their personalities clicked much better and the way they interacted left me with couple vibes.
Conclusion
While the fantasy elements were interesting, the romance was very lackluster and I didn't appreciate having the author express more interest in side characters and world building rather than giving the MCs the stories (and partners) they each deserved.
Despite my low rating, there were some positives.
My favorite aspect (which you can take as both a good and bad thing) was the magic system the author came up with. I'm not a huge fantasy fan so I found the whole thing a bit confusing but I think basing magic on natural elements (fire, air, earth etc) is pretty common so if you're more familiar with that, you'll probably understand the setup better than I did. It felt like the author expected readers to come into the story with an understanding of the system so there's not a lot of explanation, but I didn't care about that. I loved the process of how Darius and Toby discover Toby's magic channel type and how Toby uses that channel in the final arc . Everything about the climax and the resolution was really cool and I enjoyed it.
Another thing I enjoyed is how the author protrayed Darius' disabilities. It's never explained on page (that seems to be a trend for this book) but I got the feeling Darius had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from being part of a massive magical explosion 15 years before the book starts. The explosion results in him losing one eye, half his face being badly scarred and he also suffers from typical TBI symptoms, such as mild mobility issues, memory problems and difficulties speaking. He's exiled from the magical community and has spent 15 years living in isolation and suffering from depression. Throughout the book, Toby's kindness, patience and positivity result in Darius regaining a lot of his self-confidence and he also incorporates the use of various accessibility aids in his life (ex. a walking cane when going on hikes, using writing instead of speaking to convey large amounts of information etc). I enjoyed all of this.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book wasn't my cup of tea.
Plotholes
Since incorporating natural elements into magic isn't a new concept, you'd think the author would have spent sufficient time making sure everything else is polished. Well, it wasn't. For example - Toby and Darius spend the book doing experiments to find out which element Toby's magic works with (don't ask for details, I didn't understand it). Toby had spent years working with all the magic guilds and having dozens of mages work with him, trying to find his magic channel. So I spent most of the book being under the impression that the reason nobody could find Toby's channel was because he was a unique anomaly. We're even introduced to a side character who only uses minor channels instead of a major one, which is very, very rare. So I assumed Toby's situation would be even more rare than that. But.... So I'm supposed to believe that the dozens of mage instructors that Toby had didn't use that same approach? It's so basic that it's practically common sense. So that entire thing was a disappointment.
Another example of common sense not being used for reasons that weren't explained was the situation related to Darius' exile. After he was exiled by the guilds, he went to live in his aunt's house, which he'd inherited. But here's the kicker - his three closest friends (more on them later) had no idea where he'd gone. Except...they knew about his aunt's house. They just never bothered checking there because they 'didn't think' he liked being there. So for FIFTEEN YEARS, these three people gave up on finding Darius after very little effort and basically decided he'd died. Without ANY evidence and with minimal searching. Toby manages to find Darius after spending 5 minutes googling his name! FIVE MINUTES!! And Darius' closest friends, the ones who had been mourning his 'death' for 15 years didn't think of doing that?!? Toby even points out how stupid this was and it was one of those cases where the author thinks having a character point out a plothole makes it better, but it really doesn't. It just calls attention to the plothole.
Another thing I didn't like was that the author chose to go down the non-magic-people-don't-know-magic-exists route. Fine. But she put zero effort into hiding the magical world from the non-magical one. Mages lived in normal homes, in normal residential areas, they interact with non-magical people all the time and all of their organizations/buildings/etc are out in the open. There was no effort to hide anything so it makes no sense that non-magic people wouldn't notice such things. Never mind the huge magical situations that have taken place, like the big explosion that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh (the one where Darius was injured). There's no excuse for such laziness. I was constantly comparing the setup to the Harry Potter series because JKR actually took the hide-magical-world aspect seriously. She went out of her way to plug those potential plotholes by finding clever ways to hide magical organizations and buildings so that non-magic people wouldn't notice or find them. There's no excuse to not do it because the magic people CAN DO MAGIC so they can use whatever methods they want to hide themselves and their magic related buildings and organizations.
A Guided Fantasy World Tour =/= Storytelling
When Toby shows up at Darius' home, I was really happy because I thought we'd get a slowburn romance set against a domestic backdrop, which I love. But then Darius decides to take Toby on a roadtrip and that's when the story went off the rails. The author has Darius and Toby visit three side characters ONE BY ONE, all of whom are from Darius' past, all of whom are mages and all of whom are meant to help Darius and Toby. The first visit is pointless because Darius and Side Character 1 (SC1) catch up, there's info dumping about SC1 and then the MCs have to quickly leave. The interactions with SC2 and SC3 start out the same way by them catching up with Darius, getting info dumped about and then joining Darius and Toby on a nature hike. The best (please note my sarcasm) part is - none of these side characters end up helping Darius and Toby discover Toby's channel! In fact, Darius and Toby could have made the discovery in Darius' backyard, since all the necessary elements (ha ha) were present there. No, the only reason we spent most of the book going from SC1 to SC2 to SC3 was because these are clearly the MCs from future books that the author planned to write (this was published in 2019 and there haven't been additional installments so it makes the setup even more pointless). This pissed me off so much because doing it once would have been annoying enough, but THREE TIMES?!? Not to mention that the repetition was irritating. All three side characters were best buddies with Darius so they all had the same emotional reunion with him and then Darius had to tell them what's happened, who Toby is etc. It was so boring and repetitive!
But the guided tour didn't end there. We repeat this process FOUR TIMES!!
An author must have a clear understanding of their fantasy world before they start telling stories in that world, but having the MC play tour guide for readers isn't plot.
A Lackluster Romance
My biggest problem with the story is that the author's focus clearly wasn't on the MCs' romance. Toby and Darius had interesting backstories but as a couple, they didn't work. Here are some of the reasons why:
+ Darius and Toby had a large age gap between them (40 vs early 20s) and the author kept emphasizing how massive this gap was by having Toby constantly think about how old Darius was (literally, calling him an old man). I mean - Darius spends most of the story wearing a cardigan and slippers, which added to the old man vibes! This is the exact opposite approach you want to take if you want readers to root for an age gap romance.
+ Toby kept referring to Darius as his teacher, he kept emphasizing how inappropriate their relationship was and their dynamic was purely teacher-student so there was zero chemistry between them and I got strong father-son vibes, which isn't what I want when they're supposed to be romantic partners.
+ Darius hasn't been looking after himself properly for years and the author demonstrates this by his hair being long and unkept and him wearing ill-fitting, unattractive clothes. But the author constantly tells us that Darius is a very sexy, very hot man and I just didn't see it. In fact, the missing eye combined with the stringy, long hair and grumpy nature made me picture him as Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter. Sorry, but I didn't believe that Toby would be sexually attracted to Darius.
+ There's barely any romantic development between them. There would be long stretches where their interactions were purely student-teacher, then we'd randomly have them thinking about having a crush on the other and then we get a random out of the blue scene where they kiss. This already came out of left field, but then the author has them exchanging ILYs a few chapters later. It was one of the worst cases of instalove I've come across because there was so little build up to it. Then the author shoves a smut scene in the final pages of the story and you could tell she only did it because it's a romance story and readers expect an explicit anal sex scene before the end. The entire romance could have been taken out of the story and nothing would have changed about Darius and Toby's journeys, which tells you how much the romance contributed to the overall story.
+ Hilariously, both MCs had much more chemistry with other side characters (Darius + Arden, Toby + Elias). Those pairings didn't involve such a massive age gap but that wasn't the reason I instantly shipped those couples. They had a much more interesting dynamic, their personalities clicked much better and the way they interacted left me with couple vibes.
Conclusion
While the fantasy elements were interesting, the romance was very lackluster and I didn't appreciate having the author express more interest in side characters and world building rather than giving the MCs the stories (and partners) they each deserved.
April 22, 2023
I quite enjoyed this one! Really interesting magical system and I enjoyed the plot and characters. I do think there were times throughout that the author was a little sparse on specifics and details that I wanted more clarity on--for example, I never felt like I knew how old the characters were/how big the age gap was, it was never clarified if Darius's issues with speech are psychosomatic or if there is a physical cause, and Toby mentions multiple times that Darius is in pain but we never see that pain reflected in Darius's POV so it wasn't clear if Toby was merely interpreting things incorrectly or if for some reason Darius never thought about or acknowledged his chronic pain?? Enough annoying little details were missing or obscured enough that it was distracting, but I enjoyed it quite a lot! I hope the author is able to return to this 'verse someday, as it was clear more books were intended, though thankful the ending for this one is satisfying on its own.
May 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
This is the first book of a new series and the story was complete within it but there are some tantalising threads that have me salivating for the next book already.
Angel’s world building is deft, new characters are brought in and blended into the storyline seamlessly and the tale continued to evolve with past events coming clear at just the right time.
Darius and Toby had me so invested in both the outcome of their quest and also in their burgeoning feelings for one another. They are both damaged beings, although in very different ways.
The secondary characters were a fascinating group of fellows and I hope we meet them again in later books as I’d love to spend more time with them.
I also really enjoyed the details about the elemental magic incorporated into the story, it added depth and texture to the book.
I definitely recommend The Mage on the Hill.
This is the first book of a new series and the story was complete within it but there are some tantalising threads that have me salivating for the next book already.
Angel’s world building is deft, new characters are brought in and blended into the storyline seamlessly and the tale continued to evolve with past events coming clear at just the right time.
Darius and Toby had me so invested in both the outcome of their quest and also in their burgeoning feelings for one another. They are both damaged beings, although in very different ways.
The secondary characters were a fascinating group of fellows and I hope we meet them again in later books as I’d love to spend more time with them.
I also really enjoyed the details about the elemental magic incorporated into the story, it added depth and texture to the book.
I definitely recommend The Mage on the Hill.
June 26, 2019
Talk about being different and ending up excluded – this is an exciting tale about “wild magic” that not only kills its carrier if not tamed by a mage guild but that is also impossible to channel by any known group of mages. In this world, if the powers that be cannot put you in some “box” (the major and minor arcana of magic) and safely label you as belonging to a group of magic wielders that follow certain rules, then you are pretty much on your own. This is the situation a young mage named Toby faces – except it is much worse. The verdict for nonconformance is death by “euthanasia” before the unchanneled magic ends up killing the wild mage and everyone who might be close by when they go out with a bang.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 2, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up
I have no understanding about the magic and how this universe really works. Usually I HATE that! I hate when authors writing about an alternate universe (paranormal, science fiction, et cetera) and then keep all the information for themselves. Probably thinking that readers can easily understand. Well, this lazy readers want that background information, okay??
So yes, I don't understand any of this Arcana talk.
Interestingly, it ended up not really a big deal for me because J'adore Tobias Kingston Freelander Jones. He has such life inside him; he determines that he's NOT going to die. Even Darius calls Toby his "light". Toby's positivity carries out the whole story for me, against Darius' angst, and his clueless friends who like Toby said "You can just use Google to find Darius, you know", against the age-gap, against the age confusion (If Darius is only 40 and it has been 15 years, does it mean he became Professor in his mid twenties?!), and definitely against this lack of information of universe.
I'm keep eyes on this series, most definitely.
I have no understanding about the magic and how this universe really works. Usually I HATE that! I hate when authors writing about an alternate universe (paranormal, science fiction, et cetera) and then keep all the information for themselves. Probably thinking that readers can easily understand. Well, this lazy readers want that background information, okay??
So yes, I don't understand any of this Arcana talk.
Interestingly, it ended up not really a big deal for me because J'adore Tobias Kingston Freelander Jones. He has such life inside him; he determines that he's NOT going to die. Even Darius calls Toby his "light". Toby's positivity carries out the whole story for me, against Darius' angst, and his clueless friends who like Toby said "You can just use Google to find Darius, you know", against the age-gap, against the age confusion (If Darius is only 40 and it has been 15 years, does it mean he became Professor in his mid twenties?!), and definitely against this lack of information of universe.
I'm keep eyes on this series, most definitely.
April 17, 2019
If I could, I'd give it even more stars than 5.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Tobias “Toby” Kingston Freelander Jones is a young man with a huge problem: he has magic. But not classifiable magic, like almost everybody else—that would be no big deal. There are Guildhalls, one in each county, to teach and train you as soon as your major and minor arcana have been determined, i.e. the lines along which your magic works (air, water, metal, fire, to name but a few). No, he’s one of the rare people called Unplaceables, a term that indicates nobody’s able to detect his arcana; for some (unknown) reasons, his magic remains blocked within him and only gets released in extremely violent and dangerous outbursts that’ll kill him before long. The only solution the Guildhalls have come up with? The so-called Kovar Protocol to force your arcana to show. And if that fails? Well, you get nicely sedated, then shoved on a hospital bed, where you’re allowed to slowly starve to death. And that’s the only solution the Montchanin Guildhall offers Toby when their Kovar-attempt ends in a major blow-up of the examination room.
But Toby doesn’t want to die. Even though weakened by the Protocol, he googles the whereabouts of an outcast mage, Darius Valstad, about whom he has heard certain rumours. Apparently, the man came up with a different approach to help Unplaceables some years earlier, but then one of his pupils/patients killed herself and almost destroyed Pittsburgh, maiming her mentor in the process. He’s been removed from the academic mage circles and shunned by his peers and is hiding away in an old mansion ever since. But Toby manages to find his address, flees the Montchanin precincts, and reaches Valstads hideout. The former professor finds him stumbling through his garden, almost fainting with exhaustion, and against better judgment takes the young man in. What follows is a slow process of him nursing Toby back to health while eliminating certain arcana through mind-focussing games. When Toby’s fit enough to leave, it’s too late for Darius: he has already decided he’s going to help the young man. That’s because he’s starting to feel alive again… and maybe because he’s starting to have other feelings for his guest as well? And Toby? Does he only want to alleviate Darius’s grief, self-incriminations, and bone-deep loneliness? Or is there something else that draws him inexorably to the one-eyed, taciturn but sizzling hot older man? Will Darius be successful with his method? Time is of the essence because while the two of them are traveling from one magical confluence area to another trying to figure out what the heck Toby’s arcana could be, the Guildhall is tracking them down relentlessly… until…
‘nuff said. I will not disclose any further twist of the plot, because you really have to read this book for yourself and find out. I’ve seriously enjoyed the read from page 1, but let me tell you: from the point I teasingly hint at in my short summary until the end, I was reading like a maniac, with bated breath and a knotted stomach. Because Lord, does Angel Martinez know how to write! Does she know how to pace her story! Does she know how to deliver a thrilling reading experience!
Her world-building is plausible and so well done I didn’t pause for one second asking myself how or why the heck. Yes, there’s magic in the world, but it’s channeled and overseen by Guildhalls, sort of mage colleges (one can almost imagine “Levitation 101” classes), professors, methodology, and whathaveyounots—the whole lot of academia as we know it, in other words, but for magical users. Magic seems to be quite ordinary, unless you’re one of the unfortunate Unplaceables, of course. The whole world Angel Martinez proposes is enchanting, you get to see magic done, but there’s nothing forced or far-fetched about it. Yes, I admit, she pushes every single button I have when it comes to fantasy-with-magic books. The characters (main and secondary ones) are well sketched from the start, before Martinez fills them out with little, subtle touches, all very cleverly and wittily done. I loved how she depicted Toby’s urgency to live, how she made him slightly irreverent, youthfully innocent, trusting, sometimes a bit naive. He’s a very endearingly sweet guy anyone with a heart would want to help (and hug, and touch, and then… hrm, sorry, I got carried away). That he succeeds in melting down grief-stricken, self-reproaching Darius is just another clever thing that makes the subsequent romance so much more believable. Darius in turn is described in such a way that not only could I understand him and his motives, but also relate to the reaction he triggered of in Toby. I think I would have thought and done exactly the same things Toby did, including the eventually-falling-in-love-part.
I hope I sound as excited and enthusiastic about this book as I would like to sound. I don’t say this very often: I LOVED this book. A real gem, well-paced, with well-written thought processes, dialogues, character developments, a solid plot with the right amount of breath-taking suspense and heart-warming moments of romance and friendship. I’d only like to ask the author to please hurry up and deliver the rest of the series as fast as possible. Or at least the next installment—can’t wait to lay my hands and eyes on it.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Tobias “Toby” Kingston Freelander Jones is a young man with a huge problem: he has magic. But not classifiable magic, like almost everybody else—that would be no big deal. There are Guildhalls, one in each county, to teach and train you as soon as your major and minor arcana have been determined, i.e. the lines along which your magic works (air, water, metal, fire, to name but a few). No, he’s one of the rare people called Unplaceables, a term that indicates nobody’s able to detect his arcana; for some (unknown) reasons, his magic remains blocked within him and only gets released in extremely violent and dangerous outbursts that’ll kill him before long. The only solution the Guildhalls have come up with? The so-called Kovar Protocol to force your arcana to show. And if that fails? Well, you get nicely sedated, then shoved on a hospital bed, where you’re allowed to slowly starve to death. And that’s the only solution the Montchanin Guildhall offers Toby when their Kovar-attempt ends in a major blow-up of the examination room.
But Toby doesn’t want to die. Even though weakened by the Protocol, he googles the whereabouts of an outcast mage, Darius Valstad, about whom he has heard certain rumours. Apparently, the man came up with a different approach to help Unplaceables some years earlier, but then one of his pupils/patients killed herself and almost destroyed Pittsburgh, maiming her mentor in the process. He’s been removed from the academic mage circles and shunned by his peers and is hiding away in an old mansion ever since. But Toby manages to find his address, flees the Montchanin precincts, and reaches Valstads hideout. The former professor finds him stumbling through his garden, almost fainting with exhaustion, and against better judgment takes the young man in. What follows is a slow process of him nursing Toby back to health while eliminating certain arcana through mind-focussing games. When Toby’s fit enough to leave, it’s too late for Darius: he has already decided he’s going to help the young man. That’s because he’s starting to feel alive again… and maybe because he’s starting to have other feelings for his guest as well? And Toby? Does he only want to alleviate Darius’s grief, self-incriminations, and bone-deep loneliness? Or is there something else that draws him inexorably to the one-eyed, taciturn but sizzling hot older man? Will Darius be successful with his method? Time is of the essence because while the two of them are traveling from one magical confluence area to another trying to figure out what the heck Toby’s arcana could be, the Guildhall is tracking them down relentlessly… until…
‘nuff said. I will not disclose any further twist of the plot, because you really have to read this book for yourself and find out. I’ve seriously enjoyed the read from page 1, but let me tell you: from the point I teasingly hint at in my short summary until the end, I was reading like a maniac, with bated breath and a knotted stomach. Because Lord, does Angel Martinez know how to write! Does she know how to pace her story! Does she know how to deliver a thrilling reading experience!
Her world-building is plausible and so well done I didn’t pause for one second asking myself how or why the heck. Yes, there’s magic in the world, but it’s channeled and overseen by Guildhalls, sort of mage colleges (one can almost imagine “Levitation 101” classes), professors, methodology, and whathaveyounots—the whole lot of academia as we know it, in other words, but for magical users. Magic seems to be quite ordinary, unless you’re one of the unfortunate Unplaceables, of course. The whole world Angel Martinez proposes is enchanting, you get to see magic done, but there’s nothing forced or far-fetched about it. Yes, I admit, she pushes every single button I have when it comes to fantasy-with-magic books. The characters (main and secondary ones) are well sketched from the start, before Martinez fills them out with little, subtle touches, all very cleverly and wittily done. I loved how she depicted Toby’s urgency to live, how she made him slightly irreverent, youthfully innocent, trusting, sometimes a bit naive. He’s a very endearingly sweet guy anyone with a heart would want to help (and hug, and touch, and then… hrm, sorry, I got carried away). That he succeeds in melting down grief-stricken, self-reproaching Darius is just another clever thing that makes the subsequent romance so much more believable. Darius in turn is described in such a way that not only could I understand him and his motives, but also relate to the reaction he triggered of in Toby. I think I would have thought and done exactly the same things Toby did, including the eventually-falling-in-love-part.
I hope I sound as excited and enthusiastic about this book as I would like to sound. I don’t say this very often: I LOVED this book. A real gem, well-paced, with well-written thought processes, dialogues, character developments, a solid plot with the right amount of breath-taking suspense and heart-warming moments of romance and friendship. I’d only like to ask the author to please hurry up and deliver the rest of the series as fast as possible. Or at least the next installment—can’t wait to lay my hands and eyes on it.
May 7, 2019
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1) by Angel Martinez
★★★★★
194 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: forced medical-drug-use, euthanasia, May/Dec
Wow! The Mage on the Hill is everything you could want in an urban fantasy. Magic. Romance. Power struggles. And a whole heap of drama, within a plot that flows seamlessly. From slow growing trust to a tentative love, and the reunion of old friends and new, it will break your heart and leave you on the edge of your seat. But, by the time you're done, you'll be ready to do it all over again.
I'm not going to wax lyrical about this book. I could. But, this is one of those rare times where I didn't mark copious notes as I was reading. I didn't need to write notes, because from page 1, I was sucked into the book and it didn't let go until 'The End'. It reminded me of how a good book is supposed to work – that it grabs you right away and you don't want to let that; that you instantly connect to the characters and feel comfortable in the world. That's what I got here. It dragged me right out of my book slump and back into “I. MUST. BUY. THIS. PAPERBACK.” And, I will. Just the minute it's available.
After a run of lacklustre stories, this one grabbed my heart on page one – which bled for Toby – and didn't let go until that reckless kid ran off to talk to his plants.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what is in store for Toby, Darius, Arden, Elias and Zubayr, and I seriously hope that this series keeps going and doesn't end.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Please. Mr Valstad. You're, like, my Obi-wan here. My only hope.”
““You’re… beautiful.”
“Well, thanks. I think I’m a bony reed with a skunk stripe, but I appreciate it.” Toby stroked a wild lock of hair from Darius’s forehead. “You think you’re ugly. Just because you have scars.” He traced the white edges of those scars. “Disagree with me all you want, but I think you’re hot. Like ghost pepper, oh my gods, I put too much of that in my chili hot. You earned your scars doing something that should’ve been impossible. You saved Zubayr and a good portion of a city doing it. Those scars? They’re a map of what you’ve accomplished. They’re you and they’re perfect.””
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1) by Angel Martinez
★★★★★
194 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: forced medical-drug-use, euthanasia, May/Dec
Wow! The Mage on the Hill is everything you could want in an urban fantasy. Magic. Romance. Power struggles. And a whole heap of drama, within a plot that flows seamlessly. From slow growing trust to a tentative love, and the reunion of old friends and new, it will break your heart and leave you on the edge of your seat. But, by the time you're done, you'll be ready to do it all over again.
I'm not going to wax lyrical about this book. I could. But, this is one of those rare times where I didn't mark copious notes as I was reading. I didn't need to write notes, because from page 1, I was sucked into the book and it didn't let go until 'The End'. It reminded me of how a good book is supposed to work – that it grabs you right away and you don't want to let that; that you instantly connect to the characters and feel comfortable in the world. That's what I got here. It dragged me right out of my book slump and back into “I. MUST. BUY. THIS. PAPERBACK.” And, I will. Just the minute it's available.
After a run of lacklustre stories, this one grabbed my heart on page one – which bled for Toby – and didn't let go until that reckless kid ran off to talk to his plants.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what is in store for Toby, Darius, Arden, Elias and Zubayr, and I seriously hope that this series keeps going and doesn't end.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Please. Mr Valstad. You're, like, my Obi-wan here. My only hope.”
““You’re… beautiful.”
“Well, thanks. I think I’m a bony reed with a skunk stripe, but I appreciate it.” Toby stroked a wild lock of hair from Darius’s forehead. “You think you’re ugly. Just because you have scars.” He traced the white edges of those scars. “Disagree with me all you want, but I think you’re hot. Like ghost pepper, oh my gods, I put too much of that in my chili hot. You earned your scars doing something that should’ve been impossible. You saved Zubayr and a good portion of a city doing it. Those scars? They’re a map of what you’ve accomplished. They’re you and they’re perfect.””
May 12, 2019
Okay, I confess I have no clue about the arcana stuff and what it all meant so I just kind of slid over that in my mind, I had no great interest in trying to understand it, but the people story was the part I read for. I have to confess I had some serious anxiety at the end and the whole solution for out of control mages kind of enraged me as a parent. LOL I really wanted to see the guild mages have to eat crow but since this is #1 I presume I'll get to see them taken down to size a bit in the future.
The "romance" aspect here takes a back-seat to the solution of Toby's problems (and Darius's) but it was perfectly in fitting and if this had been some kind "hot sex fall into bed right away" story it wouldn't have worked. I loved Toby and his attitude and he never let Darius's grumpy attitude get him down and he never gave up believing that there was a solution to his problem.
The "romance" aspect here takes a back-seat to the solution of Toby's problems (and Darius's) but it was perfectly in fitting and if this had been some kind "hot sex fall into bed right away" story it wouldn't have worked. I loved Toby and his attitude and he never let Darius's grumpy attitude get him down and he never gave up believing that there was a solution to his problem.
July 31, 2019
This struck me as unique. Also, a lot of effort was put into the thought of the technical side of the magic. I can’t say I understood it all but it’s intriguing enough that I’m super impressed by the effort.
This was a bit of a slow burn romance and not much sexy times. But again, I quite appreciated it because it focussed the story on the magic and the storyline and Toby. I hope we some day have a prequel to a time where Darius was the hotshot professor. I would like to see him in his element.
Anyways, this was an amazing start to the series. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
This was a bit of a slow burn romance and not much sexy times. But again, I quite appreciated it because it focussed the story on the magic and the storyline and Toby. I hope we some day have a prequel to a time where Darius was the hotshot professor. I would like to see him in his element.
Anyways, this was an amazing start to the series. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
July 20, 2019
Magisch
Toby passt nicht ins Netz der etablierten Magiergilden. Da seine wilde Magie sich und andere gefährden kann, soll er aus Gründen der Sicherheit sterben. Doch Toby hängt an seinem Leben, deshalb flüchtet er zu einem ausgestoßenen Magier, Darius Valstad. Für ihn ist Darius so etwas wie sein Obi Wan, seine letzte Hoffnung.
Darius konnte seine letzte Schülerin nicht retten und wurde selbst bei der magischen Explosion schwer verletzt. Er ist ein überzeugter Gegner der Magiergilden und ihrer Euthanasie, die er schlicht und einfach für Mord hält.
Toby und Darius verlieben sich ineinander, doch die Gildenmagier wollen Toby tot sehen. Lange Jahre hat Darius abgeschieden gelebt und sich mit seinem Schicksal abgefunden. Doch jetzt hat er wieder einen Grund zu kämpfen. Hilfe erhält er dabei von anderen ausgestoßenen Magiern.
Die Story um den Magier auf dem Berg war vom ersten bis zum letzten Satz spannend und ich habe mit Toby und Darius gelitten. Hoffentlich schreibt die Autorin bald eine Fortsetzung. Ich hoffe sehr, dass dann die erzkonservativen Magier gehörig was auf die Mütze bekommen.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
Toby passt nicht ins Netz der etablierten Magiergilden. Da seine wilde Magie sich und andere gefährden kann, soll er aus Gründen der Sicherheit sterben. Doch Toby hängt an seinem Leben, deshalb flüchtet er zu einem ausgestoßenen Magier, Darius Valstad. Für ihn ist Darius so etwas wie sein Obi Wan, seine letzte Hoffnung.
Darius konnte seine letzte Schülerin nicht retten und wurde selbst bei der magischen Explosion schwer verletzt. Er ist ein überzeugter Gegner der Magiergilden und ihrer Euthanasie, die er schlicht und einfach für Mord hält.
Toby und Darius verlieben sich ineinander, doch die Gildenmagier wollen Toby tot sehen. Lange Jahre hat Darius abgeschieden gelebt und sich mit seinem Schicksal abgefunden. Doch jetzt hat er wieder einen Grund zu kämpfen. Hilfe erhält er dabei von anderen ausgestoßenen Magiern.
Die Story um den Magier auf dem Berg war vom ersten bis zum letzten Satz spannend und ich habe mit Toby und Darius gelitten. Hoffentlich schreibt die Autorin bald eine Fortsetzung. Ich hoffe sehr, dass dann die erzkonservativen Magier gehörig was auf die Mütze bekommen.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
May 5, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gEN on 5/6
From that review: am always beyond thrilled to see Angel Martinez come out with a new novel, let alone a new series and The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1) represents both. My biggest complaint? That the page count reads 170 pages and not 670 which is what I feel these terrific characters, plot, and relationship dynamics and history is due.
That Angel Martinez! Her mind is a wondrous and twisty thing.
For all our reviews,, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gEN on 5/6
From that review: am always beyond thrilled to see Angel Martinez come out with a new novel, let alone a new series and The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1) represents both. My biggest complaint? That the page count reads 170 pages and not 670 which is what I feel these terrific characters, plot, and relationship dynamics and history is due.
That Angel Martinez! Her mind is a wondrous and twisty thing.
For all our reviews,, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
July 16, 2019
Ein junger Magier, der »human« getötet werden soll, weil er seine Kräfte nicht kontrollieren kann, flüchtet sich zu einem alten Magier, der einsam und fast schon wie ein Eremit lebt, in der Hoffnung, dass der ihm helfen und sein Leben retten kann.
Also das ist mal eine Konstellation, wie ich sie noch nie zuvor gesehen habe, und die Geschichte, die sich dann um Toby und Darius spinnt, ist eine wunderschöne, ruhige Erzählung über Vertrauen, Hoffnung und Liebe, die am Ende die ganze Natur sprichwörtlich aus den Angeln hebt, denn Toby ist viel mehr, als es auf den ersten Blick scheint und alles, was er braucht, ist Hilfe, um seinen Weg zu finden. Doch die Gilden der Magier haben ihn aufgegeben und wollen, dass er sich in ein Hospiz begibt, wo man ihn in angenehmer Umgebung sedieren und einfach sterben lassen will.
Du meine Güte, das war erst mal harter Tobak, und obwohl ich die Magier grundsätzlich verstehen kann, weil sie die Gefahr für die normalen Menschen gering halten wollen, die ein Magier, der seine Kräfte nicht kontrollieren kann, durchaus darstellt, ist ihre Vorgehensweise echt das Letzte. Nur weil eine Reihe alter Männer nicht bereit ist, über ihren beschränkten Tellerrand zu schauen und nach anderen Lösungen als den konventionellen zu gucken, soll sich ein junger Magier wie Toby einfach damit abfinden, zu sterben?
Pah, dachte ich beim Lesen und Toby sieht das genauso, denn er denkt nicht im Traum daran, einfach kampflos hinzunehmen, dass er als Freak gilt, dem keiner mehr helfen kann. Darum macht er sich auf zu Darius, der so voller innerer Dämonen ist, dass er kaum einen Satz herausbekommt. Aber er kann Toby nicht einfach sich selbst überlassen und so beginnt für beide eine Reise in Darius' Vergangenheit, denn allein kann er Toby nicht retten.
Eine tolle Geschichte und zudem der Auftakt einer Reihe, die hoffentlich weiter übersetzt wird. Denn es gibt da noch ein paar Magier, die sich ein bisschen privates Glück redlich verdient haben.
Also das ist mal eine Konstellation, wie ich sie noch nie zuvor gesehen habe, und die Geschichte, die sich dann um Toby und Darius spinnt, ist eine wunderschöne, ruhige Erzählung über Vertrauen, Hoffnung und Liebe, die am Ende die ganze Natur sprichwörtlich aus den Angeln hebt, denn Toby ist viel mehr, als es auf den ersten Blick scheint und alles, was er braucht, ist Hilfe, um seinen Weg zu finden. Doch die Gilden der Magier haben ihn aufgegeben und wollen, dass er sich in ein Hospiz begibt, wo man ihn in angenehmer Umgebung sedieren und einfach sterben lassen will.
Du meine Güte, das war erst mal harter Tobak, und obwohl ich die Magier grundsätzlich verstehen kann, weil sie die Gefahr für die normalen Menschen gering halten wollen, die ein Magier, der seine Kräfte nicht kontrollieren kann, durchaus darstellt, ist ihre Vorgehensweise echt das Letzte. Nur weil eine Reihe alter Männer nicht bereit ist, über ihren beschränkten Tellerrand zu schauen und nach anderen Lösungen als den konventionellen zu gucken, soll sich ein junger Magier wie Toby einfach damit abfinden, zu sterben?
Pah, dachte ich beim Lesen und Toby sieht das genauso, denn er denkt nicht im Traum daran, einfach kampflos hinzunehmen, dass er als Freak gilt, dem keiner mehr helfen kann. Darum macht er sich auf zu Darius, der so voller innerer Dämonen ist, dass er kaum einen Satz herausbekommt. Aber er kann Toby nicht einfach sich selbst überlassen und so beginnt für beide eine Reise in Darius' Vergangenheit, denn allein kann er Toby nicht retten.
Eine tolle Geschichte und zudem der Auftakt einer Reihe, die hoffentlich weiter übersetzt wird. Denn es gibt da noch ein paar Magier, die sich ein bisschen privates Glück redlich verdient haben.
May 20, 2019
Boy, do I love a good M/M urban fantasy…and here in The Mage on the Hill, the author has done a spectacular job in crafting a unique and intricate world of magic and magic users that drew me in from the very first page. It has an interesting premise, with the majority of magic users having a clear major arcana affinity and belonging to guilds. But there are also those few who don’t fit into the guilds’ neat little boxes, either by having only a minor arcana affinity or none at all (known as a wild mage).
Toby hasn’t been able to channel anything at all, major or minor, and that doesn’t bode well for his future given the guilds’ narrow-minded, backward, and uncompromising view of those who have been deemed a wild mage. Seeking out the reclusive Darius in a last-ditch effort to get help starts the two of them on a path of discovery fraught with dangers not just from the magic, but from those within the guilds who only see things in black and white.
The way this story unfolded, it held my rapt attention—I devoured it in one sitting. I thought the intricacies of the magic in this world were well thought out, and while complex they were still easily understandable. I really liked the cast of supporting characters and thought they brought more depth to the overall story with their specialities and insights.
As for the romance between Darius and Toby, I would have liked to have seen more page time devoted to relationship building. The story takes place in a relatively short time period, and it felt like the basis of their relationship was more rooted in the intensity of the events surrounding the discovery of Toby’s affinity. Granted, in urban fantasy and paranormal stories I tend to give more leeway in relationship formation, but usually I reserve that more for fated mates rather than magical intensity. I still really like the two of them together (I’m such a sucker for age gap matchups), and think they complement each other quite well.
Since this is the first book of the series, I’m definitely curious to see where the author plans to take things. For The Mage on the Hill though, it’s hovering between 4 and 4.5 stars for me, and is a story I’d absolutely recommend for M/M urban fantasy readers 18+ (that’s for the language and some sexual content). This was also the first book I’ve read by this author, and given how much I liked it I’m now loading up on more of her books ;-)
Toby hasn’t been able to channel anything at all, major or minor, and that doesn’t bode well for his future given the guilds’ narrow-minded, backward, and uncompromising view of those who have been deemed a wild mage. Seeking out the reclusive Darius in a last-ditch effort to get help starts the two of them on a path of discovery fraught with dangers not just from the magic, but from those within the guilds who only see things in black and white.
The way this story unfolded, it held my rapt attention—I devoured it in one sitting. I thought the intricacies of the magic in this world were well thought out, and while complex they were still easily understandable. I really liked the cast of supporting characters and thought they brought more depth to the overall story with their specialities and insights.
As for the romance between Darius and Toby, I would have liked to have seen more page time devoted to relationship building. The story takes place in a relatively short time period, and it felt like the basis of their relationship was more rooted in the intensity of the events surrounding the discovery of Toby’s affinity. Granted, in urban fantasy and paranormal stories I tend to give more leeway in relationship formation, but usually I reserve that more for fated mates rather than magical intensity. I still really like the two of them together (I’m such a sucker for age gap matchups), and think they complement each other quite well.
Since this is the first book of the series, I’m definitely curious to see where the author plans to take things. For The Mage on the Hill though, it’s hovering between 4 and 4.5 stars for me, and is a story I’d absolutely recommend for M/M urban fantasy readers 18+ (that’s for the language and some sexual content). This was also the first book I’ve read by this author, and given how much I liked it I’m now loading up on more of her books ;-)
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