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The Fairy Tale Enchantress #1
Apprentice of Magic
Angelique hates her magic.
Her time in the magical academy has been a long chain of criticisms, reprimands, and punishments. Her war-like ability to control any weapon has earned her nothing but the fear and scorn of fellow students and instructors.
And now, she finds herself before the highest council just one vote away from having her magic sealed forever.
Until Enchanter Evariste appears.
The mysterious prodigy is one of the few with the authority to go against the Council. Which is exactly what he does when he takes Angelique as his apprentice. Though his lessons are challenging and eccentric he shows her more kindness than she ever hoped to receive.
Everything seems perfect.
But things are changing in the world. Dark things. Evil things.
Once upon a time is about to become very real…
Apprentice of Magic is an epic fantasy fairy tale adventure mixed with clean romance and humor.
This new series is a companion to the bestselling Timeless Fairy Tales series.
Her time in the magical academy has been a long chain of criticisms, reprimands, and punishments. Her war-like ability to control any weapon has earned her nothing but the fear and scorn of fellow students and instructors.
And now, she finds herself before the highest council just one vote away from having her magic sealed forever.
Until Enchanter Evariste appears.
The mysterious prodigy is one of the few with the authority to go against the Council. Which is exactly what he does when he takes Angelique as his apprentice. Though his lessons are challenging and eccentric he shows her more kindness than she ever hoped to receive.
Everything seems perfect.
But things are changing in the world. Dark things. Evil things.
Once upon a time is about to become very real…
Apprentice of Magic is an epic fantasy fairy tale adventure mixed with clean romance and humor.
This new series is a companion to the bestselling Timeless Fairy Tales series.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2019
2419 people are currently reading
2622 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Shea
118 books4,735 followersMy pen name is K. M. Shea, but my readers—I prefer to call them Champions—call me Kitty.
I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
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I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
VISIT MY FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27090...
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...
VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://kmshea.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
May 24, 2022
I should preface this review by stating this is my first novel by K.M. Shea. I have not read the sequels to this novel, have no idea what happens in them, and my review is based off of the strengths and weaknesses of this book (and not future developments in the series).
The novel follows the adventures of Angelique, a would-be-enchantress with an affinity for controlling sharp objects. Angelique, disturbed by the dangerous nature of her powers, refuses to use them. Her reluctance is misinterpreted by her teachers and classmates, causing her to be labeled as defiant, arrogant and uncontrollable. This rejection causes Angelique to develop a deep seated fear of her powers, as well as a hate for herself and her "abnormal" personality.
The novel begins with Angelique being brought to trial over her rebellious nature and overwhelming magical capabilities--if found guilty, she risks the possibility of having her powers sealed forever. Angelique is saved when Everiste, a handsome, talent and well-loved figure in the enchanter community, agrees to take her on as his apprentice. Although Enchanter Everiste is kind and patient with her, Angelique is still afraid to show her true self--instead choosing to curb her powers and hide her snarky, headstrong attitude behind a layer of sugary sweet goodness. The novel follows Angelique's growth as she moves from one trial to the next, learning how to siphon off just enough of her power to achieve the job (while suppressing the rest). However, a string of black magic attacks throughout the kingdom threaten to disturb the nation's peace, and it isn't long before Angelique and Everiste are drawn in to the chaos.
My primary complaint with this novel is the lack of development in Angelique's character during her apprenticeship to Enchanter Everiste. According to the timeline, Angelique apprentices with Everiste for almost 12 years (assuming she graduated from the magical academy at 18, she would be 30 by the end of the novel)--and yet her thinking never grows past her original childish beliefs in regards to herself and her powers, namely "My powers can only be used for death and are far too dangerous to ever be used","My power is a thing which must be suppressed and restrained", "I'm unnatural and an abomination. I am a danger to everyone around me", and "I don't care about relationships (whether they be romantic or platonic). All I care about is becoming an enchantress." Another reader (who I assume has read the sequel series) pointed out that many of these points seem to be necessary/convenient for the future plot rather than the well thought out motivations of a human being. Angelique's inner dialogue never seemed to get past the stubborn, teenage, whiny phase. Even by the end of the novel, she refuses to accept that at some point in time--even if way in the future--she will need to accept her core power as a part of herself. Her constant angst felt childish, and quire frankly, annoying.
I think the angst would have been better accepted if the author had taken more time to flesh out her motivations and beliefs. We're told that when Angelique first joined the academy, she was extremely proud of her abilities and eager to show off. If so, when did she come to fear her powers? Why did she accept her teachers and peers judgment of her powers and personality? Why was she so quick to throw away her own pride in her achievements? And even after twelve years of living together, why does she still not trust Everiste enough to be herself? Why isn't she even curious about the extent of her power? Many other people in the novel have weapon-based core powers. So why is it that only Angelique fears her powers? I feel like the author missed this large loophole in logic.
I found Everiste's character almost as annoying as Angelique's. He lacked any discernible flaws (besides the obvious "flaw" of falling in love with his pupil) and seemed just a little too perfect. We're expected to believe that a handsome, rich, fashionable, charming, and popular magical prodigy has fallen head over heels in love with our whiny, self-loathing heroine. Shea wants us to believe that his love stems from finding a supposed kindred spirit who can equal him in power and wit, but given Angelique's behavior--the fact that she does everything in her power to hide her true self and deny her powers--I find this point hard to believe.
Overall, the story was fast paced and interesting, but the lack of character development really detracted from the plot. While I'm interested in seeing what happens to the characters, I don't think I'd be willing to spend the time or money to read the next novel.
The novel follows the adventures of Angelique, a would-be-enchantress with an affinity for controlling sharp objects. Angelique, disturbed by the dangerous nature of her powers, refuses to use them. Her reluctance is misinterpreted by her teachers and classmates, causing her to be labeled as defiant, arrogant and uncontrollable. This rejection causes Angelique to develop a deep seated fear of her powers, as well as a hate for herself and her "abnormal" personality.
The novel begins with Angelique being brought to trial over her rebellious nature and overwhelming magical capabilities--if found guilty, she risks the possibility of having her powers sealed forever. Angelique is saved when Everiste, a handsome, talent and well-loved figure in the enchanter community, agrees to take her on as his apprentice. Although Enchanter Everiste is kind and patient with her, Angelique is still afraid to show her true self--instead choosing to curb her powers and hide her snarky, headstrong attitude behind a layer of sugary sweet goodness. The novel follows Angelique's growth as she moves from one trial to the next, learning how to siphon off just enough of her power to achieve the job (while suppressing the rest). However, a string of black magic attacks throughout the kingdom threaten to disturb the nation's peace, and it isn't long before Angelique and Everiste are drawn in to the chaos.
My primary complaint with this novel is the lack of development in Angelique's character during her apprenticeship to Enchanter Everiste. According to the timeline, Angelique apprentices with Everiste for almost 12 years (assuming she graduated from the magical academy at 18, she would be 30 by the end of the novel)--and yet her thinking never grows past her original childish beliefs in regards to herself and her powers, namely "My powers can only be used for death and are far too dangerous to ever be used","My power is a thing which must be suppressed and restrained", "I'm unnatural and an abomination. I am a danger to everyone around me", and "I don't care about relationships (whether they be romantic or platonic). All I care about is becoming an enchantress." Another reader (who I assume has read the sequel series) pointed out that many of these points seem to be necessary/convenient for the future plot rather than the well thought out motivations of a human being. Angelique's inner dialogue never seemed to get past the stubborn, teenage, whiny phase. Even by the end of the novel, she refuses to accept that at some point in time--even if way in the future--she will need to accept her core power as a part of herself. Her constant angst felt childish, and quire frankly, annoying.
I think the angst would have been better accepted if the author had taken more time to flesh out her motivations and beliefs. We're told that when Angelique first joined the academy, she was extremely proud of her abilities and eager to show off. If so, when did she come to fear her powers? Why did she accept her teachers and peers judgment of her powers and personality? Why was she so quick to throw away her own pride in her achievements? And even after twelve years of living together, why does she still not trust Everiste enough to be herself? Why isn't she even curious about the extent of her power? Many other people in the novel have weapon-based core powers. So why is it that only Angelique fears her powers? I feel like the author missed this large loophole in logic.
I found Everiste's character almost as annoying as Angelique's. He lacked any discernible flaws (besides the obvious "flaw" of falling in love with his pupil) and seemed just a little too perfect. We're expected to believe that a handsome, rich, fashionable, charming, and popular magical prodigy has fallen head over heels in love with our whiny, self-loathing heroine. Shea wants us to believe that his love stems from finding a supposed kindred spirit who can equal him in power and wit, but given Angelique's behavior--the fact that she does everything in her power to hide her true self and deny her powers--I find this point hard to believe.
Overall, the story was fast paced and interesting, but the lack of character development really detracted from the plot. While I'm interested in seeing what happens to the characters, I don't think I'd be willing to spend the time or money to read the next novel.
December 23, 2021
*original review from 2019 edited in 2021*
Notes to self: I loved it and also I wish it were better.
I think the part of this novel that was the most fun was that we are reading a prequel; getting the backstory and insight into what’s going on motivation-wise in characters you already know. Readers are already well-acquainted with the context, and hungry to get more insights into an overarching story we already love. This part was so fun.
I have to be honest in this review; I was held back from enjoying this to the fullest by a pet peeve of mine: lack of character depth or growth. I found myself wishing the author took more time in the writing process to flesh out her characters with actions instead of flimsy inner dialogue. Enough with her mental “I will never” soliloquys. Quit telling me he’s charming; have him DO something winsome. I really want to like these two, but this shallow internal dialogue makes them feel like paper characters rather than people… ground them with actions and habits which “Show, don’t tell” their tendencies, fears, motivations, character, and integrity. The strongest storytelling was seeing Angelique through Evariste’s eyes; maybe it would have been better to visit that perspective more. The weakest storytelling was how flat Angelique’s perspective stayed even after twelve years’ close friendship with Evariste. For a young gal to not grow in trust at all over that course of time in a safe context with a trustworthy friend… challenges my suspension of disbelief.
Here is the plot hole that most distracts me, though: the unresolvable issue of her anti-core magic stance has very simple solutions. Even if the danger of her magic had been drilled into her as a student, Evariste would have seen that she needed to learn to embrace it and set her to some kind of task/practice to hone her skills and control while simultaneously showing her it doesn’t have to be weaponized. I mean... what couldn’t she do? Sharp implements? Woodcarving, farming, metal working, leather working, textiles and sewing, culinary pursuits, ...just something constructive and beneficial to society at large... It is hard to even think of an area of culture that doesn’t use sharp implements. He could have suggested all sorts of creative “drills” to make her practice with her core magic and therefore soften the learned revulsion to it.
This plot hole makes it appear that the author is trying to back her into a certain corner motivation-wise because they’ve prearranged certain turning points. “I hate my magic!”... It sort of feels like we are just trying to get a diametric contrast to the Snow Queen. It will be interesting to see if there is going to be a substantial payoff for this set up.
I loved it, stayed up late reading it, can’t wait for the following book to come out.... but also it could be better. I miss the quality of Beauty/Cinderella/Snow Queen. I know the author is pressured to churn out these novels as fast as humanly possible and invent scores of characters along the way. It’s understandable that some of them end up a little flat; I just wasn’t expecting that with the two most long-awaited-for figures in her fantasy fiction. I wish instead of being rushed by everyone she could take the time she needed to create characters with more robust substance underneath. Apart from that, I really do enjoy reading and rereading this series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Notes to self: I loved it and also I wish it were better.
I think the part of this novel that was the most fun was that we are reading a prequel; getting the backstory and insight into what’s going on motivation-wise in characters you already know. Readers are already well-acquainted with the context, and hungry to get more insights into an overarching story we already love. This part was so fun.
I have to be honest in this review; I was held back from enjoying this to the fullest by a pet peeve of mine: lack of character depth or growth. I found myself wishing the author took more time in the writing process to flesh out her characters with actions instead of flimsy inner dialogue. Enough with her mental “I will never” soliloquys. Quit telling me he’s charming; have him DO something winsome. I really want to like these two, but this shallow internal dialogue makes them feel like paper characters rather than people… ground them with actions and habits which “Show, don’t tell” their tendencies, fears, motivations, character, and integrity. The strongest storytelling was seeing Angelique through Evariste’s eyes; maybe it would have been better to visit that perspective more. The weakest storytelling was how flat Angelique’s perspective stayed even after twelve years’ close friendship with Evariste. For a young gal to not grow in trust at all over that course of time in a safe context with a trustworthy friend… challenges my suspension of disbelief.
Here is the plot hole that most distracts me, though: the unresolvable issue of her anti-core magic stance has very simple solutions. Even if the danger of her magic had been drilled into her as a student, Evariste would have seen that she needed to learn to embrace it and set her to some kind of task/practice to hone her skills and control while simultaneously showing her it doesn’t have to be weaponized. I mean... what couldn’t she do? Sharp implements? Woodcarving, farming, metal working, leather working, textiles and sewing, culinary pursuits, ...just something constructive and beneficial to society at large... It is hard to even think of an area of culture that doesn’t use sharp implements. He could have suggested all sorts of creative “drills” to make her practice with her core magic and therefore soften the learned revulsion to it.
This plot hole makes it appear that the author is trying to back her into a certain corner motivation-wise because they’ve prearranged certain turning points. “I hate my magic!”... It sort of feels like we are just trying to get a diametric contrast to the Snow Queen. It will be interesting to see if there is going to be a substantial payoff for this set up.
I loved it, stayed up late reading it, can’t wait for the following book to come out.... but also it could be better. I miss the quality of Beauty/Cinderella/Snow Queen. I know the author is pressured to churn out these novels as fast as humanly possible and invent scores of characters along the way. It’s understandable that some of them end up a little flat; I just wasn’t expecting that with the two most long-awaited-for figures in her fantasy fiction. I wish instead of being rushed by everyone she could take the time she needed to create characters with more robust substance underneath. Apart from that, I really do enjoy reading and rereading this series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
May 28, 2019
Oh look, another book that I wanted to like more than I originally did.
Apprentice of Magic was an okay book. In it, you will meet Angelique who has war magic. Sounds like of cool and this is where I started to get intrigued. She lives a life where everyone is afraid of her because she's a boss ass bitch with some power. Before losing her powers one day, she is taken under the wings of Enchanter Evariste to learn more about her magic: like controlling it or maybe even loving herself for who she is.
So, yeah, I wanted to like this more than I did. I will admit that it had some interesting parts but the flow, format, and chapters were just off. I often felt like I missed something if I blinked.. or ya know yawned. Then I just feel like I got way too much information at one point. It's hard to explain but it just dragged this book and myself with reading it. Again, I rarely take longer than 3 days to read a book - yet, this happened.
Overall, I'm glad I took a chance on a new series and I might dive into the next book if it's a hell of a lot more interesting/fascinating than this one.
Apprentice of Magic was an okay book. In it, you will meet Angelique who has war magic. Sounds like of cool and this is where I started to get intrigued. She lives a life where everyone is afraid of her because she's a boss ass bitch with some power. Before losing her powers one day, she is taken under the wings of Enchanter Evariste to learn more about her magic: like controlling it or maybe even loving herself for who she is.
So, yeah, I wanted to like this more than I did. I will admit that it had some interesting parts but the flow, format, and chapters were just off. I often felt like I missed something if I blinked.. or ya know yawned. Then I just feel like I got way too much information at one point. It's hard to explain but it just dragged this book and myself with reading it. Again, I rarely take longer than 3 days to read a book - yet, this happened.
Overall, I'm glad I took a chance on a new series and I might dive into the next book if it's a hell of a lot more interesting/fascinating than this one.
September 16, 2020
Amazing start! This is a prequel to the famous Timeless Fairy Tale Series and it was an amazing story!
It is best to read the 11 books in the Timeless series before starting this book as you will better understand the stories in Angelique's perspective and it was a wonderful world to read about her part and how she became the Enchantress-in-training to the famous legend, Lord Enchanter Evariste.
I loved their relationship. Her fierce and sarcastic personality, his gentle and confident nature, they are a great pair and yet they also have their differences. Read as you find out the deepest and darkest desires and fears both Evariste and Angel have and how they will overcome it.
Cannot wait to read much more of these two!
It is best to read the 11 books in the Timeless series before starting this book as you will better understand the stories in Angelique's perspective and it was a wonderful world to read about her part and how she became the Enchantress-in-training to the famous legend, Lord Enchanter Evariste.
I loved their relationship. Her fierce and sarcastic personality, his gentle and confident nature, they are a great pair and yet they also have their differences. Read as you find out the deepest and darkest desires and fears both Evariste and Angel have and how they will overcome it.
Cannot wait to read much more of these two!
May 24, 2019
Amazing
Filled with spot-on dialogue, complex characters, and a multilayered plot, this was enchanting and enthralling to read. Characters from other books in the series make their cameos.
This book ended too soon and I enjoyed watching Angelique grow. She still has some evolving to do, so on to the conclusion in book two.
Filled with spot-on dialogue, complex characters, and a multilayered plot, this was enchanting and enthralling to read. Characters from other books in the series make their cameos.
This book ended too soon and I enjoyed watching Angelique grow. She still has some evolving to do, so on to the conclusion in book two.
February 15, 2019
K.M. Shea just keeps getting better and better as an author and this book proves it. It is so absolutely amazing. I literally sat down to read a little bit and next thing I knew I read the whole book in basically one sitting. It is that good.
This is backstory for a lot of what happens in the Timeless Fairy Tale series, and even though I knew the ending in many ways, that didn't make this book any less gripping. Angelique has been a fascinating character from the beginning of the Timeless Fairy Tale series (the series that this book and subsequent series are a spin off/companion to), but in this book Angelique has her moment to shine. We finally get into her head to see what makes her tick.
In some ways, Angelique reminds me a lot of Rakel from Heart of Ice, another of this author's companion series set in this same world. Rakel and Angelique both have loads and loads of power and both of them hate their magic. Both have been stunted by their upbringing. Both go to great lengths to appear less threatening and personable to others.
But they are still different enough characters that I didn't feel like Angelique is just a repeat of Rakel. Rakel was socially awkward and has an innocence about her. Angelique is secretly sarcastic and has a devious edge to her that Rakel doesn't have. In some ways, I think Angelique might be the more dangerous of the two. Though, there were times I dearly wanted to sit Angelique and Rakel down in the same room so that Angelique could talk with someone who well and truly got her struggles.
The few moments from Evariste's POV were well done and added to both the book and my understanding of him as a character as well. I'm so glad they were included.
I fangirl squealed so hard at some of the cameo appearances of favorite characters from the Timeless Fairy Tale series. Loved seeing more of where a certain character especially came from.
This book also does a good job of expanding the world of the Timeless Fairy Tales/Snow Queen/Fairy Tale Enchantress series by going to a few of the countries that hadn't yet been visited in previous books. This book also shows the results of all the world building that the books in the connecting series have pieced together. The world, geography, its people, the government, the magic system, everything just feels so familiar it might as well be real. The kingdoms and governments feel like they could be real, functioning kingdoms and governments.
In other words, I absolutely adored this book and I can't wait until the next book comes out in April! *excuse me while I go and re-read all of the Timeless Fairy Tales again*
Also, the cover of this book is gorgeous! So stunning! I am definitely going to have to splurge on the paperback version eventually so I can hold this beauty in my hands!
This is backstory for a lot of what happens in the Timeless Fairy Tale series, and even though I knew the ending in many ways, that didn't make this book any less gripping. Angelique has been a fascinating character from the beginning of the Timeless Fairy Tale series (the series that this book and subsequent series are a spin off/companion to), but in this book Angelique has her moment to shine. We finally get into her head to see what makes her tick.
In some ways, Angelique reminds me a lot of Rakel from Heart of Ice, another of this author's companion series set in this same world. Rakel and Angelique both have loads and loads of power and both of them hate their magic. Both have been stunted by their upbringing. Both go to great lengths to appear less threatening and personable to others.
But they are still different enough characters that I didn't feel like Angelique is just a repeat of Rakel. Rakel was socially awkward and has an innocence about her. Angelique is secretly sarcastic and has a devious edge to her that Rakel doesn't have. In some ways, I think Angelique might be the more dangerous of the two. Though, there were times I dearly wanted to sit Angelique and Rakel down in the same room so that Angelique could talk with someone who well and truly got her struggles.
The few moments from Evariste's POV were well done and added to both the book and my understanding of him as a character as well. I'm so glad they were included.
I fangirl squealed so hard at some of the cameo appearances of favorite characters from the Timeless Fairy Tale series. Loved seeing more of where a certain character especially came from.
This book also does a good job of expanding the world of the Timeless Fairy Tales/Snow Queen/Fairy Tale Enchantress series by going to a few of the countries that hadn't yet been visited in previous books. This book also shows the results of all the world building that the books in the connecting series have pieced together. The world, geography, its people, the government, the magic system, everything just feels so familiar it might as well be real. The kingdoms and governments feel like they could be real, functioning kingdoms and governments.
In other words, I absolutely adored this book and I can't wait until the next book comes out in April! *excuse me while I go and re-read all of the Timeless Fairy Tales again*
Also, the cover of this book is gorgeous! So stunning! I am definitely going to have to splurge on the paperback version eventually so I can hold this beauty in my hands!
dnf
May 21, 2021DNF 50%
Well, I think that the h will probably grow a lot as a character and I'll end up liking her in future books to come- I also like the world building, magic, and kind of fairy tale-esque storylines thrown in (like Peter and the Wolf and Sleeping Beauty) but...
I am seriously icked 0ut by the potential romance vibes I'm getting from Angelique and Evariste. Nothing has happened as of yet (and if someone told me he is defiantly not a romantic interest I would probably read on...)
However, I don't think were told how old Angelique is- but in this case I don't think it really matters considering she's so socially untried and has not relationship experience in romance or friendship. Also considering Evariste is almost 10 years her senior and her mentor/teacher/master...I just get kind of grossed out when he's calling her 'Angel because she's sweet' and 'my cute little apprentice'
I just don't like the implications of there being such a large power dynamic between them, and even if she does grow into her own eventually I don't see myself being comfortable reading about it either way. Also, I had to nix finishing when Evariste's teacher Clovis was telling him not to let Angelique fall in love with him or that he should fall for her either saying--
This may not bother other people, but I guess my own life experience is coloring my view of the story and making this a not so fun read. Also, the fact that Clovis called her a girl instead of a woman made think Yup I'm out.
Well, I think that the h will probably grow a lot as a character and I'll end up liking her in future books to come- I also like the world building, magic, and kind of fairy tale-esque storylines thrown in (like Peter and the Wolf and Sleeping Beauty) but...
I am seriously icked 0ut by the potential romance vibes I'm getting from Angelique and Evariste. Nothing has happened as of yet (and if someone told me he is defiantly not a romantic interest I would probably read on...)
However, I don't think were told how old Angelique is- but in this case I don't think it really matters considering she's so socially untried and has not relationship experience in romance or friendship. Also considering Evariste is almost 10 years her senior and her mentor/teacher/master...I just get kind of grossed out when he's calling her 'Angel because she's sweet' and 'my cute little apprentice'
I just don't like the implications of there being such a large power dynamic between them, and even if she does grow into her own eventually I don't see myself being comfortable reading about it either way. Also, I had to nix finishing when Evariste's teacher Clovis was telling him not to let Angelique fall in love with him or that he should fall for her either saying--
“But you’ve never met a girl who is more taken with your knowledge than your magic, either!”
This may not bother other people, but I guess my own life experience is coloring my view of the story and making this a not so fun read. Also, the fact that Clovis called her a girl instead of a woman made think Yup I'm out.
October 26, 2022
I did enjoy this book, but it definitely had some major issues.
Issues to fix in order of importance:
1. Timeline / pacing
Although there is a lot happening, the book seems to move pretty slowly. Yes, it spans something like 12 years, but that's really no excuse. Nothing has essentially changed by the end of the 12 years, which makes the time frame seem really unbelievable (come on, in TWELVE YEARS, shouldn't Evariste have been able to make more headway with Angelique? He's had her for twice or thrice as long as she was in the academy!). There are really nice intervals where we learn new things about the world and about magic, but then suddenly the story will jump forward another 4 years with no real progression or growth. The development feels superficial and forced as a result.
2. Evariste - Angelique relationship
He's her teacher. You can either make him her friend/love interest, or her father/mentor. You can't really flip flop between the two; that just makes it really uncomfortable for the reader. And honestly it's a little hard to respect him when he keeps acting like a lovesick puppy / fawning flirt. Angel seems so against it that I'd suspect she prefers females (but that surely would ruin the story). Again, very unrealistic and unbelievable.
3. World building
Too many places in the world - it's confusing and you don't get an adequate sense of any place.
4. Cliff-hanger ending
I just think this is bad policy for a writer. i get that lots of writers use it, and it's not necessarily a bad thing, but this book really only just got going in the last chapter, so i really feel it is a poor choice here.
This book really had potential. And even given all the issues, I still enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the sequel (although I'll probably skim it as quickly as possible, given the major issues I've bored above, which I doubt will be resolved in the sequel). I'm pretty disappointed; I read 'Vampires Drink Tomato Juice' first (it was GREAT), and i really thought k.m.shea would make it into my favourite authors list. Not to stereotype, but sometimes having a good editor would really help.
Issues to fix in order of importance:
1. Timeline / pacing
Although there is a lot happening, the book seems to move pretty slowly. Yes, it spans something like 12 years, but that's really no excuse. Nothing has essentially changed by the end of the 12 years, which makes the time frame seem really unbelievable (come on, in TWELVE YEARS, shouldn't Evariste have been able to make more headway with Angelique? He's had her for twice or thrice as long as she was in the academy!). There are really nice intervals where we learn new things about the world and about magic, but then suddenly the story will jump forward another 4 years with no real progression or growth. The development feels superficial and forced as a result.
2. Evariste - Angelique relationship
He's her teacher. You can either make him her friend/love interest, or her father/mentor. You can't really flip flop between the two; that just makes it really uncomfortable for the reader. And honestly it's a little hard to respect him when he keeps acting like a lovesick puppy / fawning flirt. Angel seems so against it that I'd suspect she prefers females (but that surely would ruin the story). Again, very unrealistic and unbelievable.
3. World building
Too many places in the world - it's confusing and you don't get an adequate sense of any place.
4. Cliff-hanger ending
I just think this is bad policy for a writer. i get that lots of writers use it, and it's not necessarily a bad thing, but this book really only just got going in the last chapter, so i really feel it is a poor choice here.
This book really had potential. And even given all the issues, I still enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the sequel (although I'll probably skim it as quickly as possible, given the major issues I've bored above, which I doubt will be resolved in the sequel). I'm pretty disappointed; I read 'Vampires Drink Tomato Juice' first (it was GREAT), and i really thought k.m.shea would make it into my favourite authors list. Not to stereotype, but sometimes having a good editor would really help.
May 7, 2025
Nope… just couldn’t do it. I wanted to, I hoped to, I yearned to, but even a three star rating just couldn’t be justified. The story started off with all kinds of promise. In fact the first couple of chapters were riveting. But as the plot progressed I soon found myself cringing because the FMC did nothing but CONSTANT (Take note, I’m not exaggerating) self-flagulation. Almost every thought she had was what a monster she was and how she hated her magic. No matter what anyone said, she wouldn’t believe a word. No matter how well her teacher explained/taught/showed/encouraged, she bullheadedly insisted (to herself, of course, it was all an internal, never-ending monologue) she was horrible and refused to listen and/or obey. Sadly, it didn’t improve as the book progressed and that is the biggest and most infuriating problem. SHE NEVER CHANGED! By the halfway mark of the book, I succumbed to skim-reading because I just couldn’t take it anymore.
That, plus the fact that the secondary storylines are straight-up lifted from “The Boy who Cried Wolf” and “Sleeping Beauty” - no creative differences whatsoever, just retold tales from other, classic authors, leaves this story with little to recommendation itself - at least for this reader.
That, plus the fact that the secondary storylines are straight-up lifted from “The Boy who Cried Wolf” and “Sleeping Beauty” - no creative differences whatsoever, just retold tales from other, classic authors, leaves this story with little to recommendation itself - at least for this reader.
October 28, 2019
This is a case of "its not the book, it's me" thing going on. Ok, maybe it's a little bit the book.
I just got bored. The name is apt, she was an apprentice and we were 'apprenticing' along with her. Not only having to read the instruction manual of magic, we had to spend time with her waffling between using her war magic or not. I was so exhausted.
There was some fairy tale thrown in around there with Sleeping Beauty and all. I couldn't take it, 50% and still nothing of note. I'd rather not waste any more time. DNF 52%.
I just got bored. The name is apt, she was an apprentice and we were 'apprenticing' along with her. Not only having to read the instruction manual of magic, we had to spend time with her waffling between using her war magic or not. I was so exhausted.
There was some fairy tale thrown in around there with Sleeping Beauty and all. I couldn't take it, 50% and still nothing of note. I'd rather not waste any more time. DNF 52%.
February 25, 2022
I am a huge fan of this author so when I saw this series I was beyond excited to read it. I liked the plot/storyline and was looking forward to seeing how things would play out but this one was hard to get into and even harder to finish. By 20% I was already exhausted.
I understand that Angelique was hateful and fearful of her power because of how everyone treated her. They ostracized her and taught her to suppress her magic, so I get it. What I don’t understand is how, after approximately 12 years of seeing proof that she wasn’t as scary as she thought or as dangerous as others made her believe, she was still whining about how dangerous she was and afraid to use her power. Angelique was like an immature child for the entire book.
She is also spoken of as being sarcastic, willful and quick witted but for the entire story she pretends to be something she’s not: docile and naive. She literally had no character growth. How does one not grow after 12 years!! She just wallowed in self pity, whined about her magic and gave Evariste a hard time. It was so annoying and it just made everything drag. And after such a long time living with Evariste she still didn’t trust him. How does that even work? I mean, Evariste was an okay character. He was nice enough and did a lot to prove that he cared for her but Angelique was all kinds of irritating and stupid.
All in all, though a lot of time passes, nothing memorable really happens. There were a few scenes with action/magic but it was boring. Also, a couple fairytales made an appearance like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “Sleeping Beauty” but I couldn’t care less about them. I am curious about how everything ends but I cannot subject myself to reading another book in this series again. So I’m going to google how the last book ends 🤷🏽♀️
Content: Clean, Mild action
I understand that Angelique was hateful and fearful of her power because of how everyone treated her. They ostracized her and taught her to suppress her magic, so I get it. What I don’t understand is how, after approximately 12 years of seeing proof that she wasn’t as scary as she thought or as dangerous as others made her believe, she was still whining about how dangerous she was and afraid to use her power. Angelique was like an immature child for the entire book.
She is also spoken of as being sarcastic, willful and quick witted but for the entire story she pretends to be something she’s not: docile and naive. She literally had no character growth. How does one not grow after 12 years!! She just wallowed in self pity, whined about her magic and gave Evariste a hard time. It was so annoying and it just made everything drag. And after such a long time living with Evariste she still didn’t trust him. How does that even work? I mean, Evariste was an okay character. He was nice enough and did a lot to prove that he cared for her but Angelique was all kinds of irritating and stupid.
All in all, though a lot of time passes, nothing memorable really happens. There were a few scenes with action/magic but it was boring. Also, a couple fairytales made an appearance like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “Sleeping Beauty” but I couldn’t care less about them. I am curious about how everything ends but I cannot subject myself to reading another book in this series again. So I’m going to google how the last book ends 🤷🏽♀️
Content: Clean, Mild action
May 27, 2021
2.5 stars
Find all my reviews at: https://jaynikkibelthoughts.wordpress...
The reason why I jumped into this book is that I need answers from the Timeless Fairy Tales series. This is a spin-off from that series where the focus is Angelique. There will be spoilers if you haven't read the Timeless series.
We start off with how Angelique became Evariste's apprentice. From there we get some of the teachings he gives as her master. So we are beginning before the Timeless Fairytales. We do get a brief mention when King Remy of Loire adopts Severin and then about almost halfway through we get to the start of the eighth book in the Timeless Fairy Tales series Sleeping Beauty. The book goes through fourteen years of Angelique's apprenticeship.
I didn't like this book nearly as much as I loved the Timeless Fairy Tales. I was actually disappointed by Shea's writing of Evariste. He came off as a creeper 50% of the time and the other percentage I had no feelings toward him. From what I had gathered from the Timeless series was that they were very close. This just felt different. Like the relationship was forced.
I only did start to get into the book after Evariste was taken. Which were the last four chapters of the book. The only reason I am invested in this is due to needing answers that I did not receive at the end of the Timeless series. I may put this on the backburner due to the series not being complete.
Find all my reviews at: https://jaynikkibelthoughts.wordpress...
The reason why I jumped into this book is that I need answers from the Timeless Fairy Tales series. This is a spin-off from that series where the focus is Angelique. There will be spoilers if you haven't read the Timeless series.
We start off with how Angelique became Evariste's apprentice. From there we get some of the teachings he gives as her master. So we are beginning before the Timeless Fairytales. We do get a brief mention when King Remy of Loire adopts Severin and then about almost halfway through we get to the start of the eighth book in the Timeless Fairy Tales series Sleeping Beauty. The book goes through fourteen years of Angelique's apprenticeship.
I didn't like this book nearly as much as I loved the Timeless Fairy Tales. I was actually disappointed by Shea's writing of Evariste. He came off as a creeper 50% of the time and the other percentage I had no feelings toward him. From what I had gathered from the Timeless series was that they were very close. This just felt different. Like the relationship was forced.
I only did start to get into the book after Evariste was taken. Which were the last four chapters of the book. The only reason I am invested in this is due to needing answers that I did not receive at the end of the Timeless series. I may put this on the backburner due to the series not being complete.
May 10, 2019
Angelique is a student with war mage magic. Because her power is substantially stronger than most, everyone fears her and she has begun to hate/fear herself. The council is about to take away her magic when Lord Enchanter Evariste volunteers to take her as an apprentice. This book is like a collection of stories during her 12-year apprenticeship while she learns to twist her magic to do other things besides kill and Evariste tries to teach her to embrace the magic that she hates.
I liked this book but......I got a little annoyed with the format at times. It was almost like sporadically tuning into a marathon of a particular TV series - you catch the pilot, but then jump to a season 2 episode, followed by a season 4, etc. You end up with the gist and sometimes get an important turning point, but a lot is lost in the timelines that you missed. Plus, it made getting to the big picture plot feel excessively drawn out.
I liked Evariste's character very much, and I love how these two are orbiting each other and trying to keep their distance but we know it will be futile. Angelique is interesting too but she is so closed off from everyone because of her negative perception of her magic that the reader feels closed off from her too. I think book 2 will be better and I'm willing to give it a try.
I liked this book but......I got a little annoyed with the format at times. It was almost like sporadically tuning into a marathon of a particular TV series - you catch the pilot, but then jump to a season 2 episode, followed by a season 4, etc. You end up with the gist and sometimes get an important turning point, but a lot is lost in the timelines that you missed. Plus, it made getting to the big picture plot feel excessively drawn out.
I liked Evariste's character very much, and I love how these two are orbiting each other and trying to keep their distance but we know it will be futile. Angelique is interesting too but she is so closed off from everyone because of her negative perception of her magic that the reader feels closed off from her too. I think book 2 will be better and I'm willing to give it a try.
March 29, 2019
I did not like how this was written
I felt like this book had promise. I thought her take on magic was interesting, however it turned out to be very annoying to read. The book would jump ahead years into the future and then back tell you some of the things that occurred in those five years. It was very frustrating because you weren’t experiencing it as it was happening.
Also, my other big gripe was how the character acted about her magic. She hated her magic and refused to use it or train it no matter what her teacher told her.
I felt like this book had promise. I thought her take on magic was interesting, however it turned out to be very annoying to read. The book would jump ahead years into the future and then back tell you some of the things that occurred in those five years. It was very frustrating because you weren’t experiencing it as it was happening.
Also, my other big gripe was how the character acted about her magic. She hated her magic and refused to use it or train it no matter what her teacher told her.
March 4, 2019
Enjoyable.
For a book that spans fourteen years, I was surprised that Angelique didn't grow/develop more. In the end, she still had the same fears that she had in the beginning.
The romance aspect felt... creepy as well. The one character continued to force himself (hugs, touches, invading her personal space) on Angelique despite knowing and understanding that she didn't like it or him like that. Consent, man, get it!
For a book that spans fourteen years, I was surprised that Angelique didn't grow/develop more. In the end, she still had the same fears that she had in the beginning.
The romance aspect felt... creepy as well. The one character continued to force himself (hugs, touches, invading her personal space) on Angelique despite knowing and understanding that she didn't like it or him like that. Consent, man, get it!
December 15, 2022
Ever since finishing the Timeless Fairy Tales series I was already looking forward to reading this series. Angelique is only a side character in most of the fairy tales, but here she's the starring character. This is her story. I have to admit that I didn't read anything about this book, apart from the fact that it was connected to Timeless Fairy Tales and that it was adviced to at least not read the second book in the series before finishing this one.
I therefore needed a little time to process that this book was set before the fairytales in the Timeless Fairy Tales series. The book starts when the academy discovers what kind of magic Angelique has and even more how much she has. Luckily she is taken on as an apprentice and therefore escapes having her magic bound and sealed away. And then the learning, discovering and growing could truly start. And there was a lot of learning, discovering and growing to do.
It's quite clear already in the fairytale series that Angelique is afraid of her magic. In this book that's even more extreme. All this time she has heard how dangerous her magic is, how it shouldn't exist and how everyone is afraid of her and it clearly does quite some damage. Although her teacher is trying, Angelique refuses to accept her magic, with sometimes really heartbreaking outcomes. I guess by now we all know what Angelique's story is about, right?
Although this book takes place before the fairytales the storyline does already intertwine at moments with events coming into play later. Here we meet our little Puss in Boots when he's a small little kitten and of course we get a very detailed description of what Angelique had to do to change the curse of the future sleeping beauty. And since the book ends where the fairytale series starts I assume that the next book is gonna be Angelique's side of the stories. I can't wait to dive in!
I therefore needed a little time to process that this book was set before the fairytales in the Timeless Fairy Tales series. The book starts when the academy discovers what kind of magic Angelique has and even more how much she has. Luckily she is taken on as an apprentice and therefore escapes having her magic bound and sealed away. And then the learning, discovering and growing could truly start. And there was a lot of learning, discovering and growing to do.
It's quite clear already in the fairytale series that Angelique is afraid of her magic. In this book that's even more extreme. All this time she has heard how dangerous her magic is, how it shouldn't exist and how everyone is afraid of her and it clearly does quite some damage. Although her teacher is trying, Angelique refuses to accept her magic, with sometimes really heartbreaking outcomes. I guess by now we all know what Angelique's story is about, right?
Although this book takes place before the fairytales the storyline does already intertwine at moments with events coming into play later. Here we meet our little Puss in Boots when he's a small little kitten and of course we get a very detailed description of what Angelique had to do to change the curse of the future sleeping beauty. And since the book ends where the fairytale series starts I assume that the next book is gonna be Angelique's side of the stories. I can't wait to dive in!
September 24, 2025
Wonderful book! The storyline is clean and follows the other books set with her in the background (sometimes more forefront)
No spoilers for the other books either! It doesn’t matter which series you read first!
No spoilers for the other books either! It doesn’t matter which series you read first!
July 30, 2021
Aw, Angelique! The ending of this book is heartbreaking, especially after having read all the Timeless Fairy Tales and witnessing her in various stages of her search... I remember not being able to get into the book back when it first got out, but with the fourth installment of the series releasing this fall (and a lot of time on my hands) I decided to give it another go. Still a bit hard to get on board with all aspects of Shea's writing, but overall this was great. Roland is my favorite chatacter, and once again, Shea doesn't fail to amaze with the overarching storyline that wove together the worldbuilding and all the pieces of the past eleven fairytale retellings into this one giant tapestry.
April 7, 2020
This was a decent start to a new series. I liked how time passed quickly for the MCs and that we aren't subjected too often to the h's constant fear of her magic. However, I am hoping that her character development will really kick in now. The ending of this book was a promising indication of that. Evariste was awesome and I'm hoping for some good things there, too.
May 14, 2019
2.5 stars for me but it almost made it to a 3 there at the end. The story is there its just the execution was just off. This book read more like an outline of events spanning over and incredible time line (12+ years) and it just kept skipping forward at random places by years here and there. In all honesty it really killed the character depth and any chemistry that was supposed to be between the characters the way it was laid out. Also for the entire book the FMC is so afraid of her magic that it just seemed repetitious and really drawn out. There were several things that were really creative and interesting about the story, unfortunately the layout kind of detracted from those things.
For starters the "magic" concepts here are great, however there are different concepts and they aren't explained and differentiated exactly. The jist is everyone has a unique magic, some people also have a high level of power, those people can train and become enchanters and enchantresses. There are also a smattering of other magical type people like fairy godmothers, and fae in general, as well as magical creatures.
Angelique, our FMC, has grown up hating her war magic because she has been told over and over how bad it is. Scared out of her mind that she is going to end up hurting someone or loosing control Angelique is prepared to have her magic bound. Really the magical community is being ruled by a group of fear mongers who instead of shaping here to use her magic for good made her fear her magic just like they did.... I digress.. Angelique is saved from getting her magic bound by a Legend of an Enchanter who takes her on as an apprentice. From there Angelique spends 12 years off an on avoiding her magic and learning instead to do other types of magic. Now its time for her to take her Enchanter test and in order to do that she must use her war magic, except every time she does everything goes all wrong. Not only that a rogue band of black mages have taken her mentor.. now shes angry and her magic may be the only way to get him back.
I think book 2 is going to be much better and we won't have all the skipping around, magic hating, and 2D characters. Here is to hoping!
For starters the "magic" concepts here are great, however there are different concepts and they aren't explained and differentiated exactly. The jist is everyone has a unique magic, some people also have a high level of power, those people can train and become enchanters and enchantresses. There are also a smattering of other magical type people like fairy godmothers, and fae in general, as well as magical creatures.
Angelique, our FMC, has grown up hating her war magic because she has been told over and over how bad it is. Scared out of her mind that she is going to end up hurting someone or loosing control Angelique is prepared to have her magic bound. Really the magical community is being ruled by a group of fear mongers who instead of shaping here to use her magic for good made her fear her magic just like they did.... I digress.. Angelique is saved from getting her magic bound by a Legend of an Enchanter who takes her on as an apprentice. From there Angelique spends 12 years off an on avoiding her magic and learning instead to do other types of magic. Now its time for her to take her Enchanter test and in order to do that she must use her war magic, except every time she does everything goes all wrong. Not only that a rogue band of black mages have taken her mentor.. now shes angry and her magic may be the only way to get him back.
I think book 2 is going to be much better and we won't have all the skipping around, magic hating, and 2D characters. Here is to hoping!
May 10, 2019
Wonderful!
I've read the entire Fairy Tale series by KM Shea. I loved them! And I absolutely love getting to know Angelique better in this book. I can't wait to read the next. Good clean books with no swearing and no sex scenes. It's totally clean enough to read to my kids, but mature enough for me to be completely entertained. I love them all!!!!
I've read the entire Fairy Tale series by KM Shea. I loved them! And I absolutely love getting to know Angelique better in this book. I can't wait to read the next. Good clean books with no swearing and no sex scenes. It's totally clean enough to read to my kids, but mature enough for me to be completely entertained. I love them all!!!!
February 25, 2019
3.5 stars
If only I would of known there was a cliffhanger to this book and the sequel doesn’t come out till April, you know I would of waited! I don’t enjoy reading books this way because my time is limited and by the time the next book comes out I will have forgotten things and have to reread the first one anyway.
I did enjoy this book. But I didn’t love it. I kept waiting for Angelique to truly just say what she was thinking and become herself! It never happened for over a decade she put on a front and honestly I thought Evarest was a saint! I loved him and just thought she was okay. Now that I know it’s a series I can see why it took her so long and I bet the next book will be better.
Over-all good story. I really enjoy this authors “voice” I would wait until the next one comes out and read them back to back.
If only I would of known there was a cliffhanger to this book and the sequel doesn’t come out till April, you know I would of waited! I don’t enjoy reading books this way because my time is limited and by the time the next book comes out I will have forgotten things and have to reread the first one anyway.
I did enjoy this book. But I didn’t love it. I kept waiting for Angelique to truly just say what she was thinking and become herself! It never happened for over a decade she put on a front and honestly I thought Evarest was a saint! I loved him and just thought she was okay. Now that I know it’s a series I can see why it took her so long and I bet the next book will be better.
Over-all good story. I really enjoy this authors “voice” I would wait until the next one comes out and read them back to back.
September 22, 2025
Wow amazing!!
This is the best book!!! I love all the timeless fairy tales! And have been waiting for this book what seems like forever and it's amazing! I really loved every word of this book and will count down till the next one!!! Fantastic read! I will re-read again and again starting in five minutes after a good cry cuz it's over!!
This is the best book!!! I love all the timeless fairy tales! And have been waiting for this book what seems like forever and it's amazing! I really loved every word of this book and will count down till the next one!!! Fantastic read! I will re-read again and again starting in five minutes after a good cry cuz it's over!!
March 22, 2019
I love KM Shea, and was so excited when she said she was writing this series, especially when she said this series would be similar to the Snow Queen, which I loved! However, I thought this book felt flat. There wasn’t depth to the characters, the entire book felt rushed, and was a bit boring. I’m hoping the second one is better!
March 31, 2019
3.5
Angelique remained consistently stubborn (for over a decade), I'll give her that. Hoping she develops in the next book.
Angelique remained consistently stubborn (for over a decade), I'll give her that. Hoping she develops in the next book.
February 1, 2021
Review also on my bookstagram: emm_enchanted
My Rating: 3.5/5
Not a bad book, but it failed to match my expectations.
Angelique is a war mage whose magic is feared by most in the academy who want to see it sealed. Rescue comes in the form of Enchanter Evariste who offers her apprenticeship. Angel is grateful, but also determined to never use her core magic for fear that it will do more harm than good. But dark and evil things are lurking in the shadows which will change her life.
I've previously read a series by the author and loved it, so naturally I started this one with very high expectations. Sadly, I was dissatisfied. The book was not high on plot, neither was the world building very elaborate, but that wasn't my reason for feeling disappointed. It was Angelique! In the beginning when I read about her being reprimanded for her magic, I was sympathetic to her plight. I was hoping that once the book progressed, her character would develop with the help of Evariste but throughout the book, she indulged in self pity and her thoughts of being a monster and wanting to suppress her abilities were constant. After a point it got repetitive and exhausting. There are lot of time jumps which covers a span of 14 years and even though she grows in her learning, her personality is the same.
Evariste was amazing and I really loved his mischievousness and the ability to be kind. Various fairytale characters made an appearance and I liked how well they were blended in the whole story. Puss was quite sassy and his conversations with Angelique were entertaining. The magic system was intriguing and I enjoyed reading most of parts of the book.
I find slow burn romance to be the best, but incase of this book it was terribly slow to the point that Angelique remained oblivious about Evariste's feelings till the end. I appreciate that she was not a swooning maiden, but I had at least hoped for a kiss.
The end was the best part of the whole book because it had some good amount of action. It also had a cliffhanger which made me debate whether to read the next book or not. Finally, I've decided to keep it on hold. I'm curious to know what happens next, but I'm not sure how much more of Angel's negativity I can take. Besides, three more books in the series are yet to be released which gives me ample time to make a final decision.
I think the book would have been amazing if Angelique had experienced some character development.
My Rating: 3.5/5
Not a bad book, but it failed to match my expectations.
Angelique is a war mage whose magic is feared by most in the academy who want to see it sealed. Rescue comes in the form of Enchanter Evariste who offers her apprenticeship. Angel is grateful, but also determined to never use her core magic for fear that it will do more harm than good. But dark and evil things are lurking in the shadows which will change her life.
I've previously read a series by the author and loved it, so naturally I started this one with very high expectations. Sadly, I was dissatisfied. The book was not high on plot, neither was the world building very elaborate, but that wasn't my reason for feeling disappointed. It was Angelique! In the beginning when I read about her being reprimanded for her magic, I was sympathetic to her plight. I was hoping that once the book progressed, her character would develop with the help of Evariste but throughout the book, she indulged in self pity and her thoughts of being a monster and wanting to suppress her abilities were constant. After a point it got repetitive and exhausting. There are lot of time jumps which covers a span of 14 years and even though she grows in her learning, her personality is the same.
Evariste was amazing and I really loved his mischievousness and the ability to be kind. Various fairytale characters made an appearance and I liked how well they were blended in the whole story. Puss was quite sassy and his conversations with Angelique were entertaining. The magic system was intriguing and I enjoyed reading most of parts of the book.
I find slow burn romance to be the best, but incase of this book it was terribly slow to the point that Angelique remained oblivious about Evariste's feelings till the end. I appreciate that she was not a swooning maiden, but I had at least hoped for a kiss.
The end was the best part of the whole book because it had some good amount of action. It also had a cliffhanger which made me debate whether to read the next book or not. Finally, I've decided to keep it on hold. I'm curious to know what happens next, but I'm not sure how much more of Angel's negativity I can take. Besides, three more books in the series are yet to be released which gives me ample time to make a final decision.
I think the book would have been amazing if Angelique had experienced some character development.
March 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, although there were a few spelling and grammar errors in it. I think the thing I had the most difficult time with was the jumping around. In one chapter the author breaks it up to have Angelique being an apprentice for a few years, to 8, to 12, to 14. However even after 14 years of being an apprentice Angel still believes people she spent only 4 years with more then her teacher, and she is still faking and hiding things from him. She doesn’t know him or understand him, but she spends every day with him and lives with him for 14 years, it just makes no sense. Also after 14 years she is still working on things she was working on at only a couple years in to her apprenticeship, but it’s talked about several times that she is powerful and a quick learner. I don’t understand why the author didn’t fish the training Angel was working on in one chapter, and then start her out at 14 years later in the next chapter.
I feel so bad for Angelique and the trauma and abuse she went through that has made her hate a part of her so much. Although I also find her to be selfish at times in her anger at herself. She respects and likes Enchanter Evariste her teacher, yet she doesn’t believe him and thinks he doesn’t know what he is talking about when he talks about her magic, which I find confusing. How can she hold him in such high regard, and yet also think so little about his opinion?
Enchanter Evariste sees Angels be potential and is angry with the magic school for making her hate her powers so much. He is kind, giving, and loving. He knows Angel is being fake with him, but even though he is wise, he is completely stupid when it comes to Angel. Why wouldn’t he just sit down and have a straight forward conversation with her and explain to her about her schooling before him, why he wanted to take her on as an apprentice, and how her powers can be good. Instead he just tries to tell her over and over again she’s good, give her praise, give her affection, and give her gifts, which she doesn’t love or truly appreciate.
Aside from the stupidity of the characters at times, I actual enjoyed the book. I liked that the author brought in a few other fairytales. I love the intense scenes and moments. I also love the kind, loving, and loyal aspects of Angel and Evariste. Honestly Evariste is my favorite! He is the swoon worthy, witty, and best character!
I feel so bad for Angelique and the trauma and abuse she went through that has made her hate a part of her so much. Although I also find her to be selfish at times in her anger at herself. She respects and likes Enchanter Evariste her teacher, yet she doesn’t believe him and thinks he doesn’t know what he is talking about when he talks about her magic, which I find confusing. How can she hold him in such high regard, and yet also think so little about his opinion?
Enchanter Evariste sees Angels be potential and is angry with the magic school for making her hate her powers so much. He is kind, giving, and loving. He knows Angel is being fake with him, but even though he is wise, he is completely stupid when it comes to Angel. Why wouldn’t he just sit down and have a straight forward conversation with her and explain to her about her schooling before him, why he wanted to take her on as an apprentice, and how her powers can be good. Instead he just tries to tell her over and over again she’s good, give her praise, give her affection, and give her gifts, which she doesn’t love or truly appreciate.
Aside from the stupidity of the characters at times, I actual enjoyed the book. I liked that the author brought in a few other fairytales. I love the intense scenes and moments. I also love the kind, loving, and loyal aspects of Angel and Evariste. Honestly Evariste is my favorite! He is the swoon worthy, witty, and best character!
May 16, 2019
This book is a companion series to the Fairy Tale series by this author. I am not sure it would stand as well on it's own as you'd lose so much by not having read the other series. I do think you could still pick this series up by itself though and you'd be able to follow the basic story just fine without having read the other series but it works best in tandem.
This is the story about Angelique, the enchantress in training who is the consistent character who pops up through the Fairy Tale series. This book is about her 12 years just before that other series starts. This book covers her time under the apprenticeship of Evariste. It seems this series will overlap with the other series after this book and give the story from a new point of view that will show important parts of the story that couldn't be shown in the other series.
Angelique is a character who has been emotionally and magically stunted due to the way she and her magic were treated during her school years. As such, she has a long way to go and this is just the beginning of her Arc. She hates her brand of core magic and the way she thinks it is only good for death and destruction. As such, she represses it and also tries to force herself into what she thinks is a perfect lady of peace so as not to bring down any more dark looks and feelings. She jumps at the chance to learn how to shape and change her magic into works to do good while at the same time repressing her hated magic in its pure element.
Angelique spends the entire book with this internal battle. It's not the end of the story but the beginning. I am looking forward to her story and her struggles. I look forward to her in the future learning to embrace her magic and who she truly is and reach self-acceptance. I also look forward to her rise to her full powers.
This is the story about Angelique, the enchantress in training who is the consistent character who pops up through the Fairy Tale series. This book is about her 12 years just before that other series starts. This book covers her time under the apprenticeship of Evariste. It seems this series will overlap with the other series after this book and give the story from a new point of view that will show important parts of the story that couldn't be shown in the other series.
Angelique is a character who has been emotionally and magically stunted due to the way she and her magic were treated during her school years. As such, she has a long way to go and this is just the beginning of her Arc. She hates her brand of core magic and the way she thinks it is only good for death and destruction. As such, she represses it and also tries to force herself into what she thinks is a perfect lady of peace so as not to bring down any more dark looks and feelings. She jumps at the chance to learn how to shape and change her magic into works to do good while at the same time repressing her hated magic in its pure element.
Angelique spends the entire book with this internal battle. It's not the end of the story but the beginning. I am looking forward to her story and her struggles. I look forward to her in the future learning to embrace her magic and who she truly is and reach self-acceptance. I also look forward to her rise to her full powers.
August 21, 2019
Angelique has war magic, a type of magic feared and envied.
Evariste is Lord Enchanter and, thanks to him swooping in to save her from having her “dangerous” magic sealed, Angelique’s new Instructor/guardian.
Angelique’s relationship with her own magic is fascinatingly layered, most especially when you learn of how her magic came to be.
Evariste is a charming, intelligent and intriguing Lord Enchanter. (Is it okay to say I’m totally in love with him?)
I loved the world of The Fairy Tale Enchantress, I loved the secondary characters and fairy tale tie-ins. I absolutely adored the main characters... (seriously they BETTER)
I can see how some could pick this apart; complaining of Angelique's characteristics, the time jumps and the seemingly lack of character development but K.M. Shea explains this away with how these characters age and develop differently when compared to others.
I came to this series without having read any other works from K.M. Shea and I’m not sure if that’s for better or worse but, I adored this story. Absolutely loved it!
I’m a sucker, I’m learning, for stories like this! With the time period, the clothing, the intelligent/brooding/mysterious male lead…the cautious, unassuming female lead and a will they, won’t they /slow-burn romance. Throw elves, magic and talking cats in the mix and I’m just about dead.
It made me think of Howl’s Moving Castle and A Winter’s Promise and with that… what more could you want?
The ending was perfectly suspenseful and I’m grateful that book 2 is available for me to start right away…
Evariste is Lord Enchanter and, thanks to him swooping in to save her from having her “dangerous” magic sealed, Angelique’s new Instructor/guardian.
Angelique’s relationship with her own magic is fascinatingly layered, most especially when you learn of how her magic came to be.
Evariste is a charming, intelligent and intriguing Lord Enchanter. (Is it okay to say I’m totally in love with him?)
I loved the world of The Fairy Tale Enchantress, I loved the secondary characters and fairy tale tie-ins. I absolutely adored the main characters... (seriously they BETTER)
I can see how some could pick this apart; complaining of Angelique's characteristics, the time jumps and the seemingly lack of character development but K.M. Shea explains this away with how these characters age and develop differently when compared to others.
I came to this series without having read any other works from K.M. Shea and I’m not sure if that’s for better or worse but, I adored this story. Absolutely loved it!
I’m a sucker, I’m learning, for stories like this! With the time period, the clothing, the intelligent/brooding/mysterious male lead…the cautious, unassuming female lead and a will they, won’t they /slow-burn romance. Throw elves, magic and talking cats in the mix and I’m just about dead.
It made me think of Howl’s Moving Castle and A Winter’s Promise and with that… what more could you want?
The ending was perfectly suspenseful and I’m grateful that book 2 is available for me to start right away…
September 15, 2020
Note: This was read via Kindle.
I loved this book!
The beginning was a bit shaky probably because its a YA and it felt a bit childish to me. Also, I started realizing this book was spinning old fairy tales, legends, and biblical stories and at first I was put off because of it. (This book was brought to me at complete random and I had no idea it was a YA or part of a series.)
However, I learned from some research that this series is part of multiple series. If you like Once Upon a Time TV series then you will love this authors series! The spinning of old fairy tales, etc. is in the background of this story and not the forefront.
The main characters of this story is where I fell in love! They are complex and some are quite funny! Roland is my favorite! The characters change as the story goes on which I love!
The timing in this story is done perfect and would not change a thing! I just want to immerse myself in this series! Love, Love, Love!
I loved this book!
The beginning was a bit shaky probably because its a YA and it felt a bit childish to me. Also, I started realizing this book was spinning old fairy tales, legends, and biblical stories and at first I was put off because of it. (This book was brought to me at complete random and I had no idea it was a YA or part of a series.)
However, I learned from some research that this series is part of multiple series. If you like Once Upon a Time TV series then you will love this authors series! The spinning of old fairy tales, etc. is in the background of this story and not the forefront.
The main characters of this story is where I fell in love! They are complex and some are quite funny! Roland is my favorite! The characters change as the story goes on which I love!
The timing in this story is done perfect and would not change a thing! I just want to immerse myself in this series! Love, Love, Love!
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