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An ancient evil is murdering the Mages. And she might be the next to die…

In the magical boroughs of New York City—filled with supernatural races like the Vamps, shifters, Fae, and witches—evil lurks, waiting for its chance to kill again.

Things are bad for Aspen Rivest, the newest—unwanted—Mage of New York. The Council of Mages is in shambles, Lucien’s confession has left her wondering if she can trust anyone, and Isak, the boy she cares about, is nowhere to be found. 

Now she’s running out of time. Maladias’ servants, the Kings, have made it to Earth, tasked with a single purpose: Kill all the Mages and make way for their master’s return. 

With Isak gone, it’ll take all of Aspen’s newfound power, cunning, and bravery to bring him back and find the Kings…before they find her.


The stakes are raised even higher in Mage’s Trial, the second book in this action-packed young adult urban fantasy trilogy. Full of magic, mystery, breathtaking twists, and romance, these are urban fantasies you won’t want to put down!

Book One: Mage’s Apprentice

Book Two: Mage’s Trial

Book Three: Mage’s End

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2019

61 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Sean Fletcher

36 books385 followers
Sean Fletcher was born in the broiling, arid state some people lovingly refer to as Texas. He is the Amazon bestselling author of YA fantasy, in addition to other forthcoming books whose characters will not give him a moment's peace until they get their turn in the spotlight. When not making things up and putting them on paper, he can be found hiking, biking, or traveling, sometimes all at the same time.

Get two free YA fantasy books from Sean's Heir of Dragons and Mage's Apprentice series when you sign up for his author newsletter ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/seanfle...

Visit Sean's website ➜ https://seanfletcherauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews17 followers
May 15, 2019
Aspen has finally been made a Mage on the Council of Mages of New York City, but Isak has disappeared. Aspen has been sent to find him, but is dragging her feet, since she feels so responsible for the death of Isak’s evil master, Mage Xavier. Isak was her friend and protector as a human child in a city of magical beings, but now she has broken her promise to him and he has deserted her. Lucien has also told her about his part in her parent’s death and he can no longer trust him, nor be around him.

The work that Xavier did, has placed the whole world in danger. He has opened a weakness in the protections around their city and many others. The three Kings are coming and if they succeed, then Maladias will come to Earth and take over all the world, magical and human. Aspen is a Null, not something she grew up knowing, coming from human parents, but they were apparently working in secret with Xavier and conducting experiments of their own. To other magical beings, she is being called the False Mage, but has to let this pass as her days are being filled with dealing with petty border disputes amongst different magical sects.

Mage’s in New York City are being murdered, so it seems the Kings are already here. The fight against takes Aspen to Scotland and Edinburgh’s Magical Academy, a seer and eventually back to Isak and a sense of forgiveness. They have to work together with each other, Lucien and the other Mage’s still living, to counter and fight the Kings. No-one can figure out how the Kings are getting through all the magical protections around the city and academy. The Kings have been sent to find a suitable ‘body’ for Maladias to take control of. Are they targeting Aspen and Isak, or is there another body out there?

A great exploration of the Mage Council and its many failures to the normal magical beings, facing revolt if matters do not change. Many want the death of all Mage’s, but I doubt they would want the rule of Maladias to be the other choice! I loved the story taking us over to Scotland, the Highlands and even Edinburgh and the Court of Arcane Arts and the Magical Academy. All of the students and masters in the Academy, that wouldn’t even have allowed Aspen over their doorways, having no actual magic. But, now she can absorb others magic and has learnt how to then use it for her own protection and also for offensive action.

They are both given the chance to find the answer to something from their past, something that may help them to forgive others close to them and work better together to defeat the evil facing them. We get to see some of the other characters, taking a bigger part in the story and learning more about each of this part characters. They have a large part to play in some of the battles to come. A great story and fantastic follow-on from the first book, Mage’s Apprentice. The battle scenes near the end of the book are epic in proportion and bring all the magic to life!

I couldn’t have had a better follow-on read to continue the storyline. Having fought Xavier in the first book and having to take place in a trial to become an actual Mage, both Aspen and Isak have grown in so many ways. They are continuing to grow into their roles as Mage’s and having to face problems head on. A fascinating read and I can’t wait to see what will come next in this storyline. What will happen when Maladias finally arrives and what will happen to our favourite characters, is all yet to see. I would recommend this to all with a love of magic. Magical beings and a fantastic read. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
694 reviews41 followers
October 24, 2019
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.

Continuing from the first book, our story takes place not only in New York, but also in Edinburgh. Before I start, I’ll say that the locations and details have been very well researched; the author has used real locations to create a setting you can clearly envision while reading. Oh, and we get chapters from both Isak and Aspen’s perspective!

Now that Aspen’s considered a Mage, she knows it’s not all fun and games. It doesn’t help that Isak has left her without a word, Lucien betrayed her, and the other mages and magical beings clearly do not want to acknowledge her as a true Mage. The council itself isn’t entirely happy, as the evil Maladias has sent his servants, the Kings, to kill the Mages and make way for him to take over. Aspen isn’t going to go down with a fight, but she will need some help…from someone she never wanted to see again. And how does Isak fare wherever he’s gone?

Just as exciting and action packed as the first, with a great cast of characters and amazing settings, and action scenes, this book continues from where the first left off and continues Aspen’s adventure being a Mage of New York. The story is engaging in a way that makes you not want to put down the book, and makes you want more when you reach the end. I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy to see how it all wraps up, but I’m also sad because once that finishes, the series is done and there won’t be any more adventures for Aspen, Isak, Lucien, and the rest of the group.

Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
May 24, 2019
An ancient evil is murdering the Mages. And she might be the next to die…
In the magical boroughs of New York City—filled with supernatural races like the Vamps, shifters, Fae, and witches—evil lurks, waiting for its chance to kill again.
Things are bad for Aspen Rivest, the newest—unwanted—Mage of New York. The Council of Mages is in shambles, Lucien’s confession has left her wondering if she can trust anyone, and Isak, the boy she cares about, is nowhere to be found.
Now she’s running out of time. Maladias’ servants, the Kings, have made it to Earth, tasked with a single purpose: Kill all the Mages and make way for their master’s return.
With Isak gone, it’ll take all of Aspen’s newfound power, cunning, and bravery to bring him back and find the Kings…before they find her.

This 2nd book takes off right where book 1 left off.
We have Aspen struggling on her own and still reeling in emotion of being left and betrayed; generally angry at the world as well due to all the danger and all that is happening.
We have several twists and turns again keeping you on the edge of your seat.
I just love the characters as they are so realistic and relatable to.
Loving the storyline and the plot as it is so well written and has me hooked to it.
I can't wait to see what is coming next!
Recommend Reading.

I received an ARC from the talented author and this is my own honest voluntary review.

Profile Image for Lana.
2,767 reviews59 followers
May 12, 2019
This 2nd book takes off right where book 1 left off, and we see Aspen struggling on her own, angry at Isak for deserting her, at Lucien for betraying her, and at the world in general for the danger which is lurking everywhere. New York is under threat, Maladias has sent his three kings to forge the way open for him by killing every mage they can lay hands on, and they are shapeshifters so the dangers they pose to the council of mages, the academy and the court of the arcane arts over in Scotland are enormous. Mages are being picked and killed off and there is no trace of the Kings presence. Aspen knows she has to find Isak and bring him back somehow and that she was the King's next target. Isak was angry at Aspen for killing his mentor, the only person who ever cared for him in his life, Xavier but Xavier was the one who had killed Aspen's parents right in front of her very eyes, so it seemed as though they were at an impasse unless they could see each other's point of view! This young adult urban fantasy novel is full of action, magic and other worldly creatures, suspense and thrills all the way, and a lot of love amidst all the angst and insecurities which everyone was facing. I am so in love with this series and I am really looking forward to book 3 to see the end of Maladias I hope!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,861 reviews68 followers
May 8, 2019
Mage's Trial - a review by Rosemary Kenny

MC Aspen Rivest is not a truly magical being - she's a 'GM' human, known in the world of Magic as a Null, meaning she can absorb magic whether or not it's being used against her! She is being mentored by a senior Mage, Lucien and has now become a Mage herself, though some who know her human antecedents mock her as a 'False Mage'.
All Mages and other inhabitants of the magic 'boroughs' know that trouble is coming in the form of an evil High Fae, who has sent three powerful beings/Kings' to find him a body he can use to enter their World - and destroy it!
Although Aspen has magical friends and allies in Nina, Tana, Loki and Eve, she has lost her best friend and fellow-Mage, Isak. The two fell out and he left, after finding out Aspen had killed his own mentor Mage Xavier, after believing he'd killed her (human) parents.
As the world of Mages is on the verge of being destroyed, can the beleaguered youngsters and their allies stand against Maladias' evil plot? Read Mage's Trial to find out? It's another masterpiece by Maestro of the Mysterious and Magical, Sean Fletcher - and one you really should NOT miss!
Profile Image for Priscila.
852 reviews86 followers
June 17, 2019
Mage's Trial by Sean Fletcher continues the story of Aspen Rivers, now as one of NY's newest Mages. As a fitting sequel to the series, it takes the reader on the quest of finding out more about Aspen's past (especially regarding her parents), search for the missing Isak, and traveling to the other side of the ocean in hopes of finding answers on how to defeat the Kings. I loved the descriptions of both Edinburgh and the Academy of Magic. As for the battle scenes, they'll certainly take your breath away (though they aren't for the faint of heart since both are preceded by blood baths).

I certainly found Aspen's growth admirable throughout the book. I also especially enjoyed getting a few chapters from Isak's POV, and I think his and Aspen's reunion was very sweet and very fitting for the series and Aspen's character (though don't expect it to happen during the first half of the book).

All in all, a great sequel that leaves you wanting the final installment of the series as soon as you finish it.

PS: where do I get a Loki?
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
May 14, 2019
THRILLING!!!
Oh Man! Talk about it getting deep. A deluge of surprising events and unexpected activities propel all of your emotions forward in this fascinating storyline and intriguing plot. All the drama, uncertainty, danger and suspense make for one incredible experience. Twists and turns abound along with a few bumps and bruises make for one exceptional experience. The characters are authentic, approachable and so realistic with such depth and individuality you get drawn in so deep until everything else fades. You can picture each scenario as they play out with such colorful descriptions it really catapults this gripping storyline and thrilling plot to a whole new level. Remarkable job Sean, thanks for sharing this amazing little jewel with us.
Profile Image for Lits.
240 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author.

This novel was quite fascinating. It pulled me into its world with ease.
I am loving the development, how the author is sprinkling some secrets and revelations slowly throughout the series.

I love the relationship between Aspen and her love interest. It is definitely not insta-love and there is a lot of work put into the relationship. This is also true for her non-romantic relationships which makes her all the more relatable.

Fair warning: This book is filled with death. It is not a typical YA fantasy where everything fixes itself by mere coincidence. Aspen has to work hard for her successes.

I am looking forward to continue this book series when the next book comes out.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
August 2, 2019
Aspen Rivest is back, in Sean Fletcher‘s Mage's Trial (Mages of New York Book 2). No longer a simple thief, she is a Mage of growing powers, but the Council of Mages is in shambles and the servants of Maladias (yes, this is a truly nasty evil sucker) are out to kill all Mages left alive. Things are never easy for Aspen - but they sure are fun for we readers to read. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lcr.
900 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2019
Mage's Trial is the second Mage's of New York book and I definitely recommend that these books are read in order. Aspen and Isak are separated by distance, mistrust and a past that they do not yet fully understand. With the Mage's councils in both Scotland and New York under threat these differences need to be put aside if the Kings are to be defeated and Maladias stopped. A host of great characters and a non-stop storyline with keep you reading whilst a cliffhanger ending will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book. Magic, supernatural beings, danger, mystery and a touch of romance .. this book has it all and I thoroughly recommend it.
Profile Image for T.L. McDonald.
Author 10 books102 followers
July 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first.

In book 2, everything is falling apart. The mages are being threatened and attacked by the three kings heralding an ancient evil, while most are in denial about it, leaving them and their charges vulnerable. Both Aspen and Isak are haunted by their past as each discovers secrets about their parents/guardians, leaving them to question everything they thought they knew. Dissension is growing in the boroughs, adding even more tension to their plight. This book had plenty of action, twists, and revelations to keep me flipping through the pages, and after that ending, I can’t wait to start book three.
Profile Image for Regina.
1,094 reviews
May 10, 2019
“Glad you’re not dead.”
“Likewise.”

Don't let this exchange fool you - in this fast-paced sequel to Mage's Apprentice, everyone's lives are at stake, and Sean Fletcher won't let you forget it.

The ongoing fight against evil takes Aspen and her friends from New York to Scotland, where they aim to join forces with the Court of the Arcane Arts - though not even the most powerful Mages seem to stand a chance against this otherworldly foe.

I am definitely looking forward to the boss battle in book #3!
682 reviews10 followers
May 9, 2019
This is the 2nd book in this series. This is a fast paced read. That has you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. There are lots of twists and turns as well that I didn't see coming. This is definitely a must read. The Author has really brought out the Characters as well as the scenes. I was able to visualize them in my minds eye. Fantastic read thats epic. That is a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
May 15, 2019
Mage's Trial is Book 2 in the Mages of New York series. I was not disappointed with this book as it takes off smoothly from Mage's Apprentice, book 1. Again we have an action packed, fast paced page turner from page one to the last page. Sean's gift with words keeps you glued to your seat for this fabulous book. He brings the scenes and characters to life. Looking forward to what Sean has in store for us in Book 3. A must read series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
February 4, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)

Xavier's death has caused problems between the two Mage candidates, but the revelation of her parents' death details has also sliced a clever through the friendship of Lucien and Aspen.
Aspen now feels alone.
However, the three Kings are believed to have been unleashed, so the Mages must stop them.
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,767 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2019
OMG, I could not put this book down. So much going on, suspense, action, heart stopping. Can Aspen find Isak? Can She ever forgive Lucien? Can she stop the kings? Who all will die? Who will be saved? Anyone? Can Aspen and Isak ever forgive others who have hurt them? Can they forgive each other? I received a free copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Christy .
498 reviews
May 26, 2019
Another great adventure with the mages of New York. Action packed to the hilt. The slow burn romance just adds to the story. The characters continue to shape and grow. I love the part that takes place in Scotland which is rich in tales and folklore. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!!!
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
920 reviews127 followers
August 6, 2019
Not what they were hoping for

So much is going on for these characters. There has been some healing and lots of danger. And the biggest danger has yet to be revealed to the world. I am looking forward to seeing how our characters win
Profile Image for Jamie Rice.
942 reviews
June 25, 2025
Mages Trial By Sean Fletcher. This continued from the first and there was no room for niceties. It was straight into the action and the mystery continued. I liked how there was a sort of side quest for Isaac and how we got to witness him dealing with his issues
178 reviews20 followers
August 24, 2020
I read one of Sean's other books and then jumped to this series for the back story and have loved the story and the characters and can't wait to read the next book
Profile Image for Doit.
71 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2019
Plenty of other reviews do a great job summarizing this story. Personally, I enjoyed finding out that something Aspen believed in book 1 was proven wrong which will allow her to trust again. She also handles being a mage with maturity and responsibility. Looking forward to seeing how Maladias is defeated by Aspen and her fellow mages in book 3!

Note: I received this book for free from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leah Dynes.
1,033 reviews11 followers
May 21, 2019
I loved this addition to the series! Aspen and the other mages are trying to keep the peace, while Isak is traveling and trying to make sense of what happened with his mentor. Neither are prepared for what is coming for them, and neither are the others. Aspen is still upset at Lucian for lying to her, and Isak is still upset at Aspen for killing Xavier. But everyone must learn to work together, because their worst enemy is yet to come.
Profile Image for Debbie Mcnally.
980 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2019
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. This book is awesome packed with action and suspense.
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