Running a revolution is easy when you have a little bit of illegal magic on your side.
The only way you can receive magic is by running the masochistic Gauntlet that the royal family started seventy years ago as a way to control power. One bite from a Vily and you are filled with what many call ‘the power of the gods’ and sent to Imdalind Academy for training.
No bite, no magic, no Academy, and no place in society besides with the Drains that live in the old tunnels that dot what once was Europe.
Unless you are me, who after one bite from a loose Vily is left with a diseased fragment of magic like the Chosen magic carriers of my world. I may not be as strong as the bastards that lord over us, but that isn’t going to stop me from raising more than a little hell.
This year I am running the Gauntlet, and enrolling myself in their damn academy. There is no better way to take down the evil overlords of our world than from the inside.
Those royal bastards won’t know what hit them.
Now, if I can just get the king's son Rowan out of my way…
Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then on stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.
The gauntlet has been the ticket to magic for years.
Socialite Sia is sure she's golden. She's been training for the gauntlet, and she has her sights firmly set on an eternal--she's delayed running the gauntlet so she could attend the academy at the same time as him.
Undermortal (or Drain) Gemma is out to destroy those who have oppressed her and her people for ages, literally keeping the "nonmagical" in the gutters. But she has something no one could expect. Magic. Illegal, uncentered magic. And she's more than happy to use it to destroy that stupid gauntlet they just opened up to everyone.
Eternal Rowan is fighting--fighting attending the school, fighting the magic burning inside, fighting his visions of a girl with pink hair. Too bad he keeps dreaming of her anyway, and too bad he doesn't see what's coming until it's too late.
The book was incredible, but I couldn't help but feeling that just as it was really getting good, it ended. Ahhhh! It took a few days to get over that.
I also felt a bit out of the loop at times, as this is part of a well-established world. It's a new series, but it's a spin-off from the other Imdalind stories. Which is fine, but it took a while to figure out what the heck vily and skriteks and the sort were. Not hugely distracting, but it certainly left me with a few questions I may or may not have gone digging to answer. :)
Still, fantastic characters, fantastic world, and a setup that promises things are only going to get better from here!
This is awesome! I absolutely love all the academy reads out there and this one is right up there with the awesome ones! Well written this is a fun and magical read featuring a kick ass heroine, a prince, soulmates and a revolution and with a description like that how could you not want to read this awesome urban fantasy and all I have to say to the author is where is book 2?.?
This is a spin-off series featuring the kids of the characters from the Imdalind series. It’s not absolutely necessary to read the previous series, but it might be nice to for the full story. Lots of cool ideas; the different magical elements are fun. The Gauntlet is entertaining; it’s like a set of trials the kids need to take in hopes of joining Imdalind Academy. The academy has only let in the richie rich elite people in before, but is now offering to allow others to join The Gauntlet. At the academy, people can have their magic “unlocked”, and learn to use that magic. There’s a few POV’s in this book; mostly Gemma and Rowan, and some from an annoying character called Sia. Gemma is part of a group that was forced to live under the city because of the elite’s prejudice, she’s a rebel and fights back against those idiot elites, she has untrained magical abilities that drain her if she uses them. Loved that she stands up for herself! She’s looking forward to The Gauntlet because she hope to learn about her magic, and to maybe have a bit of revenge. Rowan is a prince; his parents are the ones that decided to allow the lower class entered The Gauntlet, but Rowan is still upset by how things are run. His parents ask a horrible tasks of him, which I’m disappointed he agreed to. I do appreciate that he wants to accept people outside of his social circle. Also, he’s been having some interesting “dreams” about Gemma. Sia is your typical mean rich girl that I could care less about. I’d be perfectly happy to not have her POV. She’s there to cause problems. This story is a set-up story; things don’t progress too far in the grand scheme of things, but we do get The Gauntlet. Overall, I’m excited to see where this series goes. I’m hoping Gemma kicks butt, Rowan stands up for what’s right very quickly into the next book, and Sia takes a long walk off a short pier.
I am loving this story so far. Different characters..... different problems..... but still the same world I fell in love with during the original Imdalind series. While this is obviously set in the future and the character POV are not the ones you are use to seeing you get to see old characters you learned to love and see how thier lives ended up as well as bringing new characters you will love (and hate).
It's an interesting concept that Ilyan and Jos created with the gauntlet but as we quickly learned it is flawed. I'm surprised they they havent heard of some of these problems and the Undermortals are living the way they are with no Eternals knowing about it at all. I feel like they would have been better about keeping up with their people.
I am loving Gemma she is a nice little rebel spitfire. Rowan is refreshing and so much like reading about a fantastic mix of Ilyan and Jos.... he has the drak abilities but is diplomatic like his father. Sia and Adrian I'm not total fans of but wanna see how they will contribute to the story later on. I cant wait to see what happens next
Just like every other book by Rebecca, I was hooked! The Gauntlet brings us Rowan, the son of Ilyan and Joclyn (two people I have loved from the very beginning) who has a role to follow but doesn't want anything to do with it. we are introduced to the Imalind Academy, where those that make it through the Gauntlet will attend....the only difference this time around is Rowan is finally attending the academy himself. As this was great introduction to a new spinoff to an already awesome series, I look forward to seeing what happens next and where Rowan will take us!
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't already checked out the Imalind series, you need to starting with "Kiss of Fire".
I think that is a great start for this academy series. This series is an extension from the other Imdalind books, which I have not read. I should have read them first but it doesn’t effect the reading for this book. I just feel like I’d know some of the eternals better if I had read the other Imdalind books first. With that said, I loved being able to read from three different characters point of views in this book. It gives you a chance to know the characters better. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing how things go once the academy actually starts. I’m hoping for a lot of drama and maybe a love triangle.
A really good read, a story full of intrigue, prejudice and magic. This is my first book by this author and I really like her style, gritty with excellent characters, all of whom seem to have issues to deal with, from the reluctant Prince to the pink haired magic wielding rebel, to the spoilt daughter of a powerful scheming family, nobody is overly likable but they are compelling reading. I am looking forward to reading book 2. A lot more than your standard YA paranormal story. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story grabbed me from the start and held me captive throughout. I had a very hard time putting the book down since I really wanted to know what happened next. It is told from a few different perspectives, but not in a confusing way - it allows you to see the story from different angles so you get the full story. I can't wait to see where the author takes the story next.
When I first heard that Rebecca Ethington was continuing the Imdalind series, I freaked. Like I legit was incoherent, trying to tell my friends all about it. Imdalind is one of my all-time favorite series. I love Joclyn and Ryland and Ilyan and Wyn and Thom and all of them! The characters and their world feel so real to me, like when someone says they are just fictional I get a little stabby 😂 But I digress, you aren’t here for my fangirling, you are here to learn more about this incredible new book.
The Gauntlet by Rebecca Ethington is the first in a new spin-off series called Imdalind Academy which features Ilyan and Joclyn’s son Rowan. I’ll admit I was hesitant when I started reading, no matter how excited I was for it. Joclyn and Ilyan are my #relationshipgoals couple. How would they look as parents? Well, needless to say my hesitation was unwarranted. They are the same characters they were in Imdalind, just a little wiser 😉 No the surprise came in how much I love Rowan and Gemma. They are not at all what I expected, but exactly what this series needs. Set over 200 years after the events of the original series, it is interesting to see the aftermath and its far reaching effects on humanity.
Rowan is the third son of Joclyn and Ilyan. At 19, he is starting Imdalind Academy much to his dismay. Imdalind Academy is his parents’ attempt to teach those with magic to use it properly and avoid bloodshed. Rowan reminds me a lot of Joclyn when her magic was beginning to awaken. He’s bitter and in denial, trying to hide his powers from his family and failing miserably. When a girl he keeps seeing in his visions shows up at the Gauntlet (more on that in a minute), he can’t hide anymore. Too many lives are at stake.
Gemma is an undermortal with illegal magic on her side. What is an undermortal? It is humans who have gone underground in the aftermath of the war and magic being revealed. They live in old subway tunnels and sewers, scrounging for their food and just trying to survive day to day. Gemma however is a turning point for them. Bitten by an infected Vily that was missed during the cleanup after the war, she uses her magic to help her fellow undermortals. She’s a rebel at heart, but in truth she just wants everyone on an even playing field. I like Gemma, she’s spunky and fierce with a hint of danger thrown in. She doesn’t care who she has to hurt, so long as her people no longer have to live underground in fear for their lives. Her plans involve entering the Gauntlet only to get close to the Eternals and maybe take them down from the inside, but she underestimates the power the Eternals hold.
The Gauntlet is a game initially designed by Ilyan and Joclyn to control who would get magic. It was a way for them to determine who was worthy and hopefully weed out those that would abuse their new powers. However those that are Chosen are now the bad guys. They are constantly looking for more power. Their children are called Goldens, as they are the ones that are most likely to make it through the Gauntlet. The Drains, a slur used for undermortals, are those that have never had power and are least likely to win….until this year. The 70th anniversary of the Gauntlet is being held and the Eternals have changed the rules. More people will be allowed to win and enter Imdalind Academy after receiving their magic. This is the start of a Civil War between the Drains and Chosen, and a rebellion is rising against the Eternals. Their hope: Rowan. But how does Gemma play into all this? That’s the million dollar question.
Overall I loved The Gauntlet! I read it in almost one sitting (I had to go to sleep, my eyelids didn’t give me a choice). I can’t wait to learn more about the academy, Rowan and Gemma, and the sight that has Rowan running away from his magic. I enjoyed every word of this book! I loved seeing old characters come back and how they interacted with this new generation Ethington has created. I can’t wait for Rogue Royalty! Thankfully it’s only a few weeks away from release. If you enjoy urban fantasy, dystopia, and romance (because I believe that is coming), I highly recommend you grab a copy. While it can be read as a standalone from the Imdalind series, I do think it would enhance your reading pleasure to read that series first 😉
I fell in love with the Imdalind series originally, so when I heard that there was a “follow on” series I was thrilled!
We are reunited with some of the original characters and enough time has gone past that they now have children and the times are anything but dull!
This book is filled with fire and wit that is typical of Rebecca Ethington. Her characters have a real fire and spark that they stick with you for ages. The world building is to die for, the intricacies weave you into a magical world and keep you there till the end.
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I really liked this book but am giving it 4 stars for two reasons. It is a stand-alone sequel to her previous series Imdalind Academy. This series takes place 200 years in the future. With all the referencing of events from the original series and the carry over of characters, some are Eternals, it would have been nice to read the other series first. I did see that series when I got this book from Amazon but didn’t realize it was so important. Secondly, the book is too short. It only took me 3 hours to read it. Part of that was because the storyline was so interesting that I couldn’t put it down. I can’t put too much description into this review or it will spoil it for future readers.
Gemma is an undermortal or as the Chosen prefer to call them, Drains. She was born and raised in the tunnels under the city. She has untrained magic and leads the Undermortals in rebellion. The locations are all in Europe, so they are old subways tunnels. Rowan is the son of the King and Queen. These are the Eternals. The Chosen Ones are the rich government rulers. They believe the undermortals are scum that should be done away with and Sia is one of their children. There are also Tarns and mortals.
Every year, the Chosen Ones between the ages of 17 and 21 can run the Gauntlet for a place in the Imdalind Academy. If one of the chosen few, you will be bitten by a bat like monster to awaken your magic. The purpose of the academy is to train these new magicians. This year, the King has instituted new rules, all residents of age in the kingdom are eligible to try. He sends buses to the underground to bring Undermortals to the race grounds. Of course, Gemma jumps at the chance to run the Gauntlet. While everyone is competing for a chance at admission to the Academy, she is looking to destroy the King and his family. Chaos ensues at the race. But things don’t turn out the way Gemma was planning.
This all sounds confusing, but it really isn’t once you figure out the characters. It was very entertaining but ended way too soon.
I was relunctant to dive into new Imdalind characters since im an OG Imdalimd reader. Theres nohing like Illyan and Joc, but this is nothing short of what i expect feom Ethigton. She always comes through with relatable characters, great action scenes and im lovig seeing he Eternals in here. Rowan is a lovable character, Gemma is cool as heck and the Goldens are well, glittery? The class differences and family dynamics is very realistic and im lookin forward to how they evolve. The cliff hanger was a biiiig shocker. I cant wait to get onto the next in the series!
I loved being sucked back into the world of Imdalind with a fresh set of characters entwined with the ones I fell in love with in the Imdalind series! Now it's the kids' turn to keep the world at peace between the Eternals(those with magic bloodlines) and the Undermortals(those without magic bloodlines) and they are tasked with keeping their parents' wishes which may prove to be harder and more deadlier than they thought. Add in a rebel girl fighting to bring the truth to life,a prince who just wants to be normal, a girl whose parents are fanatics and raised her to be power hunger then throw them all together in an Academy full of magic and you got yourself a real adventure!
This story is told from multiple points of view. And I love it! We get to see into the thoughts and feelings of a few different people: Rowan, third son of King Illyan and Queen Joclyn. Gemma, a Undermortal girl who was bitten by a vily. Sia, an entitled daughter of a family of Chosen. There are others too, but you're going to have to read the book to find out who.
This is story about changes, chances, learning more about not only the world around us and self awareness. I can't wait to see how the characters grow not only in developing their magic, but also into the people they will become.
What can I say, I am afraid, mostly because knowing Rebecca Ethington we will go from one unpleasant surprise to another and nothing will go as we expect it to go, but also because this world is dangerous. Magic everywhere, attacks everywhere and no equality. All of this in post-apocalyptique creative world of Imdalind which I already grew to love. My heart is already beating for Rowan, seeing how he fight with himself, not willing to be what he is meant to and becoming a pawn in much bigger game. I’m already hooked.
This is the first book I've read by this author. She set this world as a sequel to a previous series that takes place 200 years prior. Good mix of magic users, Eternals and mortals. Story moved at a good pace. I loved the rogue Gemma and her attitude. This was a good first book introducing the younger generation of each family. 4 stars because it was a short, quick read with either digital errors or poor editing/proofing.
It starts off slow but ends with a bang. I'd read book two tomorrow if it were already released. I want to read it in one sitting if I can. Unlike this one. I had to piece out because of my job. Imdalind is my favorite series and this is looking to place up there with it.
Soooo... I can’t believe I haven’t read this author before now. I legit just started this book about 4 hours ago and have devoured it like a starving teenager.
I’m now going to burn through my paycheck and buy all of her books, because who needs sleep (or cash) anyway?! #ThatsHowIAdult
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are just amazing and the story just grabs you and doesn't let you go. Whether this is your first experience with this amazing group of people or not, you need to read this book. I can't wait to read the next book
I read all of the Imdalin books so I thought I would give this a try. Gemma was quite full of herself and it grew tiring. Trying to reorganize the characters in my head as parents was strange.