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Schooled in Magic #18
Mirror Image
Years ago, Heart’s Eye, a school built on top of a nexus point, was attacked and captured by a necromancer. The nexus point was snuffed out, the handful of survivors forced to flee and the once-great school turned into a forward base for a necromantic invasion. All seemed lost, until Emily killed the necromancer and retook the school. Now, she intends to lay the building blocks for a university, a place where magical knowledge and mundane technology are brought together for the benefit of all.
But dark secrets lie within the shadowed school. What happened when Heart’s Eye fell? What were the tutors doing when the wards fell and the necromancer invaded the school? And, as power flows back into the school, Emily finds herself caught between power struggles and a threat from the past, a shadow that has walked beside her for the last six years. It might bring about the end of everything.
In a school full of mirrors, who knows what they reflect?
But dark secrets lie within the shadowed school. What happened when Heart’s Eye fell? What were the tutors doing when the wards fell and the necromancer invaded the school? And, as power flows back into the school, Emily finds herself caught between power struggles and a threat from the past, a shadow that has walked beside her for the last six years. It might bring about the end of everything.
In a school full of mirrors, who knows what they reflect?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
370 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 19, 2021
A decent book but I cannot say I was ecstatic about it. Sometimes I wondered if almost 20 books in this series is enough or even too much. To me, this book felt a bit like a (complicated) side show which didn’t really move any form of main story arc or the characters forward.
I would say that the best thing with this book would be that Emily now has her powers back. I really didn’t like it when Emily lost her powers. Also, at that point, there was way too much conspiracy and sociopolitical rubbish creeping in for my taste.
This book is better than the previous one but I cannot bring myself to rate it any higher than just fair. To me the story was just too messy with people disappearing, being replaced, trans-dimensional travel back and forth and so on and so forth. I didn’t like the evil version of Emily much either.
Actually, I never liked this mirror universe idea when it was done in old Star Trek, nor when it was brought up again later in Star Trek and I didn’t really like the concept in this book.
Also, for a good chunk of the book everyone was running around and just reflecting and wondering about the fact that almost every room was covered in mirrors. I mean come on. Using mirrors for magic is so common it is almost overused. But these people was wandering around in oblivion until something bad finally happened and they got the bright idea of doing something about those bloody mirrors. That was rather frustrating.
Well, to cut it short, Emily prevailed again and this time without any long lasting cliffhanger style effects. In the next book she will, according to the book blurb, finally start as Void’s apprentice so I have some hopes that this series will get back on track. Obviously the next book is in the pipeline so we will have to see.
I would say that the best thing with this book would be that Emily now has her powers back. I really didn’t like it when Emily lost her powers. Also, at that point, there was way too much conspiracy and sociopolitical rubbish creeping in for my taste.
This book is better than the previous one but I cannot bring myself to rate it any higher than just fair. To me the story was just too messy with people disappearing, being replaced, trans-dimensional travel back and forth and so on and so forth. I didn’t like the evil version of Emily much either.
Actually, I never liked this mirror universe idea when it was done in old Star Trek, nor when it was brought up again later in Star Trek and I didn’t really like the concept in this book.
Also, for a good chunk of the book everyone was running around and just reflecting and wondering about the fact that almost every room was covered in mirrors. I mean come on. Using mirrors for magic is so common it is almost overused. But these people was wandering around in oblivion until something bad finally happened and they got the bright idea of doing something about those bloody mirrors. That was rather frustrating.
Well, to cut it short, Emily prevailed again and this time without any long lasting cliffhanger style effects. In the next book she will, according to the book blurb, finally start as Void’s apprentice so I have some hopes that this series will get back on track. Obviously the next book is in the pipeline so we will have to see.
December 22, 2019
Finally Emily has her powers back and Frieda and Emily are busy recruiting staff for Emily and Caleb's joint venture to establish a University at Heart’s Eye
She's back and under a Time Crunch! Emily has the summer to get supplies and teaching staff set up at Heart’s Eye and then turn it over to Caleb and Schoolmaster Mistress Irene to manage while Emily begins her apprenticeship with Void.
Emily and Caleb's Vision is that the University will be a new center of learning for both magic and science focused on the combined learning and development of methods and projects encouraging cooperative and concertive efforts of (non-magical) and magicians alike.
The Old Boys League, the former owners of Heart’s Eye, have agreed not to contest Emily's claim to Heart’s Eye in exchange for a presence at the school.
Emily will face an uphill battle with the Old Boys League representatives with her new approach of teaching combined student bodies of magical and non-magical student bodies. Several of Emily's friends or colleagues end up at Heart's Eye to help her open the new University, including old boyfriends Jason and Caleb; and although Emily doesn't have much time for romance, Frieda does!
Before the University can open Emily will find herself stuck deep in the mystery of what happen to the original occupants of Heart's Eye, and what is the purpose of all the mirrors located in every room and hallway of Heart's Eye?
She's back and under a Time Crunch! Emily has the summer to get supplies and teaching staff set up at Heart’s Eye and then turn it over to Caleb and Schoolmaster Mistress Irene to manage while Emily begins her apprenticeship with Void.
Emily and Caleb's Vision is that the University will be a new center of learning for both magic and science focused on the combined learning and development of methods and projects encouraging cooperative and concertive efforts of (non-magical) and magicians alike.
The Old Boys League, the former owners of Heart’s Eye, have agreed not to contest Emily's claim to Heart’s Eye in exchange for a presence at the school.
Emily will face an uphill battle with the Old Boys League representatives with her new approach of teaching combined student bodies of magical and non-magical student bodies. Several of Emily's friends or colleagues end up at Heart's Eye to help her open the new University, including old boyfriends Jason and Caleb; and although Emily doesn't have much time for romance, Frieda does!
Before the University can open Emily will find herself stuck deep in the mystery of what happen to the original occupants of Heart's Eye, and what is the purpose of all the mirrors located in every room and hallway of Heart's Eye?
April 2, 2020
Solid entry!
Hard to believe that we're 18 books into the series here, but series definitely keeps on giving and pulling me forward! Have been excited to see where the next story arc after this book will go since the beginning. Here's to hoping it's great!
Hard to believe that we're 18 books into the series here, but series definitely keeps on giving and pulling me forward! Have been excited to see where the next story arc after this book will go since the beginning. Here's to hoping it's great!
March 21, 2021
It took me ages to get halfway through this when I bought the Kindle version...but finally I purchased the Audible recording and the experience was much better. These books are so extremely well read by Tavia Gilbert. I'm usually very enthused by the books in this series (barring a few aspects, like so very much corporal punishment at school, and an excess of anger and frustration), but though I thought this would be fine, once they got into the University-to-be, it just was not as interesting. I don't think I care to read about mindless hideous monsters, for one thing. I did enjoy the personal interactions among Emily and the ones she counts as friends. When a fairy was introduced into the plot, I thought, ah, at last we will get around to the promise Emily made very early in the series, but no, darn it. I'm anxious to move on to the next in the series and hoping for a five star book. Meanwhile, The Zero Enigma series has vaulted over Schooled in Magic as my favorite from the talented Nuttall. I see a complete re-reading of Schooled in Magic, though, at some point.
November 23, 2019
What a terrific looking-glass/mirror tale!
Emily & Caleb finally have time to found their university at Heart's Eye. As with everything Emily does, this new school will be unique. This is meant to be what would amount to graduate school in our world. That is, the school will not have young adolescents (middle/high school age students) but rather students age twenty and up.
Plus, she intends it to be a joint magician-muggle school. (No, the term muggle per se is not used but she does want a mix of students with and without magical abilities.) Not just a joint school but magicians and non-magicians on an equal footing.
I would not recommend this book to a newcomer. This book is best savored by those who have read the previous seventeen books in this series. This is the kind of book where it really pays off to be a longtime series reader.
That said, I highly recommend this book to all longtime Emily fans and fantasy fans of action-driven character plotting!
Emily & Caleb finally have time to found their university at Heart's Eye. As with everything Emily does, this new school will be unique. This is meant to be what would amount to graduate school in our world. That is, the school will not have young adolescents (middle/high school age students) but rather students age twenty and up.
Plus, she intends it to be a joint magician-muggle school. (No, the term muggle per se is not used but she does want a mix of students with and without magical abilities.) Not just a joint school but magicians and non-magicians on an equal footing.
I would not recommend this book to a newcomer. This book is best savored by those who have read the previous seventeen books in this series. This is the kind of book where it really pays off to be a longtime series reader.
That said, I highly recommend this book to all longtime Emily fans and fantasy fans of action-driven character plotting!
November 5, 2019
I continue to enjoy this series, and I wait with great anticipation the culmination of the story line over the coming installments. I found this particular book to be quite interesting and thought-provoking, and for the most part it was also very satisfying. My one frustration is only that, whereas the challenges and difficulties confronting the characters were well established and developed in some detail, it felt to me (again, as in some of the previous books of this series) that they were finally resolved too quickly and easily when it came down to it. Consequently, the resolution and conclusion of the book were not as compelling or convincing as they could have been. The big confrontation at the climax of the book, in particular, seemed far too easily won, especially in contrast to the smaller issues that were addressed and dealt with more thoroughly earlier in the book.
November 6, 2019
Still enjoying this series
The one thing that I like most: Emily is the sum of her experiences and ideas. It can be easy to get frustrated with her when she runs up against something that is obvious to me. And that is what I call good writing. It's easy to give your character virtual omniscience once they see something. Emily, unless is bashes at her wards, will actually go scientific method and claim not to know until she can run experiments. I love this girl, and hope Mr. Nuttall doesn't run out of story for about another 6 to 10 books.
Oh, raise your prices for books too! Most authors I read have raised their prices in the last year. I struggle with too in my business, but you need to make ends meet, and it isn't a sin.
The one thing that I like most: Emily is the sum of her experiences and ideas. It can be easy to get frustrated with her when she runs up against something that is obvious to me. And that is what I call good writing. It's easy to give your character virtual omniscience once they see something. Emily, unless is bashes at her wards, will actually go scientific method and claim not to know until she can run experiments. I love this girl, and hope Mr. Nuttall doesn't run out of story for about another 6 to 10 books.
Oh, raise your prices for books too! Most authors I read have raised their prices in the last year. I struggle with too in my business, but you need to make ends meet, and it isn't a sin.
December 7, 2019
It's hard to review, because every review I'm writing includes horrible spoiling.
So, it starts as the usual mystery unraveling formula, mixed with high-level politics, since the major magician powers find the prospect of the uncontrollable and unpredictable Necromancer's Bane controlling a school and Nexus Point very, very dangerous indeed. Then, you have the (censored) references appear, and shit become real. Faeries, ancient extinct enemies, and worse abound, in a very good wild ride that ends with the biggest showdown you could make.
Plus it makes Queen Alassa even more badass than she was shown before. Thumbs up for the series.
So, it starts as the usual mystery unraveling formula, mixed with high-level politics, since the major magician powers find the prospect of the uncontrollable and unpredictable Necromancer's Bane controlling a school and Nexus Point very, very dangerous indeed. Then, you have the (censored) references appear, and shit become real. Faeries, ancient extinct enemies, and worse abound, in a very good wild ride that ends with the biggest showdown you could make.
Plus it makes Queen Alassa even more badass than she was shown before. Thumbs up for the series.
November 2, 2019
Complicated, but very entertaining
Want sure what to expect reading this but I am glad I was surprised. A little reality bending, some good references to earlier books, and a tumultuous start to the new university; all made for a fun read.
Spoilers
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My biggest question / concern is well we ever learn more about the 3d runes and the sculpture in the grandmasters office? The mirrors and fairie tied together, but no reference to the runes or what happened in that one molten spellchamber.
Want sure what to expect reading this but I am glad I was surprised. A little reality bending, some good references to earlier books, and a tumultuous start to the new university; all made for a fun read.
Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
My biggest question / concern is well we ever learn more about the 3d runes and the sculpture in the grandmasters office? The mirrors and fairie tied together, but no reference to the runes or what happened in that one molten spellchamber.
November 22, 2019
What can say but thanks for another great story.
A bit slow getting going but it delivered in spades, Emily needs to develop some
assertiveness but next in line is the one I have been waiting half the series for.
Void apprenticeship, I wait with bated breath.
I also haven’t forgotten that Emily owes a particular faerie a favour from their outdoor camping adventure with Sergeant Miles. It be interesting to see a storyline around that in the near future.
A bit slow getting going but it delivered in spades, Emily needs to develop some
assertiveness but next in line is the one I have been waiting half the series for.
Void apprenticeship, I wait with bated breath.
I also haven’t forgotten that Emily owes a particular faerie a favour from their outdoor camping adventure with Sergeant Miles. It be interesting to see a storyline around that in the near future.
November 1, 2019
String theory meets mythology
One of the aspects I like about this series is the way that the author integrates theoretical physics, mythology and fantasy. The ways that the world Emily falls into and the possible consequences for both micro and macro social structure s makes these a great read.
One of the aspects I like about this series is the way that the author integrates theoretical physics, mythology and fantasy. The ways that the world Emily falls into and the possible consequences for both micro and macro social structure s makes these a great read.
December 11, 2019
Outstanding!
It is so much fun to read these books, especially by now you get so vested in the characters that you feel part of their lives. This was another great book. I usually wait for the audio version but I just couldn’t wait this time. Thank you for your writing and keep them coming!
It is so much fun to read these books, especially by now you get so vested in the characters that you feel part of their lives. This was another great book. I usually wait for the audio version but I just couldn’t wait this time. Thank you for your writing and keep them coming!
December 13, 2019
Still not tired of these characters
Once again Nuttal has produced a fast-paced novel with relatable characters. If anything,this story may be a bit too fast paced with numerous twists and turns. Just when you think you have a good grasp of the plot you're thrown in a New direction. Very entertaining.
Once again Nuttal has produced a fast-paced novel with relatable characters. If anything,this story may be a bit too fast paced with numerous twists and turns. Just when you think you have a good grasp of the plot you're thrown in a New direction. Very entertaining.
May 5, 2020
Enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed the entire series and I definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Each book references things that have happened in Emily's past and things we readers have learned in past books. I am glad the author does not spent much time reiterating things we learned in past books. Just enough to remind us.
May 20, 2020
Emily has her powers back and is on top form again, y'all.
I am not going to say how good it is or pick small holes because if you have parted with hard earned cash and read the previous 17, well, you must love the series and the format.
Great story, more theory and great ending, can't wait for the apprenticeship and hope the story and the author go on forever
I am not going to say how good it is or pick small holes because if you have parted with hard earned cash and read the previous 17, well, you must love the series and the format.
Great story, more theory and great ending, can't wait for the apprenticeship and hope the story and the author go on forever
Read
November 8, 2019Well, there he goes again!
Good read. I did have difficulty following all the creatures. The unraveling of the fairy was somewhat puzzling.
A good addition, looking forward to the next
Good read. I did have difficulty following all the creatures. The unraveling of the fairy was somewhat puzzling.
A good addition, looking forward to the next
November 24, 2019
Still too short. ☺ Will continue all of your works. I gave this book one less star since Emily *didn't get to it later* the many issues and projects she found in Hearts Eye. I was in antisipation for the things she Was Going to Find. 😐 I hope that we get to see/read of this someday.
Still a fan though.
Still a fan though.
December 12, 2019
Good story
I like magic throughout a story. This "felt" a little slow getting started, but I liked it. I am very much looking forward to getting to know Void better. Have been since book 1.
I like magic throughout a story. This "felt" a little slow getting started, but I liked it. I am very much looking forward to getting to know Void better. Have been since book 1.
December 24, 2019
Schooled in magic
Book 18, I hope they never end. And I can't wait to see what Emily next adventure this time with Void. Christopher Nuttall is a wonderful writer and has woven a colorful, mostly realistic world together that I enjoy every time I pick up any of his books.
Book 18, I hope they never end. And I can't wait to see what Emily next adventure this time with Void. Christopher Nuttall is a wonderful writer and has woven a colorful, mostly realistic world together that I enjoy every time I pick up any of his books.
January 1, 2020
I love these books.
I stumbled upon these books about two years ago, and read all of the ones that had been written in no time. The story is creative and fun, and I always seem to find myself waiting for the next one. Well written, and fun. Highly recommended!!!
I stumbled upon these books about two years ago, and read all of the ones that had been written in no time. The story is creative and fun, and I always seem to find myself waiting for the next one. Well written, and fun. Highly recommended!!!
March 29, 2020
WOW!
I don't know how, but Mr. Nuttall just keeps writing excellent books.This is #18 and I assure you it is just as good as #1. I am amazed and delighted as I continue reading this series.
I don't know how, but Mr. Nuttall just keeps writing excellent books.This is #18 and I assure you it is just as good as #1. I am amazed and delighted as I continue reading this series.
May 15, 2020
Emily and her friends want to reopen Hearts Eye, the magic school, and turn it into a magic/mundane university. But, what is up with all the mirrors the previous school installed around the school? Nothing good, let me tell you.
September 30, 2020
Most recent in the series by Nuttall. He has created a solid universe with excellent first person internal dialogue exposition of the plotting.
Have read the entire series since February and the lockdowns. I recommend them.
Have read the entire series since February and the lockdowns. I recommend them.
November 8, 2020
Unexpected
It's sword and sorcery. You expect magic and lots of action. We are also getting character growth and brand new situations. Emily continues to grow and yet stay true to herself and her friends.
It's sword and sorcery. You expect magic and lots of action. We are also getting character growth and brand new situations. Emily continues to grow and yet stay true to herself and her friends.
November 1, 2019
Another solid installment
This is 18 books in so far and I like each one. This stands with any of the others quality wise. Some interesting twists to keep your interest.
This is 18 books in so far and I like each one. This stands with any of the others quality wise. Some interesting twists to keep your interest.
November 7, 2019
Great series
This is a great series and I cant wait until the next one is out. It will be interesting to see how Emily and Void will work together
This is a great series and I cant wait until the next one is out. It will be interesting to see how Emily and Void will work together
November 7, 2019
Wonderful!!!
I loved this novel! Finally we know the secret of Heart's Eye. Looking forward to the next installment. Thank you for this wonderful series.
I loved this novel! Finally we know the secret of Heart's Eye. Looking forward to the next installment. Thank you for this wonderful series.
November 8, 2019
Amazing I can’t wait for the next one
This is another book in the greatest series of all time makes Harry Potter look like twilight and can’t reccomend this series enough
This is another book in the greatest series of all time makes Harry Potter look like twilight and can’t reccomend this series enough
November 14, 2019
Always a pleasure
This is probably one of the only series where I haven’t gotten tired of it. I’ve finished book 18 and am ready for the next one! Such a fantastic story
This is probably one of the only series where I haven’t gotten tired of it. I’ve finished book 18 and am ready for the next one! Such a fantastic story
November 16, 2019
Great
Yet another great read. Thoroughly enjoyable, with suspense thrown in at just the right moment. You chocks enjoy it too.
Yet another great read. Thoroughly enjoyable, with suspense thrown in at just the right moment. You chocks enjoy it too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews