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Fairy Tale Kingdoms #3
The Sorceress in Training: A Retelling of The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Before Lady Brynn took her first breath, her life's path was already chosen. Born into a family that values tradition, at twenty years of age, Brynn is expected to travel to the College on the Mount and spend the rest of her days immersed in books—learning science, architecture, and mathematics, devoting herself wholly to her studies, forbidden from indulging in frivolities such as literature or poetry. Or love.
A week after Brynn’s fated birthday, everything is going according to plan. But when Brynn's carriage busts an axle on the road to the college, one chance meeting with a mysterious sorcerer could change the course of her life forever. In order to escape duty—to claim her position as the sorcerer’s apprentice and avoid a life of solitude—Brynn must ask for help.
As a guard in Lord Calvin’s employ, Gavin knows his place. He’s sworn to protect Brynn and escort her to her new home. If the thought of abandoning her in the cold stone walls of the college ties a hard knot in his gut, it doesn't matter. And if he's in love with her? That doesn’t matter either.
Despite Gavin’s reservations, when Brynn begs the guard to see her safely to her new position in the sorcerer’s house, he’s helpless to resist. Now they’re running in the night, barreling toward an unknown future.
But soon the pair realizes they’ve made a grave mistake. Because Master Marcus is shrouded in dark secrets, and as his apprentice, Brynn is trapped right in the middle of them…
Fairy Tale Kingdoms Reading Order:
The Marquise and Her Cat
The Queen of Gold and Straw
The Sorceress in Training
A week after Brynn’s fated birthday, everything is going according to plan. But when Brynn's carriage busts an axle on the road to the college, one chance meeting with a mysterious sorcerer could change the course of her life forever. In order to escape duty—to claim her position as the sorcerer’s apprentice and avoid a life of solitude—Brynn must ask for help.
As a guard in Lord Calvin’s employ, Gavin knows his place. He’s sworn to protect Brynn and escort her to her new home. If the thought of abandoning her in the cold stone walls of the college ties a hard knot in his gut, it doesn't matter. And if he's in love with her? That doesn’t matter either.
Despite Gavin’s reservations, when Brynn begs the guard to see her safely to her new position in the sorcerer’s house, he’s helpless to resist. Now they’re running in the night, barreling toward an unknown future.
But soon the pair realizes they’ve made a grave mistake. Because Master Marcus is shrouded in dark secrets, and as his apprentice, Brynn is trapped right in the middle of them…
Fairy Tale Kingdoms Reading Order:
The Marquise and Her Cat
The Queen of Gold and Straw
The Sorceress in Training
268 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
125 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Shari L. Tapscott
68 books913 followersShari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 1, 2019
I am always on the lookout for a new book by Shari Tapscott. Her books are some of my favorites. This book is the third book in a series of fairy tale re-tellings. Characters from previous books are mentioned and one of the main characters from The Queen of Gold and Straw (Rune) makes a prominent appearance in this book as his story continues from the last book. I was actually so glad to see him. My heart gave a happy sigh that I would hopefully see a happy ending for him. Because of the ongoing story of this character, I would recommend reading these books in order. They are all so good though, you won't be sorry.
Brynn's desire to follow her own path resonates throughout this whole book. I could really feel her desire to be something of her own choosing and not be subjected to the caged in path her family set before her. She is somewhat impulsive but constant in her desires. She wants to be her own woman and she wants Gavin.
Gavin is a tough nut to crack. He is motivated by duty and social expectations. Brynn pushes against both of those things naturally and Gavin has such a hard time wrapping his head around that. But, he has a heart that is bound to Brynn. It's terribly romantic.
I loved the characters, the dialogue and the adventure of this story. It had everything I've come to expect and look for in a book by this author.
This series is on Kindle Unlimited!
Content: kissing, mild peril
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Brynn's desire to follow her own path resonates throughout this whole book. I could really feel her desire to be something of her own choosing and not be subjected to the caged in path her family set before her. She is somewhat impulsive but constant in her desires. She wants to be her own woman and she wants Gavin.
Gavin is a tough nut to crack. He is motivated by duty and social expectations. Brynn pushes against both of those things naturally and Gavin has such a hard time wrapping his head around that. But, he has a heart that is bound to Brynn. It's terribly romantic.
I loved the characters, the dialogue and the adventure of this story. It had everything I've come to expect and look for in a book by this author.
This series is on Kindle Unlimited!
Content: kissing, mild peril
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2019
This series by Shari L. Tapscott deserves a lot more attention then it gets.
I loved this book, almost more than the second one, and would recommend it to all you retelling- or fantasy-romance lovers out there.
Brynn... loved her. Also, I liked Marcus. A lot.
Don't get me wrong, Gavin is amazing and, I guess, perfect for our Brynn, but I always
Anyway, do make sure to read this! It's full of awesome characters, funny dialogue, and fantastical adventures, with a bittersweet ending. (For me, anyway).
Adios, amigos. Let me suffer my book hangover alone.
disclaimer: i was given an arc to review and all the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I loved this book, almost more than the second one, and would recommend it to all you retelling- or fantasy-romance lovers out there.
Brynn... loved her. Also, I liked Marcus. A lot.
Don't get me wrong, Gavin is amazing and, I guess, perfect for our Brynn, but I always
Anyway, do make sure to read this! It's full of awesome characters, funny dialogue, and fantastical adventures, with a bittersweet ending. (For me, anyway).
Adios, amigos. Let me suffer my book hangover alone.
disclaimer: i was given an arc to review and all the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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April 8, 2019Shari Tapscott is almost a really good fit for my book tastes. That is, if it wasn't for the fact that she include a love triangle in EVERY darn book she writes. I am not a fan of love triangles and thus it always takes just a little of my enjoyment away. This could have been a 4 or even 5 star read and it took it down to maybe a 3 or 3.5 star read. Now I remember why I took a break after book 2 of this series. It had a sad love triangle. The odd man out got an ending here but now there is someone else left out. Though points to the author for making us care about a past villain.
I did like the characters even if the class barrier has been a recycled obstacle to keep love apart in the past in this series.
I did like the characters even if the class barrier has been a recycled obstacle to keep love apart in the past in this series.
March 15, 2025
This is a cute story with a nice resolution. I didn't particularly appreciate the evilness of the sorcerer, Marcus, at the start There was an attempt at a long triangle, with the sorcerer's unwanted advances, but it didn't go too far and was quickly resolved in favor . The story was also a nice mix of many different retellings, in addition to the sorcerer's apprentice.
I read The Queen of Gold and Straw a long time ago and don't really remember it. Still, it was nice to get hints of characters mentioned in previous books.
Series? Yes. Can be read on its own.
Cliffhanger? No.
Similar:
Content:
Falling in love. Kisses, desire, unwanted advances that go as far as Brynn being held on someone's lap in her bedroom (she plays along for her own reasons).
Magic. Curses.
Mild peril. Kidnapping and transforming a woman into a .
Sorcerers get a tattoo marked on their face.
I read The Queen of Gold and Straw a long time ago and don't really remember it. Still, it was nice to get hints of characters mentioned in previous books.
Series? Yes. Can be read on its own.
Cliffhanger? No.
Similar:
Content:
Falling in love. Kisses, desire, unwanted advances that go as far as Brynn being held on someone's lap in her bedroom (she plays along for her own reasons).
Magic. Curses.
Mild peril. Kidnapping and transforming a woman into a .
Sorcerers get a tattoo marked on their face.
March 10, 2019
I didn't know how much I needed a retelling of the Sorcerer's apprentice till I read this beauty! Honestly, it had my heart in knots, and all over the place. I seriously don't know how the author manages it, but she had me hating one person one second and loving them the next, and it was AWESOME. Right from the beginning, I loooved Brynn's character. She's young, intelligent, and hopelessly dramatic and romantic. (Kind of reminding me of Marianne from Sense and Sensibility. She meets Gavin, and practically pictures herself with his ring on her hand, only for him to tell her to quit making eyes at her father's guards because she's too young😂 .) ANYWAY! Continuing...
I can't really say I love Gavin's character. He isn't a bad guy or anything... there's just nothing particular about him that really stands out. Marcus, and Rune, however, are both characters that are mentioned and developed in the previous book in this series. I was afraid for a moment that every book in this series was falling into a certain pattern: first love that fails, and new love that steps in. BUT! This book is it's own thing COMPLETELY. It took my feelings and tossed them around all over the place, creating that sensation that only comes from a good book. My favorite from this series is still the Puss in Boots one, but I seriously loved The Sorceress in Training. The romance was clean and there was no language or violence, so ... 💯 % clean!
I can't really say I love Gavin's character. He isn't a bad guy or anything... there's just nothing particular about him that really stands out. Marcus, and Rune, however, are both characters that are mentioned and developed in the previous book in this series. I was afraid for a moment that every book in this series was falling into a certain pattern: first love that fails, and new love that steps in. BUT! This book is it's own thing COMPLETELY. It took my feelings and tossed them around all over the place, creating that sensation that only comes from a good book. My favorite from this series is still the Puss in Boots one, but I seriously loved The Sorceress in Training. The romance was clean and there was no language or violence, so ... 💯 % clean!
February 28, 2019
Normally I give Shari Tapscott a five star rating, but for some reason I had trouble getting into this story and staying interested throughout the reading. I liked the story, thus four stars, but I just didn't get lost in the story like I usually do with her tales.
The story is about Brynn and Gavin. Brynn is the second child of a noble family and the second child in this family always goes off to the College on the Mount to spend the rest of their life learning. Brynn didn't want that for herself - she'd been in love with her guard Gavin since she was 16 years old. A broken axel on her carriage gives her her way out!
Gavin has loved Brynn for the same length of time, but can never show it, he's a commoner, she's a noble. When she wants to run off and be the Sorcerer's apprentice he swears fealty to her and goes with her.
He has family in the town beneath the Sorcerer's manor so Gavin works as a blacksmith as he keeps an eye on Brynn.
Marcus is the sorcerer, and it's hard to tell exactly who he is, but he's falling for Brynn too since the woman that he has loved forever has loved someone else. He shows up to save her and gets Brynn and Gavin involved!
There is lots of action and some suspense and of course angsty romance as well.
This is a clean read.
The story is about Brynn and Gavin. Brynn is the second child of a noble family and the second child in this family always goes off to the College on the Mount to spend the rest of their life learning. Brynn didn't want that for herself - she'd been in love with her guard Gavin since she was 16 years old. A broken axel on her carriage gives her her way out!
Gavin has loved Brynn for the same length of time, but can never show it, he's a commoner, she's a noble. When she wants to run off and be the Sorcerer's apprentice he swears fealty to her and goes with her.
He has family in the town beneath the Sorcerer's manor so Gavin works as a blacksmith as he keeps an eye on Brynn.
Marcus is the sorcerer, and it's hard to tell exactly who he is, but he's falling for Brynn too since the woman that he has loved forever has loved someone else. He shows up to save her and gets Brynn and Gavin involved!
There is lots of action and some suspense and of course angsty romance as well.
This is a clean read.
January 29, 2020
I almost didn't read this one. Book 2 sucked a lot of the desire to continue the series. I'm so glad that I did. Some unresolved Book 2 plot points get resolved in this one.
The plot was intriguing. I liked that we got to see a different side of Marcus. (You know the dude we all hated in Book 2 when he said something no human was supposed to?) He becomes more of an anti-hero then a HE MUST DIE character. Brynn was fun. I liked how she took the first opportunity (became an apprentice to a random sorcerer) to get out of living her life in seclusion studying. Gavin was loyal to Brynn. Extremely loyal. Those two were cute.
Also there's another love triangle. It's not as overpowering as the one in The Queen of Gold and Straw, it's more of a slight annoyance. But I overcame that mainly because of All in all, this was a decent conclusion that made me forget about the monstrosity of an ending of book 2.
The plot was intriguing. I liked that we got to see a different side of Marcus. (You know the dude we all hated in Book 2 when he said something no human was supposed to?) He becomes more of an anti-hero then a HE MUST DIE character. Brynn was fun. I liked how she took the first opportunity (became an apprentice to a random sorcerer) to get out of living her life in seclusion studying. Gavin was loyal to Brynn. Extremely loyal. Those two were cute.
Also there's another love triangle. It's not as overpowering as the one in The Queen of Gold and Straw, it's more of a slight annoyance. But I overcame that mainly because of All in all, this was a decent conclusion that made me forget about the monstrosity of an ending of book 2.
February 28, 2019
Okay. Three cheers for a woman who knows what she wants, and is willing to stick to her guns to get it. Brynn’s convictions were something I really enjoyed in this book; she wasn’t afraid to go against the grain. Gavin fell a little flat for me, but maybe that’s because I prefer Tapscott’s snarky male characters to the stoic, solemn ones (though Archer ❤️). I wanted Gavin to do more than just be there.
Something that really surprised me was the interactions with Marcus. Given the set up in Queen of Gold and Straw, I was all ready for him to be a mustache-twirling villain. I was pleasantly surprised at the changes, and hope we get to see more Marcus in the future.
Yay for Rune and Eva! I’m glad we got to see more of them after how things ended in the last book.
I felt like it was a bit slow to get started, but I enjoyed the book, and the characters as well. I wish we’d seen more of the sorcery, because that was fascinating, as was the curse.
*I was given an arc to review, and this is my honest opinion.
Something that really surprised me was the interactions with Marcus. Given the set up in Queen of Gold and Straw, I was all ready for him to be a mustache-twirling villain. I was pleasantly surprised at the changes, and hope we get to see more Marcus in the future.
Yay for Rune and Eva! I’m glad we got to see more of them after how things ended in the last book.
I felt like it was a bit slow to get started, but I enjoyed the book, and the characters as well. I wish we’d seen more of the sorcery, because that was fascinating, as was the curse.
*I was given an arc to review, and this is my honest opinion.
April 14, 2021
Okay, I know after book 2, I wrote this series off. But the cover kept drawing me back. And Shari! I love Shari's books! My 10 year-old son has read Pippa & Anwen! So, we are huge fans.
I'm glad I gave this one a shot. Book 2 was so heartbreaking.
Not this one! Brynn is headed to a life of solitude and celibacy. Nothing she welcomes freely. Having fallen in love with Gavin, her guard, at first site, she's having her doubts.
Thanks to a broken axel on her carriage, Brynn finds herself meeting a sorcerer, obtains an apprenticeship, on the run from her family duties, and she's dragging Gavin with her!
But this isn't just any sorcerer; it's Marcus. The evil sorcerer from book 2.
And yep, that means Rune makes an appearance! (squeal!!)
There was a very strong attempt to make this a love triangle to no avail in my mind. Brynn & Gavin were always "it" to me.
There were 2 HEAs in this one! I find myself wondering about what happens to Marcus at the conclusion of this read. Shrug.
This was super fun, plenty of laugh out loud moments, and facepalm moments! Quick read, super cute!
I'm glad I gave this one a shot. Book 2 was so heartbreaking.
Not this one! Brynn is headed to a life of solitude and celibacy. Nothing she welcomes freely. Having fallen in love with Gavin, her guard, at first site, she's having her doubts.
Thanks to a broken axel on her carriage, Brynn finds herself meeting a sorcerer, obtains an apprenticeship, on the run from her family duties, and she's dragging Gavin with her!
But this isn't just any sorcerer; it's Marcus. The evil sorcerer from book 2.
And yep, that means Rune makes an appearance! (squeal!!)
There was a very strong attempt to make this a love triangle to no avail in my mind. Brynn & Gavin were always "it" to me.
There were 2 HEAs in this one! I find myself wondering about what happens to Marcus at the conclusion of this read. Shrug.
This was super fun, plenty of laugh out loud moments, and facepalm moments! Quick read, super cute!
February 21, 2019
Another great fairytale retelling in this series! I instantly loved Brynn and, of course, also instantly loved Gavin...I kind of liked Marcus, too. :-)
In the beginning, I wondered how this story was going to tie into the two previous stories, and then suddenly, it all comes together!
Without giving too much away, this book has magic, fantasy, lots of swoon worthy chemistry, and a really entertaining story line.
Even though it’s technically a stand alone book, everything makes more sense if you’ve read the two previous books before it.
Anyway, you really can’t go wrong with this author. I always get sucked right in from beginning to end.
In the beginning, I wondered how this story was going to tie into the two previous stories, and then suddenly, it all comes together!
Without giving too much away, this book has magic, fantasy, lots of swoon worthy chemistry, and a really entertaining story line.
Even though it’s technically a stand alone book, everything makes more sense if you’ve read the two previous books before it.
Anyway, you really can’t go wrong with this author. I always get sucked right in from beginning to end.
February 25, 2019
This was another good addition to the Fairy Tale Kingdoms series. Not only do you get the story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice but you also get another little mini sized fairy tale for Rune and Eva. I wasn't sure if Rune and Eva would get their own story or not but it seems like she wrapped up their story from Queen of Gold and Straw in The Sorceress in Training. The Sorcerer Marcus from the former mentioned book is Brynn's master in the latter. It took me a minute to realize that, oops. It was interesting to see a more personal side of him which served to humanize him a bit. As always in Tapscott's books I enjoyed the romance and the adventure and the story and the dialogue.
March 9, 2019
I've been loving this series, but for some reason this book didn't capture me like the prior two have. I loved revisiting characters from the previous stories, but I felt like this story suffered a little from that incorporation? Almost like there was so much focus on making sure those characters remained consistence with who they'd been in the prior encounters that we lost out on more development of Brynn & Gavin?
It just wasn't as satisfying, which is disappointing because I love these stories.
That said, I'd still recommend this book because it was an enjoyable read and it was wonderful to see Rune and Eva again!
It just wasn't as satisfying, which is disappointing because I love these stories.
That said, I'd still recommend this book because it was an enjoyable read and it was wonderful to see Rune and Eva again!
May 14, 2019
Well written , with familiar characters popping up
Brynn does not want to be the scholar her father has decreed she must be . So when the carriage taking her to the college breaks down she runs away . Her guard and long time friend follows and finds her . She met sorcerer along the road and secured an apprenticeship with him. And so begins her transformation . Gavin sticks around . New friends and dangers follow . Interesting approach to the tale, with a few happy twists .
Brynn does not want to be the scholar her father has decreed she must be . So when the carriage taking her to the college breaks down she runs away . Her guard and long time friend follows and finds her . She met sorcerer along the road and secured an apprenticeship with him. And so begins her transformation . Gavin sticks around . New friends and dangers follow . Interesting approach to the tale, with a few happy twists .
November 19, 2023
Finally we know what happened to Rune
We met Rune in the second book of this series. His was kind of a devastating story. But it comes to an end in this book.
But we’re also introduced to Brynn and Gavin. I loved Brynn’s quiet determination, and Gavin’s steadfastness. Their story was a little angst-y, but Gavin finally figured it out! I have to say… I definitely didn’t care for Marcus. And Galetta was certifiable.
We met Rune in the second book of this series. His was kind of a devastating story. But it comes to an end in this book.
But we’re also introduced to Brynn and Gavin. I loved Brynn’s quiet determination, and Gavin’s steadfastness. Their story was a little angst-y, but Gavin finally figured it out! I have to say… I definitely didn’t care for Marcus. And Galetta was certifiable.
March 5, 2019
Enchanting
I loved reading this story. Gavin and Brynn's romance was sweet and satisfying. I was also really glad to see more of Rune and Eva from Rumplestiltskin. I did find myself feeling sorry for Marcus, which was unexpected, and I hope he gets to find someone in a future book.
I loved reading this story. Gavin and Brynn's romance was sweet and satisfying. I was also really glad to see more of Rune and Eva from Rumplestiltskin. I did find myself feeling sorry for Marcus, which was unexpected, and I hope he gets to find someone in a future book.
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June 20, 2020I read all three of the books in this series because I was intrigued by this one, and this one turned out to be my least favorite. 😒 I ended up with a lot of unanswered questions. Like, how can she use magic? I will apparently never know. 🤷♀️ Overall, the series was not bad, but it was not really “my thing”.
March 6, 2019
I loved getting the end of Rune and Eva's story, the humanizing of the Sorcerer, and the magic. I didn't much love the romance. To me it seemed fairly obvious that the hero and heroine could be together, and I got impatient waiting for him to figure that out.
February 26, 2019
Poor Guy
When there are five players in romance and only two people per couple, there is bound to be an odd man out. But what about the other girl?
When there are five players in romance and only two people per couple, there is bound to be an odd man out. But what about the other girl?
February 27, 2019
Solid read, enjoyable story line, a love story worth rooting for.
March 2, 2019
4.5 Stars
March 3, 2019
Enjoyable read from Shari Tapscott, as always. It was fun to see characters from other books in the series. Keep them coming :)
March 10, 2019
I had high expectations but was a bit underwhelmed in the end. I didn't really care to root for any of the lead characters.
May 16, 2019
Another masterful retelling of an old fairy tale.
Great protagonists, good plot, an enjoyable read.
Great protagonists, good plot, an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2019
Great double twist adaptation
Well written retelling of The Sorcerers Apprentice that tale I to Rumplestiltskin. A fun read with ample action and adventure.
Well written retelling of The Sorcerers Apprentice that tale I to Rumplestiltskin. A fun read with ample action and adventure.
September 19, 2019
Absolutely phenomenal! My favorite of this series, hands down! I could gush about this book for a long time, but just take my word for it and read it yourself.
October 25, 2019
I have enjoyed so many of this authors books. Although this one wasn’t my fav it was still a fun read with magic and wit and some beloved characters.
April 16, 2020
Not a bad book. I'm almost interested in the authors other books. We will see.
August 14, 2020
A great read. Leaves you wanting more.
This was a really enjoyable read and expertly weaves in pieces from the previous books. I would definitely read the next one!
This was a really enjoyable read and expertly weaves in pieces from the previous books. I would definitely read the next one!
August 23, 2020
3.5 stars - a fun, creative book to read
March 23, 2019
Loved! I haven’t even read the first one in the series, but I did read the second. And I saw how the author had pulled in characters and story lines from the other novels, and it made me just love it! I loved the main character and even loved the villain, even though it took me a while to connect it to the other story. I think I liked it better because I didn’t remember the villain from book 2. And Rune was back! Yay! So much fun.
Reader Rated for ages 12+ for fairytale fun adventure.
Reader Rated for ages 12+ for fairytale fun adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews