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If Valerie is going to learn how to use magic, she must first learn how to survive it.

Valerie grew up a normal girl. In high school, she was popular, smart, happy.

But all that changes when her mother's former life - a life kept hidden from Valerie - collides into Valerie's reality.

Forced to walk away from everything she's always known, Valerie finds herself in a magic school where she may be protected, but she certainly isn't liked.

Facing classmates who resent her for being there and a faculty who are caught up in the same secret war that threatened her mother, Valerie is going to have to flourish or perish in her new reality.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

805 people are currently reading
499 people want to read

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Chloe Garner

98 books132 followers

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5 stars
551 (51%)
4 stars
316 (29%)
3 stars
137 (12%)
2 stars
35 (3%)
1 star
26 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for John Gilbert.
1,389 reviews217 followers
July 30, 2020
Wow, this was a surprise. Interesting premise with a 16 year old girl whisked away from her home by a stranger to a magic school, when she had no idea magic even existed. Ms Garner handles the mystery and as the story unfolds with lots of interesting characters brought in, the reader is also brought along. I really loved our main character and lots of her supporting cast and will definately be reading the next book in this trilogy.
Profile Image for Mender.
1,451 reviews14 followers
February 5, 2022
Quite a lot going on in a short amount of time.

I have conflicted feelings on this one. On one hand I appreciate that when the author foreshadows things, we actually get them coming to a head and get closure on them surprisingly quickly. It's good to not have an irritating level of suspense.

But I am not fully down with the main character's abilities. Apparently there are three categories of magic; light, dark, and natural. I think knowing this earlier would have made it more clear what was going on with the MC being a natural mage. Instead, I was going with she just had magic come easy to her. And boy golly, does she have magic come easy to her.

I don't dislike it, I mean, the whole point of fantasy stories is that the MC is a special snowflake. It's just finding out what flavour they are. I would have appreciated it more if there was more shown of her working for it rather than being told she was working hard to catch up on her basics, while her instincts just let her fly in front of everyone.

At the end of it, I'm really not fully clear on the stakes, or why this war has been going on for an entire lifetime, or what anybody hopes to win at the end of it. Essentially the MC's confusion which is constant throughout the book is my confusion, but I seem to lack her natural instincts to feel the way forward.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,913 reviews116 followers
January 8, 2020
I adore a good read academy and so looked forward to this new series with great anticipation and can I just say wow! A highly addictive storyline that just grabs you and a heroine that will totally have you rooting for her! The author has done a fantastic job with the world building in this fast paced adventure that is filled with action, mystery, suspense and twists and turns galore and is one hell of a rollercoaster ride you want to be part of! I cannot wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews89 followers
July 24, 2024
Series review

Harry Potter move over. Valerie is in the house.

Seriously guys. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you're gonna love this series here:

School of Magic Survival by Chloe Garner.

Book 1 - Surviving Magic - 408 pages
Book 2 - Unveiling Magic - 319 pages
Book 3 - Real Magic - 306 pages
Book 4 - Shadow Magic - 258 pages
Book 5 - Battle Magic - 306 pages
Book 6 - Magic Unleashed - 264 pages
Book 7 - Blood Magic - 380 pages

This is a fast paced, action packed, magic filled story starring a 'normal girl' who suddenly finds herself at a magic school, surrounded by people in awe of her parents, teachers with high expectations and colleagues who resent her. She's suddenly supposed to not only know that magic exists, but also know how to practice it.

And, with the help of a couple of kind teachers, and a great dorm roommate/BFF, Valerie jumps head first into a dangerous world of magic where demons may not be the worst threat, the slightest spells can kill if not properly mastered, and friends may need to be watched more careful than foes. And she does it all flying in by the seat of her pants, winging it with more sheer luck than style.


"I didn't ask for this,"...
"No, you didn't choose any of this, but this is where you are and it's what you are, and now you have to do the best you can."

Valerie is a character any reader will cheer for. And I stayed in her corner up to the very end. But she is not the only thing that turns this series into an addictive page turner.

That's a combination of edge of the seat action, a solid plot full of unpredictable twists, really cool magic and a larger cast of supporting characters that grow before your eyes.

The stakes deepen with each book and just when you think everything will be wrapped up nicely by the end of book 3, the 4th installment comes along, setting the stage for an even larger conflict, raising the stakes higher and sharper than before.
It is impossible to review each book in turn without giving any spoilers, so I'm not even going to try. Because it's best you go into it blind and hang on to your hats for the ride.

The books may not be perfect and the pace may be a tad too slow at times, and yet...
Any series that has you ditch your entire carefully planned TBR to binge-read its SEVEN books one after another from cover to cover until you reach the very end, deserves big fat 5 stars.

That's what School of Magic Survival by Chloe Garner did for me.
So here I am giving you all a little nudge/shove to go ahead and read it too.

Yep. I'm pretty shameless like that when books are involved.

"Own it, wear it."
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,004 reviews36 followers
December 5, 2023
The basic premise behind the story was fine, but less than a quarter of the way through the book my main thought was this is just nonsense. A new pupil who knows nothing about magic arrives at an elite magic school full of pupils who have been studying magic for most of their lives, so what does the school do?
Undertake some assessment to find out the new pupil’s potential? Put the pupil in a beginner’s class? Arrange for some one-on-one tuition? NO! they just put them in a normal class and don’t even tell the teachers this pupil knows no magic.
Then Valerie is suddenly able to construct complex spells using ingredients she has never seen before and with absolutely no idea what she is making or how she is doing it.

After this start I’m afraid I didn’t have much confidence in the rest of the book. I kept going until halfway, but I’m really not on the same wavelength as the author and I just became more and more irritated by the story and characters.
Profile Image for Jessica.
252 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
DNF @ 70%

2.5 ⭐️ - 2 stars because I didn’t finish the book, 3 stars for the first 60% of the book.

Intriguing storyline, the author has lots of imagination. The first 60% of the book was good and I was following the story.

Then something big happens in the story (somewhere between 60-70% in) and we’re then told stuff has happened over the span of some time (I’m purposely being vague here so there’s no spoilers.) This happened a lot previously in the book, lots of time jumping but it felt suitable to the story at that moment. This time however it was frustrating. Mainly because I was waiting for some romance - and hardly anything was happening - but now I’m being told it has happened over the last few weeks and that’s it. No build up and no angst. When I read the book description I thought there would be romance in this book but it seems I was wrong,
I lost my motivation to keep reading at this point so it’s a DNF.

Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,592 reviews130 followers
January 14, 2020
(3.5 stars) - good though a lot of build up

The world building is complex & there are many, many secrets which had me vacillating between curious interest & occasions of plot detail fatigue.

It's hard to put my finger on just why, but the tone of the narrative comes across low key almost dispassionate. The narrative also tends to dominate vs character dialogue & interactions. It was hard to get fully immersed into the story.

So I liked the story & it's well crafted, but I ended up not feeling fully engaged by it. It's good enough that I'll be reading the next. Hopefully now that everything is set up it will be more character led as well as driven.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses

189 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2024
No messing around with owl mail and the like in this fast-paced academy story - Valerie Blake finds out about magic and is shipped off to boarding school in the first 5 minutes of the book.

While there are the expected and anticipated struggles, the feel of the book is darker, scarier and deeper than most of its rivals.

There is politics, betrayal and actual death at the forefront, with just a smidge of teenage romance to satisfy such needs, and no real angsting.

The magic system is witch / mage type, fairly easy to grasp and use, and the atmosphere is one of looming war and general good against evil vibes - if we only knew for sure who was on the good side.

I loved this book because it was intriguing, terrifying and not at all predictable. On to book 2 immediately!
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
November 16, 2024
DNF - quit at 63%
I really tried, but just got bored. Things jump around way too much in this story. Things are set up in an unbelievable way, that I never felt were realistic enough to make sense. The characters are all flat, no development to lend to the story a sense of being relatable. Top it off, the main character is never described. So unless she looks like the book cover, I have no idea what she looks like, while her room-mate friend at least gets to be noted as having red hair! Wish I hadn’t wasted my time.

At my age (63), life is way to short & my time is to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Profile Image for Émi (Slavic Reader).
383 reviews106 followers
did-not-finish
September 21, 2020
I usually give books a bit longer so I can get into them properly, but this just wasn't clicking with me at all. I barely made it into the second chapter which says a lot from me - considering I rarely dnf and all.

Sadly the writing was all tell and no show. It honestly read like some fanfiction not like a novel. The pacing was way too fast and it sort of skipped from one scene to the next. In general I have no issue with fast paced stories, but only if they are written well. The premise and some of the info dumps sounded interesting - but the format and execution was highly lacking. I think the story would benefit from some serious editing.

Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
December 26, 2019
It’s almost always a good thing when a favorite author starts a new series, especially when that author has yet to produce anything but 5-star books. That’s certainly the case with Chloe Garner, and she’s holding up that success streak with Surviving Magic (School of Magic Survival, Book 1). Read the publisher’s blurb to find out what the book is about (without any spoilers), and just know that this is a totally fun book. Superbly written, with a great plot, a perfect cast from Valerie on down and perfect world-building. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Zeest.
38 reviews
August 3, 2023
Really liked it! The world building is good, and the magical abilities have proper rules, although I do think the Blakes are a bit overpowered and super- connected with Valerie's ability to do magic without knowing anything about it, and her parents being singlehandedly better than anyone else...

Apart from that, the characters have a lovely friendship and Valerie's relationship with her parents is interesting because of the independence she has - she figures things out herself, but they jump in whenever she needs help.
Profile Image for Lyndal Hynes.
1 review2 followers
August 11, 2023
I’m actually enjoying most of Chloe Garner’s books. This series is a for a younger reader teen/tween but still an enjoyable read and it’s not predictable which is refreshing. Only jarring thing is some of the wording which should have been better edited. “On accident” just ouch, and starting dialogue sentences with “Any more”. I don’t even know what that means, could be common phrasing from where the author lives or she’s trying to generate differences in her world…not sure.
I’ll keep reading the series, interested to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,616 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2024
Surviving Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 1) 



Surviving Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 1) is absolutely fantastic. One of my students Recommended this book to me and I enjoyed this book so much. Valerie doesn't know who to trust. Its always been mom and Valerie, now she is attending a school where she doesn't know anything.... Then dad shows up after 15 years.. So glad I found this book. . Chloe Garner rocks!! Definitely recommend this book!!! Now onto book two!!!!💓❤💗💞💕
Profile Image for Kenny B .
27 reviews
November 24, 2024
Great YA Academy Start

You know sometimes you find something that isn’t all that smutty but still manages to ensnare you. This is that book!!

This is a LOW SPICE BOOKS….actually no spice at all, so fair warning. There is one kiss. In the last 5% of the book.

Now moving on…the plot is GREAT! The wording building is GREAT! The secrets are numerous and the intrigue is dark and light all at once!

So if you want a good break from smut with a strong FMC, spy’s, academy love interests, and immerse into fresh breath of magic give it a go!!
Profile Image for April M.
204 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2020
I seriously loved this book. Valerie was kick ass and would not let others boss her around. I am really glad she was able to call her friend. I mean of course her best friend would be worried if he never heard from her again. I really enjoyed seeing though others perspective. I really enjoy when there are multiple narrators. I read the 1st 3 books back to back so I dont want to spoil anything. But this was literally one of those series where I finished the book and downloaded the next!!
104 reviews
January 23, 2022
superb

What is good is the change in perspective when you as a reader realise that the schools where the Mages, and others are trained are hidden from normal mundane human eyes. Makes sense doesn’t it. Then the stories of how the people at school find their friends and enemies, find ways to help the greater good, find ways to fight back. Great and well worth reading as a start to a new series. Well done Chloe Garner.
5 reviews
March 21, 2022
A great read…looking forward to book 2!

I am a big fan of Chloe Garner and some of her other series, but had not had the chance to start this one. I was not disappointed! This was a quick read for me. The story was highly engaging and flowed quickly making it hard to put down. I would definitely recommend this book, and encourage anyone new to Chloe to try out some of her other series which are just as good.
868 reviews12 followers
March 9, 2020
Missed the mark..

The book summary was better than the actual story. There was no characters development and the story jumped from one scene to the next. The snap shot scene at each chapter was confusing. Couldn't connect to the characters or the story. The POV of multiple characters didn't flow or helped either. Disappointed read...
63 reviews
September 5, 2024
A good, fast paced book. Liked that it was creative and new - definitely not just a retelling of stories/worlds already written. Only complaint is that it could have used stronger editing - some wording mistakes and sometimes the conversations just didn't make sense - almost like the author just missed writing down a piece of it. But overall a good read.
1,304 reviews33 followers
December 25, 2024
I basically read this series back to back.

It's a rampaging adventure, and I enjoyed the arcs and world building and problem solving as the books power along. More is made clear as the stories proceed. I really enjoyed the character development.

You really do need to start with book 1 and read the books in order. The story starts when Valerie is 16 and finish when she's around 20.
25 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2025
The lightest of sort of fun reads. I wanted something easy to read on the train, this fit the bill. Ignorant, super-powered girl dropped into a maelstrom of cliques, political intrique, murder, demons, magic school, unreliable adults and war. Seemed like the book was designed to require sequels. In the right mood it's enjoyable.
Profile Image for LooseBoots .
880 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2019
Surviving Magic
28/11/19

It’s always a double edge sword when you read the first book in a new series. But I never have any doubts when it’s written by one of my favourite authors.
Chloe is one of those.
This was a most delicious and amazing first book. A voyage of discovery for the main character, Valerie, as she is abruptly made aware that her childhood has been one complete smokescreen and that she is part of the MAGIC community.
I’ll not give any spoilers except to say that the Magic community is at war and she has to go though a traumatic time to get up to speed.
She has to transfer not only to a new school but a special Magic Academy. It’s a rollercoaster ride not to be missed.
If you liked the concept of Harry Potter then you’ll enjoy this.
I finished this in 2 sittings but it was such an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read I didn’t notice the chapters whiz by.
One not to be missed.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
December 27, 2021
Surviving Magic, the first book of the School of Magic Survival series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I liked this story more than I anticipated. Good world-building and I really enjoyed the characters. Engaging story, well-paced and fun.
Profile Image for Melo.
835 reviews19 followers
January 15, 2022
Not for me

The main character Valerie is unlikable first and foremost, she reads as though her personality is all over the place. The story is rehashed again and again as though that will somewhat make it more interesting. I couldn't finish it I didn't even make myself try.
3 reviews
October 31, 2022
AMAZING BOOK - you must read it

One of the best good I’ve read in a while. It’s very well written. Main character is well developed and relatable. First time I have read Chloe Garner but it won’t be the last. I will buy this for my bookshelf.
34 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2023
DNF

I didn't finish this. Not a bad book, I got to like 60%. Just not for me. DEFINITELY a very young adult book. Emphasis on YOUNG. I'm talking early teens. The MFC was very immature
Profile Image for Richard A. Jones.
19 reviews
June 15, 2023
Good book, unrealistic families

Everyone seems disconnected, especially the MC's family. Even her and her mom. I get the whole war/undercover thing, but it was just too vague and disconnected.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
129 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2024
The 5 stars…

are for making me want to invest in the story. Chloe is a good story teller and I enjoyed this book immensely

There were a few typos (I forgot to mark, sorry) but not enough to distract me from the plot…so, I’m getting the next book right after this review.
Profile Image for Kimberli.
398 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
Good start

I would give this book a 5 if the main characters weren't16 year olds. The plot and characters are being well developed, but I am having a hard time getting past their age. Still, the plot is interesting and I want to see what happens next....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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