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The Wizard Academies #1
Mark of the Medallion
He lost his family...
...He’s got voices in his head.
And he’s more powerful than they ever imagined.
Fifteen-year-old apprentice Kyril is sick of being bullied. And after a tragic fire leaves him orphaned with out-of-control thoughts and powers, he can’t wait to escape constant taunting at the wizard academy. So when a dicey faction entices him with companionship, he ignores the grim warning signs.
Even as Kyril’s power grows within the group, he’s left out of the crew’s dangerous plans to derail the authorities. And when being accepted comes at the expense of making questionable choices, he fears his newfound friendships aren’t worth the deadly price.
Can Kyril master his new magic before his shady companions send him to his doom?
Mark of the Medallion is the spellbinding first novel in The Wizard Academies YA fantasy series. If you like sword and sorcery, enchanted adventures, and suspenseful coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love Mike Shelton’s action-packed tale.
Get it now!
...He’s got voices in his head.
And he’s more powerful than they ever imagined.
Fifteen-year-old apprentice Kyril is sick of being bullied. And after a tragic fire leaves him orphaned with out-of-control thoughts and powers, he can’t wait to escape constant taunting at the wizard academy. So when a dicey faction entices him with companionship, he ignores the grim warning signs.
Even as Kyril’s power grows within the group, he’s left out of the crew’s dangerous plans to derail the authorities. And when being accepted comes at the expense of making questionable choices, he fears his newfound friendships aren’t worth the deadly price.
Can Kyril master his new magic before his shady companions send him to his doom?
Mark of the Medallion is the spellbinding first novel in The Wizard Academies YA fantasy series. If you like sword and sorcery, enchanted adventures, and suspenseful coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love Mike Shelton’s action-packed tale.
Get it now!
- GenresFantasy
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2020
238 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Mike Shelton
24 books190 followersMike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn't reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn't put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 1, 2020
Loved the story!
Kyril is a poor orphan. A medallion burnt his hand leaving its mark, as he had lifted it up.
He discoveres that he has magic and he goes to the Wizard Academy.
The world building in the story is amazing.
Kyril's work as an apprentice in the Academy and how that drove the story forward was beautifully brought out. The twists and the turns of the story were enjoyable enough to keep me glued till the end. Enjoyed it.
Kyril is a poor orphan. A medallion burnt his hand leaving its mark, as he had lifted it up.
He discoveres that he has magic and he goes to the Wizard Academy.
The world building in the story is amazing.
Kyril's work as an apprentice in the Academy and how that drove the story forward was beautifully brought out. The twists and the turns of the story were enjoyable enough to keep me glued till the end. Enjoyed it.
February 2, 2020
Peer pressure, taunting, getting sucked into the wrong crowd. Such is what young Kyril faces in Mike Shelton’s
Mark of the Medallion (The Wizard Academies Book 1). Of course the school here is a wizard academy, and the wrong crowd here is far more disastrously dangerous that an ordinary school crowd. Great basis to start what looks to be a neat story arc, in a first book that was truly fun. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one, and definitely recommend this one.
Mark of the Medallion (The Wizard Academies Book 1). Of course the school here is a wizard academy, and the wrong crowd here is far more disastrously dangerous that an ordinary school crowd. Great basis to start what looks to be a neat story arc, in a first book that was truly fun. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one, and definitely recommend this one.
January 27, 2020
I love reading about magic, and this book delivers magic, an excellent plot and incredible characters, making it a great read for young adults and adults alike.
Kyril comes from a poor family and was orphaned at a young age. He is alone in the world and others make him feel worse about his position in life. He is bullied for many reasons, and like most victims none of it is deserved. He would do anything for a friend, to be appreciated and to feel power.
Something strange begins to happen at their academy, people are acting out of character, doing things they shouldn’t be doing. Kyril is one of these individuals – and is gaining power at great leaps and bounds. These powers don’t go unnoticed and soon he is brought into the folds of a powerful group who have ulterior motives for him. Because of his past, he doesn’t realize he is being used and begins to behave and act in ways he never would have before. The plot that begins to unravel has many dark turns and unexpected twists, keeping you on the edge of your seat through the entire read.
Mark of the Medallion is very well written with an excellent plot that develops at a great pace. You are never left feeling lost or as though you are missing information. Mike introduces each character and gives you the right amount of information to understand their magical powers and how the characters are connected. I loved the plot – it was not what I was expecting and kept me engaged. The book is geared toward young adults but I loved every moment. A fantastic read from start to finish!
I received a digital copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Kyril comes from a poor family and was orphaned at a young age. He is alone in the world and others make him feel worse about his position in life. He is bullied for many reasons, and like most victims none of it is deserved. He would do anything for a friend, to be appreciated and to feel power.
Something strange begins to happen at their academy, people are acting out of character, doing things they shouldn’t be doing. Kyril is one of these individuals – and is gaining power at great leaps and bounds. These powers don’t go unnoticed and soon he is brought into the folds of a powerful group who have ulterior motives for him. Because of his past, he doesn’t realize he is being used and begins to behave and act in ways he never would have before. The plot that begins to unravel has many dark turns and unexpected twists, keeping you on the edge of your seat through the entire read.
Mark of the Medallion is very well written with an excellent plot that develops at a great pace. You are never left feeling lost or as though you are missing information. Mike introduces each character and gives you the right amount of information to understand their magical powers and how the characters are connected. I loved the plot – it was not what I was expecting and kept me engaged. The book is geared toward young adults but I loved every moment. A fantastic read from start to finish!
I received a digital copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 12, 2020
I received this book as an ARC. This is an enjoyable YA story. Things aren’t always as they seem at first as well as follow your heart and instincts are valuable lessons in this story. I would definitely read the sequels for the adventures of Kyril, Sylvie and Joelle.
February 1, 2020
This is a wonderful YA Fantasy book. The first in a new series by Mike Shelton and, as usual, he writes his characters with great depth, real feeling and empathy. The world building is great and believable. I can't recommend this enough to anyone that enjoys coming of age fantasy novels. Run, don't walk, and get this book now! :)
January 30, 2020
Wizard's at large. Kyril came from a poor family but when his family died he touched a medallion his mother had and it burnt the shape into his hand. Finding out he had magic, he went to a Wizard's Academy where he was an apprentice. Lots of things were happening at the school, some good, some bad. Good characters, good reading.
January 25, 2020
Keep your friends close… This book is an awesome example of that.
I fell in love with Carol in the very first thing when his arms are up and he believes he can fly that’s just the first inkling that he’s not thinking straight. It didn’t stop me from falling in love with him though this book is a C in example of when someone is treated wrongly they will attach the south any port in the storm even if it’s not good for them. Mark Of The Medallion is is a very intriguing story that Gram Jew it takes you on a journey that you don’t want to end. I love this book and thought Mike Sullivan did a wonderful job and even though this is a young adult book by at 47 loved it! Kudos to you Mike SullavanYou’re an awesome rider in this
I fell in love with Carol in the very first thing when his arms are up and he believes he can fly that’s just the first inkling that he’s not thinking straight. It didn’t stop me from falling in love with him though this book is a C in example of when someone is treated wrongly they will attach the south any port in the storm even if it’s not good for them. Mark Of The Medallion is is a very intriguing story that Gram Jew it takes you on a journey that you don’t want to end. I love this book and thought Mike Sullivan did a wonderful job and even though this is a young adult book by at 47 loved it! Kudos to you Mike SullavanYou’re an awesome rider in this
February 24, 2020
I received an review copy,voluntarily and this is my review
Some of the wizards are dishonest, mean spirit, whimsical, page turner, interesting story. The worst case scenario is that kyril will find out who is true friends really are.
Some of the wizards are dishonest, mean spirit, whimsical, page turner, interesting story. The worst case scenario is that kyril will find out who is true friends really are.
January 24, 2020
Overall rating: 5
After falling in love with the cremelino series, my curiosity was high with this interesting blurb for this book. I am over the moon happy for not being disappointed in the slightest! Wonderful characters set down to an journey full of mystery and awe! The blurb is spot on so the necessity of recapping isn’t warranted. What I need to convey is this....lovers of fantasy will not be disappointed and definitely need to get started on this series! Can’t wait for mire! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
After falling in love with the cremelino series, my curiosity was high with this interesting blurb for this book. I am over the moon happy for not being disappointed in the slightest! Wonderful characters set down to an journey full of mystery and awe! The blurb is spot on so the necessity of recapping isn’t warranted. What I need to convey is this....lovers of fantasy will not be disappointed and definitely need to get started on this series! Can’t wait for mire! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
January 24, 2020
set in the same world as the Alaris Chronicles and the Cremelino Prophecy this one is set in Gildan and about three medallion magic artifacts. A well written story that sucks you into the world Mike has created.
February 17, 2020
Mike Shelton delivers again.
In the familiar world of his previous series, a new series starts. As usual a young person with a secret becomes the center of the story. Hurry with the rest of the story.
In the familiar world of his previous series, a new series starts. As usual a young person with a secret becomes the center of the story. Hurry with the rest of the story.
January 6, 2020
Received as a review copy, this an honest review. Kyril is a wizard of the mind apprentice attending a well known academy. Mostly invisible to the other students; his life is about to be turned upside down. Something is causing students and adults to believe they can do dangerous things: Kyril thinks he can fly. Because of that, he earns the attention of a powerful wizard- who wants to change who's running the government. On the other hand, Kyril is tasked with spying on this wizard so he can be stopped. Mystery, magic and the possibility of losing his friend puts Kyril into a crazy situation. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2020
A tale of inspiration. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. It started out slow but the intensity built up with twists and turns of treachery you don't see coming. Built in the same world as prior books (All of which I have read) with gives more background of the realm & it's societies. Can't wait for the second book to be released.
January 26, 2020
A brilliant wizardry book of the highest caliber. Life prevents me from writing a long review but I can say it a magical fantasy I wouldn’t have liked to miss.
Thoroughly recommend this for fantasy adventure readers.
Thoroughly recommend this for fantasy adventure readers.
Read
January 31, 2020 Great story
Kyril Siravan, of the Empire of Gildan an apprentice wizard of the mind.
from Haram. He has lived in the city of Gildan less than two years. He lived in the meadowlands below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains west of Gildan. his close friend is Sylvie, Wizard Sylvonna Hickory of the Kingdom of Arc, an earth wizard and Wizard Joelle El’San of the Realm, a wizard of the heart, a healer. He is frequently bullied by Bale Nabhani of the noble house of Nabhani, who has no magical powers.
Silvie has seen the mark on Kyril's hand. She thinks she has seen it glow. In trying to find out what the mark is she enlists the help of Joelle. Joelle is friends with Hasani from the kingdom of Mahli, wizard apprentice of the mind and librarian scholar in training in the library. Silvie sees a medallion in the book Hasani shows her but before she can find out more about it the Curfew bell rings and they must return to their rooms.
While Silvie is looking for information about the medallion Kyril meets Wizard Targon Quereshi, a high wizard of the mind. Wizard Jordan Quereshi, the nephew of Targon, and his friend Altia befriend Kyril. Altia brings an invitation from Wizard Targon to meet and him and some of his friends for dinner. At the gathering Kyri meets Gamal Turami, Targon’s scribe and quite a few other wizards and apprentices all of whom are wizards of the mind.
Many strange unsettling events happen in Gildan. Kyril travels back to his home to find the medal that put the mark on his hand. You will have to read the book to find out what happens next. I hope you enjoy it.
I received this book as an ARC and voluntarily reviewed
Kyril Siravan, of the Empire of Gildan an apprentice wizard of the mind.
from Haram. He has lived in the city of Gildan less than two years. He lived in the meadowlands below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains west of Gildan. his close friend is Sylvie, Wizard Sylvonna Hickory of the Kingdom of Arc, an earth wizard and Wizard Joelle El’San of the Realm, a wizard of the heart, a healer. He is frequently bullied by Bale Nabhani of the noble house of Nabhani, who has no magical powers.
Silvie has seen the mark on Kyril's hand. She thinks she has seen it glow. In trying to find out what the mark is she enlists the help of Joelle. Joelle is friends with Hasani from the kingdom of Mahli, wizard apprentice of the mind and librarian scholar in training in the library. Silvie sees a medallion in the book Hasani shows her but before she can find out more about it the Curfew bell rings and they must return to their rooms.
While Silvie is looking for information about the medallion Kyril meets Wizard Targon Quereshi, a high wizard of the mind. Wizard Jordan Quereshi, the nephew of Targon, and his friend Altia befriend Kyril. Altia brings an invitation from Wizard Targon to meet and him and some of his friends for dinner. At the gathering Kyri meets Gamal Turami, Targon’s scribe and quite a few other wizards and apprentices all of whom are wizards of the mind.
Many strange unsettling events happen in Gildan. Kyril travels back to his home to find the medal that put the mark on his hand. You will have to read the book to find out what happens next. I hope you enjoy it.
I received this book as an ARC and voluntarily reviewed
January 22, 2020
Received as a review copy. This is a 100% honest review.
Overall an interesting story with really no bad parts. The magic system isn’t easy to understand but yet not hard to understand.
Kyril finds himself with few friends and when a group of people start noticing him and them want to be around him he’s all for it but little does he know their true intentions.
The characters are all unique in there own ways. For me at least who was the true villain made me have to do a double take and re-read the page.
The only things I didn’t like was they way Kyril basically abandoned his friends once the group started being interested with him and treated his friends like garbage but he did it because he was influenced to. And that I was expecting there to be possibly more about the school and teaching then there was.
If you enjoy wizard books this just might be one you may enjoy.
Overall an interesting story with really no bad parts. The magic system isn’t easy to understand but yet not hard to understand.
Kyril finds himself with few friends and when a group of people start noticing him and them want to be around him he’s all for it but little does he know their true intentions.
The characters are all unique in there own ways. For me at least who was the true villain made me have to do a double take and re-read the page.
The only things I didn’t like was they way Kyril basically abandoned his friends once the group started being interested with him and treated his friends like garbage but he did it because he was influenced to. And that I was expecting there to be possibly more about the school and teaching then there was.
If you enjoy wizard books this just might be one you may enjoy.
January 24, 2020
I liked it. It was kinda of weird because with the cover I thought the 3 friends or enemies were going to all go on a journey ha ha
This story caught me up and I WANTED to read it! It got better as it went along and seemed to cover all the loose ends. I kept trying to listen to it while doing chores and driving before remembering it wasn't audio :/
I liked it better than The Golden Dragon, so if you're a fan of that or weren't so into it, try this one!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story caught me up and I WANTED to read it! It got better as it went along and seemed to cover all the loose ends. I kept trying to listen to it while doing chores and driving before remembering it wasn't audio :/
I liked it better than The Golden Dragon, so if you're a fan of that or weren't so into it, try this one!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
A very unique and creative story, taking a new turn on the common academy trope we see today. Very interesting characters and a good storyline, however, I felt the progression of the story itself to be very slow, not picking up until the last quarter of the book. I really liked how we got to see the story from both Kyril and Sylvie’s perspective, and how the tale twists to spin a bigger picture.
A very unique and creative story, taking a new turn on the common academy trope we see today. Very interesting characters and a good storyline, however, I felt the progression of the story itself to be very slow, not picking up until the last quarter of the book. I really liked how we got to see the story from both Kyril and Sylvie’s perspective, and how the tale twists to spin a bigger picture.
April 28, 2020
Introducing (drum roll please) the 3 lost medallions.......
.....which of course means someone will have to go find them later.
However, here we are just introduced to them, and to the characters, both hero and villain. Some lovable, some stupid and, or blinkered by love or hate.
Well written, pace of story was just right.
Hoping the next in series is as entertaining
.....which of course means someone will have to go find them later.
However, here we are just introduced to them, and to the characters, both hero and villain. Some lovable, some stupid and, or blinkered by love or hate.
Well written, pace of story was just right.
Hoping the next in series is as entertaining
September 26, 2020
This is an action packed book full of mischief and mayhem. I loved it. I was given this book for an honest review. The world building, character details, and plot where all just amazing and well rounded. I loved the characters in this book and I know I cant wait to see what happens in book 2 of this series. A must read.
February 1, 2020
Could not get in to it
The writer skipped from character to character did not bring the main character to life.. Instead of getting to know the MC ..the writer brought in too many things
The writer skipped from character to character did not bring the main character to life.. Instead of getting to know the MC ..the writer brought in too many things
May 18, 2020
This series started out very slow, but at the end came to a blast of action. Didn't really like the beginning half but the second half of it was way better. Glad I didn't give up on it. A Good Read is Becoming a Great Read. Next!
March 9, 2020
A definite amazing first book in this awesome series. Kyril is bullied and tired of it. Unfortunately he hooks up with the wrong person. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 14, 2020
Mark of the Medallion
by Mike Shelton
Great author, awesome book, quick read.
Received this ARC and am leaving an honest review.
by Mike Shelton
Great author, awesome book, quick read.
Received this ARC and am leaving an honest review.
September 7, 2020
Liked this book enough to purchase the physical copy of the second book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews