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Boston Magic Academies #1
Touch of the Mage
Life at the academy just got… messy.
I’ve always dreamed of getting into a top college, but after a stint in juvie, my school prospects went sideways fast. Now I work at a magic academy…as a janitor. Ironic, right?
Okay, so maybe I get a kick out of secretly solving the arcane equations the professors leave on the board for the rich, entitled student wizards. I’m broke, not stupid.
Except then I get caught by the hottest mage on campus…who ropes me into helping him and his three equally gorgeous friends win a decidedly screwed-up magic competition.
Easy enough, I think—until I start setting things on fire and getting chased by smoke-faced monsters and fighting side by side with four of the sexiest, most powerful wizards ever…and find myself—just maybe—falling in love…
With all of them.
Whoops.
Note: This is a medium burn, New Adult Why Choose paranormal academy romance, and book 1 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series.
I’ve always dreamed of getting into a top college, but after a stint in juvie, my school prospects went sideways fast. Now I work at a magic academy…as a janitor. Ironic, right?
Okay, so maybe I get a kick out of secretly solving the arcane equations the professors leave on the board for the rich, entitled student wizards. I’m broke, not stupid.
Except then I get caught by the hottest mage on campus…who ropes me into helping him and his three equally gorgeous friends win a decidedly screwed-up magic competition.
Easy enough, I think—until I start setting things on fire and getting chased by smoke-faced monsters and fighting side by side with four of the sexiest, most powerful wizards ever…and find myself—just maybe—falling in love…
With all of them.
Whoops.
Note: This is a medium burn, New Adult Why Choose paranormal academy romance, and book 1 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
2526 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
June 3, 2020
I have definitely read worse. It wasn't bad, there are a lot of inconsistencies but luckily today I can ignore them.
I did not like Connor falling in love out of nowhere though,what was up with that. He didn't even know her, he had felt her power but he didn't even know it belonged to her yet he's fallen in love with her already.
The academy angle is a joke because they don't attend any classes whatsoever. Immediately they find her she is thrust into some sort of magical game that the academy plays, the thing is the other students in the academy either don't know the game is going on or they blatantly ignore them as they play. What kind of game is that? The teachers don't know what is going on,the advisors don't know what is going on.
I am going to check the rest of the series out, as I've said, I've read worse.
I did not like Connor falling in love out of nowhere though,what was up with that. He didn't even know her, he had felt her power but he didn't even know it belonged to her yet he's fallen in love with her already.
The academy angle is a joke because they don't attend any classes whatsoever. Immediately they find her she is thrust into some sort of magical game that the academy plays, the thing is the other students in the academy either don't know the game is going on or they blatantly ignore them as they play. What kind of game is that? The teachers don't know what is going on,the advisors don't know what is going on.
I am going to check the rest of the series out, as I've said, I've read worse.
April 24, 2020
So, I felt this started off really well.. then the whol mage trail thing came in to play and everything just felt really vague. Skimming the surface of everything and feeling like you're missing out kind of vague. So I feel really disappointed.
February 27, 2021
Academy books have become the craze all across the literary landscape, and it's been hard to come by anything new and exciting. But, I did! I mean, a janitor? LOL I love Maddigan, just love her. What a position to be put in. From cleaning up after them to working with them. Who? The elites of the Academy of course.
And who are the elites? A group of unlikely friends, bonded by magic, and personalities so different that the diversity alone is fun to watch. Take Connor. Heartthrob of the girls with his wholesome good looks, not to mention his self assured personality. He's not just talented as a wizard, he's also a sweetheart.
Then there's Luke, our hulking, yet sweet-natured, protective wizard who isn't lacking in the looks department either. But, scary as his size is, he's a teddy bear when it comes to protecting those who he considers his.
And let's not forget Marcus, upstanding, sure of himself, academic and magical genius, not to mention a bit aloof, which made getting to know him a little more difficult than the others. It's hard to tell if he's a nice guy or not, but he's not a bad guy, just not likely to be the most affable in the bunch.
And, last but certainly not the least, Rafe Twyst. Yes, that Twyst. Now, here's a typical silver spoon guy, hot when not frowning, and, of course, the best of the best of the wizards. And he knows it.
That's our boys. No point in trying to separate them out, as they're as much a bonded bunch as you can possibly get and what they can do as a group so outclasses what they can do individually that there's no point in trying to separate them out. So, our boys, package deal, friends with one, friends with all.
Or so Maddigan found out. Our janitor, Maddigan. Cleaning up after these entitled kids for 6 years, finding out she can solve equations left on blackboards and using that as her favorite pastime whenever she can. What a character! While finding out things about herself that she was completely unaware of until now, she fights the belief that she's anything special. All she wants from this world is a chance to go to a decent school, like Harvard or MIT. Boy, do her dreams get turned upside down!
DD Chance has created a crazy group of characters that are caught up in what they believe to be tests the school administer, and determined to win the final test, find they need Maddigan to help with their goals. But, they need her for so much more than that. And that's where the fun begins.
Between the dangers at the school, and the dangers Maddigan faces on the streets, there is apparently good reason these wizards are being trained so hard. And those reasons are what draw you in and won't let go. I can't wait to see were it all leads in book 2! And it's coming fast so I'm already going to pre-order that!
DD Chance, this was such a great beginning to a new and exciting Academy series. And I can tell it's going to go much farther than just an Academy novel, so hang on tight and get ready for an amazing ride. What a first crack at this! I'm completely caught!
So Very Well Done, lovely lady! So Very Well Done indeed! Can't wait for book 2, Blood of the Mage!
I received this as an ARC, and as such am giving this review in my own words and of my own volition. As always.
And who are the elites? A group of unlikely friends, bonded by magic, and personalities so different that the diversity alone is fun to watch. Take Connor. Heartthrob of the girls with his wholesome good looks, not to mention his self assured personality. He's not just talented as a wizard, he's also a sweetheart.
Then there's Luke, our hulking, yet sweet-natured, protective wizard who isn't lacking in the looks department either. But, scary as his size is, he's a teddy bear when it comes to protecting those who he considers his.
And let's not forget Marcus, upstanding, sure of himself, academic and magical genius, not to mention a bit aloof, which made getting to know him a little more difficult than the others. It's hard to tell if he's a nice guy or not, but he's not a bad guy, just not likely to be the most affable in the bunch.
And, last but certainly not the least, Rafe Twyst. Yes, that Twyst. Now, here's a typical silver spoon guy, hot when not frowning, and, of course, the best of the best of the wizards. And he knows it.
That's our boys. No point in trying to separate them out, as they're as much a bonded bunch as you can possibly get and what they can do as a group so outclasses what they can do individually that there's no point in trying to separate them out. So, our boys, package deal, friends with one, friends with all.
Or so Maddigan found out. Our janitor, Maddigan. Cleaning up after these entitled kids for 6 years, finding out she can solve equations left on blackboards and using that as her favorite pastime whenever she can. What a character! While finding out things about herself that she was completely unaware of until now, she fights the belief that she's anything special. All she wants from this world is a chance to go to a decent school, like Harvard or MIT. Boy, do her dreams get turned upside down!
DD Chance has created a crazy group of characters that are caught up in what they believe to be tests the school administer, and determined to win the final test, find they need Maddigan to help with their goals. But, they need her for so much more than that. And that's where the fun begins.
Between the dangers at the school, and the dangers Maddigan faces on the streets, there is apparently good reason these wizards are being trained so hard. And those reasons are what draw you in and won't let go. I can't wait to see were it all leads in book 2! And it's coming fast so I'm already going to pre-order that!
DD Chance, this was such a great beginning to a new and exciting Academy series. And I can tell it's going to go much farther than just an Academy novel, so hang on tight and get ready for an amazing ride. What a first crack at this! I'm completely caught!
So Very Well Done, lovely lady! So Very Well Done indeed! Can't wait for book 2, Blood of the Mage!
I received this as an ARC, and as such am giving this review in my own words and of my own volition. As always.
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December 30, 2020
⤅ I really liked a lot of the elements behind this story, but unfortunately there just wasn't enough to keep me interested.
I finished this book but I won't be reading the rest of the series. And that's a real shame, since it could've been so good.
⤅ PLOT
I LOVED that the premise brings a couple of fresh twists to the super-stale academy thing. Maddigan is a janitor at an elite magical academy, and she's been there for the last six years. She's convinced she has no magic, but then a junior student named Connor gets her onto his team for something called the Mage Trials - basically a set of really intense magical exams. He's also super attracted to her, as are his three bonded mage friends - Luke, Rafe, and Marcus.
⤅ WHAT WORKED
✔️ Definitely the janitor thing. I liked that Maddigan wasn't just a charity case scholarship student, she literally has been in a menial position at the academy.
✔️ She's three years older than the guys. Not something I've seen a massive amount in RH.
✔️ Connor is a virgin. Again, something you don't see a massive amount of.
✔️ The prose is pretty smooth.
⤅ WHAT DIDN'T WORK
❌ It's way, way, way too fast-burn. Insta-lust is the name of the game. There's no sexual tension whatsoever because all they want to do is rip each other's clothes off the moment they meet.
❌ I don't like how the author has chosen to structure her RH. Each book focuses on a different guy, which means in this book that I felt zero connection to anyone except Connor, even though Maddigan herself was claiming to feel deeper things for the others.
❌ I skimmed all the action stuff. It was deeply uninteresting and totally failed to grab my attention.
⤅ OVERALL
Sadly, not carrying on - I just have no interest in the wider plot about the Mage Trials, and the relationships are so fast-burn I don't feel any tension.
[Blog]
I finished this book but I won't be reading the rest of the series. And that's a real shame, since it could've been so good.
⤅ PLOT
I LOVED that the premise brings a couple of fresh twists to the super-stale academy thing. Maddigan is a janitor at an elite magical academy, and she's been there for the last six years. She's convinced she has no magic, but then a junior student named Connor gets her onto his team for something called the Mage Trials - basically a set of really intense magical exams. He's also super attracted to her, as are his three bonded mage friends - Luke, Rafe, and Marcus.
⤅ WHAT WORKED
✔️ Definitely the janitor thing. I liked that Maddigan wasn't just a charity case scholarship student, she literally has been in a menial position at the academy.
✔️ She's three years older than the guys. Not something I've seen a massive amount in RH.
✔️ Connor is a virgin. Again, something you don't see a massive amount of.
✔️ The prose is pretty smooth.
⤅ WHAT DIDN'T WORK
❌ It's way, way, way too fast-burn. Insta-lust is the name of the game. There's no sexual tension whatsoever because all they want to do is rip each other's clothes off the moment they meet.
❌ I don't like how the author has chosen to structure her RH. Each book focuses on a different guy, which means in this book that I felt zero connection to anyone except Connor, even though Maddigan herself was claiming to feel deeper things for the others.
❌ I skimmed all the action stuff. It was deeply uninteresting and totally failed to grab my attention.
⤅ OVERALL
Sadly, not carrying on - I just have no interest in the wider plot about the Mage Trials, and the relationships are so fast-burn I don't feel any tension.
[Blog]
February 3, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Touch of the Mage, by author D.D. Chance, is the first installment in a brand new series called Twyst Academy. What you should know: The protagonist of the series is 23-year old Maddigan Pierce. Maddie has been working for the Academy, a sort of Elite School of Magecraft, for 6 years as a janitorial services specialist. At night, she sneaks answers to difficult mage problems. At this school, you either pass, or you are washed out. There are no second chances. For years, Maddie has been trying hard to get into Harvard, or MIT, only to be rejected over and over again.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Touch of the Mage, by author D.D. Chance, is the first installment in a brand new series called Twyst Academy. What you should know: The protagonist of the series is 23-year old Maddigan Pierce. Maddie has been working for the Academy, a sort of Elite School of Magecraft, for 6 years as a janitorial services specialist. At night, she sneaks answers to difficult mage problems. At this school, you either pass, or you are washed out. There are no second chances. For years, Maddie has been trying hard to get into Harvard, or MIT, only to be rejected over and over again.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 28, 2020
Meh
I dislike giving negative reviews; however, this book was too hard to finish. I did, but goodness it made no sense. The Mage Trials in itself served little to no purpose- a power boost and bragging rights? Not much of a go bbn on for me. The lengthy explanations about magic became stagnant and boring. I really liked Maddigan at the beginning, but she was always full of unchecked rage and I couldn't understand the origin really. Also, the chemistry was kind of instant with her and Connor. I barely got anything from the others supposedly in her harem. They were dull characters with little depth or oomph.
I won't be able to finish this series.
I dislike giving negative reviews; however, this book was too hard to finish. I did, but goodness it made no sense. The Mage Trials in itself served little to no purpose- a power boost and bragging rights? Not much of a go bbn on for me. The lengthy explanations about magic became stagnant and boring. I really liked Maddigan at the beginning, but she was always full of unchecked rage and I couldn't understand the origin really. Also, the chemistry was kind of instant with her and Connor. I barely got anything from the others supposedly in her harem. They were dull characters with little depth or oomph.
I won't be able to finish this series.
May 6, 2020
Great read!
What a way to start this crazy series off! And yes I say crazy because everything was nuts but in the best of ways. I cant wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve!
What a way to start this crazy series off! And yes I say crazy because everything was nuts but in the best of ways. I cant wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve!
December 26, 2022
So I picked this up thinking I'd get Good Will Hunting goes to Hogwarts. And yes, I definitely got that, but then it veered into heavy Ready Player One territory.
The world building in this was a bit muddy, and as a result, I was even more confused as to what was going on than the main character. Add to that that there appears to be a polyamory vibe -- which I'm fine with -- only every book features a different love interest -- which I'm not so sure I'm fine with. Apparently I'm only going to get to learn about each love interest as I continue to read the books, and that is a bit too slow for me.
Meanwhile, there are some really stupid decisions being made on the part of Maddigan that are definitely going to be a problem in future books. Secrets about her past were being kept from her partners/love interests for reasons that make no sense, when meanwhile she is supposed to be some kind of smartie-pants (solving the wizard-world's version of the Will Hunting proofs while being a janitor for the college).
I'm not going to say I won't continue the series. But I am also not going to say that I will.
The world building in this was a bit muddy, and as a result, I was even more confused as to what was going on than the main character. Add to that that there appears to be a polyamory vibe -- which I'm fine with -- only every book features a different love interest -- which I'm not so sure I'm fine with. Apparently I'm only going to get to learn about each love interest as I continue to read the books, and that is a bit too slow for me.
Meanwhile, there are some really stupid decisions being made on the part of Maddigan that are definitely going to be a problem in future books. Secrets about her past were being kept from her partners/love interests for reasons that make no sense, when meanwhile she is supposed to be some kind of smartie-pants (solving the wizard-world's version of the Will Hunting proofs while being a janitor for the college).
I'm not going to say I won't continue the series. But I am also not going to say that I will.
did-not-finish
January 30, 2025DNF at 3%.
I know I'm picking books at random right now but can I please get a book where the characters learn to love each other rather than have instalust? The immediate horniness puts me off.
Sooo. I read reviews. And they confirm i don't want to read this book.
Ugh.
I know I'm picking books at random right now but can I please get a book where the characters learn to love each other rather than have instalust? The immediate horniness puts me off.
Sooo. I read reviews. And they confirm i don't want to read this book.
Ugh.
July 17, 2022
2,5 stars
September 8, 2025
I wanted this to give me “Broken Bonds” vibes and it just didn’t work. It could’ve been my mood. 55% into the book I was almost over it. The action is in the ending of the book. Maybe the other books get better.
March 12, 2020
Great book.
Love the writing - it’s fun, fast paced, quirky and fresh. I like the academy/trials mashup; makes it a little more interesting! Definitely reading the next to see where Maddigan and the guys take us!
Love the writing - it’s fun, fast paced, quirky and fresh. I like the academy/trials mashup; makes it a little more interesting! Definitely reading the next to see where Maddigan and the guys take us!
March 2, 2020
A magical series beginning.
This series is f****ng awesome.
I love Maddigan and how she got her name is priceless.
Condor is simply the sweetest and i can't wait for the next book to read her connection with number 2 of her harem Luke.
He's going to be the biggest softy of them all I think.
This series is f****ng awesome.
I love Maddigan and how she got her name is priceless.
Condor is simply the sweetest and i can't wait for the next book to read her connection with number 2 of her harem Luke.
He's going to be the biggest softy of them all I think.
December 28, 2021
Undecided
I can’t tell you how I feel about this book/series yet. It feels like it could easily go either way; it could end up being really good or it could turn out to be garbage. I just don’t know yet. So far we have too much confusion and too many unanswered questions. I must finish the series.
So far we have Maddigan - a janitor at an arcane wizardry school who turns out to be a mythical War Mage. A war mage who doesn’t know how to be a war mage and doesn’t know how to fight. She doesn’t know magic. She’s not confident. She’s poor and starved and dirty…she wears old ragged mens clothes. At the beginning we get the impression that she’s super smart like ‘Good Will Hunting’ style, but that’s quickly proven to be a false impression. The only thing this girl has going for her is her rage. She gets mad and magic pops out, BAM!
On top of that, nobody seems interested in teaching her magic either. She feels like a one trick pony to me. I’m hoping that will change soon.
All the boys on her new team seem to be desperately attracted to her…which seems pretty inexplainable to me. There isn’t anything about this girl that’s attractive. Maybe her magical aura?
I’m also confused about a lot of things right now, but I’m almost positive that’s the authors intent. There seems to be a lot of shady things going on. The trials seems shady. The council seems shady. The advisors seems shady. Random people on the street seem shady. Right now I’m half convinced that her parole officer is her magical mystery protector. The bond between the guys is confusing. Maddigan’s role on the team is confusing. Is she their mage battery that charges all the guys up with her powerful, super special sex?
One sex scene in this book. One oral sex situation as well. The sex scene was weird. There wasn’t a lot of description to the sex scene that made sense. I *think* the entirety of it was focusing on the magic their sex was making. I’m almost sure the magic was all literal and not figurative. The literal magic they made having sex together. It was weird.
So this book/ series could go either way. I’m reserving judgement.
I can’t tell you how I feel about this book/series yet. It feels like it could easily go either way; it could end up being really good or it could turn out to be garbage. I just don’t know yet. So far we have too much confusion and too many unanswered questions. I must finish the series.
So far we have Maddigan - a janitor at an arcane wizardry school who turns out to be a mythical War Mage. A war mage who doesn’t know how to be a war mage and doesn’t know how to fight. She doesn’t know magic. She’s not confident. She’s poor and starved and dirty…she wears old ragged mens clothes. At the beginning we get the impression that she’s super smart like ‘Good Will Hunting’ style, but that’s quickly proven to be a false impression. The only thing this girl has going for her is her rage. She gets mad and magic pops out, BAM!
On top of that, nobody seems interested in teaching her magic either. She feels like a one trick pony to me. I’m hoping that will change soon.
All the boys on her new team seem to be desperately attracted to her…which seems pretty inexplainable to me. There isn’t anything about this girl that’s attractive. Maybe her magical aura?
I’m also confused about a lot of things right now, but I’m almost positive that’s the authors intent. There seems to be a lot of shady things going on. The trials seems shady. The council seems shady. The advisors seems shady. Random people on the street seem shady. Right now I’m half convinced that her parole officer is her magical mystery protector. The bond between the guys is confusing. Maddigan’s role on the team is confusing. Is she their mage battery that charges all the guys up with her powerful, super special sex?
One sex scene in this book. One oral sex situation as well. The sex scene was weird. There wasn’t a lot of description to the sex scene that made sense. I *think* the entirety of it was focusing on the magic their sex was making. I’m almost sure the magic was all literal and not figurative. The literal magic they made having sex together. It was weird.
So this book/ series could go either way. I’m reserving judgement.
February 23, 2020
Good book
Enjoyed the story and the interaction among the group. The magic could have been explained better but still a worth while read. Can't wait for the next book.
Enjoyed the story and the interaction among the group. The magic could have been explained better but still a worth while read. Can't wait for the next book.
August 7, 2020
2.5 stars!
I liked the premise of the story but I had a few issues with it as well.
There is almost no explanation about the magic system in this book. It happens without further explanation and the female main character doesn't know what she’s doing. Therefore I miss some explanation about the magic.
The academy is nothing more than a placeholder. You don’t get to experience any classes.
I liked the premise of the story but I had a few issues with it as well.
There is almost no explanation about the magic system in this book. It happens without further explanation and the female main character doesn't know what she’s doing. Therefore I miss some explanation about the magic.
The academy is nothing more than a placeholder. You don’t get to experience any classes.
February 4, 2020
I've been a fan of this author but writing under a different name, particularly her Sara Wilde series, so was interested to see where this book would go. The story revolves around Maddigan Pierce who has worked as a janitor cleaning at night at the magical Twyst Academy. Life hasn't been kind to her between living in foster care and a stint in juvie and now barely making ends meet on her own. But her goal is to get into a good college....like Harvard or MIT. Her habit of answering difficult metaphysical problems left on blackboards at night finally catches someones attention and she is found out and forced to face the fact that there is more to herself than she realized ... like magic.
Subsequently teaming up with four male students she begins to explore her own magic and join them to form a top team to enter the Mage Trials. I wasn't sure about the reverse harem function of this story but we'll see as the story progresses. I did receive an advance copy of this book for an honest review and I do find myself looking forward to the next book. Enjoy
Subsequently teaming up with four male students she begins to explore her own magic and join them to form a top team to enter the Mage Trials. I wasn't sure about the reverse harem function of this story but we'll see as the story progresses. I did receive an advance copy of this book for an honest review and I do find myself looking forward to the next book. Enjoy
March 14, 2020
Different kinds of academy
This slow burn took an interesting turn and tweaked the academy sub- genre just enough to be incredibly interesting. The writing is very smooth with creative twists and turns, plopping out humor as quickly as it spits the action. Overall, I was quite impressed with this university level RH, though it did lose a star
This slow burn took an interesting turn and tweaked the academy sub- genre just enough to be incredibly interesting. The writing is very smooth with creative twists and turns, plopping out humor as quickly as it spits the action. Overall, I was quite impressed with this university level RH, though it did lose a star
March 2, 2020
The strength of this story is in the characters. Maddigan is a sympathetic character from the start because she’s a janitor. Her habits and reactions are very realistic for someone with her background (growing up in poverty/foster care), where she constantly worries about where her next meal is coming from, downplaying herself to avoid attracting attention (which could be dangerous), and refusing to get attached to any people or objects. Even when things turn around for her, it doesn’t automatically undo a lifetime of hardship.
At first, I thought I wouldn’t like any of the boys because of the contrast. They obviously come from very privileged, sheltered families. But their care for Maddigan redeems them. The way that they make her part of their group and protect her even when they don’t understand all of her fears. Also, each one is a complete individual with their own strengths and weaknesses instead of just filling stereotypical roles like “the brooding one” and “the strong one.” For example, the big strong guy, Luke, is also the healer. The bonds of friendship between the boys is also an important part of the story and they feel natural like they’ve spent a lot of time together.
What made things a little frustrating for me was the number of questions raised by the story that weren’t answered. I know this is the first book in a series, so they won’t learn everything right away. But it felt like some of the mysteries weren’t revealed for arbitrary reasons. I wish there had been a little less info-dumping and maybe some things could have been put off until later books when they might be closer to uncovering the answers.
The pacing of the story was also a little strange. I thought they would spend the entire book training, but then they abruptly started the Mage Trials. I didn’t know that they would be going in and out of the mage trials with breaks in between each stage. It was nice to see some action, but there wasn’t enough time for them to really get their footing as a group. The info about the Mage Trials seems almost contradictory sometimes because they dump so much at once and then find out something else.
Hopefully future books in this series will answer more questions and smooth out some of the bumps. I’ll be waiting for the next installment to be released.
At first, I thought I wouldn’t like any of the boys because of the contrast. They obviously come from very privileged, sheltered families. But their care for Maddigan redeems them. The way that they make her part of their group and protect her even when they don’t understand all of her fears. Also, each one is a complete individual with their own strengths and weaknesses instead of just filling stereotypical roles like “the brooding one” and “the strong one.” For example, the big strong guy, Luke, is also the healer. The bonds of friendship between the boys is also an important part of the story and they feel natural like they’ve spent a lot of time together.
What made things a little frustrating for me was the number of questions raised by the story that weren’t answered. I know this is the first book in a series, so they won’t learn everything right away. But it felt like some of the mysteries weren’t revealed for arbitrary reasons. I wish there had been a little less info-dumping and maybe some things could have been put off until later books when they might be closer to uncovering the answers.
The pacing of the story was also a little strange. I thought they would spend the entire book training, but then they abruptly started the Mage Trials. I didn’t know that they would be going in and out of the mage trials with breaks in between each stage. It was nice to see some action, but there wasn’t enough time for them to really get their footing as a group. The info about the Mage Trials seems almost contradictory sometimes because they dump so much at once and then find out something else.
Hopefully future books in this series will answer more questions and smooth out some of the bumps. I’ll be waiting for the next installment to be released.
April 10, 2022
Oh where to begin. If I could have given this more than 5 stars I would. It is most definitely a book I will reread at some point and that is always a good sign.
I read this as part of a buddy read and it was so much to have someone to talk to about the twist and turns that this book throws at you.
Brilliant characters, really well written and a story line to die for. I can not wait to read the next instalment.
Fast becoming my favourite author.
I read this as part of a buddy read and it was so much to have someone to talk to about the twist and turns that this book throws at you.
Brilliant characters, really well written and a story line to die for. I can not wait to read the next instalment.
Fast becoming my favourite author.
February 4, 2020
Academy books have become the craze all across the literary landscape, and it's been hard to come by anything new and exciting. But, I did! I mean, a janitor? LOL I love Maddigan, just love her. What a position to be put in. From cleaning up after them to working with them. Who? The elites of the Academy of course.
And who are the elites? A group of unlikely friends, bonded by magic, and personalities so different that the diversity alone is fun to watch. Take Connor. Heartthrob of the girls with his wholesome good looks, not to mention his self assured personality. He's not just talented as a wizard, he's also a sweetheart.
Then there's Luke, our hulking, yet sweet-natured, protective wizard who isn't lacking in the looks department either. But, scary as his size is, he's a teddy bear when it comes to protecting those who he considers his.
And let's not forget Marcus, upstanding, sure of himself, academic and magical genius, not to mention a bit aloof, which made getting to know him a little more difficult than the others. It's hard to tell if he's a nice guy or not, but he's not a bad guy, just not likely to be the most affable in the bunch.
And, last but certainly not the least, Rafe Twyst. Yes, that Twyst. Now, here's a typical silver spoon guy, hot when not frowning, and, of course, the best of the best of the wizards. And he knows it.
That's our boys. No point in trying to separate them out, as they're as much a bonded bunch as you can possibly get and what they can do as a group so outclasses what they can do individually that there's no point in trying to separate them out. So, our boys, package deal, friends with one, friends with all.
Or so Maddigan found out. Our janitor, Maddigan. Cleaning up after these entitled kids for 6 years, finding out she can solve equations left on blackboards and using that as her favorite pastime whenever she can. What a character! While finding out things about herself that she was completely unaware of until now, she fights the belief that she's anything special. All she wants from this world is a chance to go to a decent school, like Harvard or MIT. Boy, do her dreams get turned upside down!
DD Chance has created a crazy group of characters that are caught up in what they believe to be tests the school administer, and determined to win the final test, find they need Maddigan to help with their goals. But, they need her for so much more than that. And that's where the fun begins.
Between the dangers at the school, and the dangers Maddigan faces on the streets, there is apparently good reason these wizards are being trained so hard. And those reasons are what draw you in and won't let go. I can't wait to see were it all leads in book 2! And it's coming fast so I'm already going to pre-order that!
DD Chance, this was such a great beginning to a new and exciting Academy series. And I can tell it's going to go much farther than just an Academy novel, so hang on tight and get ready for an amazing ride. What a first crack at this! I'm completely caught!
So Very Well Done, lovely lady! So Very Well Done indeed! Can't wait for book 2, Blood of the Mage!
I received this as an ARC, and as such am giving this review in my own words and of my own volition. As always.
And who are the elites? A group of unlikely friends, bonded by magic, and personalities so different that the diversity alone is fun to watch. Take Connor. Heartthrob of the girls with his wholesome good looks, not to mention his self assured personality. He's not just talented as a wizard, he's also a sweetheart.
Then there's Luke, our hulking, yet sweet-natured, protective wizard who isn't lacking in the looks department either. But, scary as his size is, he's a teddy bear when it comes to protecting those who he considers his.
And let's not forget Marcus, upstanding, sure of himself, academic and magical genius, not to mention a bit aloof, which made getting to know him a little more difficult than the others. It's hard to tell if he's a nice guy or not, but he's not a bad guy, just not likely to be the most affable in the bunch.
And, last but certainly not the least, Rafe Twyst. Yes, that Twyst. Now, here's a typical silver spoon guy, hot when not frowning, and, of course, the best of the best of the wizards. And he knows it.
That's our boys. No point in trying to separate them out, as they're as much a bonded bunch as you can possibly get and what they can do as a group so outclasses what they can do individually that there's no point in trying to separate them out. So, our boys, package deal, friends with one, friends with all.
Or so Maddigan found out. Our janitor, Maddigan. Cleaning up after these entitled kids for 6 years, finding out she can solve equations left on blackboards and using that as her favorite pastime whenever she can. What a character! While finding out things about herself that she was completely unaware of until now, she fights the belief that she's anything special. All she wants from this world is a chance to go to a decent school, like Harvard or MIT. Boy, do her dreams get turned upside down!
DD Chance has created a crazy group of characters that are caught up in what they believe to be tests the school administer, and determined to win the final test, find they need Maddigan to help with their goals. But, they need her for so much more than that. And that's where the fun begins.
Between the dangers at the school, and the dangers Maddigan faces on the streets, there is apparently good reason these wizards are being trained so hard. And those reasons are what draw you in and won't let go. I can't wait to see were it all leads in book 2! And it's coming fast so I'm already going to pre-order that!
DD Chance, this was such a great beginning to a new and exciting Academy series. And I can tell it's going to go much farther than just an Academy novel, so hang on tight and get ready for an amazing ride. What a first crack at this! I'm completely caught!
So Very Well Done, lovely lady! So Very Well Done indeed! Can't wait for book 2, Blood of the Mage!
I received this as an ARC, and as such am giving this review in my own words and of my own volition. As always.
February 19, 2020
Great Read
I related to Maddigan’s emotions a lot in this book. This book wasn’t predictable at all and I’m surprised at how well-thought our everything was. I don’t think I’ve ever read a reverse harem series where the sequel books had differing POV’s but I’m definitely interested in it. We don’t get to know a lot about the guys backgrounds and that’s one of the few shortcomings of this book, so I’m happy we’ll know more about Luke in book two.
The wait time is a little long for the next book which is concerning because I just KNOW that I will forget all the important little details. Hoping for more romance in the next book, like actual dates and stuff, things happening beyond the trials. The plot is there but there just isn’t enough fluff.
I related to Maddigan’s emotions a lot in this book. This book wasn’t predictable at all and I’m surprised at how well-thought our everything was. I don’t think I’ve ever read a reverse harem series where the sequel books had differing POV’s but I’m definitely interested in it. We don’t get to know a lot about the guys backgrounds and that’s one of the few shortcomings of this book, so I’m happy we’ll know more about Luke in book two.
The wait time is a little long for the next book which is concerning because I just KNOW that I will forget all the important little details. Hoping for more romance in the next book, like actual dates and stuff, things happening beyond the trials. The plot is there but there just isn’t enough fluff.
February 5, 2020
Wonderful story
A truly outstanding story with lots of excitement, adventure, romance, magic and discovery. This story takes you on a fun ride through magic and friendship.
A truly outstanding story with lots of excitement, adventure, romance, magic and discovery. This story takes you on a fun ride through magic and friendship.
February 3, 2020
Welcome to Twyst Academy… enroll at your own risk
“Touch of the Mage”, the first installment in the brand-new “Twyst Academy” checks all the boxes to become a new favourite. The story features Maddigan Pierce, a young girl with a tough past, abandoned almost at birth, gone through the system and stock at Twyst Academy working as janitor for the last six years. But do not let your preconceptions cloud your expectations. Maddigan is a very unusual janitor, using her job for two purposes, first and foremost to spare enough money to go into MIT (yeap, she is so bright) and secondly to get some extracurricular education, as Twyst Academy is in fact a school for Magicians, that graduate by participating in the Mage Trials. Interested? As you should be, the book has everything you want in a good UF story: a heroine you love at first sight, four very handsome boys and a couple of twists that keep you wondering… “what’s next?”
There is adventure in spades, romance, very carefully done steamy moments, and above all very good drafted characters. Maddigan is a young woman with rough angles, cynicism is just “survival mode”, and very soft moments, and witnessing her inner dialog is everything. The four boys have very distinct personalities, this first book focuses on Connor, but Rafe, Luke and Marcus will get your attention nevertheless. I’m already looking forward to getting to know Luke a little better in the next book 😊
#he book is very well written, the story interesting, the setting unusual, the characters likeable, with funny moments, a veritable must read!
“Touch of the Mage”, the first installment in the brand-new “Twyst Academy” checks all the boxes to become a new favourite. The story features Maddigan Pierce, a young girl with a tough past, abandoned almost at birth, gone through the system and stock at Twyst Academy working as janitor for the last six years. But do not let your preconceptions cloud your expectations. Maddigan is a very unusual janitor, using her job for two purposes, first and foremost to spare enough money to go into MIT (yeap, she is so bright) and secondly to get some extracurricular education, as Twyst Academy is in fact a school for Magicians, that graduate by participating in the Mage Trials. Interested? As you should be, the book has everything you want in a good UF story: a heroine you love at first sight, four very handsome boys and a couple of twists that keep you wondering… “what’s next?”
There is adventure in spades, romance, very carefully done steamy moments, and above all very good drafted characters. Maddigan is a young woman with rough angles, cynicism is just “survival mode”, and very soft moments, and witnessing her inner dialog is everything. The four boys have very distinct personalities, this first book focuses on Connor, but Rafe, Luke and Marcus will get your attention nevertheless. I’m already looking forward to getting to know Luke a little better in the next book 😊
#he book is very well written, the story interesting, the setting unusual, the characters likeable, with funny moments, a veritable must read!
February 11, 2020
I enjoyed this introduction to this new series. It looks like it will be a lot of fun to continue reading the series.
I really liked her determination to make a better life for her. She has made mistakes but is working hard and not expecting any handouts.
When she is discovered to have magical abilities, everything changes. She is introduced to some very attractive men who all appeal to her. The Mage Trials adds a lot of adventure to the story as it tests their abilities.
It is a well written story that gets better and better and I am ready for the second book. I am looking forward to learning more about the characters and seeing the relationships grow.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I really liked her determination to make a better life for her. She has made mistakes but is working hard and not expecting any handouts.
When she is discovered to have magical abilities, everything changes. She is introduced to some very attractive men who all appeal to her. The Mage Trials adds a lot of adventure to the story as it tests their abilities.
It is a well written story that gets better and better and I am ready for the second book. I am looking forward to learning more about the characters and seeing the relationships grow.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
November 10, 2021
Mary Sue and Her Merry Band of Dudes
These books are unintentionally hilarious. The author overtly ripped off a multitude of books, movies, and video games from the past 30 years to stretch and pad the story into a multi-part series, including plagiarizing Good Will Hunting, Minecraft, Ready Player One, Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and more. There is very little originality and even less story. As a result, the characters don’t serve much purpose except as avatars for fighting and sex. They don’t learn anything so much as they level up. How do they level up? Sex. Otherwise, by book 2 they’ve stopped eating, sleeping, going to class, or practicing as they go from one fight sequence to the next with minor interludes to serve as exposition dumps that transition them to the next fight or other f word.
The fmc goes from being a genius-level janitor to being a super war mage locked into a magic battle for the existence of the entire world with nothing between.
These books are unintentionally hilarious. The author overtly ripped off a multitude of books, movies, and video games from the past 30 years to stretch and pad the story into a multi-part series, including plagiarizing Good Will Hunting, Minecraft, Ready Player One, Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and more. There is very little originality and even less story. As a result, the characters don’t serve much purpose except as avatars for fighting and sex. They don’t learn anything so much as they level up. How do they level up? Sex. Otherwise, by book 2 they’ve stopped eating, sleeping, going to class, or practicing as they go from one fight sequence to the next with minor interludes to serve as exposition dumps that transition them to the next fight or other f word.
The fmc goes from being a genius-level janitor to being a super war mage locked into a magic battle for the existence of the entire world with nothing between.
February 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this new series from D.D. Chance. I have followed this particular author through several of her series, and have always enjoyed the stories that she brings to life.
In this story, we have a heroine who has been exposed to magic but believes she has none. She has always seen paranormal things, and even though she can't explain it she has always had an explosive temper!
Maddigan is trying to find her place - she finally has a well-paying albeit menial job, she's saving all her pennies to get her application to a prestigious college accepted, and she's finally beginning to have some fun. What could possibly go wrong?
Ms Chance has crafted some wonderful characters, and is having fun with the reverse harem theme - even if Maddigan doesn't know what is in store for her yet! This is a light hearted read with heat, so be aware that there is some saucy scenes ahead.
In this story, we have a heroine who has been exposed to magic but believes she has none. She has always seen paranormal things, and even though she can't explain it she has always had an explosive temper!
Maddigan is trying to find her place - she finally has a well-paying albeit menial job, she's saving all her pennies to get her application to a prestigious college accepted, and she's finally beginning to have some fun. What could possibly go wrong?
Ms Chance has crafted some wonderful characters, and is having fun with the reverse harem theme - even if Maddigan doesn't know what is in store for her yet! This is a light hearted read with heat, so be aware that there is some saucy scenes ahead.
February 4, 2020
I loved reading Touch of the Mage, the first book in the Twyst Academy series. While academy / university settings usually bore me pretty quickly thanks to the teen angst, in this book the characters are in their early 20s, and I was quickly drawn into the story. With a magical setting, a lead female character who has no idea that she has magical powers or that she is stronger than she imagines, plenty of other interesting characters, and excitement building from the very first line, this is definitely a story worth reading. The characters are well drawn, there is plenty of action in this first book in the series, while at the same time there is ample indication about a fascinating back story that can be more fully explored in future stories. I am looking forward to the next book!
August 16, 2020
I loved this book! To me, it was "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" meets "Good Will Hunting", if you can imagine that. It's a wonderfully fresh take on the academy genre with fabulous characters you can't help but love (or love to hate).
I'm completely intrigued by Madiggan's backstory and I can't wait to discover more as we get further instalments of the Twyst Academy series. And Connor is the gorgeous guy who has everything. He should be a jerk, but he's just so dreamy - where was he when I was at college? Sigh...
And I haven't even got to the other gorgeous boys yet; or Maddigan's discovery of her magic; or the weirdness going on at Twyst Academy and the magic competition from hell.
I can't wait for the next one!
I'm completely intrigued by Madiggan's backstory and I can't wait to discover more as we get further instalments of the Twyst Academy series. And Connor is the gorgeous guy who has everything. He should be a jerk, but he's just so dreamy - where was he when I was at college? Sigh...
And I haven't even got to the other gorgeous boys yet; or Maddigan's discovery of her magic; or the weirdness going on at Twyst Academy and the magic competition from hell.
I can't wait for the next one!
February 4, 2020
Wow! Incredible and engaging story! A complete must read.
Wow! This was a non stop read, I couldn’t put it down. The storyline is enticing, intriguing and captivating. The characters are full of life and so relatable, at times I found myself, laughing with them the next shedding tears at the tales that were shared and then just filled with righteous anger. This story by DD Chance will pull you in, you will feel like you are there walking amongst the pages of the story with her characters. I am super excited for the next instalment, it can not come soon enough. If you enjoy stories that will leave you intrigued and wanting more than this one is for you.... I highly recommend this book.
Wow! This was a non stop read, I couldn’t put it down. The storyline is enticing, intriguing and captivating. The characters are full of life and so relatable, at times I found myself, laughing with them the next shedding tears at the tales that were shared and then just filled with righteous anger. This story by DD Chance will pull you in, you will feel like you are there walking amongst the pages of the story with her characters. I am super excited for the next instalment, it can not come soon enough. If you enjoy stories that will leave you intrigued and wanting more than this one is for you.... I highly recommend this book.
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