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Call of the Elements #1
Magister's Bane
Magic can’t be real, right? Tell that to the werewolf glaring at me with his near-black eyes or the handsome vampire in the corner.
Did I enjoy growing up rejected by everyone I encountered because of my physical abnormalities? Hell no! The only thing I ever wanted was to be accepted by someone. Not everyone, just anyone. A normal job and one solid meal a day would’ve been nice too.
You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for?”
Yeah, that one really sucks.
After a vampire kidnapped me, I suddenly become wanted by all the wrong people. Why would those blood sucking fiends want a deformed, malnourished woman who looked more like a little girl? I only get more questions when an elemental mage steals me from the vampires and thrust me into a role I wasn’t prepared for.
I thought I wanted to know the answers, but discovering the truth forced me into a fight for my life. One I wasn’t sure I could win.
Did I enjoy growing up rejected by everyone I encountered because of my physical abnormalities? Hell no! The only thing I ever wanted was to be accepted by someone. Not everyone, just anyone. A normal job and one solid meal a day would’ve been nice too.
You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for?”
Yeah, that one really sucks.
After a vampire kidnapped me, I suddenly become wanted by all the wrong people. Why would those blood sucking fiends want a deformed, malnourished woman who looked more like a little girl? I only get more questions when an elemental mage steals me from the vampires and thrust me into a role I wasn’t prepared for.
I thought I wanted to know the answers, but discovering the truth forced me into a fight for my life. One I wasn’t sure I could win.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
400 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Yvette Bostic
26 books50 followersI love to read almost any genre. While the most popular authors continue to thoroughly entertain us, I've found some of my favorite series have come from new authors. My all-time favorite has to be Ben Hale's, Chronicles of Lumineia, along with all the side stories that go with it. A very close second is Michael Manning's, Mageborn Series. I've found several gems within some of the Anthologies I've purchased. One of these introduced me to Michael Ploof's, Whill of Agora Series, which kept me reading for weeks.
Of course, I'll always enjoy one of Robert Jordan's new releases or a re-read of Elizabeth Peter's, Amelia Peabody Series. But it thrills my reading soul to find a new and interesting twist, such as Kel Kade's, King's Dark Tidings or Donna Augustine's, Karma Series.
Of course, I'll always enjoy one of Robert Jordan's new releases or a re-read of Elizabeth Peter's, Amelia Peabody Series. But it thrills my reading soul to find a new and interesting twist, such as Kel Kade's, King's Dark Tidings or Donna Augustine's, Karma Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 13, 2019
“Magister’s Bane” was a superb story! From the very beginning, I “bonded” with AJ, the protagonist of the story, who was super likable and easy to root for. Despite everything that fate threw her way from the day of her birth, she remained a strong-willed, resilient young woman and I couldn’t help but admire this about her. Life has never been easy for AJ; constantly hiding her disfigurement under a scarf, she couldn’t even hold a job due to this. However, as soon as she was kidnapped by a mysterious Logan and brought before an even more mysterious council, her entire life would change along with her appearance and she would finally discover the secret surrounding her birth. Though, in AJ’s case, meeting her birth mother would only mean that she would jump out of the frying pan into the fire.
The complex hierarchy of mages, vampires, and shifters; war looming on the horizon; the difficult path of self-discovery and building trust not only in others but in oneself - all this made “Magister’s Bane” a fascinating read. The complex relationship between AJ, Logan, and Kellen definitely added more spice - and heartbreak - to an already riveting story, and now I can’t wait to see how it will all turn out for the characters in the next book. A great five-star read!
The complex hierarchy of mages, vampires, and shifters; war looming on the horizon; the difficult path of self-discovery and building trust not only in others but in oneself - all this made “Magister’s Bane” a fascinating read. The complex relationship between AJ, Logan, and Kellen definitely added more spice - and heartbreak - to an already riveting story, and now I can’t wait to see how it will all turn out for the characters in the next book. A great five-star read!
July 31, 2019
Magister's Bane is a slick new urban fantasy from a master of the genre, Yvette Bostic. The style of her new book is slick, its plot is gripping, and the diverse cast of characters peopling its pages tend to jump out and grab you by the throat – well, the vampires will if you're not careful. So will the werewolves and shifters, if you let them, and even some of the mages might, if truth be told.
What's an unsuspecting reader to do then? Surely it can't be this dangerous to read a book? Fear not, all that is required is to get in touch with your inner elemental – earth, water, air, or fire – learn how to reign in any undesirable characteristics the little fellow might display (things like arrogance, aggression, and reticence are common) and grasp the proper way to command it in battle. Then you should be alright. If you haven't already been bitten, that is.
Even if you have, you'll probably still be able to appreciate the skilfully crafted ménage à trois in which the three main characters become inextricably enmeshed, the not always completely evil cast of vampires, the sometimes less than lethally vicious werewolves, and the not always trustworthy mages. Oh, and beware of the excellent twist in the tale which the author drops into your lap like a bombshell when you least expect it.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to see a doctor about these weird puncture marks I found on the side of my neck this morning…
This is a review of an ARC I requested from the author.
What's an unsuspecting reader to do then? Surely it can't be this dangerous to read a book? Fear not, all that is required is to get in touch with your inner elemental – earth, water, air, or fire – learn how to reign in any undesirable characteristics the little fellow might display (things like arrogance, aggression, and reticence are common) and grasp the proper way to command it in battle. Then you should be alright. If you haven't already been bitten, that is.
Even if you have, you'll probably still be able to appreciate the skilfully crafted ménage à trois in which the three main characters become inextricably enmeshed, the not always completely evil cast of vampires, the sometimes less than lethally vicious werewolves, and the not always trustworthy mages. Oh, and beware of the excellent twist in the tale which the author drops into your lap like a bombshell when you least expect it.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to see a doctor about these weird puncture marks I found on the side of my neck this morning…
This is a review of an ARC I requested from the author.
October 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
AJ Johnson lacks confidence in herself and hides her disfigured appearance under a scarf. Barely surviving on her own after being fired a week earlier, AJ’s luck changes when a phone call promises new employment. After a quick and strange interview, she is hired and is to begin her new housekeeping position the following day.
When AJ arrives at her new post, she is ushered upstairs. Feeling unnerved, AJ soon realizes that she is in trouble when she is locked inside a room, and she is not alone. From here on, AJ is thrust into the world of the supernatural where vampires, mages and shifters exist. A world she never thought was real and only belonged in books. But AJ’s adventure is just beginning as she realizes she’s not just among creatures from folklore, fantasy, and fairy tales; she is one of them.
I enjoyed this fantasy story, finding it a quick and easy read. The plot and characters are interesting and likeable, and I found myself rooting for a pairing among the characters. The story is well-written and the description allows for good imagery. The only drawback for me was the ending. While I understand the story continues in the next book, the end of book was not as satisfying of an ending I would have liked.
I do recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels with vampires, mages, and shifters, and I look forward to reading the second book of the series.
AJ Johnson lacks confidence in herself and hides her disfigured appearance under a scarf. Barely surviving on her own after being fired a week earlier, AJ’s luck changes when a phone call promises new employment. After a quick and strange interview, she is hired and is to begin her new housekeeping position the following day.
When AJ arrives at her new post, she is ushered upstairs. Feeling unnerved, AJ soon realizes that she is in trouble when she is locked inside a room, and she is not alone. From here on, AJ is thrust into the world of the supernatural where vampires, mages and shifters exist. A world she never thought was real and only belonged in books. But AJ’s adventure is just beginning as she realizes she’s not just among creatures from folklore, fantasy, and fairy tales; she is one of them.
I enjoyed this fantasy story, finding it a quick and easy read. The plot and characters are interesting and likeable, and I found myself rooting for a pairing among the characters. The story is well-written and the description allows for good imagery. The only drawback for me was the ending. While I understand the story continues in the next book, the end of book was not as satisfying of an ending I would have liked.
I do recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels with vampires, mages, and shifters, and I look forward to reading the second book of the series.
August 25, 2024
I had wanted to read this author, so I was glad that I got this series starter to try. It’s not easy to find my exact favorite niche genre, and this is a close fit. AJ is a very sympathetic character especially as she started as someone who’s been rejected and unloved because of her unusual facial characteristics. Then she finds out about magic and her life completely changes. I did like the characters in this, and one thing happened that was a little surprising, and I’m hoping that maybe it isn’t true. I’ll have to see how all this plays out. I also enjoyed the slightly different take on the paranormal creatures featured in this. While this book wasn’t perfect, I’m excited to read the next one. Recommend.
November 28, 2019
From an ugly duckling to a beautiful princess, thrown into a supernatural war! A real page turner!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! A great start to a thrilling series! AJ is living a life of poverty and unemployment, partly in part to her hideous looks. Just as an unbelievable job offer fall in her lap, AJ's miserable life gets turned upside down when she gets kidnapped by vampires. They question her, wondering why she was hiding and who her parents were. Things get crazy as she gets rescued by a mages and stowed away at a protected lair. AJ gets a serious overload and crash course in the supernatural world and that she is a mage. As the story unfolds, AJ is feeling overwhelmed with each new surprise and begins to question who she can rely on and who is conspiring against her. There's plenty of drama, action, and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages just to see who's an ally or foe. Maybe you can figure it out along with AJ, because if not, she will end up dead. I highly recommend this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! A great start to a thrilling series! AJ is living a life of poverty and unemployment, partly in part to her hideous looks. Just as an unbelievable job offer fall in her lap, AJ's miserable life gets turned upside down when she gets kidnapped by vampires. They question her, wondering why she was hiding and who her parents were. Things get crazy as she gets rescued by a mages and stowed away at a protected lair. AJ gets a serious overload and crash course in the supernatural world and that she is a mage. As the story unfolds, AJ is feeling overwhelmed with each new surprise and begins to question who she can rely on and who is conspiring against her. There's plenty of drama, action, and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages just to see who's an ally or foe. Maybe you can figure it out along with AJ, because if not, she will end up dead. I highly recommend this one!
December 16, 2019
Recap: AJ is struggling to keep a job and pay rent until she gets an unusual offer. Cue being kidnapped by vampires, rescued by people with magic, learning she has elemental power and discovering shifters!
Review: Loved it! Engaging YA with a likeable main character, some great plot twists that actually make your heart hurt. Well-paced with a good cast, some standard villainy, some superb treachery and heart-fluttering romance. I loved the personification of the elementals and I absolutely have to read book two.
Review: Loved it! Engaging YA with a likeable main character, some great plot twists that actually make your heart hurt. Well-paced with a good cast, some standard villainy, some superb treachery and heart-fluttering romance. I loved the personification of the elementals and I absolutely have to read book two.
September 21, 2019
It’s not very often that I find myself connecting to a protagonist the way that I did AJ. In spite of the hardships that she endured over her life, she was a very likeable character. Even though she was often taunted for her appearance, she didn’t give up. When things began to change, getting both better and worse, she didn’t back down from the challenge. She took it all in stride, doing what she needed to do in order to get to the bottom of the mystery of her life.
There are plenty of magical beings sprinkled throughout this story to keep it interesting. There are also touches of romance and friendship. Besides AJ, the other main characters in the story were also well done though I didn’t connect with them like I did AJ. They certainly added their own type of magic to the story, keeping me engrossed until the end.
A very strong start to a promising series.
There are plenty of magical beings sprinkled throughout this story to keep it interesting. There are also touches of romance and friendship. Besides AJ, the other main characters in the story were also well done though I didn’t connect with them like I did AJ. They certainly added their own type of magic to the story, keeping me engrossed until the end.
A very strong start to a promising series.
December 6, 2019
Fantastic, well-told
This is a gripping tale that had me coming back until I finished it. AJ’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in a sensible way. I enjoyed the magic aspect of the tale, as well. This is a well-written piece of fiction and I highly recommend it.
This is a gripping tale that had me coming back until I finished it. AJ’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in a sensible way. I enjoyed the magic aspect of the tale, as well. This is a well-written piece of fiction and I highly recommend it.
October 3, 2024
What a great opener this book is in the Call of the Elements series. Magical awakening, complex characters, unique magical system and an interesting storyline that keeps you guessing throughout the twists and turns in the plot.
Full of vampires, shifters and mages, this book is filled with action and drama with a little slow burn romantic sub plot. I loved the elemental magic system too and the sense you really go on AJ’s journey with her, experiencing her fears, frustrations and delight as she learns more about herself and her new friends along the way.
Fans of urban fantasy and young adult fantasy are going to love this series!
Full of vampires, shifters and mages, this book is filled with action and drama with a little slow burn romantic sub plot. I loved the elemental magic system too and the sense you really go on AJ’s journey with her, experiencing her fears, frustrations and delight as she learns more about herself and her new friends along the way.
Fans of urban fantasy and young adult fantasy are going to love this series!
May 7, 2020
Great!
This book really surprised me. It had my emotions all over the place. The twist in the story broke my heart. Man I don't know how this is going to end but I'm sure looking forward to the journey!
This book really surprised me. It had my emotions all over the place. The twist in the story broke my heart. Man I don't know how this is going to end but I'm sure looking forward to the journey!
May 11, 2021
Good supernatural, light read.
I enjoyed this book it’s great for what it is. Mages, vampires, werewolves and magic. Just what I like after a day at work.
I enjoyed this book it’s great for what it is. Mages, vampires, werewolves and magic. Just what I like after a day at work.
December 3, 2024
I really enjoy the first installment of this new series!
The characters are well developed and varied Each having their own backstory and agenda.
I adore AJ and feel for her having this new world forced upon with all this new information to absorb... personally i think she handles it really bloody well, there would be plenty more melt downs if it was me!!
The plot is intense and gripping, it had me hooked from the very first chapter and I felt all the feels thoughout!!
I cannt wait to get stuck into the rest of the books!!
The characters are well developed and varied Each having their own backstory and agenda.
I adore AJ and feel for her having this new world forced upon with all this new information to absorb... personally i think she handles it really bloody well, there would be plenty more melt downs if it was me!!
The plot is intense and gripping, it had me hooked from the very first chapter and I felt all the feels thoughout!!
I cannt wait to get stuck into the rest of the books!!
April 26, 2020
I enjoyed reading about AJ. Her heartbreak and survival through her young life.
Who can she trust? Who can she turn to for answers.
From being a disfigured and over looked human one day -- to the one who can lead the paranormals to safety the next.
What should AJ do and can she depend on her partner?
I recommend this book, and author.
If you're looking for a new paranormal fantasy to read, download Magister's Bane.
Who can she trust? Who can she turn to for answers.
From being a disfigured and over looked human one day -- to the one who can lead the paranormals to safety the next.
What should AJ do and can she depend on her partner?
I recommend this book, and author.
If you're looking for a new paranormal fantasy to read, download Magister's Bane.
September 20, 2024
Amazing read!
I loved this book. This is the first time I have read any of this authors works and I am in love. The characters were super easy to either fall in love with or hate. I could easily imagine everything I read. If you love shapeshifters, vampires, mages and excitement, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
I loved this book. This is the first time I have read any of this authors works and I am in love. The characters were super easy to either fall in love with or hate. I could easily imagine everything I read. If you love shapeshifters, vampires, mages and excitement, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
January 14, 2020
An intriguing urban fantasy which hooks you from the very beginning. The heroine is not only likable but also relatable, and the handsome heroes complete the picture perfectly. Among all the twist, there was one which surprised me to the point I shouted out loud at my kindle-might’ve scared some neighbours.
September 10, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Amazing Start☆
This book has me super excited to read the rest of the series! It was fast-paced and action-packed. The characters and the plot were so fascinating. The author's writing style was very easy to comprehend, and I quickly found myself enjoying it. If vampires and fantasy are your thing, I highly recommend this!
Thanks so much to the author and LiteraryInspiredARCs for the ARC!
☆Amazing Start☆
This book has me super excited to read the rest of the series! It was fast-paced and action-packed. The characters and the plot were so fascinating. The author's writing style was very easy to comprehend, and I quickly found myself enjoying it. If vampires and fantasy are your thing, I highly recommend this!
Thanks so much to the author and LiteraryInspiredARCs for the ARC!
August 28, 2024
Even with this being a fast paced urban fantasy, I had a bit of trouble getting hooked into it. I found at the start there were too many things happening too quickly with very little world building or explanation. Or if there was an explanation it was abrupt and felt cut off. I am glad that I stuck it out as there were some interesting twists near the end I was not expecting! Very interested to see where we go next.
September 6, 2020
This turned out to be an interesting series (books 1-4 read as of this review). I have yet to decide what I think is happening thematically but I couldn't put any of them down. The heroine feels very real, even in the fantasy world. Not so imaginary and a solid, developed person.
August 7, 2020
When I first began reading “Magister’s Bane,” I became so excited that I wanted to stop and tell all of my friends how wonderful this new story was. For the first time I had stumbled upon a paranormal read that featured a person with a severe physical disability as the main character. Wow!
Then, unfortunately, the storyline turned into a regular character that was whiny, self absorbed and just plain silly. I became so disillusioned and infuriated with the main character sticking out her tongue at people. I found myself asking, “Really?Instead of a unique storyline the book turned into what I can only describe as a juvenile plot that did not live up to its incredible potential.
In the end, I rushed through the last few chapters of the read just so I could be finished with it. This was not the story I signed for especially the childish antics. Clearly, I will not be going on to the other books in this series.
September 10, 2024
Great start
Yvette drew me into her story from the first page! I absolutely loved it! It's definitely unputdownable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Yvette drew me into her story from the first page! I absolutely loved it! It's definitely unputdownable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 19, 2019
When I saw this book available for pre-order, I got very excited as I enjoyed all of this author’s other books. When I read what it was about, I was disappointed that it wasn’t another in her existing series as I love the characters so much. My disappointment vanished as soon as the book arrived on my kindle. I was hooked from the very start.
Great characters, great story. You are never really sure what is happening or who to really trust as you slowly learn about the paranormal world along with the main character. There are a few twists and turns that keep you addicted to reading more. The author leads you on a journey which you enjoy so much you are not sure you want to reach the destination.
I really hope the author does a follow up.
Great characters, great story. You are never really sure what is happening or who to really trust as you slowly learn about the paranormal world along with the main character. There are a few twists and turns that keep you addicted to reading more. The author leads you on a journey which you enjoy so much you are not sure you want to reach the destination.
I really hope the author does a follow up.
September 9, 2019
Can this lady do nothing wrong? I absolutely loved the story and characters of this new series and with its twists and turns, unpredictable developments and deep plots, it promises to take you along on one heck of an adventure in the future books as well. There are thousands of vampire/werewolf/mages/witches books available but this one still manages to set its own standard which imo makes it stand shoulders above all but a few. If you want to get into urban fantasy, this book is where you should begin. If you already love the genre, this should be your next read! Bravo Bostic
November 20, 2019
A page-turning race to the end!
I couldn’t stop reading this action-packed story about mage, vampires and shape-shifters and a new dangerous cross of mage and vampires. We follow AJ who has grown up in poverty believing she was hideous. In reality, someone had put a spell on her to hide her true identity. Coming to terms not only with her real appearance and her family history threatens to overwhelm AJ, but she has no choice but to keep it together...she’s the only hope to save the mage.
I can’t wait to read the next in this series.
I couldn’t stop reading this action-packed story about mage, vampires and shape-shifters and a new dangerous cross of mage and vampires. We follow AJ who has grown up in poverty believing she was hideous. In reality, someone had put a spell on her to hide her true identity. Coming to terms not only with her real appearance and her family history threatens to overwhelm AJ, but she has no choice but to keep it together...she’s the only hope to save the mage.
I can’t wait to read the next in this series.
August 20, 2019
Yvette Bostic has done it again! The author of the "Light in the Darkness" series returns with a fresh and modern urban fantasy. Elemental mages, vampires, shapeshifters, jealousy, treachery and twists aplenty combine in this gripping tale. I didn't want to put it down, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
August 22, 2019
A great read
Interesting and surprising with unexpected twists and turns.
An unusual heroine with developing powers. Enough love interest to keep the story moving but no descriptive sex scenes. (Thank you!) Still enough mystery and unanswered questions for another book and one which I really want to read. Definitely worth five stars.
Interesting and surprising with unexpected twists and turns.
An unusual heroine with developing powers. Enough love interest to keep the story moving but no descriptive sex scenes. (Thank you!) Still enough mystery and unanswered questions for another book and one which I really want to read. Definitely worth five stars.
August 27, 2019
Un-put-down-able, almost
If it were not for details such and sleeping, I would have finished this book in less than the four days it took me. I could really empathise with the heroine of this story, when she points out how much she has had to discover. As for the twist at the end, I did not see that one coming. Definitely adding the next book to my priority list.
If it were not for details such and sleeping, I would have finished this book in less than the four days it took me. I could really empathise with the heroine of this story, when she points out how much she has had to discover. As for the twist at the end, I did not see that one coming. Definitely adding the next book to my priority list.
August 30, 2019
Oh, wow. What a wild ride. Nobody is quite what they seem, who you expect ... or even who you think they are. Very well-written, Magister’s Bane is a rollercoaster story that will pull you in and keep you engrossed from the first pages to the very end. Beyond, in fact, since the end is a cliffhangar on multiple points. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
November 18, 2019
Loved the characters, the story, the pace and the unexpected ending. Thanks again Yvette for another great series. Looking forward to reading the rest. AJ was a character I could really relate to and I struggled reconciling her vampire friend right up until the last few chapters.
Well written, well paced and such a unique take on the supernatural realm.
Well written, well paced and such a unique take on the supernatural realm.
November 6, 2019
Wow can’t wait to read the next book
Wow I can’t wait to read the next in this series, I’ve not been able to put this book down, talk about a page turner 😊
All my favourite things: great likeable heroine handsome heroes and lots of magic and intrigue. Bring on book 2!
Wow I can’t wait to read the next in this series, I’ve not been able to put this book down, talk about a page turner 😊
All my favourite things: great likeable heroine handsome heroes and lots of magic and intrigue. Bring on book 2!
February 23, 2020
Amazing story
Starting out feel sorry for a.j. the story has you going on a journey that has you wondering throughout who is really a friend and who is a enemy. Wonderful read that keeps you wanting to know what’s next. Highly recommended
Starting out feel sorry for a.j. the story has you going on a journey that has you wondering throughout who is really a friend and who is a enemy. Wonderful read that keeps you wanting to know what’s next. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews