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Chronicles of Amicae #3
Fortress of Magi
Mirah Bolender follows The Monstrous Citadel with Fortress of Magi ―the pulse-pounding conclusion to her debut fantasy trilogy in which a bomb squad defuses the magic weapons of a long forgotten war
The Hive Mind has done the impossible―left its island prison. It's a matter of time before Amicae falls, and Laura Kramer has very few resources left to prevent it.
The council has tied her hands, and the gangs want her dead. Her only real choice is to walk away and leave the city to its fate.
Chronicles of Amicae
City of Broken Magic
The Monstrous Citadel
Fortress of Magi
The Hive Mind has done the impossible―left its island prison. It's a matter of time before Amicae falls, and Laura Kramer has very few resources left to prevent it.
The council has tied her hands, and the gangs want her dead. Her only real choice is to walk away and leave the city to its fate.
Chronicles of Amicae
City of Broken Magic
The Monstrous Citadel
Fortress of Magi
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
6 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Mirah Bolender
4 books75 followersMirah Bolender graduated from college with majors in creative writing and art in May 2014. A lifelong traveler, she has traveled and studied overseas, most notably in Japan, and these experiences are reflected in her work. City of Broken Magic is her debut fantasy novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 20, 2021
3 stars
Fortress of Magi is the final to a fantasy trilogy of a magical bomb squad that diffuse bad magic. It has been such an interesting concept throughout the series but this last installment left me feeling a bit dissapointed.
This book was shorter than the other two, which is not always a bad thing. But I feel that it was in this case. When it comes to the plot of the hive mind I felt that the ending in which it was wrapped up was too easy and too much at the very end. Most of the book we spend on the gang that is after Laura and it completely takes away from what really matters which is the hive mind. Which then only takes such a little space in the plot in a way that I felt wasn't really fitting for the hive mind. It could have just taken over the whole city. Why didn't it do that? I still don't really understand. It just didn't give the climatic ending to the story that I wanted to see for our sweepers.
Adding onto that some storylines aren't really wrapped up. I still am not sure I understand what one of the rangers really is. And what about Okane's family? The whole of Rex? What happened there? What about Clae and all they discovered about his responsiveness to Laura?
I feel like there is so much room for more continuation in this world and I would happily read those books. But at this point I have no idea if this is it for this world and these characters. If this is it, this final is quite lacking.
Having said that though. I think this series still has much uniqueness to hold and a cast of characters that will warm your heart. And at the end of the day, Fortress of Magi was still an enjoyable read. Just not as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
Fortress of Magi is the final to a fantasy trilogy of a magical bomb squad that diffuse bad magic. It has been such an interesting concept throughout the series but this last installment left me feeling a bit dissapointed.
This book was shorter than the other two, which is not always a bad thing. But I feel that it was in this case. When it comes to the plot of the hive mind I felt that the ending in which it was wrapped up was too easy and too much at the very end. Most of the book we spend on the gang that is after Laura and it completely takes away from what really matters which is the hive mind. Which then only takes such a little space in the plot in a way that I felt wasn't really fitting for the hive mind. It could have just taken over the whole city. Why didn't it do that? I still don't really understand. It just didn't give the climatic ending to the story that I wanted to see for our sweepers.
Adding onto that some storylines aren't really wrapped up. I still am not sure I understand what one of the rangers really is. And what about Okane's family? The whole of Rex? What happened there? What about Clae and all they discovered about his responsiveness to Laura?
I feel like there is so much room for more continuation in this world and I would happily read those books. But at this point I have no idea if this is it for this world and these characters. If this is it, this final is quite lacking.
Having said that though. I think this series still has much uniqueness to hold and a cast of characters that will warm your heart. And at the end of the day, Fortress of Magi was still an enjoyable read. Just not as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
July 2, 2021
It felt like half a book and not a whole book? I love this series a lot and I was ready for the finale and while I loved many parts of the finale, I can't overlook how it felt like so many threads were left unfinished and that as soon as the action reached its first full peak, the book ends.
September 27, 2021
3.5 This felt very short 😢
April 19, 2021
It's time. Fortress of Magi is the third and final novel in Mirah Bolender's Chronicles of Amicae series. Honestly, I'm not sure that I'm prepared for this series to end, but you better believe that I won't let that stop me from reading it!
Amicae has survived Infestations that should have taken down the entire city. Even with only two official Sweepers available, somehow, they survive. Much of that credit must go to Laura Kramer, of the Sinclair Sweepers.
Though you wouldn't know it from the way the Council treats her, or the rest of the Sweepers for that matter. Throw in the complications that come with the city's gangs, new recruits, and a dangerous new threat, and Laura Kramer is going to have to fight for her life. And the lives of everyone else. Again.
“We may be the only Sweepers left, but the Council hates us. We seem to undermine everything they do.”
Oh. My. God. Fortress of Magi was terrific! I know I probably sound extremely biased right now. And in a way, I am. I've adored The Chronicles of Magi ever since I picked up the first book. It had everything I wanted out of a good fantasy series.
And let me tell you, the conclusion lived up to my expectations. Fortress of Magi had a lot going on, with all the different threats and complications that Laura was facing. Yet it was also perfect for that very reason.
Once again, I was transported away to a different world when reading. I adore the magical system and world that Bolender created here. While it is probably not a world I would want to live in (my luck isn't that great – I'd be one of the people eaten by monsters in the first chapter), I still loved every minute of it. Likewise, I'll miss it now that the series is done.
“If you did want the Council here to praise you, you'd be disappointed at every turn.”
Fortress of Magi is the most epic novel in the series and with good reason. It grabs all of the plots started in the first and second books and wraps them up into something huge and cataclysmic. It's the perfect sendoff for this series; come to think of it.
There is a lot more I would like to say about this book, but I feel like if I do, I'll accidentally spill over into spoiler territory. So instead, I'll say this: my poor husband had to listen to me talk about Fortress of Magi for at least an hour. I gushed and squealed all over the place and probably drove him a little nuts because of it. Interpret that how you will.
I will admit that I am feeling pretty depressed about the idea of this series coming to an end. While it was absolutely the ending the series deserved, I simply wasn't ready to let it go. I think I'll have to take some time to sit down and reread the whole series. To help me cope. With any luck, we'll be hearing about Mirah Bolender's next project soon enough.
Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Amicae has survived Infestations that should have taken down the entire city. Even with only two official Sweepers available, somehow, they survive. Much of that credit must go to Laura Kramer, of the Sinclair Sweepers.
Though you wouldn't know it from the way the Council treats her, or the rest of the Sweepers for that matter. Throw in the complications that come with the city's gangs, new recruits, and a dangerous new threat, and Laura Kramer is going to have to fight for her life. And the lives of everyone else. Again.
“We may be the only Sweepers left, but the Council hates us. We seem to undermine everything they do.”
Oh. My. God. Fortress of Magi was terrific! I know I probably sound extremely biased right now. And in a way, I am. I've adored The Chronicles of Magi ever since I picked up the first book. It had everything I wanted out of a good fantasy series.
And let me tell you, the conclusion lived up to my expectations. Fortress of Magi had a lot going on, with all the different threats and complications that Laura was facing. Yet it was also perfect for that very reason.
Once again, I was transported away to a different world when reading. I adore the magical system and world that Bolender created here. While it is probably not a world I would want to live in (my luck isn't that great – I'd be one of the people eaten by monsters in the first chapter), I still loved every minute of it. Likewise, I'll miss it now that the series is done.
“If you did want the Council here to praise you, you'd be disappointed at every turn.”
Fortress of Magi is the most epic novel in the series and with good reason. It grabs all of the plots started in the first and second books and wraps them up into something huge and cataclysmic. It's the perfect sendoff for this series; come to think of it.
There is a lot more I would like to say about this book, but I feel like if I do, I'll accidentally spill over into spoiler territory. So instead, I'll say this: my poor husband had to listen to me talk about Fortress of Magi for at least an hour. I gushed and squealed all over the place and probably drove him a little nuts because of it. Interpret that how you will.
I will admit that I am feeling pretty depressed about the idea of this series coming to an end. While it was absolutely the ending the series deserved, I simply wasn't ready to let it go. I think I'll have to take some time to sit down and reread the whole series. To help me cope. With any luck, we'll be hearing about Mirah Bolender's next project soon enough.
Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
April 29, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I went right from The Monstrous Citadel into reading Fortress of Magi in the Chronicles of Amicae series. Everyone seems to have their own agenda and be against the Sinclair sweepers. I really enjoyed this but I think you have to read this series in order to have any idea of the plot and world.
Laura and Okane and their new allies do the best they can, but things are dire. They also have a huge lack of knowledge being too new in their learning. But they pick up quickly on things, and Grim is able to help Okane discover more about his magic. They were very lucky to meet the Rangers, Cherry and Grim.
Amicae is cut off in their communications with some other towns. The mobs are causing more trouble. The Council has their head in the sand and won't do anything to help or protect the citizens.
The Sinclair sweepers have a fight to the death on their hands with the hive mind and Rex. They can't count on anyone else. In fact, some of the mobsters are trying to kill them. But unfortunately for the mobsters, Clae is intolerant of those attacking Laura even though he is dead.
The ending is exciting and for the most part, satisfying. I do wish we could have had one more chapter to show a little more of how things go after the battle with the survivors. There are a few loose ends like the status of other towns and especially, the Magi in Rex. But maybe that would be handled in another book? I hope there will be another book in this series.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I went right from The Monstrous Citadel into reading Fortress of Magi in the Chronicles of Amicae series. Everyone seems to have their own agenda and be against the Sinclair sweepers. I really enjoyed this but I think you have to read this series in order to have any idea of the plot and world.
Laura and Okane and their new allies do the best they can, but things are dire. They also have a huge lack of knowledge being too new in their learning. But they pick up quickly on things, and Grim is able to help Okane discover more about his magic. They were very lucky to meet the Rangers, Cherry and Grim.
Amicae is cut off in their communications with some other towns. The mobs are causing more trouble. The Council has their head in the sand and won't do anything to help or protect the citizens.
The Sinclair sweepers have a fight to the death on their hands with the hive mind and Rex. They can't count on anyone else. In fact, some of the mobsters are trying to kill them. But unfortunately for the mobsters, Clae is intolerant of those attacking Laura even though he is dead.
The ending is exciting and for the most part, satisfying. I do wish we could have had one more chapter to show a little more of how things go after the battle with the survivors. There are a few loose ends like the status of other towns and especially, the Magi in Rex. But maybe that would be handled in another book? I hope there will be another book in this series.
June 23, 2021
It was entertaining, and fun, and fast-paced, and tense, and yet... Ever since Clae turned into a crystal in book one, it was obvious the author meant for him to return. I kinda expected some development on that front in book two, but there he was just logged around being angry. Now here he finally starts to move (and do most of the work), but his final (supposedly) revival happens in the very last line and leaves so many questions, there must be another book just to tie off all the loose ends. What happens with him now? Is he actually flesh and blood once more or still a crystal of sorts? What is he gonna do with his life?? What about all his former apprentices? There are three now at least, all suspended in the crossroads. What about Anselm? I have many more questions, and thus conclude that the ending was cruel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2021
Chronicles of Amicae, #3...Fortress of Magi is another well-crafted fantasy from Mirah Bolender! Laura and Okane are struggling to serve as the official Sweepers (who defeat magical infestations) of the city of Amicae. They must not only convince the authorities that they are both capable and trustworthy, but also keep the Mad Dog gang of outlaw Sweepers from overwhelming them and taking control of hostile magic disposal in the city. They are joined by three Rexians, members of an enemy group who, nonetheless, aided their escape from the city of Rex, and by two Rangers, who patrol the wilderness between cities. Meanwhile, an neighboring city has been overwhelmed by the Hive Mind, communications are cut between Amicae and other cities, and the end seems near. Highly entertaining, a very quick read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for the opportunity to read Fortress of Magi in return for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
Mirah Bolender completes her fun trilogy set in a world where misused magical amulets turn into monsters and sweepers fight the monsters and clean the amulets. The hive mind that controls the monster has set its eyes on Amicae, attacking the Fortress of Magi (hard from Tor) where the city council meets. Laura Kramer has to fight it and the mob trying to take control of the city from its corrupt council. Great ending.
June 18, 2021
In the fallout of book 2's daring escapades, a new spike in monsters seems to beset everywhere except Amicae and neighboring Gaudium. Head sweeper Laura Kraner soon learns that little is as it seems, from every side. Will she conquer her doubts and marshal her forces in time for these new threats? Find out in this satisfying end to the action-packed trilogy!
August 30, 2021
That ending! My God, that ending! I smiled so hard my face hurt. I cried, I screamed, I nearly threw my kindle across the room clicking the "next page" button. Fortress of Magi was a perfect conclusion to the series. I only wish we had at least ten more chapters of an epilogue, or a novella or something. I need it. I NEED IT.
January 5, 2022
The conclusion to a series that has stuck with me for a few years. The last half I loved….but the first half was lacking. It was not bad, just not as action packed as the other two. Loved the ending but I am still curious what will happen with Anselm.
February 17, 2021
I enjoyed spending more time in the world and with the unique magic systems. Laura and Okane are great characters but I very much missed Clae.
August 25, 2021
Great finish of an unusual trilogy with deep personalities and fascination magic system.
October 15, 2023
What an ending!!! The first two books built the tension to knife's edge and now we find exactly where the fatal cut will come. Mirah Bolender, you're a hero!!!
July 30, 2024
Wow! At this time of post Covid and Trump turmoil, it’s nice to have hope.
September 22, 2024
Conveniently wrapped up for sure, but give the story some room to breathe? And there's so much left on the bone, especially about, you know, the Magi? I just wanted more.
August 28, 2023
I was so excited about this book that I pre-ordered it. When it got here, I was kind of worried. It was a bit... Small. How in the heck was this marvelous writer going to resolve everything in such a short page count?
I shouldn't have worried. I just finished it and am already itching to reach for the first book again, to get back in this cast of characters that I've fallen in love with.
This last book was wonderfully paced and perfectly concluded! Thank you Mirah Bolender!
I shouldn't have worried. I just finished it and am already itching to reach for the first book again, to get back in this cast of characters that I've fallen in love with.
This last book was wonderfully paced and perfectly concluded! Thank you Mirah Bolender!
April 30, 2023
Review coming.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews