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The Dark Amulet #1
The Pale-Eyed Mage
Sheldrake is a mage. Maud is a shapeshifter. When their son is born, he is completely pale with nearly white eyes: the legacy of a fearsome great-grandmother.
Jayhan grows into a cheery, accident-prone eight-year-old, unhappily aware of his heritage. Soon, a dark-eyed orphan enters his life; rescued from a brutal master to become their stableboy, Sasha's past and present are shrouded in secrets.
The only legacy Sasha has of the past is an obsidian amulet. As secrets of the young stableboy's past slowly come to light, they're all thrown into a world of danger.
With ancient prophecies coming to bear and deadly enemies at all sides, can they uncover the secrets of the dark amulet.. and survive?
Jayhan grows into a cheery, accident-prone eight-year-old, unhappily aware of his heritage. Soon, a dark-eyed orphan enters his life; rescued from a brutal master to become their stableboy, Sasha's past and present are shrouded in secrets.
The only legacy Sasha has of the past is an obsidian amulet. As secrets of the young stableboy's past slowly come to light, they're all thrown into a world of danger.
With ancient prophecies coming to bear and deadly enemies at all sides, can they uncover the secrets of the dark amulet.. and survive?
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
470 people are currently reading
1410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The story of an ostracized child to parents of higher ranking meeting his first friend. The story really explores the world surrounding Jayhan and his treatment by others. At least until Sasha comes into play. Right off the bat I fell in love with the character and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. The story becomes more about Sasha than it does about Jayhan, the aforementioned Pale-Eyed Mage. The story is definitely worth a read.
I would have given this a 4.5 out of 5. I base my ratings on three values: story, flow, and edit. In this case story and flow were both 5’s. Unfortunately, there were a few proofing issues that could easily be fixed in the future, but it’s several in mostly every chapter. So that got a 3.5 out of 5.
Look past the proofing mistakes. The story is absolutely worth the read and should be given a fair shake. I can’t wait to read book 2!
I would have given this a 4.5 out of 5. I base my ratings on three values: story, flow, and edit. In this case story and flow were both 5’s. Unfortunately, there were a few proofing issues that could easily be fixed in the future, but it’s several in mostly every chapter. So that got a 3.5 out of 5.
Look past the proofing mistakes. The story is absolutely worth the read and should be given a fair shake. I can’t wait to read book 2!
July 10, 2022
The Pale-Eyed Mage was an easy YA read. I really enjoyed the character of Sasha and his relationship with Jayhan. I think the greatest strength of this book was its depiction of relationships, both romantic and otherwise, in all their complexity and depth but also in all their charm and caring.
June 11, 2023
Like the tale
Being excepted for who you are, as a child, makes the difference in how one will grow up. But even in the most desperate of situations the Prince and his sister (Queen) gradually come out of the dark. Looking forward to reading more.
Being excepted for who you are, as a child, makes the difference in how one will grow up. But even in the most desperate of situations the Prince and his sister (Queen) gradually come out of the dark. Looking forward to reading more.
June 16, 2023
Review of the Pale Eyed Mage
This book is exceptionally well written with excellent characterizations. Perhaps her profession as a school psychologist has allowed her to portray the young characters so well.
This book is exceptionally well written with excellent characterizations. Perhaps her profession as a school psychologist has allowed her to portray the young characters so well.
November 26, 2023
Could not stop reading.
Wow, this story is told so well... Yes, it seems as if I didn't read this but was told the story. I haven't read anything so well written for some time. I thank the author for the entertainment and joy I got from reading this.
Wow, this story is told so well... Yes, it seems as if I didn't read this but was told the story. I haven't read anything so well written for some time. I thank the author for the entertainment and joy I got from reading this.
September 7, 2024
I feel like the story of Jayhan, Sheldrake, and Maud could have been story enough. Sheldrake is a mage, and his wife Maud is a shape shifter. Their son Jayhan has light purple eyes that everyone fears. They are wealthy, which gives Jayhan a bit of cover from the hatred people give off when they are afraid.
Then he meets Sasha, who is being mistreated by her master and Jayhan asks his dad to save the child. So Sasha comes to stay with them and the two boys become best friends.
From there, the story really picks up. Sasha is hiding a secret. Jayhan and his family have to band together to keep Sasha safe. Sasha has a lot of apptitude, so he begins taking classes with Jayhan.
There is so much going on. it's hard to talk about this story. I love how each layer is piled on. As each new truth is revealed, it adds to what we thought we knew. As each new person is let in on the secret, it amps up the idea that someone will be a spy for the queen.
I really enjoyed how the story uses the strength of each character's powers to further the plot. When Maud shape shifts, it is always really cool.
The story of Jayhan hating his purple eyes weaves its way through every chapter. Each character reacts to his eyes, showing us how hard it must be for him, and showing him how to change people's minds about him and slowly changing his own mind.
The climax is really good. I must say I cried over the Maud/ Jayhan scene. I really love all of these characters. This is such a cool world, and I know the rest of the series will be amazing!
Then he meets Sasha, who is being mistreated by her master and Jayhan asks his dad to save the child. So Sasha comes to stay with them and the two boys become best friends.
From there, the story really picks up. Sasha is hiding a secret. Jayhan and his family have to band together to keep Sasha safe. Sasha has a lot of apptitude, so he begins taking classes with Jayhan.
There is so much going on. it's hard to talk about this story. I love how each layer is piled on. As each new truth is revealed, it adds to what we thought we knew. As each new person is let in on the secret, it amps up the idea that someone will be a spy for the queen.
I really enjoyed how the story uses the strength of each character's powers to further the plot. When Maud shape shifts, it is always really cool.
The story of Jayhan hating his purple eyes weaves its way through every chapter. Each character reacts to his eyes, showing us how hard it must be for him, and showing him how to change people's minds about him and slowly changing his own mind.
The climax is really good. I must say I cried over the Maud/ Jayhan scene. I really love all of these characters. This is such a cool world, and I know the rest of the series will be amazing!
June 10, 2025
Reading this it showed some promise, and while it delivered on a decent story, the flow of the book was a bit disjointed.
Realistically, it seemed like we had a good story going through about two-thirds of the way, and then we hit a rush to end the story and things kind of broke down. Sure, there is a climactic fight at the end (which could do with a rewrite to add some clarity as to what happened) and then a debrief, but it just seemed rushed, and the finale includes a king that seemed somewhat one-dimensional who could have used some character development within the book to provide a bit more interest.
Realistically, it seemed like we had a good story going through about two-thirds of the way, and then we hit a rush to end the story and things kind of broke down. Sure, there is a climactic fight at the end (which could do with a rewrite to add some clarity as to what happened) and then a debrief, but it just seemed rushed, and the finale includes a king that seemed somewhat one-dimensional who could have used some character development within the book to provide a bit more interest.
July 23, 2025
In a magical kingdom that resembles Australia, a little boy is born with albinism expressed only in his eyes. This trait gives him a resemblance to an ancestor whose awfulness was legendary, and causes him to be feared and hated, but his isolation only gives little Jayhan more compassion. When he tries to help another child who is not only disliked but actively abused by adults, they start a chain of events that can happen only in magical kingdoms, leading to their being able to help restore the Rightful Queen to the throne.
At least partly it's the Australia-like setting that made me feel that this is a fresh take on the classical fairy-tale cliches, and a fun read.
At least partly it's the Australia-like setting that made me feel that this is a fresh take on the classical fairy-tale cliches, and a fun read.
October 3, 2022
I am putting only one star because I DNF it halfway through, but the book itself was actually nice, the writing was good, and the world building and premises of the story interesting too.
The problem was I couldn't connect with any of the characters and after a while I lost completely interest and stopped reading.
I will try more books by this author, though, hoping I will enjoy them more.
SPOILER AHEAD!
-----
One plot twist I enjoyed was
The problem was I couldn't connect with any of the characters and after a while I lost completely interest and stopped reading.
I will try more books by this author, though, hoping I will enjoy them more.
SPOILER AHEAD!
-----
One plot twist I enjoyed was
February 5, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Ealey and I absolutely loved it and have purchased the next book in the series immediately. Great world building and I really loved the characters. In this book the Pale-Eyed Mage is an eight year old boy called Jayhan who is bullied and ostracized by the other local children because of his eyes. He then meets another boy called Sasha who is also not popular with the other kids. The two of them form a close friendship and so begins what promises to be a great series.
November 9, 2023
A good starter book but I don't think I will follow on because it seems more aimed at a younger target. The two main characters work well together as do Jayhan's parents taking in Sasha because of the abuse and conditions. Their powers are not ridiculous or out of proportion to their status and everyone seems very nice and kind to each other even the kids. There is no gratuitous violence or strong language which is nice and the wicked queen is obviously going to get what's coming to her.
November 17, 2023
Little bit mixed about this one. I think the first half promised more than it managed to deliver and it stalled a little both in terms of character development and plotting. You were never really concerned about how things would work out, and once the characters were introduced they pretty much stayed in the same place. Not immediately reaching for the next one, but can also imagine reading it quite happily if it came my way.
September 3, 2024
Oh, this is YA. I've outgrown a lot of YA...
And, alas, DNF, bailing at 26%.
The prose is nice, but very simple, and there are too many points of view, where even the adults are written this way. I'd recommend this for anyone in their early teens and anyone new to reading novels, if the very young MC can hold their attention. I looked at the opening of the last chapter--MC is still very young.
And, alas, DNF, bailing at 26%.
The prose is nice, but very simple, and there are too many points of view, where even the adults are written this way. I'd recommend this for anyone in their early teens and anyone new to reading novels, if the very young MC can hold their attention. I looked at the opening of the last chapter--MC is still very young.
September 25, 2024
Many characters introduced, but each one of future value fleshed out with personality and potential.
Yes a YA but then it seems those YA stories have the most potential for romance and adventures.
Too bad real life seems to favor the mid 30's before giving anyone a chance to discover their own greatness.
Maybe more opportunities for the young would create more hero in the world.
Yes a YA but then it seems those YA stories have the most potential for romance and adventures.
Too bad real life seems to favor the mid 30's before giving anyone a chance to discover their own greatness.
Maybe more opportunities for the young would create more hero in the world.
June 3, 2025
an enjoyable and rather charming adventure
With the heroes being eight years old I wasn’t sure it was for … who hasn’t been that age for half a century, and I found the start a little slow, but quickly became increasingly invested in the characters, and the plot certainly thickens as the book progresses. I’m looking forward to book 2 now.
With the heroes being eight years old I wasn’t sure it was for … who hasn’t been that age for half a century, and I found the start a little slow, but quickly became increasingly invested in the characters, and the plot certainly thickens as the book progresses. I’m looking forward to book 2 now.
November 6, 2023
I feel like this book was just setting up a story. Not a lot really happens, and more focusses on introducing the world and its characters and politics. I did enjoy it, and the ending really got me interested, I just wish it didn't happen so late.
December 10, 2023
Okay.
The lead characters' parents aren't very likable for all that they seemed to be portrayed as good people. Otherwise, it's a fairly solid growing up with magic and mystery story.
The lead characters' parents aren't very likable for all that they seemed to be portrayed as good people. Otherwise, it's a fairly solid growing up with magic and mystery story.
January 7, 2024
Best fantasy book with magic, mages and shamans I’ve read in a long long time
Great fantasy read and not at all predictable or boring. Fresh story line and exciting adventures within. I didn’t want to stop reading but at the same time I wanted it to just keep going!
Great fantasy read and not at all predictable or boring. Fresh story line and exciting adventures within. I didn’t want to stop reading but at the same time I wanted it to just keep going!
January 16, 2024
Good premise/ idea. Lovely to read about Australian land, animals and birds for a change . The story could use a little more mature writing. The book sounds like it is aimed at very YA. It also does not develop enough for me to really read anymore.
January 29, 2024
All tell, reads like a math book
There are multiple sentences that start with he multiple times in a row. It is not a story but a script of words and actions. Anyone giving it 5 stars is lying or paid.
There are multiple sentences that start with he multiple times in a row. It is not a story but a script of words and actions. Anyone giving it 5 stars is lying or paid.
March 21, 2024
Fantasy well done
The story of 2 children becoming life long friends in a magical world. It is a series but had an ending so as not to be left hanging. It’s written , IMO, for younger readers and has a Hallmark movie essence.
The story of 2 children becoming life long friends in a magical world. It is a series but had an ending so as not to be left hanging. It’s written , IMO, for younger readers and has a Hallmark movie essence.
July 14, 2024
Creative and inventive
A different sort of story line. The authors explanations of the main characters motives and reactions are truly believable, especially the children! A fun read, glad to have found this author
A different sort of story line. The authors explanations of the main characters motives and reactions are truly believable, especially the children! A fun read, glad to have found this author
September 8, 2024
Stunning
Love the storyline, Believable, Heartbreaking and fascinating. Everything about this book was a pleasure to read, kept me spellbound. Can’t wait to continue reading your next part of the Adventure.
Love the storyline, Believable, Heartbreaking and fascinating. Everything about this book was a pleasure to read, kept me spellbound. Can’t wait to continue reading your next part of the Adventure.
May 22, 2025
Plainly but pleasingly-written fantasy thingy where not an awful lot happens at all. Plus the plot ends up being re-explained in punishing detail to each new character. But it all glides down like honey ice cream.
Two naming issues though: King GAVIN? And TOSSER the horse? Come on!
Two naming issues though: King GAVIN? And TOSSER the horse? Come on!
September 16, 2025
Enjoyed the story line but the spelling and grammatical errors just took me out of the story at times which was a sour note. The character development was good and felt like the pace of the story was good too.
February 13, 2021
Awesome
Awesome read with twists and turns as a disposed queen of unknown royalty trying to survive as a orphan in another kingdom
Awesome read with twists and turns as a disposed queen of unknown royalty trying to survive as a orphan in another kingdom
May 29, 2022
Thoroughly entertaining 🙂
February 25, 2023
Loved this story! Unlike other series, I could not wait to begin reading the next in this series. Fantasy, mystery, entrigue, magic - Jennifer Ealey has it all in this easy, can't-put-down tale.
November 12, 2023
fabulous
The story is never weak. Instead it is full of surprises and clever happenings. I expect this to be an outstanding series.
The story is never weak. Instead it is full of surprises and clever happenings. I expect this to be an outstanding series.
November 14, 2023
Pre-Teen Sci-fi Novel
This novel focuses on the angst of pre-teens in adult situations. Their special skills confuse them, draw unwanted attention, and make them special.
This novel focuses on the angst of pre-teens in adult situations. Their special skills confuse them, draw unwanted attention, and make them special.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews