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The Magical Arts Academy is anything but ordinary.

It’s the one place Isadora can learn the forbidden craft. With mythical beasts, animals with unusual gifts, and a team of peculiar magicians, Isadora finally has the chance to embrace an extraordinary future.

But is the academy really as safe as Isadora thinks? Or will the Sorcerers find the way to infiltrate its defenses?

112 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2018

323 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Lucía Ashta

102 books904 followers
Lucía Ashta is the internationally top 20 bestselling author of young adult, new adult, and adult paranormal and urban fantasy books, including the series Magical Creatures Academy, Witches of Gales Haven, Smoky Mountain Pack, and Supernatural Bounty Hunter.

When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.

Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta

Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
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5 stars
160 (42%)
4 stars
108 (28%)
3 stars
82 (21%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,826 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2018
Another piece of Isadora's exciting story and connecting with the world full of awesome magic.
The academy suffered another attack, with Nando being now captured and many of the wizards in danger. Isa found herself in a real battle for the first time in her life, and her feelings are definitely mixed - as they are also regarding the school. But the wonders of magic and magical creatures compensate for the ever present mortal threats.
A quick read, this book still feels like an introduction into the series than a continuation of something set up earlier, but no harm done. I enjoy the freely flowing emotions of joy and wonder, concern, and curiosity. Isadora is easy to connect with and easy to understand as well. With her attitude, I would love to see the adventures she will find herself in and the way how she will come to terms with magic and her own skills.
Profile Image for Leslie.
80 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2018
Wonderful new series. I'm loving this series. So much twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,041 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2018
There are several things that prevent me to fully enjoy this book series.
First, Isa has been told that magic is bad, so why is she so surprised that it exists?
Then, the academy wants to recruit young people who never came into contact with magic before so they are not tainted by the dark side. There are many things wrong with this logic. First, why recruit Isa and her brother when their uncle was so insisting that magic is bad? They are not a blank canvas (and again, see first point). Then, just because you haven't heard about magic doesn't mean you are not swayed to the dark side. Also, it will take years (or even centuries like Mordecai) to become a good magician – time they don't have. So it would be better to convince existing magic users to the good side to start with.
And then we have the SMS. Sorry, this abbreviation is just ridiculous. You can't use such a common meaning. It's like calling them BOOK (band of occult kahoots). The story would read then: „The BOOK attacked“ and that's how silly „The SMS attacked“ sounds to me.
And finally, I failed to connect to the main character Isa. She was submissive in her uncle's home but arriving at the academy, where people are nice and she likes them, she doesn't do what she is told (stay inside e.g.) and gets all defensive and talks back to them. I normally would like to see her grow a back bone but in this cirumstances it just feels out of character.
What I do like is the talking owl Sir Lancelot. He's cute and funny.
All in all, not a bad read but not exactly for me.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
June 7, 2018
AND THE EXCITEMENT CONTINUES!!!
Wow! Talk about another wild ride. Man. This is such a whirlwind of activity that you can't catch your breath. No, I'm not complaining. With all the confusion, turmoil, desperation and heartache the main female is quite overwhelmed. You have all the action, fast paced, heart pounding, pulse racing, nerve racking and the gut wretching knowledge that nothings as it appears. They were smoking! Talk about being wrapped up so tight in the world Ashta's weaved for us, her readers. Its truly a site to behold. Her imagination is aboundant with endless possibilities that she so graciously shares unselfishly for us to enjoy. She doesn't skimp, slack or rush. No ma'am, she gives it her all in everything she does. Such a wonderful talent that takes us on untold adventures that we can't wait to take with her. Phenomenal job Lucia bringing this read to life. Thank you for sharing this little gem with us.
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2019
More excitement in this next installment of The Magical Arts Academy. Isadora hardly has a chance to take a breath once inside the academy when she is awakened from a nap by loud booming noises. She follows the noise upstairs to the roof and finds everyone engaged in another fight with the evil sorcerers. However, this time when they retreat they have kidnapped her brother. Clara and a few others jump on Humbert, the red dragon, and chase after them in hopes of rescuing him. Poor Isadora is confused and yet awed by all the magic she sees all around her but is desperate for her brother’s rescue. Once again Ms. Ashta has written a wondrous and magical story from her imagination to we the reader’s. Totally enjoyable and highly recommend for all lovers of fantasy as you will definitely not want to miss out.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
June 16, 2018
Signs that something is inevitable: (a) a favorite author who seems incapable of producing something unless it’s wonderful (Lucia Ashta) comes out with (b) a fantastic new series (Magical Arts Academy), book 1 of which (First Spell) is - no surprise - superb. What inevitably follows? That book 2 would also be superb. No surprise then that such book, Winged Pursuit, is one that I simply could not put down. It was the perfectly plotted sequel perfectly written, and perfectly enjoyable. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Diane Goodman.
102 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this book but I wish that it would have been a lot longer. I JUST don't enjoy reading novella's. Just when you get into it and start to enjoy the action it's over and I have to wait for the next installment to come out. By that time I usually start another novel and lose interest in this one. That's one reason that I try to always buy box sets that way I don't have to wait around. That being said and it's just me but I really do like these books and wish there was a box set. I like the way this Author thinks and her characters are so real in the way they interact with eachother. I am not going to give away anything about the story because I really hate it when a reviewer tells the story and ruins the book for me. This series so far is very good and each book leaves me wanting to come back for more. I am very sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did...
Profile Image for Linda.
463 reviews
May 29, 2018
As usual Lucia has not disappointed. She brings us a new series based in the witching world. So far all our favorite character along with a couple of new ones are back.
Isadora and Hernando Soranzo have arrived at the Magical Arts Academy. Nando is still recovering from the magical kill spell he received in book one. Before he wakes up the SMS ( the bad guys) attack and its all hands on deck including Isa. Suddenly all fighting stops and the bad guys start flying away. They have Nando! Clara, her grandmother, her grandmother's twin and Gertrude hop on the dragon to find and get him back! Do they or don't they? That's always the question. Can't wait til the next book.
I received and advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2019
Amazing fight scenes.

Great storytelling! She was born to be a writer. She makes this world come alive in my head, like a movie. Almost like being in another realm myself! Isa seems to be gaining confidence in certain areas. It seems Marcelo & his wife are schoolmates because they can't stand to be away from each other for half a day even. I started reading Magical Creatures Academy before I found this one, so I am reading backwards. However, I am loving seeing how the schools got started. SPOILER ALERT: surprised Isa was able to save Mordecai's life. Also that Nando turned out ok. Love the animals so far. Nothing like magical creatures to keep me interested. I can imagine how awe inspiring it is for Isa & Nando. On to the next!
Profile Image for Myla L A.
569 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2019
Too Short and not enough

This is more like several chapters that try to get you interested enough to buy the next chapter. I bought the 1st 3 books and I am done. One of the main characters in the book does not talk or fit the period portrayed, then there is supposed to be a magical school to learn magic yet after 3 books nothing has been learned. This could be better if the books were actually 300 pages or more, with better language, more in depth characters, more background to each and more how a young girl should act during that time period. Sorry I rarely give poor reviews but I was a bit irked with the books being so short and all the above. Beautiful covers is best part of these books.
Profile Image for Astrid Rudloff.
453 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2018
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the second book of the series Magical Arts Academy and should be read after First Spell.
Just like the first part this book is a fast paced story with lots of very interesting characters and unexpected turns.
Before Isa and Nando can start their studies the sorcerers of the SMS attack the school and kidnap Nando.
Are Nando and the still missing Albacus lost? You will not be able to set this book aside once you started.
I'm urgently waiting for the third book.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
September 26, 2018
Winged Pursuit is a smooth continuation from where First Spell ended. Isadora and her brother Nando have made it to the Academy. However it is not safe there as they are attacked by the evil sorcerers and her brother is kidnapped. Clara and a few others jump on Humbert (the red dragon)(I just love dragons) and pursue the kidnappers in hopes of rescuing Nando. We are also introduced to new characters. As in First Spell, Winged Pursuit is loaded with action, is fast paced, and a real page turner. Lucia Ashta has created an awe inspiring series that should not be missed.
Profile Image for Samantha Silensky.
418 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2018
This installment of the Magical Arts Academy picks up where book one left off. It another fantastic book, full of twists and turns and excitement around each turn! We follow Isa, as she worries for we brother, and ponders wether this life change will be absolutely amazing, or a horrible mistake. She’s growing to care for the people who have taken in her and her brother Nando, and begins to view them as family. Packed full of action, this book follows the first wonderfully!
Profile Image for Shae Perkins.
30 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2018
Isabella and Nando begin their life at the Magical Arts Academy. This is their first 2 day with Nando continuing to heal from the death spell that grazed him from the SMS. Isabela is starting to see what magic can do and that it really does exist. They are about to begin their actual education of magic. I can't wait to see what happens with them and all the familiar characters from previous books next.
I received this book choosing to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda Evans.
Author 5 books8 followers
June 30, 2023
Again, the series is terribly short. If you are paying more than a buck or so, it's probably not worth it.

The story itself was strangely boring. I think I was okay until they decided not the follow the action, and rather than reading about a mid-air rescue on dragon's back they decided to have the reader learn about what classes the characters were going to take, I think I lost my interest in the series. I have 2 more books already bought so I will finish those but I was not impressed.
2,868 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2018
Delightful extension to the story. Isadora (Dora for short) is more powerful than she realize it, but, that, of course, is easy. She doesn't believe that she's powerful at all. But she is able to hold her own in conversations with very powerful magicians. I look forward to what follows.


I was gifted a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review
Profile Image for Ayanami Faerudo.
916 reviews49 followers
December 13, 2018
*No, I haven't learned my lesson with Dragon School.

*Here we go again with these episodic books.

*I thought it would get better...

*But, it didn't.

*I skipped whole sections and I didn't think I missed anything.

*Compared to Dragon School where there was much progress with each 'book', there was small to no development in this one.
Profile Image for Ana Elena Romero.
1,064 reviews
May 22, 2019
Pequeñas píldoras de novela fantástica componen esta saga destinada principalmente a un público principalmente infantil.
La trama es muy pobre y el desarrollo narrativo es excesivamente lento haciendo que en cada libro no pase realmente nada.
Prometía ser algo más entretenida, pero ha acabado cansándome
Profile Image for Forrest.
259 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2019
I'm giving up for now.

2 books into this magical academy series and there have been 0 magic lessons. Also, only 2 days have passed in the life of the main character. The writing isn't bad, I'm just not into the story enough to keep reading this over the 50+ other books in my list. Maybe I'll come back to it some day.
667 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2019
Magical Arts Academy 2 Winged Pursuit

This was another winner. Paranormals , dragons and fire baby dragon's. A school to teach magic to students. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves magic, paranormal s and students leading how to use their powers. Diana Romano
Profile Image for Aletia.
434 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2019
If you were thrown into this situation, would you handle it as well? I don't know if I would. Isadora and her brother Hernando find out their world is filled with more than just humans. They learn of magic and evil and dragons, and firedrakes. They also learn that they're in the middle of a fight, and not all places are safe.
Profile Image for Rosemary Dreyer.
1,521 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2020
Best thing about these books is that they’re short. This book focuses on Isa’s first morning at the Academy. More attacks from the SMS sorcerers. More magical creatures. If this weren’t so obviously influenced by the Harry Potter series, I would find it charming. The characters, who are all on high alert, could be more well drawn, if not for all the impending drama. The book was okay.
1,273 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2018
Isadora has a lot of courage,…and curiosity to manage her first days in the castle with as much aplomb as she does. She is among strangers, in a place she has never been before, and the most incredible things keep occurring.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
623 reviews21 followers
October 4, 2018
First off would like to thank Malcom Paul Barber for sending me the second book in this series and just like the first book I enjoyed reading this one just as much. I'm excited to see what happens in the rest of the series now...
86 reviews
November 27, 2018
Wonderful continuation of the story

This book picks up where the first book left off. You get to know more about each of the characters as the story continues. I have already purchased the third installment.
Profile Image for nat _lovestoread.
945 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2018
This is such a great book, well written, fast pace, it continues exactly where book 1 ended, so you can easily follow the story and the plot as it continues to unravel with unexpected twists that promises a wonderful story ahead, can't wait to the next book!!!
Profile Image for Kathy Tangorra.
55 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2018
What a park packed full of adventure and being sold by their uncle into a magical community. Being attacked by cleaning fireballs and dragons of all things! It’s one adventure after another!

These books are so entertaining I highly recommend everyone read them!
Profile Image for Olivia Marie Clark.
326 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2019
Omg

The plot just keeps getting more interesting. I can’t wait until Isa begins to actually learn magic. Also, the firedrakes are the best part of the story and I hope to see more of them. Onto book three!
875 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2019
I received this book for free for a unbiased review. Is is a great character. The storyline was interesting and held my attention. The characters were well written and were brought to life. reccomend
Profile Image for Sherry.
274 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2022
Even better than the first book! There is excitement and danger. The new characters are wonderful. A bit of a cliffhanger ending. This is a great series for young adults, the language is clean and there hasn't been any adult scenes. There is a battle scene, but the details are not very gruesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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