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The Chronicles of Andar #1
Unexpected Magic
Emmaline Lyland is a perfectly abnormal fifteen-year-old girl struggling to find her place in an ordinary world full of extraordinary magic.
When she returns to Ackley Institute for another school year, she quickly realizes it will be one unlike any other. With tensions running high across Andar, relationships between the regions and the students are quickly falling apart. A hidden danger lurks outside the safety of the school walls, and Emmie and her friends are determined to uncover the mystery.
When Ackley is attacked, Emmie realizes they are closer to the truth than they knew. As the number of casualties grows, the country teeters on the brink of a civil war and they make a decision that could change their lives forever. But will it be enough to save her friends and prevent war? Or will the country be permanently changed by the unexpected magic?
When she returns to Ackley Institute for another school year, she quickly realizes it will be one unlike any other. With tensions running high across Andar, relationships between the regions and the students are quickly falling apart. A hidden danger lurks outside the safety of the school walls, and Emmie and her friends are determined to uncover the mystery.
When Ackley is attacked, Emmie realizes they are closer to the truth than they knew. As the number of casualties grows, the country teeters on the brink of a civil war and they make a decision that could change their lives forever. But will it be enough to save her friends and prevent war? Or will the country be permanently changed by the unexpected magic?
- GenresFantasy
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2020
32 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Laura M. Drake
25 books188 followersMy name is Laura M. Drake, and I'm the youngest of five kids. I grew up in Arkansas and moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. After spending three summers abroad in France, Japan, and China, I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and began teaching 4th grade near Salt Lake City. A few years later I moved back to Japan to fulfill a life-long dream of living there. When Covid got bad, I came back to America and have been living in Arkansas and writing full-time ever since. I'll soon be moving to UT and look forward to the new adventures that await me there. When I'm not writing (which isn't very often--I should probably get a life haha) I love playing ultimate frisbee, board games, writing in my journal, and spending time with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 10, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and the characters in this story.
June 23, 2020
Amazing!!!
I started this book not even sure what it was about. I got about halfway through and started to get an idea of who the missing princess is, but Laura's writing skills took the book in a while new direction with Emmie's Mediocre status. Every time I thought I knew something, it changed. I cannot wait for the next book because I need to know if Neil and Gray survived!
I started this book not even sure what it was about. I got about halfway through and started to get an idea of who the missing princess is, but Laura's writing skills took the book in a while new direction with Emmie's Mediocre status. Every time I thought I knew something, it changed. I cannot wait for the next book because I need to know if Neil and Gray survived!
June 23, 2020
I have to say I haven’t read a genuinely unique book in such a long time. The beginning was a bit slow, but I liked that about it. It gave so much detail, but never too much that it got boring and dragged on. The world of Emmie, Ivy, Neil, and Gray Is so enthralling and beautifully written. The mystery and adventure in this story was such a breath of fresh air, I genuinely fell in love from the very beginning. Emmaline has to deal with bullies and feeling as if she is such an outcast, and I feel like we can all relate to Emmie in that way. She is such a strong character and her growth is so beautiful to watch as she realizes she is stronger than she believed & people made her feel. I cannot wait to read more in this mesmerizing world of Magicals! I received an early copy of the book for review. 5/5
June 23, 2020
**I received an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.**
I really enjoyed reading Unexpected Magic.
I like how the book starts, I got into it without knowing anything about it but the first paragraph was intriguing and I immediately wanted to know more.
The book follows the story of Emmie a 16-year-old magical who goes to magic school but is the only student there whose magic hasn't manifested yet making her an oddity among her friends and fellow students.
The author did a good job in writing the characters and the relationships between them. I deeply cared for Emmie and her friends, their beautiful friendship, their fears and their struggles. I would have preferred a little more world-building, especially in the beginning.
I had fun reading this book and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I really enjoyed reading Unexpected Magic.
I like how the book starts, I got into it without knowing anything about it but the first paragraph was intriguing and I immediately wanted to know more.
The book follows the story of Emmie a 16-year-old magical who goes to magic school but is the only student there whose magic hasn't manifested yet making her an oddity among her friends and fellow students.
The author did a good job in writing the characters and the relationships between them. I deeply cared for Emmie and her friends, their beautiful friendship, their fears and their struggles. I would have preferred a little more world-building, especially in the beginning.
I had fun reading this book and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
This book reminds me of many other things I have read before (Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent and more), while at the same time being unlike anything I've ever read. The idea that the characters focus and master different types of magic, like Water and Earth, instead of everyone mastering everything, intrigued me greatly. I really enjoyed the dueling part, the Library parts, the researching part and Emmie's lessons with Henry. I give this book four and a half stars. I feel like I want to know a bit more about other characters besides the one we're told about, like other classmates. I would also have liked to follow Emmie in some of her other classes besides Henry's, to round it out more. It would have been nice to know a bit more about what the campus looked like, and how the other parts of this universe look like, but here's to hoping that the next books will reveal that. Overall, this was a truly great book, and I can't wait for the rest! Good job, Laura, and good luck! I received an early copy of the book in order to write this review. 4.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2020
I received an early copy of this book, but was hooked from the very beginning. I didn't want to stop reading this book. The characters, magic, story, descriptions, everything made it felt like it was real and actually happening. I loved the way everything progressed. It wasn't too slow or too fast. It was at a good pace that kept you interested the whole time. I enjoyed it so much that when the end came, I didnt want it to end. It made me sad that I had finished it so quickly. I am really looking forward to another book!!! 5/5
June 20, 2020
I recieved a free copy of this before release as a beta reader. Here's my honest opinion:
This is a well written story with a really well fleshed out main character who goes by the name of Emma (mostly, though occasionally Emmaline or Emmie).
Emma attends the Ackley Academy for magicals, though she struggles to understand why, as her magic still has yet to manifest so she can use it.
We follow Emma, Gray, Ivy and Neil through classes, lunches, meetings, arguments, friendship, betrayal and love in a story that easily keeps you turning the pages long after you probably should have gone to sleep!
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is a well written story with a really well fleshed out main character who goes by the name of Emma (mostly, though occasionally Emmaline or Emmie).
Emma attends the Ackley Academy for magicals, though she struggles to understand why, as her magic still has yet to manifest so she can use it.
We follow Emma, Gray, Ivy and Neil through classes, lunches, meetings, arguments, friendship, betrayal and love in a story that easily keeps you turning the pages long after you probably should have gone to sleep!
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 22, 2020
Laura has a unique writing style that brings her stories to life! Her plot and her characters are blended together so well that each of her characters fit right in with the story that she was telling. Emmie, the main, character is extremely relatable and you won't want to stop reading her story! I was lucky enough to get an early copy of her manuscript and watch as her story developed and changed. If you like fantasy, magic, and suspense this book is for you.
June 24, 2020
Up and coming author
Laura Drake does a good job creating this magical world. Her characters are relatable and the end leaves you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait for the next book.
Laura Drake does a good job creating this magical world. Her characters are relatable and the end leaves you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait for the next book.
June 30, 2020
This was such a great book. It gave me some Harry Potter vibes while I was reading it. I never wanted to put it down and I am so excited to purchase this book. I can’t wait for the next one.
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2020
To say this story was a page turner is inadequate. The story hooks you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go. It’s a blend of Harry Potter and Divergent with some Romanov Family mystery thrown in. The characters are believable and well developed. I finished this in one sitting and I’m already anticipating the sequel. Laura Drake has created a masterful world that I hope everyone gets the chance to experience. I am very lucky to have received this as an ARC. 5/5
June 24, 2020
Best book ever. I loved how I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked so much excitement and was able to let the book take me away. This is a book that will make you wondering and wanting to keep turning page after page.
June 21, 2020
Thrilling adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my early copy of Unexpected Magic. The character descriptions made me feel like I was part of the group. The plot was fun and easy to follow. I am a sucker for happy “Hallmark” endings so I was not prepared for the cliff hanger ending. Makes me want to read the next book in the series even more!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my early copy of Unexpected Magic. The character descriptions made me feel like I was part of the group. The plot was fun and easy to follow. I am a sucker for happy “Hallmark” endings so I was not prepared for the cliff hanger ending. Makes me want to read the next book in the series even more!
June 23, 2020
I received an early copy of the book to review it, and I really enjoyed Unexpected Magic. The story sucked me in, and I loved the group of main characters.
November 20, 2021
what an amazing book! thanks for letting me read your book.
I started this book because look at those covers.
I got about halfway through and started to get an idea of who the missing princess was.
But Laura's writing skills took the book in a while new direction with Emmie's Mediocre status. Every time I thought I knew something.
It changed really quickly.
And im very excited to read book two.
I started this book because look at those covers.
I got about halfway through and started to get an idea of who the missing princess was.
But Laura's writing skills took the book in a while new direction with Emmie's Mediocre status. Every time I thought I knew something.
It changed really quickly.
And im very excited to read book two.
October 31, 2020
This book is seriously SO GOOD. I haven’t been able to really immerse myself in a book lately or have the energy to read/continue reading a book, but that was not the case at all with this book. It’s so well written and such an exciting read that I felt pulled out of my current reading slump. This book is perfect for any reader who enjoys fantasy! I cannot recommend this book enough!
June 28, 2020
Magic is in everyone, it's part of one's being but for Emmie, magic is something well...magical to her because unfortunately she cannot do magic. She attends a prestigious school where magic users can improve their magic and get to do pretty amazing things with just a flick of their fingers. Though the fact she attends Ackley Institute, says that there is SOME magic in her...right? Being considered the odd ball due to her non-magic abilities does make it difficult for her to be unnoticed. Bullies and whispers about her follow her, reminding her every day that she doesn't belong but she has a group of amazing people that see her for who she is. When girls start missing and an attack at Ackley, Emmie and her friends are thrown in chaos. As Emmie and her friends try to solve the mystery tragedy strikes. Can Emmie and her friends figure out the truth in time or will they fall victim to a dark presence that demands power? Now, I have a thing for stories to take place in school add magic users, I'm sold. This gave me real Richelle Mead vibes and I knew I was going to be in for a ride. It's fast pace story but one you won't get lost in by the information given or plot. The only thing was that it was a bit short because as soon as I finished, I had more questions and want to know what the heck was up with that ending! Granted not everything can be revealed and I'm intrigued to know what is going to happen next with Emmie and the gang. The story was a bit predictable (at times) BUT that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Its the journey and how they got to that is what made it fun and enjoyable. Honestly I thought it was Ivy lost princess and Emmie a natural born Dark user but due to her 'dying' it was trapped. I also got the impression of Emmie being Dark when she healed Grey, it was a gut feeling and when they realized that Dark magic could help Neil trapped in the crystal, I was like 'time to shine Emmie! Use those Dark powers for good!'. Not everything born from darkness is evil just like not everything bathed in light is good. <--- I honestly thought it was going to be something like that. Then the ending came and I was like....damn...okay... hmm I really didn't see that coming so soon (haha). So I am definitely going to be looking forward to the next installment of this series.
July 11, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC. However, I did not interact with Ms. Drake prior to receiving the ARC and have no personal connections to her.
I really enjoyed this book. It was clearly meant for young/teenage readers, but as a grown adult, I found it entertaining. It took me a bit to get into, but I think that is simply because I came off of a reading spree in a different genre, and it’s not as mature as the other YA books I read. Meaning, you could give this to a teen, or pre-teen even, and not worry about graphic violence or sexual content.
Once I was in it, I was in it. I wanted to know what happened to the characters, I found the magic system interesting, and the story was engaging. The last third of the book made me stay up late to finish, and the ending was a *gasp* moment.
I will say, I struggled with the “bonding” trope. But that’s me, and I’ve struggled with it in every book I’ve read that had it. In this particular system, people seemed to typically bond to their life partner not long after turning 18. But the bonding is one kiss it seems, so your first kiss is your life mate. I think about my first kiss and shudder. I would have had a miserable life if that were the case. There does seem to be a magical element to help prevent you from bonding with a jerk, but it’s not guaranteed. There was also no consideration for non-hetero relationships. I love me some LGBTQ representation, but there was none. I know some people LOVE the bonding trope and are fine with hetero normative only. If this is something you enjoy, then you’ll be fine with this aspect.
Besides those issues (which are not the main focus of the plot… sort of), this was a fun read. I found Emmie to be a likeable typical self-conscious teen. I could relate to her obliviousness to certain things, and her relationship with her friends was adorable. The danger and the protagonist left enough mystery and suspense that I look forward to the next book to find out what happens.
I really enjoyed this book. It was clearly meant for young/teenage readers, but as a grown adult, I found it entertaining. It took me a bit to get into, but I think that is simply because I came off of a reading spree in a different genre, and it’s not as mature as the other YA books I read. Meaning, you could give this to a teen, or pre-teen even, and not worry about graphic violence or sexual content.
Once I was in it, I was in it. I wanted to know what happened to the characters, I found the magic system interesting, and the story was engaging. The last third of the book made me stay up late to finish, and the ending was a *gasp* moment.
I will say, I struggled with the “bonding” trope. But that’s me, and I’ve struggled with it in every book I’ve read that had it. In this particular system, people seemed to typically bond to their life partner not long after turning 18. But the bonding is one kiss it seems, so your first kiss is your life mate. I think about my first kiss and shudder. I would have had a miserable life if that were the case. There does seem to be a magical element to help prevent you from bonding with a jerk, but it’s not guaranteed. There was also no consideration for non-hetero relationships. I love me some LGBTQ representation, but there was none. I know some people LOVE the bonding trope and are fine with hetero normative only. If this is something you enjoy, then you’ll be fine with this aspect.
Besides those issues (which are not the main focus of the plot… sort of), this was a fun read. I found Emmie to be a likeable typical self-conscious teen. I could relate to her obliviousness to certain things, and her relationship with her friends was adorable. The danger and the protagonist left enough mystery and suspense that I look forward to the next book to find out what happens.
April 6, 2022
Sometimes, you just need a good book with magic and adventure and characters you like. Unexpected Magic by Laura Drake was just that sort of book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book is a magic academy book mixed with a bit of mystery. It follows Emmie, a girl who supposedly has no magic and yet attends one of the most prestigious magical academies in the country. She is there with several friends, and she hopes that one day her own magic will manifest. In the meantime, though, there are girls disappearing, dangerous magic is on the rise and her own academy may be at risk.
As far as plots go, this one was just the right mix of familiar and unpredictable, with a story that I could really get into without having to read a passage several times to figure out what was going on. The twists were interesting, the adventure just the right mix of exciting and trepidatious, and the ending dramatic.
2. Thoughts on the characters
A lot of the time, magical academy books (and a fair number of YA fantasy books in general) have the main character possessed of some sort of special power or ability that marks them by the others in the story. In this case, the fact taht Emmie didn’t have magic was the thing that marked her, and i found that to be a fascinating take on teh traditional story. I enjoyed it a fair bit, learning about her struggles with her identity and ability. The other characters were fun, also, having far more depth than I usually see in stories of this type.
3. Favourite part
The duelling club. I appreciate that scene a lot.
4. Critique
I don’t really have a whole lot of critique for this book. The plot is a bit predictable, given how closely it follows the standard for the genre, but that didn’t take away my enjoyment of the story at all.
Overall, I would say that Unexpected Magic was a fun read with an adventure I enjoyed, characters I rooted for, and an ending that makes me want to read more. A very good book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book is a magic academy book mixed with a bit of mystery. It follows Emmie, a girl who supposedly has no magic and yet attends one of the most prestigious magical academies in the country. She is there with several friends, and she hopes that one day her own magic will manifest. In the meantime, though, there are girls disappearing, dangerous magic is on the rise and her own academy may be at risk.
As far as plots go, this one was just the right mix of familiar and unpredictable, with a story that I could really get into without having to read a passage several times to figure out what was going on. The twists were interesting, the adventure just the right mix of exciting and trepidatious, and the ending dramatic.
2. Thoughts on the characters
A lot of the time, magical academy books (and a fair number of YA fantasy books in general) have the main character possessed of some sort of special power or ability that marks them by the others in the story. In this case, the fact taht Emmie didn’t have magic was the thing that marked her, and i found that to be a fascinating take on teh traditional story. I enjoyed it a fair bit, learning about her struggles with her identity and ability. The other characters were fun, also, having far more depth than I usually see in stories of this type.
3. Favourite part
The duelling club. I appreciate that scene a lot.
4. Critique
I don’t really have a whole lot of critique for this book. The plot is a bit predictable, given how closely it follows the standard for the genre, but that didn’t take away my enjoyment of the story at all.
Overall, I would say that Unexpected Magic was a fun read with an adventure I enjoyed, characters I rooted for, and an ending that makes me want to read more. A very good book.
June 25, 2020
Elemental Magic for the Win
First, I would like to thank Laura M. Drake for giving me the opportunity to read Unexpected Magic as an ARC - I received the ARC in earlier stages, I have not yet been able to read the revised and published version, but can not wait to re-read after work tonight!
My original review (and first thoughts) are as follows:
I finished this story and was disappointed, but not because I didn't like it, but rather that I don't want to wait to find out what happens with Emmie and her family/friends! There were a few grammar issues, but I believe that's to be expected in an ARC. And a few inconsistencies thrown in there, where the grade ones started at 8, then other parts it was said that they start at 6. There were also a few parts during the story where I wasn't quite sure how much time had passed, I thought something had happened a couple days ago, then it would seem as though it happened earlier that day in the next chapter. I absolutely LOVE this world created and would love more detail and information about it (I'm a huge lover of world building in books!) I was fortunate to receive an early copy of Unexpected Magic and I couldn't be happier! The entire premise of Unexpected Magic is so creative and unique. The only issue, and I only say issue because I'm not sure what word I mean, is that I feel that Emmie can be a bad too whiney and self-deprivating. I understand that she's shy and being the only magical with no powers can be challenging and unnerving, but sometimes. She just felt to be a bit much. Overall, I'm a huge fan of this story and can't wait to see what happens as the series progresses, I mean holy cliffhanger !
First, I would like to thank Laura M. Drake for giving me the opportunity to read Unexpected Magic as an ARC - I received the ARC in earlier stages, I have not yet been able to read the revised and published version, but can not wait to re-read after work tonight!
My original review (and first thoughts) are as follows:
I finished this story and was disappointed, but not because I didn't like it, but rather that I don't want to wait to find out what happens with Emmie and her family/friends! There were a few grammar issues, but I believe that's to be expected in an ARC. And a few inconsistencies thrown in there, where the grade ones started at 8, then other parts it was said that they start at 6. There were also a few parts during the story where I wasn't quite sure how much time had passed, I thought something had happened a couple days ago, then it would seem as though it happened earlier that day in the next chapter. I absolutely LOVE this world created and would love more detail and information about it (I'm a huge lover of world building in books!) I was fortunate to receive an early copy of Unexpected Magic and I couldn't be happier! The entire premise of Unexpected Magic is so creative and unique. The only issue, and I only say issue because I'm not sure what word I mean, is that I feel that Emmie can be a bad too whiney and self-deprivating. I understand that she's shy and being the only magical with no powers can be challenging and unnerving, but sometimes. She just felt to be a bit much. Overall, I'm a huge fan of this story and can't wait to see what happens as the series progresses, I mean holy cliffhanger !
June 26, 2020
I'd like to say thank you to Laura for giving me an early copy so I could give her a fair review for the first installment to this brilliant new series! That being said I'd like to explain my 5 star rating I started this book with no prior knowledge about the storyline or characters. I just started reading and enjoyed seeing the world Laura built unfold in my mind. The characters developed naturally throughout the story, giving an insight to their habits, relationships with each other and the MC inner monologue. I especially loved the main Character Emmaline, I thought she was very relatable with her insecurities and shyness but she still had a fierce love for her friends. It was very easy to see she would do anything for them. The world building was great too! The world is completely unique and fresh! I loved the slight Harry Potter vibe in the beginning but it became very clear that this was an original idea and not a knock off! There were times when I felt Laura gave just enough detail to keep the story moving and yet other times I caught myself wanting to know more so I'm excited to see this world expand in book 2. And finally the plot or storyline! Let me begin by saying holy twists and turns! I kept trying to guess where things were heading but quickly realized this was not a story that I should try to guess the ending as I'm reading. I just wanted to read and find out what would happen next! I loved the magic and how it was your elemental affinity that sorted you and not your personality! Personally I grew up reading and loving Harry Potter, and this was definitely NOT a retelling! I am very much impatiently waiting for book 2!
September 30, 2020
Wow! While I knew I could expect good things from Unexpected Magic, 😏🤭, I didn't realize how much I was going to completely enjoy the story.
I've seen other reviews comparing it to Harry Potter and after reading it, I understand why it received such praise. Unexpected Magic felt uniquely its own. You'll be treated with excitement, suspense, mystery, intrigue, an interesting magical system, politics. This is a YA that is sure to satisfy most fantasy readers. I am very happy to note that this story is also perfect for younger YA readers as well.
Without going into much detail at all, basically none 🤣, I will say that the cliffhanger ending really gave me a gut punch. I will be waiting with baited breath for Unleashed Magic to come out!
To give a quick overview of the story.
We follow along with Emmie, Ivy, Gray and Neil while they attend the Ackley Institute for Magicals. Emmie is the only student in Ackley who's magic hasn't manifested which feels quite isolating for her. Luckily she has Ivy, Gray and Neil in her corner. Unfortunately things in Andar are not going very smoothly, the country is in unrest and unless the nations can soon come to an agreement things could be taking a darker path. Closer to Ackley girls seem to be going missing, with so explanation as to why. Will our four friends be able to make it through their school year unscathed? You'll just have to find out!
I've seen other reviews comparing it to Harry Potter and after reading it, I understand why it received such praise. Unexpected Magic felt uniquely its own. You'll be treated with excitement, suspense, mystery, intrigue, an interesting magical system, politics. This is a YA that is sure to satisfy most fantasy readers. I am very happy to note that this story is also perfect for younger YA readers as well.
Without going into much detail at all, basically none 🤣, I will say that the cliffhanger ending really gave me a gut punch. I will be waiting with baited breath for Unleashed Magic to come out!
To give a quick overview of the story.
We follow along with Emmie, Ivy, Gray and Neil while they attend the Ackley Institute for Magicals. Emmie is the only student in Ackley who's magic hasn't manifested which feels quite isolating for her. Luckily she has Ivy, Gray and Neil in her corner. Unfortunately things in Andar are not going very smoothly, the country is in unrest and unless the nations can soon come to an agreement things could be taking a darker path. Closer to Ackley girls seem to be going missing, with so explanation as to why. Will our four friends be able to make it through their school year unscathed? You'll just have to find out!
August 27, 2024
It's been a while since I've read an Academy book, and I must say, I enjoyed it! It's such fun! I felt so much sympathy for Emmie, how could I not? She has no discernible magic, nothing, nada, yet attends an Academy of Magicals. She's bullied, belittled and ostracised by her fellow students and made to feel totally useless and inept. Thank goodness she has support from 3 firm friends, 2 brothers and her roommate. I thought the bond of friendship between them was beautifully described and of course, as teens are known to do, there's an undertone of romantic tensions with the insecurities of youth that goes with it, so sweet. Suddenly everything changes when students start disappearing and an attack on the Academy. It seems that forbidden magic is being used but for what purpose, no one knows. Our 4 friends try to come up with an answer, but before they can, another attack puts out the brothers and her roommate is kidnapped. It gets really interesting from this point, and I enjoyed seeing how Emmie suddenly comes into her own. Although she has yet to wrap her head around all the drama, her determination to help her friends is there, and she'll do anything to save them all. Except, before she can fully understand what is happening to her, things go horribly wrong. Now I'm left anxious to see if and how Emmie gets out of her bind, if she can resist. So without further ado, I'm off to read book 2!
November 14, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 😊
This book….wow. Just wow. I am so glad I read this book! This book is like Harry Potter mixed with Zodiac Academy (minus the spice in ZA) and I absolutely LOVED this book.
Emmie is such a great MC, I really felt connected to her and I cannot wait to see her growth in the rest of this series. My heart broke for her at the end of this book and it took me quite some time to gather the ability to write this review haha.
With that being said, I was a little frustrated with the ending. It seemed like it dragged on and then all of a sudden a bunch of stuff happens in quick succession and that was it.
The only other con with this book is that I wish there was more world building, I know there was a somewhat decent amount of discussions on the delegates and monarchy etc but it would have been nice to get more info.
Aaaaand with all that said I’m going to go binge read book two.
This book….wow. Just wow. I am so glad I read this book! This book is like Harry Potter mixed with Zodiac Academy (minus the spice in ZA) and I absolutely LOVED this book.
Emmie is such a great MC, I really felt connected to her and I cannot wait to see her growth in the rest of this series. My heart broke for her at the end of this book and it took me quite some time to gather the ability to write this review haha.
With that being said, I was a little frustrated with the ending. It seemed like it dragged on and then all of a sudden a bunch of stuff happens in quick succession and that was it.
The only other con with this book is that I wish there was more world building, I know there was a somewhat decent amount of discussions on the delegates and monarchy etc but it would have been nice to get more info.
Aaaaand with all that said I’m going to go binge read book two.
November 15, 2021
Emmaline is a normalish fifteen year old girl, who is trying to find herself in her magical world. She's the only one without magical abilities which makes her a little odd among her peers at Ackley. When she returns for another school year, things are happening and she has to the bottom of it before something worse happens.
I loved Emma's character and how unique she is. Her inability to use her magic wasn't necessarily a unique concept, but the author made it different and worked a great story from that. The plot was unique and I liked how every student at the academy learns one element of magic instead of all of them.
The book moved a little slow, but the overall story was intriguing and held my interest from the beginning.
I loved Emma's character and how unique she is. Her inability to use her magic wasn't necessarily a unique concept, but the author made it different and worked a great story from that. The plot was unique and I liked how every student at the academy learns one element of magic instead of all of them.
The book moved a little slow, but the overall story was intriguing and held my interest from the beginning.
June 26, 2020
Really enjoyed reading and discovering more about the MC. I loved the build-up and creation of Emmie's friends and its easy like Ivy, Gray, and Neill. The storyline was good and fresh at times I was anxious for the character but that just meant I was engrossed in the plot and invested in the characters. The only little thing that bugged me was I would love a little more flesh when introducing new people in book and in explaining the world more. At times it gave the feel that we should know the backstory/partent etc of some characters it just for me made it a tad confusing that is my only flaw I find. The story was cost and exciting. I do look forward to the next book for sure.
November 18, 2021
4.5/5 stars
Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
▪️thoroughly enjoyable
▪️ do I sense a friends to lovers trope brewing? I think I do!
▪️nice and steady story pacing
▪️did well with world building- just enough detail without it being overkill.
▪️great character development, especially with Emmie.
▪️As a 15 year old who feels different because she, unlike her fellow students, hasn't discovered her power at the tender age of 8, Emmie has a wholesome and believable naivete about her.
▪️there's a lot of unanswered questions left on the table setting up book 2 quite nicely..
▪️would recommend for those who like ya, paranormal, romance, magic, fast paced stories, fantasy, Harry Potter
Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
▪️thoroughly enjoyable
▪️ do I sense a friends to lovers trope brewing? I think I do!
▪️nice and steady story pacing
▪️did well with world building- just enough detail without it being overkill.
▪️great character development, especially with Emmie.
▪️As a 15 year old who feels different because she, unlike her fellow students, hasn't discovered her power at the tender age of 8, Emmie has a wholesome and believable naivete about her.
▪️there's a lot of unanswered questions left on the table setting up book 2 quite nicely..
▪️would recommend for those who like ya, paranormal, romance, magic, fast paced stories, fantasy, Harry Potter
December 8, 2021
OMG what a fantastic read! This introduction to this magical world is intriguing and exciting and very descriptive. Off to a slow start as we are introduced to the characters and the history of this world we join Emmie and her academy family, Ivy, Neil and Gray. Each have their own quirks and insecurities but they are also loyal and do not hesitate to protect each other. The world building is incredible and you could actually easily visualise everything and the storyline is very addictive especially when everything kicks off and those twists and turns, wow, some of those I did not see coming! I am very eager to read book two!
June 25, 2020
I just finished the first book and I can not wait for book two. I couldn’t put it down! I started it late, thinking I’d just wet my lips with a chapter or two, and before I knew it, I had finished half the book! I was hopelessly hooked. The world building is awesome, and the characters are well thought out, and likable. Read this book! You won’t be disappointed. I received an advanced copy of Unexpected Magic in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
Why oh why did this have to end? I need to read more! From the first sentence, the author was able to describe everything in a way where you could just see it! The main female lead is completely relatable. She isn't the typical snarky chick, shes one who is shy and has social anxiety. This book has everything. Relatable lead? Check. Bullies? Check. Amazing love interest? Check. Betrayal? Check. You will not regret reading this!
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