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Advanced Combat Magic
They've gone too far this time... I was happy just going to school and trying to ignore most of the wider world of magic. Until the Council of Light crossed the line. Now there's nothing that will stand between me and putting an end to them and their corruption once and for all. My friends won't let me forget that I'm not in this alone. The only thing is, I would prefer that to losing them as well... ADVANCED COMBAT MAGIC is the fifth book in the Ember Academy for Young Witches YA Urban Fantasy Academy series. If you love kick-ass heroines, Sapphic slow-burn romances, and magical boarding schools, you’ll love this latest fast-paced series in L.C. Mawson’s Snowverse.
- GenresFantasy
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2020
32 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Mawson
100 books246 followersSome say she's an ancient creature of nightmare that was unleashed from beneath the ocean, come to devour the souls of men. Others say that she's a cosmic being from the beyond the stars that has taken corporeal form to learn our ways for some unknown end...
In truth, L.C. Mawson lives in a tower in the middle of a haunted forest, far from civilisation and is definitely not a witch who curses those who trespass upon her land. And she definitely cannot turn into a dragon that flies over cities in the dead of night and whose cries are often mistaken for an approaching storm. Where did you hear that? That's absurd...
The only contact she has with humanity is publishing books every so often, which is definitely just for fun and not part of an ancient contract with a trickster god.
In truth, L.C. Mawson lives in a tower in the middle of a haunted forest, far from civilisation and is definitely not a witch who curses those who trespass upon her land. And she definitely cannot turn into a dragon that flies over cities in the dead of night and whose cries are often mistaken for an approaching storm. Where did you hear that? That's absurd...
The only contact she has with humanity is publishing books every so often, which is definitely just for fun and not part of an ancient contract with a trickster god.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 4, 2020
This is a joint review for book 5 (Advanced Combat Magic) and book 6 (Politics of Magic) of the Ember Academy for Young Witches series. I really recommend reading these two final books as one, as book 5 flows very organically into book 6, and they’re quite short, a hundred pages each. There’s also a short story (like an epilogue to the series) available for free after you’ve read book 6.
I had been looking forward to this, the end of the beginning of Amelia’s journey after she discovered magic and how powerful she is. Amelia has that cursed teen aura more than ever. And I get it, who wouldn’t be moody and depressed when everything around them is crumbling? And you’re supposed to be so powerful but you can’t help feeling like you’re letting everyone down? Lucky for Amelia, she’s surrounded by brave and strong people, and help will come from unexpected places.
I really enjoyed this series. I loved watching Amelia grow into her powers. The whole series takes places in a relatively short time and a lot happens in that period as Amelia’s magic threatens many terrifyingly malicious and corrupted people. So not only is Amelia coming to terms with who she is – not just a human girl with ADHD –, she’s also learning to trust, to ask for help, to love. Her relationship with Willow, her half-Witch half-Elf girlfriend, gets more serious, as do her feelings for Natalie, her half-Witch half-Vampire roommate.
I wrote in my review for Advanced Healing Spells, aka book 3, that this series is like an all-girl Harry Potter on speed and I stand by that statement (minus the transphobic remarks by the author). It’s full of adrenaline, teenage angst, diversity in all its forms: there are all kinds of species, witches with disabilities, neurodivergent students, all sorts of romantic and sexual orientations are represented… And it never feels like a catalogue. What it does, however, is make me want to read the other books in this universe. I’m very curious about Freya, Amelia’s sister, Queen of the Underworld, so I guess those fifteen books are coming to my TBR list…
I had been looking forward to this, the end of the beginning of Amelia’s journey after she discovered magic and how powerful she is. Amelia has that cursed teen aura more than ever. And I get it, who wouldn’t be moody and depressed when everything around them is crumbling? And you’re supposed to be so powerful but you can’t help feeling like you’re letting everyone down? Lucky for Amelia, she’s surrounded by brave and strong people, and help will come from unexpected places.
I really enjoyed this series. I loved watching Amelia grow into her powers. The whole series takes places in a relatively short time and a lot happens in that period as Amelia’s magic threatens many terrifyingly malicious and corrupted people. So not only is Amelia coming to terms with who she is – not just a human girl with ADHD –, she’s also learning to trust, to ask for help, to love. Her relationship with Willow, her half-Witch half-Elf girlfriend, gets more serious, as do her feelings for Natalie, her half-Witch half-Vampire roommate.
I wrote in my review for Advanced Healing Spells, aka book 3, that this series is like an all-girl Harry Potter on speed and I stand by that statement (minus the transphobic remarks by the author). It’s full of adrenaline, teenage angst, diversity in all its forms: there are all kinds of species, witches with disabilities, neurodivergent students, all sorts of romantic and sexual orientations are represented… And it never feels like a catalogue. What it does, however, is make me want to read the other books in this universe. I’m very curious about Freya, Amelia’s sister, Queen of the Underworld, so I guess those fifteen books are coming to my TBR list…
December 15, 2020
Wowsers, Amelia has a blood bone AND a possible heartbond!
This book made me happy just 'cause my sister's my bestie and if I had to spend years and years without her, I'd feel so lost. An Amelia and Freya reunion has been pretty sweet.
This book made me happy just 'cause my sister's my bestie and if I had to spend years and years without her, I'd feel so lost. An Amelia and Freya reunion has been pretty sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
👾👾ONE THRILLING WILD RIDE👾👾
Incredible! Mawson hits the paydirt, brooking no resistance and trampling rebellion, revving up the stakes and keeping it real, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Balancing the load and bearing the burden, delivering one action packed, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat. Chicanery runs rampant and payback is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, revelations, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a boatload of danger while dodging disaster, you have one block busting adventure. Twixt, combined and tightly coiled, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and impressive in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, showcasing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, along with a bevy of wicked twists and sleek turns, putting our characters through their paces. Shattering the lines and crushing the boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, kicking this gem into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Mawson, thanks for sharing this fabulous gem with us.
Incredible! Mawson hits the paydirt, brooking no resistance and trampling rebellion, revving up the stakes and keeping it real, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Balancing the load and bearing the burden, delivering one action packed, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat. Chicanery runs rampant and payback is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, revelations, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a boatload of danger while dodging disaster, you have one block busting adventure. Twixt, combined and tightly coiled, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and impressive in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, showcasing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, along with a bevy of wicked twists and sleek turns, putting our characters through their paces. Shattering the lines and crushing the boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, kicking this gem into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Mawson, thanks for sharing this fabulous gem with us.
November 27, 2020
The series is really heating up. We have some great romances amongst the friends going on and we have the, what I think is, ultimate battle about to happen with the Council of light and Amelia. Amelia has really grown throughout this series as has her magic. She has begun to see the flaws in the system and see that not everything is as it seems. She sees that there is injustice in her world and she doesn’t take that sitting down. Now the Council of light is after her and using her as well and this is one thing she doesn’t like.
Her friends are sticking by her and fighting along side her even it this hurts them. Here Amelia is not with Willow and this has her a wee bit askew. Willow helps to ground her more. So she is feeling more vulnerable and is trying to fight the corruption and betrayals of those in the Council and to some extent those around her as well. I love how even nature is helping Amelia, her friends and family fight the corruption. I love how Amelia sees things differently and fights for what she feels is right not what others want her to see.
The story is fast paced, rife with danger and intrigue. Amelia grows more and more as a person and in her powers throughout the story and you are just kept in the plot with all the action going on. Can’t wait for the next one.
Her friends are sticking by her and fighting along side her even it this hurts them. Here Amelia is not with Willow and this has her a wee bit askew. Willow helps to ground her more. So she is feeling more vulnerable and is trying to fight the corruption and betrayals of those in the Council and to some extent those around her as well. I love how even nature is helping Amelia, her friends and family fight the corruption. I love how Amelia sees things differently and fights for what she feels is right not what others want her to see.
The story is fast paced, rife with danger and intrigue. Amelia grows more and more as a person and in her powers throughout the story and you are just kept in the plot with all the action going on. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 15, 2020
I think of Advanced Combat Magic as Amy’s recovering process. Combat picks up immediately after the beheading of Maria. Amy is still kneeling on the stage in shock. L.C. Mawson creates such a flux of emotion that I feel like I am right back to those moments and feel Amy’s grief. (Remember, my Cuba moment? (laugh))
Mawson then takes us through the whirlwind of emotions that grief causes and when you have dark energy in you that might not be a good thing. It was great for me to read! Mawson adds in surprises and twists. We also have my fave, what I call “Buffy” prep episode moments, combat, speeches, and “wow” moments.
Remember the prophecy? Well it has been expanded upon and hint: some of it happens in this book!
If you haven’t started this series: seriously you want to read it. Mawson has the entire series on Kindle Unlimited. This series has multi-cultural diversity, action, magic, romance, and moments that just rip you in part. In other words, this series is a must read.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Mawson then takes us through the whirlwind of emotions that grief causes and when you have dark energy in you that might not be a good thing. It was great for me to read! Mawson adds in surprises and twists. We also have my fave, what I call “Buffy” prep episode moments, combat, speeches, and “wow” moments.
Remember the prophecy? Well it has been expanded upon and hint: some of it happens in this book!
If you haven’t started this series: seriously you want to read it. Mawson has the entire series on Kindle Unlimited. This series has multi-cultural diversity, action, magic, romance, and moments that just rip you in part. In other words, this series is a must read.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
August 23, 2020
This book is another excellent addition to this series. The books just get better and better as the series progresses!! It is well written and the story and characters are well developed. I love the individual character personalities and seeing their relationship dynamics grow and evolve through the books. The book is action packed and full of twists and turns. It has suspense, emotion, intrigue, chemistry and a touch of romance. I’d highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the final book in this series!!
I received and arc for a voluntary review.
I received and arc for a voluntary review.
July 24, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 24, 2020
Amelia/Amy/Lia had some hard lessons to learn. And steep costs to pay. Most of the story was a page-turner until smacking into a solid wall. The wall almost stopped me but I came back quickly and was glad that I did.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Page-turner. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Page-turner. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
Read
July 28, 2020Advanced Combat Magic (Ember Academy for Young Witches Book 5), my eleventh enjoyable, intricately & tightly woven, page-turning read from author L.C. Mawson. The action really cranks up in this one, only one book to go before the conclusion. wait no spoilers here, buy the book, read & review the book. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 17, 2020
Venomous intentions bleed into these pages!
The Council of Light is anything but, as it is becoming more desperate in its power hunger and seeks to devour anyone or anything that does not align with its goals of domination and control. Their steely eyes have focused on the Academy again, more specifically our complex young witch Amelia (Amy/Lia). This tale is even more twisty because it involves familiar and unfamiliar characters that bring histories into the mix. It’s a nailbiter!
The Council of Light is anything but, as it is becoming more desperate in its power hunger and seeks to devour anyone or anything that does not align with its goals of domination and control. Their steely eyes have focused on the Academy again, more specifically our complex young witch Amelia (Amy/Lia). This tale is even more twisty because it involves familiar and unfamiliar characters that bring histories into the mix. It’s a nailbiter!
July 24, 2020
Advanced Combat Magic (Ember Academy for Young Witches Book 5) by L.C. Mawson is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number five in this amazing series that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about witches.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Read
July 25, 2020Exciting tale
“Advanced Combat Magic is an exciting tale and fits in perfectly in the “Ember Academy for Young Witches” series. Amelia is faced with some hard truths, and sometimes there is a price to pay to move forward. This tale is filled with action, deception, drama, intrigue, suspense, betrayal, twists, and friendships. This is a most exciting tale
“Advanced Combat Magic is an exciting tale and fits in perfectly in the “Ember Academy for Young Witches” series. Amelia is faced with some hard truths, and sometimes there is a price to pay to move forward. This tale is filled with action, deception, drama, intrigue, suspense, betrayal, twists, and friendships. This is a most exciting tale
July 25, 2020
I have enjoyed this entire series and Book 5 is no different. I love authors that write well developed characters and yet allow those characters to grow organically throughout a series and L.C. Mawson is able to do just that. If you enjoy reading stories about witches and fantasy, I highly recommend this series! Loved it!
I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 29, 2020
Exciting read
Much like the previous books in the series this was another exciting read. It was different from previous books in the series and I liked how it had some focus on character development and the emotions and ever changing relationship between Amy/Ameliaand Natalie.
Much like the previous books in the series this was another exciting read. It was different from previous books in the series and I liked how it had some focus on character development and the emotions and ever changing relationship between Amy/Ameliaand Natalie.
July 29, 2020
things are picking up on a variety of levels.Probably the best book in the series so far.A quick read with lots of action.
July 31, 2020
Another great read. Keep them coming and I will keep reading
December 19, 2020
Advanced Combat Magic (Ember Academy for Young Witches Book 5) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Amelia/Amy/Lia is in a dreadful state, following the deadly deeds perpetrated on her, which preceded the execution of her mentor, Maria Brown, in Book 4 of the fantastic Ember Academy for Young Witches series, by L.C. Mawson, who is beyond compare among YA (of all ages!) fantasy writers.
Bereft of her Heartbond partner Willow and in fear of further betrayals, Amelia must look to members of her family, her closest friends at the Academy and even Nature herself, for answers, a way to heal - and most importantly, a way to fight back at the corruption that has overtaken the Council, before it's too late.
Who bonds with Amelia to save first one life - and then her own?
What prophecy was pronounced by Lena and Freya?
Does Willow return - and what happens next?
You'll want to fly to your nearest bookstore straight away, for a copy of L.C.Mawson's wonderful new novel, Advanced Combat Magic, as you continue to thrill at Amelia's epic journey to complete her quest, save her beloved friends and unite their powers for good, at the Ember Academy they call a second home.
Go now and may the spirit of Nature be your
guide!
Amelia/Amy/Lia is in a dreadful state, following the deadly deeds perpetrated on her, which preceded the execution of her mentor, Maria Brown, in Book 4 of the fantastic Ember Academy for Young Witches series, by L.C. Mawson, who is beyond compare among YA (of all ages!) fantasy writers.
Bereft of her Heartbond partner Willow and in fear of further betrayals, Amelia must look to members of her family, her closest friends at the Academy and even Nature herself, for answers, a way to heal - and most importantly, a way to fight back at the corruption that has overtaken the Council, before it's too late.
Who bonds with Amelia to save first one life - and then her own?
What prophecy was pronounced by Lena and Freya?
Does Willow return - and what happens next?
You'll want to fly to your nearest bookstore straight away, for a copy of L.C.Mawson's wonderful new novel, Advanced Combat Magic, as you continue to thrill at Amelia's epic journey to complete her quest, save her beloved friends and unite their powers for good, at the Ember Academy they call a second home.
Go now and may the spirit of Nature be your
guide!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews