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The Hidden Mage #1
Crown of Secrets
Verene is a disappointment to her entire kingdom--the first royal ever born without power, despite her mother being the most powerful mage in history. So when she's sent to the Academy in neighboring Kallorway to forge ties with her people's traditional enemies, she's determined to succeed and prove she can still be of value to her kingdom.
Prince Darius of Kallorway is the strongest mage in his family--and the only reason his weak father is still clinging to his throne. Starting at the Academy at the same time as Verene, the crown prince is cold and distant and shows no desire to connect with her. Instead he seems suspicious of both her presence and her claimed lack of power.
Surrounded by unfamiliar politics and long-held enemies, Verene discovers that some at the Academy want her gone by whatever means necessary. As the threats grow ever more sinister, she starts to question all of her assumptions. The hardened prince might just be her best hope of survival and--even more shockingly--he might be right about her power. If Verene wants to survive Kallorway and the Academy, she must uncover her hidden powers and take her true place among the mages.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, intrigue, and clean romance, then try this new adventure in the Spoken Mage world now!
The Hidden Mage reading order:
Crown of Secrets
Crown of Danger
Crown of Strength (coming December 2020)
Crown of Power (coming February 2021)
Verene lives in a world of written power--a world turned upside down by the first ever Spoken Mage. If you missed the adventures of her mother, Elena, then check out the completed Spoken Mage series, starting with Voice of Power.
Prince Darius of Kallorway is the strongest mage in his family--and the only reason his weak father is still clinging to his throne. Starting at the Academy at the same time as Verene, the crown prince is cold and distant and shows no desire to connect with her. Instead he seems suspicious of both her presence and her claimed lack of power.
Surrounded by unfamiliar politics and long-held enemies, Verene discovers that some at the Academy want her gone by whatever means necessary. As the threats grow ever more sinister, she starts to question all of her assumptions. The hardened prince might just be her best hope of survival and--even more shockingly--he might be right about her power. If Verene wants to survive Kallorway and the Academy, she must uncover her hidden powers and take her true place among the mages.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, intrigue, and clean romance, then try this new adventure in the Spoken Mage world now!
The Hidden Mage reading order:
Crown of Secrets
Crown of Danger
Crown of Strength (coming December 2020)
Crown of Power (coming February 2021)
Verene lives in a world of written power--a world turned upside down by the first ever Spoken Mage. If you missed the adventures of her mother, Elena, then check out the completed Spoken Mage series, starting with Voice of Power.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2020
1782 people are currently reading
12313 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,740 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
September 6, 2024
3.5 stars, personally. I absolutely adore this cover, I have to add.
(Clean, no faith content, no language, and no sexual innuendoes.)
I realized quickly into reading this book that I was probably accidentally jumping into the middle of another connecting series. After a bit of research, sure enough. This series follows the kids from another series by this author. I tried to convince myself to start with the first book of the first series first, but that only lasted .5 of a second because I had finally gotten into this book and didn’t want to have to stop and put it down only to learn new characters and the magic system—and I was really interested in the boarding school/academy in this series because I love a good boarding school plot.
That said, there’s a lot of background given as characters are introduced, but it was well done. It definitely gives spoilers for those other series and will take away the shock factor from those books, but I continued anyway, telling myself that I can always go back and read the others if I decide to.
As this book continued, though, I don’t know if I would go back and read the series about their families, because I was not a fan of his father in this book. And I think it would be really weird to read about them like them in their books and then see them become terrible/cold parents. Even her parents weren’t perfect, and I’d like to imagine that all of my couples from all of my books are gonna be perfect parents to their children. Wishful thinking, I know, but it’s there none the less. I honestly don’t think I missed out on too much, because enough backstories were given.
I really wished we could have gotten Daruis’ point of view, but I did really like Verene. She was the perfect princess that was graceful but strong. Incredibly well spoken and trained for her position. Probably the best princess I’ve ever read about in that regard. There’s a lot of politics and trying to figure out who’s side everyone is on, but I honestly enjoyed that most of the time. Verene might not have any magic power, but she’s not useless and doesn’t use that as an excuse. She still trains hard and is smart, using her strengths when needed while trying to prove herself. Other couples play checkers, these two were playing chess with all the political intrigue, and I loved it so much. I don’t like enemies to lovers we all know this but I’ve decided that if it’s a political intrigue opposite sides of the political spectrum or kingdoms, I have a higher chance of liking it.
There’s tension between them, but their first kiss felt kind of out of nowhere. The book covers about a year in time, but it felt rushed in the romance regard. Like we saw bits of their attraction but I felt like that wasn’t that kind of tension—it was tension of the political climate, it wasn’t sexual tension, so it felt out of place for me.
Shockingly, this book didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I was very much anticipating a cliffhanger ending and having to jump right into the next book, but I don’t have to do that. There’s still a ton of unanswered questions and things to come, so I definitely do plan on reading the next book in the series, but I don’t have to rush into it. I think I still might, however, just because of the magic system and finally understanding some of it—and I would hate to lose my knowledge on that and who everyone is and who they’re connected with. Overall though? Not bad. It took me two tries to get into this book because of the magic system in the world, but I definitely believe I’ll continue on soon. It was quite clean and interesting. I also love a good boarding school plot-line, so that definitely helped. Definitely curious to see if my thoughts will be proved in the later books in the series or if there will be plot twists.
Main Content- (Clean with no faith content, no language, and no sexual innuendoes)
I’m going to do my best to describe the magic content, but I’m not a great expert on fantasy stuff, so please bear with me.
This series and world is completely filled with mages, magic (though the word ‘magic’ is never used, instead ‘power’ and ‘energy’ are the types of magical content), and scrolls that have written words on them that are created by mages. These scrolls (called “compositions”) are very important as all mages learn to write them, but those common born folks that do not have that ability aren’t allowed to handle written words or books and others are “sealed” so the temptation of writing doesn’t happen (and therefore do not accidentally cause danger). This means that people in some kingdoms are illiterate by force by their government.
There’s different types of mages: power mages (that harness power and can affect people and items) and energy mages (which can see and affect the energy of themself and others). Within those type of mages, they learn a discipline (focus) which can be law enforcement, the seekers, the healers, the growers, the wind workers, the creators, the Armed Forces, and the Royal Guard. Different ones are able to have compositions that are able to protect others, heal broken bones and injuries (even at the cost of the mage’s life force), see the details of a crime scene, etc. We see mages use them for good and for bad (not necessarily actual evil intent, but political differences). Energy mages can give and also steal another’s energy/life force, which can kill them if given too much and kill the other if the mage steals too much; The ones that try to kill with them are Verene are obviously looked as wrong and a clear line is drawn.
There’s “pranks” that can also be messages of ill intent and lead into assassination attempts on Verene’s life (including suffocation and trying to steal her energy, semi-detailed); Seeing someone’s energy stolen and that person die in front of Verene (up to semi-detailed); Pain, a broken bone, Fighting, & Self-defense; Mentions of potential deaths; Mentions of wars, battles, & fights; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of other assassination attempts; A mention of an instructor skinning people alive (seemed to be teasing);
No language besides a few mentions of curses being said (but are not written out); Some eye rolling & sarcasm; No mention of any religion.
There’s a semi-detailed kiss (lasting a few sentences); Remembering a kiss & imagine more kisses and embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); A guy teases a girl about if she accidentally went into his bedroom, he wouldn’t complain; Verene’s best friend/cousin calls Darius delicious and purrs over his good looks.
(See my reviews with content details of the rest of this series: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, and Book #4)
(Clean, no faith content, no language, and no sexual innuendoes.)
I realized quickly into reading this book that I was probably accidentally jumping into the middle of another connecting series. After a bit of research, sure enough. This series follows the kids from another series by this author. I tried to convince myself to start with the first book of the first series first, but that only lasted .5 of a second because I had finally gotten into this book and didn’t want to have to stop and put it down only to learn new characters and the magic system—and I was really interested in the boarding school/academy in this series because I love a good boarding school plot.
That said, there’s a lot of background given as characters are introduced, but it was well done. It definitely gives spoilers for those other series and will take away the shock factor from those books, but I continued anyway, telling myself that I can always go back and read the others if I decide to.
As this book continued, though, I don’t know if I would go back and read the series about their families, because I was not a fan of his father in this book. And I think it would be really weird to read about them like them in their books and then see them become terrible/cold parents. Even her parents weren’t perfect, and I’d like to imagine that all of my couples from all of my books are gonna be perfect parents to their children. Wishful thinking, I know, but it’s there none the less. I honestly don’t think I missed out on too much, because enough backstories were given.
I really wished we could have gotten Daruis’ point of view, but I did really like Verene. She was the perfect princess that was graceful but strong. Incredibly well spoken and trained for her position. Probably the best princess I’ve ever read about in that regard. There’s a lot of politics and trying to figure out who’s side everyone is on, but I honestly enjoyed that most of the time. Verene might not have any magic power, but she’s not useless and doesn’t use that as an excuse. She still trains hard and is smart, using her strengths when needed while trying to prove herself. Other couples play checkers, these two were playing chess with all the political intrigue, and I loved it so much. I don’t like enemies to lovers we all know this but I’ve decided that if it’s a political intrigue opposite sides of the political spectrum or kingdoms, I have a higher chance of liking it.
There’s tension between them, but their first kiss felt kind of out of nowhere. The book covers about a year in time, but it felt rushed in the romance regard. Like we saw bits of their attraction but I felt like that wasn’t that kind of tension—it was tension of the political climate, it wasn’t sexual tension, so it felt out of place for me.
Shockingly, this book didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I was very much anticipating a cliffhanger ending and having to jump right into the next book, but I don’t have to do that. There’s still a ton of unanswered questions and things to come, so I definitely do plan on reading the next book in the series, but I don’t have to rush into it. I think I still might, however, just because of the magic system and finally understanding some of it—and I would hate to lose my knowledge on that and who everyone is and who they’re connected with. Overall though? Not bad. It took me two tries to get into this book because of the magic system in the world, but I definitely believe I’ll continue on soon. It was quite clean and interesting. I also love a good boarding school plot-line, so that definitely helped. Definitely curious to see if my thoughts will be proved in the later books in the series or if there will be plot twists.
Main Content- (Clean with no faith content, no language, and no sexual innuendoes)
I’m going to do my best to describe the magic content, but I’m not a great expert on fantasy stuff, so please bear with me.
This series and world is completely filled with mages, magic (though the word ‘magic’ is never used, instead ‘power’ and ‘energy’ are the types of magical content), and scrolls that have written words on them that are created by mages. These scrolls (called “compositions”) are very important as all mages learn to write them, but those common born folks that do not have that ability aren’t allowed to handle written words or books and others are “sealed” so the temptation of writing doesn’t happen (and therefore do not accidentally cause danger). This means that people in some kingdoms are illiterate by force by their government.
There’s different types of mages: power mages (that harness power and can affect people and items) and energy mages (which can see and affect the energy of themself and others). Within those type of mages, they learn a discipline (focus) which can be law enforcement, the seekers, the healers, the growers, the wind workers, the creators, the Armed Forces, and the Royal Guard. Different ones are able to have compositions that are able to protect others, heal broken bones and injuries (even at the cost of the mage’s life force), see the details of a crime scene, etc. We see mages use them for good and for bad (not necessarily actual evil intent, but political differences). Energy mages can give and also steal another’s energy/life force, which can kill them if given too much and kill the other if the mage steals too much; The ones that try to kill with them are Verene are obviously looked as wrong and a clear line is drawn.
There’s “pranks” that can also be messages of ill intent and lead into assassination attempts on Verene’s life (including suffocation and trying to steal her energy, semi-detailed); Seeing someone’s energy stolen and that person die in front of Verene (up to semi-detailed); Pain, a broken bone, Fighting, & Self-defense; Mentions of potential deaths; Mentions of wars, battles, & fights; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of other assassination attempts; A mention of an instructor skinning people alive (seemed to be teasing);
No language besides a few mentions of curses being said (but are not written out); Some eye rolling & sarcasm; No mention of any religion.
There’s a semi-detailed kiss (lasting a few sentences); Remembering a kiss & imagine more kisses and embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); A guy teases a girl about if she accidentally went into his bedroom, he wouldn’t complain; Verene’s best friend/cousin calls Darius delicious and purrs over his good looks.
(See my reviews with content details of the rest of this series: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, and Book #4)
February 23, 2022
It is so, so good to be back in this fantasy world again!
This book is the first in a sequel series to the Spoken Mage series. You can probably jump right in to this one without reading the first series, though I'm not sure why you would want to. The first series is AMAZING and well worth reading.
Ardann and Kallorway and their magic system and complicated political maneuverings seem very real, and this book is a very believable look at where all the kingdoms ended up twenty years after the ending of the last series. This book manages to toe the fine line between presenting a conflict and trouble for this series without smudging the happy endings provided by the last series, and I appreciated that. All too often sequel series ruin or undo the happy ending of the first series, but this one manages to steer clear of that.
I adored this book and read it in a single evening and next morning. It has all the fun and vibes of the first series while still giving us new characters and a new Academy that doesn't feel like just a cookie cutter of the characters and Ardann Academy from the first series.
This book is the first in a sequel series to the Spoken Mage series. You can probably jump right in to this one without reading the first series, though I'm not sure why you would want to. The first series is AMAZING and well worth reading.
Ardann and Kallorway and their magic system and complicated political maneuverings seem very real, and this book is a very believable look at where all the kingdoms ended up twenty years after the ending of the last series. This book manages to toe the fine line between presenting a conflict and trouble for this series without smudging the happy endings provided by the last series, and I appreciated that. All too often sequel series ruin or undo the happy ending of the first series, but this one manages to steer clear of that.
I adored this book and read it in a single evening and next morning. It has all the fun and vibes of the first series while still giving us new characters and a new Academy that doesn't feel like just a cookie cutter of the characters and Ardann Academy from the first series.
August 2, 2025
┊☆ | Crown of Secrets By Melanie Cellier
┊╭ → ❝Clean YA Romantasy❞
┊✧ - - - - 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊༊·Age 12+
┊☆ Hidden Powers |Academic Setting | Hidden Politics
┊☾⋆⁺₊Book One✩₊˚.⋆
╰ →Thoughts
┊This book was everything i'd hope for. This would be my 3rd time reading it and I just couldn't get enough of it. This book is so much more than just a small easy read it's such a comforting book, with amazing characters along with it. You get the relatable sides to them, and sometimes parts that you admire but can't relate to. I love our fmc Verene, I find her very kind, loyal, and honestly lost in a good way. She strives to be the best not just for her kingdom, for her family, but also for the better of the two kingdoms that she now has loyalties on both ends. I also love her best friend Briony, Briony is honestly my favorite character in this series, she's extroverted, sarcastic, loyal to a fault. Our mmc Darius is the broody, mysterious but soft type of guy in this series. I love that the author made him cold but not asshole like cold or type of that distant, he was just keeping secrets to protect himselves. Overall this author has stole not only my love for these characters but also my happiness reading this story over and over again. Highly would reccomend to all ages, and would reccomend the Audiobook over the physical form for a first reading !!
┊
┊
┊
╰⁀➴The Hidden Mage series reviews
┊ Crown of Secrets 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊Crown Of Danger 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊ Crown of Strength 𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊Crown of Power 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊
┊╭ → ❝Clean YA Romantasy❞
┊✧ - - - - 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊༊·Age 12+
┊☆ Hidden Powers |Academic Setting | Hidden Politics
┊☾⋆⁺₊Book One✩₊˚.⋆
╰ →Thoughts
┊This book was everything i'd hope for. This would be my 3rd time reading it and I just couldn't get enough of it. This book is so much more than just a small easy read it's such a comforting book, with amazing characters along with it. You get the relatable sides to them, and sometimes parts that you admire but can't relate to. I love our fmc Verene, I find her very kind, loyal, and honestly lost in a good way. She strives to be the best not just for her kingdom, for her family, but also for the better of the two kingdoms that she now has loyalties on both ends. I also love her best friend Briony, Briony is honestly my favorite character in this series, she's extroverted, sarcastic, loyal to a fault. Our mmc Darius is the broody, mysterious but soft type of guy in this series. I love that the author made him cold but not asshole like cold or type of that distant, he was just keeping secrets to protect himselves. Overall this author has stole not only my love for these characters but also my happiness reading this story over and over again. Highly would reccomend to all ages, and would reccomend the Audiobook over the physical form for a first reading !!
┊
┊
┊
╰⁀➴The Hidden Mage series reviews
┊ Crown of Secrets 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊Crown Of Danger 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊ Crown of Strength 𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊Crown of Power 𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
┊
December 15, 2022
Melanie Cellier never fails! I LOVED this book as much as I loved The Princess Companion, but I seriously need the sequel like RIGHT NOW. The characters were so much fun and the plotline was gripping and the worldbuilding was probably my favorite part because Cellier built an intricate magic system that was unique and fun! (Darius is mah boy!! But am I the only one who when they were reading about the royal brothers Darius and Jareth who was thinking about Darius and Jaron from The False Prince? Just me? Okay. XD) Also, I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did SUCH a good job with it!!! It made the story come alive that much more!
(AND CAN WE PLEASE JUST TALK ABOUT THAT GORGEOUS COVER???!!!!)
(AND CAN WE PLEASE JUST TALK ABOUT THAT GORGEOUS COVER???!!!!)
April 24, 2021
Do you know the feeling when you read a book in which not much actually happens, but you really like it anyway? Yeah, this is one of those. Can't wait to start with the sequel!
April 25, 2021
2.5 The book introduced the world and the characters’ first year in the academy. The world-building, however, was delivered in major info dumps, which kinda felt like too much explaining and not enough showing. I also didn’t particularly like the way the backstory was unraveled as there was nothing subtle about it. To add to that, some things the male MC said, clashed with his previously demonstrated self-control and felt deliberate. The romance could have been left out in the first book as it didn’t add anything to the story and the characters needed time to get to know each other more and feel things before they acted out in my opinion. One scene in particular came out of nowhere and didn’t convince me of the flow of their relationship. As far as the magic system goes, it’s hard for me to picture certain things like utilising parchments and ripping/releasing them especially the practicality of such a thing in battle considering the amount they would have on them and locating the right one. Overall, it had moments where my curiosity was peaked and others where it read like a fairytale in a way, meaning that the usual suspense and punch of a fantasy series felt lacking.
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November 1, 2025DNF. I just could not get into this story. I tried so hard. I absolutely adore Melanie Cellier’s fairytale retellings. But this was just so disappointing! There was a lot of magic that was confusing and hard for me to follow at times. I honestly didn’t care for the characters either. 😕
January 2, 2021
This book suffers greatly from its infodumps. Not just politics, which are sometimes unavoidable but still could have been handled differently, but everything - the history, the geography, the magic system, blood lines, family histories of the supporting cast - is explained in longwinded paragraphs that amount to nothing. I was waiting for it to stop since I assumed it would just be the beginning but nope, it's ALL of the book. It only starts to peter out around the 60% mark and I do mean peter out, it doesn't REALLY stop until 88%.
Another problem is the lack of actual character interactions. A lot of these infodumps could've been avoided by SHOWING US PEOPLE INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER. Unfortunately most interpersonal moments are relegated to "and in the morning I did this and Bryony said that and then we had this other class" type of recounting, INCLUDING THE BALL which I'm sure was meant to be a grand moment in the book but felt no more exciting than the one class we got an infodump about.
Oh god, the insta love. The first time they meet the ~notorious ice prince~ has a "glint in his eye" and it's all downhill from there. Before they ever have a real conversation Verene is laserfocused on him and barely mentions if her other classmates could offer her kingdom any alliances. The book assures us that Verene very much wants to be useful to her country but the book SHOWS US that Verene cares very much about being ~special~ and lusting after hot boys. She's 16, those are valid character motivations, just don't pretend like she's something she's not, book. I did greatly enjoy the few times Verene got to flex her royal manners, there's some real political tension to be had from her dialogue in those situations but those moments are rarely actually written, we're just told she "danced with some courtiers" so we can focus on Darius being hot some more.
Lastly, this book is the first of a book series but it feels like the first act of a very long book instead. There's no actual story arc in this, it's all just setting up something that ~could~ happen in the next books and considering that nothing actually happens in this book it's ridiculously wordy. Also what's up with Bryony acting so dang suspicious? I was so happy about an actual girl friendship in a YA novel, however underwritten it is, if it turns out she's a traitor somehow I'm gonna ... write a strongly worded review for the next book. Sigh.
Catch you in the review section of the second, equally questionably named, book, I guess.
Another problem is the lack of actual character interactions. A lot of these infodumps could've been avoided by SHOWING US PEOPLE INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER. Unfortunately most interpersonal moments are relegated to "and in the morning I did this and Bryony said that and then we had this other class" type of recounting, INCLUDING THE BALL which I'm sure was meant to be a grand moment in the book but felt no more exciting than the one class we got an infodump about.
Oh god, the insta love. The first time they meet the ~notorious ice prince~ has a "glint in his eye" and it's all downhill from there. Before they ever have a real conversation Verene is laserfocused on him and barely mentions if her other classmates could offer her kingdom any alliances. The book assures us that Verene very much wants to be useful to her country but the book SHOWS US that Verene cares very much about being ~special~ and lusting after hot boys. She's 16, those are valid character motivations, just don't pretend like she's something she's not, book. I did greatly enjoy the few times Verene got to flex her royal manners, there's some real political tension to be had from her dialogue in those situations but those moments are rarely actually written, we're just told she "danced with some courtiers" so we can focus on Darius being hot some more.
Lastly, this book is the first of a book series but it feels like the first act of a very long book instead. There's no actual story arc in this, it's all just setting up something that ~could~ happen in the next books and considering that nothing actually happens in this book it's ridiculously wordy. Also what's up with Bryony acting so dang suspicious? I was so happy about an actual girl friendship in a YA novel, however underwritten it is, if it turns out she's a traitor somehow I'm gonna ... write a strongly worded review for the next book. Sigh.
Catch you in the review section of the second, equally questionably named, book, I guess.
January 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
This YA fantasy started good, but was very predictable…
The word ‘composition’ was used soooooo many times at it is part of the magic system, but you know when a word is used too often it stops sounding like a word?-that’s what this was. Speaking of the compositions, I could never fully figure out what it was…was it a spell? Was it a magical book? I was confused about that the whole time
This YA fantasy started good, but was very predictable…
The word ‘composition’ was used soooooo many times at it is part of the magic system, but you know when a word is used too often it stops sounding like a word?-that’s what this was. Speaking of the compositions, I could never fully figure out what it was…was it a spell? Was it a magical book? I was confused about that the whole time
November 20, 2023
A promising start to spin-off series in the Spoken Mage universe. For those reading it without having read the previous series, there will be no problems in understanding, as everything is explained very well. For those who have read the previous series, that is exactly the problem. So much time is spent in catching everyone up and helping newbies understand the world, the politics, the family, the powers, etc. that it is horrendously slow. We already know all this!
Still, the premise is great and now that all the basics have been covered (again), it looks to be a fun ride.
Still, the premise is great and now that all the basics have been covered (again), it looks to be a fun ride.
May 16, 2021
I found the book meh to read. It started off as having great potential which fizzled out right away.
Entire book felt like you were just reading a book with a beginning with no middle or ending. A lot of the book was also spent on reiterating the fact that the main character had insecurities which I found interrupted the flow of the plot and damaged the character arce. I found the plot random and occasionally forced (relationships between characters) to fit a situation that didn't really lend to furthering the plot. Not sure if I'll continue reading the rest of the series but we'll see.
Entire book felt like you were just reading a book with a beginning with no middle or ending. A lot of the book was also spent on reiterating the fact that the main character had insecurities which I found interrupted the flow of the plot and damaged the character arce. I found the plot random and occasionally forced (relationships between characters) to fit a situation that didn't really lend to furthering the plot. Not sure if I'll continue reading the rest of the series but we'll see.
July 4, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Verene is a disappointment to her entire kingdom--the first royal ever born without power, despite her mother being the most powerful mage in history. So when she's sent to the Academy in neighboring Kallorway to forge ties with her people's traditional enemies, she's determined to succeed and prove she can still be of value to her kingdom.
This was a pleasant surprise. Although I will start off with a few tips/warnings.
A. This is a spin off to another series called Spoken Mage series. I was unaware of this before reading but it didnt matter in the long run :P This can read as a stand alone series.
B. This book does suffer a little with info dumping. It felt like for the first 30% I was having to learn so much before diving in and usually I would have just DNF - but for some reason even with the info dumping I was intrigued and overall glad that I continued. Once you get past the info dump the pace picks up and its smooth sailing.
The world building was obviously great due to so much information. The Author describes the whole Mage thing in detail. The characters are likable and not at all how normal books of royals tend to be portrayed. If I were at this academy, I would love to be friends with Verene and her BFF Bree. I love the friendship they have and how V really trusts her with all of her secrets. Then there is Prince Darius of Kallorway he is the strongest mage in his family and at first comes across as cold and distant and shows no desire to connect with V. Instead he seems suspicious of both her presence and her claimed lack of power. The hardened prince might just be her best hope of survival and--even more shockingly--he might be right about her power. But can he be trusted??
I really enjoyed this and plan on reading the next books in the series and see where this thing is going !!
Verene is a disappointment to her entire kingdom--the first royal ever born without power, despite her mother being the most powerful mage in history. So when she's sent to the Academy in neighboring Kallorway to forge ties with her people's traditional enemies, she's determined to succeed and prove she can still be of value to her kingdom.
This was a pleasant surprise. Although I will start off with a few tips/warnings.
A. This is a spin off to another series called Spoken Mage series. I was unaware of this before reading but it didnt matter in the long run :P This can read as a stand alone series.
B. This book does suffer a little with info dumping. It felt like for the first 30% I was having to learn so much before diving in and usually I would have just DNF - but for some reason even with the info dumping I was intrigued and overall glad that I continued. Once you get past the info dump the pace picks up and its smooth sailing.
The world building was obviously great due to so much information. The Author describes the whole Mage thing in detail. The characters are likable and not at all how normal books of royals tend to be portrayed. If I were at this academy, I would love to be friends with Verene and her BFF Bree. I love the friendship they have and how V really trusts her with all of her secrets. Then there is Prince Darius of Kallorway he is the strongest mage in his family and at first comes across as cold and distant and shows no desire to connect with V. Instead he seems suspicious of both her presence and her claimed lack of power. The hardened prince might just be her best hope of survival and--even more shockingly--he might be right about her power. But can he be trusted??
I really enjoyed this and plan on reading the next books in the series and see where this thing is going !!
July 22, 2022
4.5 🐉
Wow this was amazing. It was a really open end, but it doesn't really matter because there're more books.
Darius is so hot i don't know how to behave myself istg and I have mixed feelings with two of the other characters. I will be keeping an eye on them.
The main character, Verene, is so smart and badass and i love it. She really compensates her lack of abilities with intelligence.
Wow this was amazing. It was a really open end, but it doesn't really matter because there're more books.
Darius is so hot i don't know how to behave myself istg and I have mixed feelings with two of the other characters. I will be keeping an eye on them.
The main character, Verene, is so smart and badass and i love it. She really compensates her lack of abilities with intelligence.
November 6, 2020
24th october 2020
I finally got to read this much awaited book, which turns out to be quite similar to the 1st book in Spoken Mage series. And it is strangely appealing how Verene's (Elena's daughter) story starts somewhat similarly as Elena's. Same and reminiscent yet different enough to keep readers interested. While I don't think this is one of the author's best or my most favourite books of hers, this is a good beginning for the new series.
The overall plot was predictable but I like these points.
1. Verene's individuality : Her composure and outlook towards her situation . It was all quite different from all other characters that the author has written before. For one, she seemed more ready to accept help from others when need be. Also picked herself up faster despite showing doubt and agitation. Which only made her more real and likable in my opinion. She is brave, has good instincts and other makings of an interesting, engaging character.
2. Necessity of keeping herself hidden: Obviously this is where the name of the series comes from and I remain curious to see how far the author would take this plot.
3. Involvement of Kallorway : I like this opportunity of exploring a new kingdom and see what all it has to offer. The politics here is definitely quite different and is sure bound to get more interesting.
The author has expanded this world so much above and beyond my imagination. With all those different abilities and characters. I look forward to see what she has planned ahead. Enthusiastically waiting in anticipation for more of her surprises. ( I very much hope that the next book would be very intriguing and surprising. Especially as the outline of this one was very predictable. Fingers crossed. )
9th september 2020
I've been restlessly awaiting the arrival of this new series.
To return to the spoken mage world and see Lucas and Elena again and finally get to meet their daughter.
And Oh My God!! THAT COVER!!!
I'm sold.
I finally got to read this much awaited book, which turns out to be quite similar to the 1st book in Spoken Mage series. And it is strangely appealing how Verene's (Elena's daughter) story starts somewhat similarly as Elena's. Same and reminiscent yet different enough to keep readers interested. While I don't think this is one of the author's best or my most favourite books of hers, this is a good beginning for the new series.
The overall plot was predictable but I like these points.
1. Verene's individuality : Her composure and outlook towards her situation . It was all quite different from all other characters that the author has written before. For one, she seemed more ready to accept help from others when need be. Also picked herself up faster despite showing doubt and agitation. Which only made her more real and likable in my opinion. She is brave, has good instincts and other makings of an interesting, engaging character.
2. Necessity of keeping herself hidden: Obviously this is where the name of the series comes from and I remain curious to see how far the author would take this plot.
3. Involvement of Kallorway : I like this opportunity of exploring a new kingdom and see what all it has to offer. The politics here is definitely quite different and is sure bound to get more interesting.
The author has expanded this world so much above and beyond my imagination. With all those different abilities and characters. I look forward to see what she has planned ahead. Enthusiastically waiting in anticipation for more of her surprises. ( I very much hope that the next book would be very intriguing and surprising. Especially as the outline of this one was very predictable. Fingers crossed. )
9th september 2020
I've been restlessly awaiting the arrival of this new series.
To return to the spoken mage world and see Lucas and Elena again and finally get to meet their daughter.
And Oh My God!! THAT COVER!!!
I'm sold.
March 18, 2021
This was a book I just downloaded late at night out of curiosity, but it did not hold my interest very well. While I attempted to continue reading it, I felt very similarly to those who felt like the story lacked emotion.
February 9, 2021
I LOVED THIS ONE! Omg, I can't wait to read the rest of the series 🥺❤
Verene is a strong protagonist, a princess born with her powers sealed, but who's ready to do anything she can for her kingdom.
• Slow-burn romance, friendship, political intrigue, great worldbuilding (!!!)
Verene is a strong protagonist, a princess born with her powers sealed, but who's ready to do anything she can for her kingdom.
• Slow-burn romance, friendship, political intrigue, great worldbuilding (!!!)
July 21, 2022
Meh 🫤
To summarize: it was boring.
The excitement went like this:
______-______-__/|\__________////|||\\\\________
To summarize: it was boring.
The excitement went like this:
______-______-__/|\__________////|||\\\\________
November 18, 2020
I already said last week that I was gonna catch up on the spoken mage and hidden mage series and I'm keeping my promises! This week it was time to finally start this spin off series, since the second book is already waiting for me at my parents' place. The covers are quite different than the ones from the first series, but they're absolutely stunning and I was really excited to get back to this world and to discover a kingdom we've not seen after the war yet.
And it didn't take long for me to remember why I loved the first series so much. Cellier really knows how to create an interesting Academy setting. Even though Verene doesn't leave the academy grounds it never grows boring or uninteresting. Mostly because everything is very well thought out. The lay out of the building, the sleeping arrangements, the curriculum, the differences between the two kingdoms and the way they train their students and of course the politics.
The politics in this book are so well done, despite the fact that a lot of key players in said politics are not even present. This next generation is very clearly ready to take matters into their own hands and to change the world for the better, no matter the cost and no matter how much work it will be. I really love how Cellier showed that everything leaves a trace, that guilt leaves a trace, that power leaves a trace and that moving forward when something has been broken down completely is not always easy.
I also really loved the new main characters. Of course, there were a lot of new names to remember in the beginning, but quite soon it became easier and easier to recognize the characters and to know who they were and what they stood for. The brewing romance of course didn't come as a surprise, it was quite clear from the moment she saw a glint in his eyes what was going to happen, but the slow progress and the time it took the characters to grow closer was really well done.
I'm really excited to read the next book in the series and to figure out what's going on and how our new heroes are gonna solve it!
And it didn't take long for me to remember why I loved the first series so much. Cellier really knows how to create an interesting Academy setting. Even though Verene doesn't leave the academy grounds it never grows boring or uninteresting. Mostly because everything is very well thought out. The lay out of the building, the sleeping arrangements, the curriculum, the differences between the two kingdoms and the way they train their students and of course the politics.
The politics in this book are so well done, despite the fact that a lot of key players in said politics are not even present. This next generation is very clearly ready to take matters into their own hands and to change the world for the better, no matter the cost and no matter how much work it will be. I really love how Cellier showed that everything leaves a trace, that guilt leaves a trace, that power leaves a trace and that moving forward when something has been broken down completely is not always easy.
I also really loved the new main characters. Of course, there were a lot of new names to remember in the beginning, but quite soon it became easier and easier to recognize the characters and to know who they were and what they stood for. The brewing romance of course didn't come as a surprise, it was quite clear from the moment she saw a glint in his eyes what was going to happen, but the slow progress and the time it took the characters to grow closer was really well done.
I'm really excited to read the next book in the series and to figure out what's going on and how our new heroes are gonna solve it!
January 17, 2021
More like ***3.5*** for me.
It is a slow start. It has good story elements however, it drags a bit in the middle. I didn't realize it is more of a spin off series in the world but new characters. There were some hints to it might have been that but it did not take away from the new series. I also realized I read book 1 of the original series and did not seem to like it as much. Probably same issues about it being a bit sloooow where it doesn't need to be.
It is an academy set up. Princes and kingdoms and the princess ends up in a rival kingdom's academy to learn and sort of as an ambassador. There is some intrigue and politics which is a bit tedious to understand (late at night). Not much is going on between characters except Bryony and Vereene, who are cousins and end up at the same academy. I liked Bryony's character in the book. She has spunk and is loyal. I wish there was a bit more into character development for others and we could "see" them too interacting vs. being told through Vereene's eyes. A good banter is enjoyable.
I liked the slow build up between Darius and Vereene. However, the kiss they shared later in the book just popped up imo. I did not see the need for it at at moment except for it had to be there. I feel it could have been fleshed out a bit better. More like a tease would have felt more natural vs. the actual act for book 1.
The books ends with a mild cliffhanger leading to the next book.
It is a slow start. It has good story elements however, it drags a bit in the middle. I didn't realize it is more of a spin off series in the world but new characters. There were some hints to it might have been that but it did not take away from the new series. I also realized I read book 1 of the original series and did not seem to like it as much. Probably same issues about it being a bit sloooow where it doesn't need to be.
It is an academy set up. Princes and kingdoms and the princess ends up in a rival kingdom's academy to learn and sort of as an ambassador. There is some intrigue and politics which is a bit tedious to understand (late at night). Not much is going on between characters except Bryony and Vereene, who are cousins and end up at the same academy. I liked Bryony's character in the book. She has spunk and is loyal. I wish there was a bit more into character development for others and we could "see" them too interacting vs. being told through Vereene's eyes. A good banter is enjoyable.
I liked the slow build up between Darius and Vereene. However, the kiss they shared later in the book just popped up imo. I did not see the need for it at at moment except for it had to be there. I feel it could have been fleshed out a bit better. More like a tease would have felt more natural vs. the actual act for book 1.
The books ends with a mild cliffhanger leading to the next book.
May 4, 2021
good worldbuilding and setting place. that’s all what i like about this book
because it has no plot
did anything happen? no
some plot twist? no
interesting story? no
cliffhanger? well, yes
let’s continue
many useless info dumps? yes
annoying main heroine without brain? yes
encyclopedia vibes? yes again
then here we have very disappointing romance. darius was jerk in the beggining, trying intimidate verene.
in the second half of book he suddenly became weird and protective. and that’s not romantic at all
this book is just meh. very boring and hard to finish for me. big disappointment. maybe i’ll finish this series, if i will be bored and desperate enough
because it has no plot
did anything happen? no
some plot twist? no
interesting story? no
cliffhanger? well, yes
let’s continue
many useless info dumps? yes
annoying main heroine without brain? yes
encyclopedia vibes? yes again
then here we have very disappointing romance. darius was jerk in the beggining, trying intimidate verene.
in the second half of book he suddenly became weird and protective. and that’s not romantic at all
this book is just meh. very boring and hard to finish for me. big disappointment. maybe i’ll finish this series, if i will be bored and desperate enough
May 29, 2023
It's a solid book. I didn't realize this was a spin-off of a series that was originally about the main characters parents and so in the first two chapters it kind of felt like an info dump of all the important information but if I had read the original series I would have already known everything so on one hand I like that they gave a little rundown so that you didn't have to go back and read the first series in order to know pertinent information. I liked the main character as well as her best friend and the love interest of the prince was interesting as well as the world that the author has built. It just seemed very much a y a novel if that makes sense. Like I know it's in the ya category but sometimes you read it why a novel and it just feels different it feels it can cross the maturity boundaries for all readers whereas this one really did feel like I was reading something ya and I don't mean that in a negative way whatsoever. It just felt very predictable and the climax didn't really feel like a strong climax. I will not be going back to read the original series and right now I'm not sure if I will be reading the rest of this series while it's very interesting and the world building was well done I'm not sure everything else really captured my attention enough.
October 11, 2020
I really like this book. It's a solid first entry in a new series, and I like how it's expanding the Spoken Mage universe. I'll admit, I was a bit worried going into this that Verene would just be a carbon copy of her Mother, but I was so far from the truth as her and the characters in this are vastly different then the ones in the Spoken Mage series, and it's a pleasant surprise.
There's a nice progression of the world in this book, and it feels like a natural progression of the world since we last saw it in the Spoken Mage universe. You won't have to have had read the Spoken Mage series to get anything in this book - it does a good job of explaining what you need to know - but there are spoilers in here, and you get a better appreciation for the characters in this one if you read the first series as well. The Spoken Mage series is also tons of fun to read though, so I'd suggest reading it also to have a wider scope of this story.
This is a very character driven story, and I liked it a lot. It's also full of political intrigue and lots of mysteries which are fun too, but the main conflict is Princess Verene, and her longing to be useful. When she realizes how useful she can be however, she has to figure out the person she wants to be, and what exactly having power to her entails for her life. It's a really fascinating look I haven't seen in other stories, just slowing down the plot for really good character beats, while still knowing to pick up the plot and drizzle tidbits of the overarching plot in the narrative and it's really well done.
The supporting cast is interesting and really lends to the story. I like Verene and Bryoney's friendship and sisterhood, it was such a sweet thing to read throughout the story. And Prince Darius is a really dynamic character that plays off of Verene well. They both have their own goals, but there's also this slow burn romance going with them I super enjoy and it's organic, and nice to see them slowly come together. It also isn't without it's obstacles, but you can see that they'd be a good couple so it's heartbreaking to see they have to go through all of this first. But, at the same time, I'm super excited to see where this road leads for them, and for Verene and her new abilities.
The book is a lot of setup for the rest of the series, but it lays a ton of character groundwork that I can't wait to see explored in the rest of the series. I anxiously await the 2nd book in the series, and can't wait to see where Verene's journey takes her. She's a really great character, as is the rest of the cast and I highly recommend this read.
There's a nice progression of the world in this book, and it feels like a natural progression of the world since we last saw it in the Spoken Mage universe. You won't have to have had read the Spoken Mage series to get anything in this book - it does a good job of explaining what you need to know - but there are spoilers in here, and you get a better appreciation for the characters in this one if you read the first series as well. The Spoken Mage series is also tons of fun to read though, so I'd suggest reading it also to have a wider scope of this story.
This is a very character driven story, and I liked it a lot. It's also full of political intrigue and lots of mysteries which are fun too, but the main conflict is Princess Verene, and her longing to be useful. When she realizes how useful she can be however, she has to figure out the person she wants to be, and what exactly having power to her entails for her life. It's a really fascinating look I haven't seen in other stories, just slowing down the plot for really good character beats, while still knowing to pick up the plot and drizzle tidbits of the overarching plot in the narrative and it's really well done.
The supporting cast is interesting and really lends to the story. I like Verene and Bryoney's friendship and sisterhood, it was such a sweet thing to read throughout the story. And Prince Darius is a really dynamic character that plays off of Verene well. They both have their own goals, but there's also this slow burn romance going with them I super enjoy and it's organic, and nice to see them slowly come together. It also isn't without it's obstacles, but you can see that they'd be a good couple so it's heartbreaking to see they have to go through all of this first. But, at the same time, I'm super excited to see where this road leads for them, and for Verene and her new abilities.
The book is a lot of setup for the rest of the series, but it lays a ton of character groundwork that I can't wait to see explored in the rest of the series. I anxiously await the 2nd book in the series, and can't wait to see where Verene's journey takes her. She's a really great character, as is the rest of the cast and I highly recommend this read.
December 22, 2021
Well this was quite interesting.
Started off a bit slow, but as the book progressed it got better. I see potential for the next books in the series to be great. (hopefully I'm right!)
Characters:
I had trouble with Verene. I found her to be stiff. But also I was wondering if that is just the way she is...The way that she talked seemed stiff, formal, and I dunno, unrealistic maybe? Maybe it's because of the way she was raised, being in court and all. Maybe her 'stiffness' is a mask, similar to Darius? I'm not sure. I couldn't 'read' her character, I suppose.
Darius, on the other hand, was an interesting character. Intriguing. The way he 'masked' himself was well portrayed, as well as when he let down his façade.
I don't think Verene deserves him...
Jareth and Bryony...I was constantly questioning their motives for doing things. I find them to be fishy. Speaking of Bryony, I kept reading her name as 'Byrony'...got to love being dyslexic.
Plot:
Like I mentioned earlier, the first 25% of the book was a bit slow. It picked up quite nicely after that point though.
The ending was slightly abrupt, but I figured it is justified, being the first book of a continuing series.
Writing:
I had a hard time understanding the magic system.
I think it made sense, but I found the descriptions got to be a bit too technical at times, and I was confused. Long descriptions near the beginning...not something I enjoy much. I think if it were more gradual it would be better, rather than having clumps of descriptions that are hard to understand.
Other than these things, I did enjoy the book, but it could have been better. Looking forward to reading the next one!
3.5 stars
Started off a bit slow, but as the book progressed it got better. I see potential for the next books in the series to be great. (hopefully I'm right!)
Characters:
I had trouble with Verene. I found her to be stiff. But also I was wondering if that is just the way she is...The way that she talked seemed stiff, formal, and I dunno, unrealistic maybe? Maybe it's because of the way she was raised, being in court and all. Maybe her 'stiffness' is a mask, similar to Darius? I'm not sure. I couldn't 'read' her character, I suppose.
Darius, on the other hand, was an interesting character. Intriguing. The way he 'masked' himself was well portrayed, as well as when he let down his façade.
I don't think Verene deserves him...
Jareth and Bryony...I was constantly questioning their motives for doing things. I find them to be fishy. Speaking of Bryony, I kept reading her name as 'Byrony'...got to love being dyslexic.
Plot:
Like I mentioned earlier, the first 25% of the book was a bit slow. It picked up quite nicely after that point though.
The ending was slightly abrupt, but I figured it is justified, being the first book of a continuing series.
Writing:
I had a hard time understanding the magic system.
I think it made sense, but I found the descriptions got to be a bit too technical at times, and I was confused. Long descriptions near the beginning...not something I enjoy much. I think if it were more gradual it would be better, rather than having clumps of descriptions that are hard to understand.
Other than these things, I did enjoy the book, but it could have been better. Looking forward to reading the next one!
3.5 stars
January 4, 2021
This book is just meh. Not bad, but not great either. It also wasn't quite what I expected. I thought this would be a romance book, but it's more of a political story with a romance subplot. Not a bad thing, but not quite what I was in the mood for and looking for.
As for the romance, the payoff we got wasn't earned at all. There wasn't enough build-up, and what little build-up there was was just... not? I believe the interactions between Verene and Darius were meant to come off as filled with romantic tension, and it was filled with just plain tension. Darius was being kind of an ass and getting all up in Verene's personal space to try to intimidate her, and there was absolutely nothing romantic about any of it. I mean, Verene was a bit hot and bothered by it afterwards, and no judgement from me, but literally nothing about any of it gave me the feels and there was zero indication from Darius that he was interested in Verene at all. But I suppose he was because he later became suddenly protective and weird (in that stereotypical love-interest way trying to protect the other person without telling them anything about what's going on) but again, it didn't feel earned. The author definitely has talent in writing politics, but the romance definitely needs more work.
As for the romance, the payoff we got wasn't earned at all. There wasn't enough build-up, and what little build-up there was was just... not? I believe the interactions between Verene and Darius were meant to come off as filled with romantic tension, and it was filled with just plain tension. Darius was being kind of an ass and getting all up in Verene's personal space to try to intimidate her, and there was absolutely nothing romantic about any of it. I mean, Verene was a bit hot and bothered by it afterwards, and no judgement from me, but literally nothing about any of it gave me the feels and there was zero indication from Darius that he was interested in Verene at all. But I suppose he was because he later became suddenly protective and weird (in that stereotypical love-interest way trying to protect the other person without telling them anything about what's going on) but again, it didn't feel earned. The author definitely has talent in writing politics, but the romance definitely needs more work.
August 28, 2021
A su madre... creo que no me confundía tanto un libro de fantasía hace mucho, mucho tiempo. Al ser la fantasía mi género favorito de la vida estoy acostumbrada a los detalles más mínimos, pero madre santa uff sigo sin entender bien la magia en este mundillo 😅
Ahora los personajes... uuuum ya si, me enamore otra vez de un príncipe que aparenta ser de "hielo" jajajaja y la princesa ¿? Meeeh, meeeh.
Como que me gusta, pero no me gusta.
Ahora sus poderes son otra cosa o más bien como los descubre porque insisto, no entiendo ni madres de la magia que se habla.
Espero que en el próximo si entender algo
Ahora los personajes... uuuum ya si, me enamore otra vez de un príncipe que aparenta ser de "hielo" jajajaja y la princesa ¿? Meeeh, meeeh.
Como que me gusta, pero no me gusta.
Ahora sus poderes son otra cosa o más bien como los descubre porque insisto, no entiendo ni madres de la magia que se habla.
Espero que en el próximo si entender algo
January 28, 2023
I want the next book! This book blew me away!
I’ve been desperate to read this book since I finished the Spoken Mage series shortly before we canceled Kindle Unlimited over the summer, so when I found out this book was on sale, I raced to find my kindle and get it.(literally. Almost fell on my face running in socks.)
And it paid off so well!
I loved watching the story and worldbuilding laid out, but my favorite part was the characters. The two princes are a little confusing and drive me crazy, but Verene and Byrony were awesome!
This was a great adventure back in the same world that has changed so much, and now I just have to get my hands on the next book!
I’ve been desperate to read this book since I finished the Spoken Mage series shortly before we canceled Kindle Unlimited over the summer, so when I found out this book was on sale, I raced to find my kindle and get it.(literally. Almost fell on my face running in socks.)
And it paid off so well!
I loved watching the story and worldbuilding laid out, but my favorite part was the characters. The two princes are a little confusing and drive me crazy, but Verene and Byrony were awesome!
This was a great adventure back in the same world that has changed so much, and now I just have to get my hands on the next book!
January 7, 2025
This book was just okay. The concept of the book was really interesting to me, but the plot really drug on. I was 3/4 of the way through the book before I actually locked in & had a reason to keep reading. There were also a lot of unnecessary details so I was lost several times. Towards the end of the book, it states that one year had passed and I wish she had done a better job of that timeline during the book, it felt very rushed to me and not like a year had a passed, maybe a few weeks. I’m all for a good romance, but Darius and Verene’s romance was just kind of out of nowhere & we didn’t know enough good things about Darius to find him likable so their first kiss felt so random. But, the plot peaked my interest enough that I will give the 2nd book a chance in hopes for a more interesting story line.
March 11, 2024
《It was a dream worth holding onto.》
☆verene: powerless, princess, noble
☆darius: man of ice, protective, caring
A romantic take on a magic academy setting, Crown of Secrets has political intrigue, magic, and romance.
The first part was hard to get into, partially due some awkwardly worded (grammar wise) sentences, but the story improved, and made for a decent YA romantic fantasy.
I didn't really sense any chemistry between Verene and Darius until close to the end, so their romance did feel a little out of the blue.
Still, for readers wanting a clean (not Christian) YA romantic fantasy, Crown of Secrets could be worth a shot.
Content:
Mild violence, including an attempted assassination.
Mild romance (up to kissing).
*Note: magic is a huge theme in this book. Basically, people are either born with or without the ability to use magic. Most magi use their magic by writing their intent on a piece of paper; in this world, the written word contains the magic.
Ages 14+
☆verene: powerless, princess, noble
☆darius: man of ice, protective, caring
A romantic take on a magic academy setting, Crown of Secrets has political intrigue, magic, and romance.
The first part was hard to get into, partially due some awkwardly worded (grammar wise) sentences, but the story improved, and made for a decent YA romantic fantasy.
I didn't really sense any chemistry between Verene and Darius until close to the end, so their romance did feel a little out of the blue.
Still, for readers wanting a clean (not Christian) YA romantic fantasy, Crown of Secrets could be worth a shot.
Content:
Mild violence, including an attempted assassination.
Mild romance (up to kissing).
*Note: magic is a huge theme in this book. Basically, people are either born with or without the ability to use magic. Most magi use their magic by writing their intent on a piece of paper; in this world, the written word contains the magic.
Ages 14+
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