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Academy of Necessary Magic #2
Magic in the Marsh
Amanda Coulier is a teen shifter settling into boarding school with a bounty hunter for a guardian.
Second semester has started and what better way to kick off the school year than using a bounty hunter’s borrowed gadgets to find the Everglades Kemana?
Amanda’s searching for her talent, besides fur and fangs. Magic definitely isn’t it. What about plants? Better figure out magical flora before the thorny green one eats a student.
But class isn’t the only thing on her mind…
Best friend Summer’s acting weird. Jackson might be crushing on her. And a magical mob boss has an offer for her she can’t resist.
Can Amanda juggle it all? If she learned anything from Johnny Walker, it was how to make it work with what you have. Will that be enough?
Second semester has started and what better way to kick off the school year than using a bounty hunter’s borrowed gadgets to find the Everglades Kemana?
Amanda’s searching for her talent, besides fur and fangs. Magic definitely isn’t it. What about plants? Better figure out magical flora before the thorny green one eats a student.
But class isn’t the only thing on her mind…
Best friend Summer’s acting weird. Jackson might be crushing on her. And a magical mob boss has an offer for her she can’t resist.
Can Amanda juggle it all? If she learned anything from Johnny Walker, it was how to make it work with what you have. Will that be enough?
- GenresFantasy
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2021
310 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Martha Carr
547 books762 followersOkay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 25, 2021
I think I’m going to drop this series or at least shelve it for later. I reviewed the first book in the series some time ago and although I was not exactly thrilled about it, it was good enough for me to have a go at this, the second installment in the series, but now…
Unfortunately it’s not the first time I’m letting go of a series by this author. Her writing simply do not seem to go that well with me.
In this instalment Amanda continues her studies at the Academy. Well, that is the idea at least but most of the book is not really about studies. The one real achievement at the school, which happens towards the end of the book, is really because she has been training during the school holidays and that’s it.
This is really my main gripe about the book. It just wanders about with a bunch of not so interesting events, silliness and a lot of juvenile talk. I feel it’s not going anywhere and the running around on the same spot is not very entertaining.
One of the main arcs in this book, this magical mob boss (which is not really a mob boss, that is just put in the book blurb to mislead the reader to think that something interesting would happen) is mostly annoying. This “don’t say anything and don’t do anything except the mundane chores I give you” stuff is frustrating for Amanda but doubly so for the reader. At least for this reader.
This series had some good ideas. A school for drop out’s and hard cases from the other schools sounded good but, unfortunately, all we got was a lot of teen angst and missed opportunities.
Well, maybe other readers like this series more but I’m dropping this series. Oh, by the way, why is Michael Anderle’s name on the cover? I’m pretty sure he hasn’t written a word of this book. If he had it might actually had been a more interesting read.
Unfortunately it’s not the first time I’m letting go of a series by this author. Her writing simply do not seem to go that well with me.
In this instalment Amanda continues her studies at the Academy. Well, that is the idea at least but most of the book is not really about studies. The one real achievement at the school, which happens towards the end of the book, is really because she has been training during the school holidays and that’s it.
This is really my main gripe about the book. It just wanders about with a bunch of not so interesting events, silliness and a lot of juvenile talk. I feel it’s not going anywhere and the running around on the same spot is not very entertaining.
One of the main arcs in this book, this magical mob boss (which is not really a mob boss, that is just put in the book blurb to mislead the reader to think that something interesting would happen) is mostly annoying. This “don’t say anything and don’t do anything except the mundane chores I give you” stuff is frustrating for Amanda but doubly so for the reader. At least for this reader.
This series had some good ideas. A school for drop out’s and hard cases from the other schools sounded good but, unfortunately, all we got was a lot of teen angst and missed opportunities.
Well, maybe other readers like this series more but I’m dropping this series. Oh, by the way, why is Michael Anderle’s name on the cover? I’m pretty sure he hasn’t written a word of this book. If he had it might actually had been a more interesting read.
March 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this second book in the Academy of Necessary Magic.
As the only Shifter in the school, and the only one to actually have Guardians, Amanda always feels slightly out of it, compared to the other kids but, as she has a good group of friends, and the other students recognise her bravery in rescuing them all at the Halloween Dance, she is very much enjoying her time there.
But, being a Shifter, means that she can't control Magic, in the ways that her friends do, so, when she goes back after the Christmas break, she is put to work in setting up the greenhouse, instead of having to do Illusions twice a week.
But, when she's persuaded to sneak out one night, by her on-again, off-again friend, Summer, in order to visit the local Kemana, things go wrong, and Amanda is forced into a partnership with someone who she's convinced is a Mafia-style Boss, for Magicals!
This was a more engrossing read than the first book, and Amanda is becoming much more three dimensional for me.
I'm enjoying her opening up to more experiences, and can't wait to read book three: 'Curse in the Glades', to find out more about Fiona Damascus, the adult Shifter that she met in the room without doors.
So, without ado, I'm off to start reading this next book in the series and, once I've finished, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
As the only Shifter in the school, and the only one to actually have Guardians, Amanda always feels slightly out of it, compared to the other kids but, as she has a good group of friends, and the other students recognise her bravery in rescuing them all at the Halloween Dance, she is very much enjoying her time there.
But, being a Shifter, means that she can't control Magic, in the ways that her friends do, so, when she goes back after the Christmas break, she is put to work in setting up the greenhouse, instead of having to do Illusions twice a week.
But, when she's persuaded to sneak out one night, by her on-again, off-again friend, Summer, in order to visit the local Kemana, things go wrong, and Amanda is forced into a partnership with someone who she's convinced is a Mafia-style Boss, for Magicals!
This was a more engrossing read than the first book, and Amanda is becoming much more three dimensional for me.
I'm enjoying her opening up to more experiences, and can't wait to read book three: 'Curse in the Glades', to find out more about Fiona Damascus, the adult Shifter that she met in the room without doors.
So, without ado, I'm off to start reading this next book in the series and, once I've finished, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
May 10, 2021
Amanda the wolf shifter kicks butt!!
I really enjoyed this book. Amanda is human by day and a wolf whenever it’s necessary & sometimes just for the fun of it!
She is a student in the “School of Necessary Magic.” Which is seems kind of strange on the surface of it because shifters don’t seem to have any Magic, except that of shifting. At least according to all all the magical types at her school. And, most importantly, all she really wants to do is to become a professional bounty hunter like her foster dad!
Curiouser an couriouser!
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. Which I’m going to start reading right after I submit this review!
Keep up the great work Martha and Michael!!
I really enjoyed this book. Amanda is human by day and a wolf whenever it’s necessary & sometimes just for the fun of it!
She is a student in the “School of Necessary Magic.” Which is seems kind of strange on the surface of it because shifters don’t seem to have any Magic, except that of shifting. At least according to all all the magical types at her school. And, most importantly, all she really wants to do is to become a professional bounty hunter like her foster dad!
Curiouser an couriouser!
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. Which I’m going to start reading right after I submit this review!
Keep up the great work Martha and Michael!!
March 9, 2021
Second semester shifter
Amanda returns to complete her second semester as the only shifter at the bounty Hunter academy. It is still unclear from the training how the described courses fit with a bounty hunter's skill set nor how people can be upper classmen in a new curriculum. There is some mystery, misunderstandings and misadventures to be enjoyed. The comedy and pacing and overall tone is improved from book1. It would be nice if the other characters were more "real" but this novel is starting to make Amanda and her classmates more interesting. Readers of young adult, magical high school adventures will enjoy the story.
Amanda returns to complete her second semester as the only shifter at the bounty Hunter academy. It is still unclear from the training how the described courses fit with a bounty hunter's skill set nor how people can be upper classmen in a new curriculum. There is some mystery, misunderstandings and misadventures to be enjoyed. The comedy and pacing and overall tone is improved from book1. It would be nice if the other characters were more "real" but this novel is starting to make Amanda and her classmates more interesting. Readers of young adult, magical high school adventures will enjoy the story.
March 11, 2021
Yay Shifter Girl!
Amanda and her adventures are getting bolder, but with bold comes...the adult stuff like patience, & knowing when to keep her own counsel. She & Summer hit bumps in their road, but will it be permanent? Read & see...
Martha is showing her wisdom in the author notes, but can Michael keep up. Or will he try to make a joke of it? Cannot be patient enough to read the next installment... Hope it comes early!
Amanda and her adventures are getting bolder, but with bold comes...the adult stuff like patience, & knowing when to keep her own counsel. She & Summer hit bumps in their road, but will it be permanent? Read & see...
Martha is showing her wisdom in the author notes, but can Michael keep up. Or will he try to make a joke of it? Cannot be patient enough to read the next installment... Hope it comes early!
December 18, 2021
Really enjoying this series
I always like when there are new stories which fill in the backstory of a really fun universe. This story is set in a really fun universe and these books so far are doing an excellent job of expanding the backstory of the main character and her friends.
I am enjoying the escapades she gets into and all the fun being had along the way. I recommend this book and series and all the other books and series set in this universe.
I always like when there are new stories which fill in the backstory of a really fun universe. This story is set in a really fun universe and these books so far are doing an excellent job of expanding the backstory of the main character and her friends.
I am enjoying the escapades she gets into and all the fun being had along the way. I recommend this book and series and all the other books and series set in this universe.
February 22, 2021
Follows the tried and true formula. Introduce a juvenile character in one of the adult series, send them to school and write some y/a books about their experiences. I'm not complaining because I'm reading the 3rd such series and could not put down book 2. It was just published this morning and yep... it is finished
July 8, 2021
Review
So like the story, can't wait to start #3. I found out that the school is what I wanted to do , too bad I found it at age 72 well in 2 weeks 73. I will try to read all that you have written, I really like your style, I will talk more. Truly a great book and series. Thank You, both of you. Thank You.
So like the story, can't wait to start #3. I found out that the school is what I wanted to do , too bad I found it at age 72 well in 2 weeks 73. I will try to read all that you have written, I really like your style, I will talk more. Truly a great book and series. Thank You, both of you. Thank You.
October 19, 2021
Amanda, Summer & friends are interesting characters but somewhat over-done. Repetitive illustrations of traits and attitudes get boring. I find myself skimming the text to move the story along. Maybe the tale is geared more toward young adults than an old man like me? But it's attractive enough that I stay with it and read the next volume!
February 1, 2022
Magic in the Marsh is spectacular! 4.9 stars
This story is so fun! Amanda gets to shine as a shifter and does super in school. The best part for her is working with the Coalition to figure out who killed her family. All the other students are cool too, but Amanda really tests them and the teachers with her gardening. You will absolutely love this one!
This story is so fun! Amanda gets to shine as a shifter and does super in school. The best part for her is working with the Coalition to figure out who killed her family. All the other students are cool too, but Amanda really tests them and the teachers with her gardening. You will absolutely love this one!
August 4, 2024
Very entertaining read.
This second book in the highly entertaining and very enjoyable Academy of Necessary Magic series was another fun and interesting read.
Amanda and friends completed their first year at the academy, successfully passing classes, with a few interesting surprises along the way.
Now for book three...
This second book in the highly entertaining and very enjoyable Academy of Necessary Magic series was another fun and interesting read.
Amanda and friends completed their first year at the academy, successfully passing classes, with a few interesting surprises along the way.
Now for book three...
February 27, 2021
And Amanda gets a little older
Maybe just a little wiser too, as she settles into the second semester of school.
Though the temptations of mischief are calling, she leans a little more towards reason.
Summer, not so much B
Maybe just a little wiser too, as she settles into the second semester of school.
Though the temptations of mischief are calling, she leans a little more towards reason.
Summer, not so much B
February 28, 2021
Great Series
I love watching as the Characters grow as individuals and how they deal with the Challenges they are constantly faced with. I also enjoy the Author’s Notes but I’m strange that way
I love watching as the Characters grow as individuals and how they deal with the Challenges they are constantly faced with. I also enjoy the Author’s Notes but I’m strange that way
March 1, 2021
Great series
I like this series! I like it a lot. Great characters, wonderful story and the tie in to a world I really enjoy is a bonus. Please keep them coming, I am looking forward to seeing how the young, shifter becomes a bounty hunter. Thanks for all the great stories!
I like this series! I like it a lot. Great characters, wonderful story and the tie in to a world I really enjoy is a bonus. Please keep them coming, I am looking forward to seeing how the young, shifter becomes a bounty hunter. Thanks for all the great stories!
March 2, 2021
Intense
I choose this rating because Martha and Michael are awesome writers. Another good book and can't wait till book 3 comes out. Look forward to Amanda adventure with Fiona and next semester!
I choose this rating because Martha and Michael are awesome writers. Another good book and can't wait till book 3 comes out. Look forward to Amanda adventure with Fiona and next semester!
March 5, 2021
Another good story
It is second term/semester at magical bounty hunter school. As a shifter who can't do illusions, Amanda gets assigned to the greenhouse. What she grows has some interesting side effects.
It is second term/semester at magical bounty hunter school. As a shifter who can't do illusions, Amanda gets assigned to the greenhouse. What she grows has some interesting side effects.
Read
March 17, 2021Magical read!
I highly recommend this fantastic YA book, and the series in which it is, to readers who love imaginative paranormal tales that take us on ages to new and exciting places & characters. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this fantastic YA book, and the series in which it is, to readers who love imaginative paranormal tales that take us on ages to new and exciting places & characters. Enjoy!
March 23, 2021
Fantastic
Great series. Martha Carr is a fantastic writer who can spin a tale that will keep you coming back over and over.
Thank you for what you do Martha. It really does make a difference in this crazy depressing world we live in now
Great series. Martha Carr is a fantastic writer who can spin a tale that will keep you coming back over and over.
Thank you for what you do Martha. It really does make a difference in this crazy depressing world we live in now
March 23, 2021
This is turning out to be a great series, but then that is what I have grown to expect from Ms Carr. The main characters are believable, endearing, and fun. The plot is easily followed and the ending although a cliffhanger, quite satisfactory. I highly recommend this series.
February 22, 2021
Awsome
The best one yet.. laughs , excitment and good old enjoyment.. once again Martha Carr has exceeded expectations and delivered a great adventure.
The best one yet.. laughs , excitment and good old enjoyment.. once again Martha Carr has exceeded expectations and delivered a great adventure.
February 28, 2021
Amanda levels up!
I freaking LOVE this series and the entire Oriceran universe!
Amanda has so far to go and it's obviously gonna be EPIC!!!
Howard S (the S stands for Super Fan)
I freaking LOVE this series and the entire Oriceran universe!
Amanda has so far to go and it's obviously gonna be EPIC!!!
Howard S (the S stands for Super Fan)
March 3, 2021
Another great story.
Another great story by 2 great authors. More building and refining the new school. More mysterious creatures and more fun. A great continuation.
Another great story by 2 great authors. More building and refining the new school. More mysterious creatures and more fun. A great continuation.
July 9, 2021
new kid new school. an interesting start on shifters and magic. awesome idea for a school make bounty hunters
July 31, 2021
Very fun story!
As I had suspected. The second book in the Academy of Necessary Magic. Is a awesome as the first one. Now i just need to reaf the rest of the series.
As I had suspected. The second book in the Academy of Necessary Magic. Is a awesome as the first one. Now i just need to reaf the rest of the series.
September 25, 2021
Ooo I love these books.
Ooo I love these books.I can't wait to read more from these author's.You won't want to put them down.they are so great.
Ooo I love these books.I can't wait to read more from these author's.You won't want to put them down.they are so great.
April 14, 2021
Fun fun fun
That was a very fun book and some very interesting twists and turns. Good enough to read book three now.
That was a very fun book and some very interesting twists and turns. Good enough to read book three now.
April 18, 2021
Great story
I am enjoying this wonderful funny story of Amanda a shifter who going to school to be a bounty hunter.
I am enjoying this wonderful funny story of Amanda a shifter who going to school to be a bounty hunter.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews