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Network Saga #1

The Lost Magic

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Never Underestimate the Power of an Impatient Witch.

Twenty-one-year old Bianca Monroe has one goal: to be the first delegate to start the Sisterhood of Protectors in the Central Network. Why should men get all the super-secret-magical action?

Unfortunately, she’s the only one.

Unwilling Council or not, Bianca is determined to prove her worth. Then the perfect opportunity arises when an unexpected mortal girl named Ava lands in Bianca's world.

Ava is the precursor of more to come.

Can Bianca save Ava from the witches that want her blood—and all those that may follow—even if it means the end of her dreams?

Or does she protect her Network the only way she knows how?


The Lost Magic is the first novel in the Network Saga, and a continuation of the beloved Network Series that has captivated over half a million readers. Get ready for life-changing YA Fantasy.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2021

42 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Katie Cross

120 books779 followers
My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
25 reviews
September 4, 2021
Who you really are and your strengths doesn't require magic. It requires the determination to follow what is right.

If you are a fan of Magic, dragons, and strong willed girls and women and haven't read any of Katie Cross's books where have you been? Bianca Monroe who's life has been in turmoil since birth. She started out in Miss Mable's school for young girls and is now 21 years old. While this book can stand alone Reading the first series will aid you in all the backstory. Bianca is above all else loyal to her friends. She has fought wars against other witches to defend her friends and her Central Network. She has mourned over the loss of some of her friends and her trainer and friend who returned to his own network after that war. Now when she responds to a call of a dear friend the world seems to try and destroy itself again. It's up to Bianca and her loyal band of friends to find the impostor or war could break out again. Oh and you have to do it without your magic.
Profile Image for Jane Gilbert.
104 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
“Magic or no, you have reason to fear me.”

Katie Cross has become the queen of the strong female protagonist. Yes, other authors write books with strong female leads. However, Katie Cross takes it to a new level with strong female characters of all ages – from young girls to mature women.

The Lost Magic picks up three years after The War of the Networks. Merrick has returned to the Northern Network. Camille is gone. Leda is isolating herself as an Underlibrarian to avoid the ghosts that haunt Chatham Castle. Bianca lives alone in a cottage deep in Letum Wood, a cottage she inherited from Isadora shortly after the war. Bianca’s father Derek is High Priest, and Bianca has settled in her new role as a Sword Trainer of New Recruits.

While having lunch in a secluded cove of the Eastern Network, Bianca and Priscilla discover a young girl washed up on the beach. The girl seems like every other young witch in Alkarra. Bianca and Priscilla do not know from where the girl came, how she got there, or why she is there all alone. Then she looks at them, and they are shocked to discover amber eyes. She is a mortal. Mortals have not been seen in Alkarra for thousands of years.

Bianca and Priscilla both know that a mortal will not be safe in the Eastern Network even if she is just a young girl. Bianca impetuously takes the mortal to her cottage in Letum Wood. Stories of witches whose magic was changed because of proximity to mortals do not deter Bianca from trying to protect the girl. Plus, the mortal girl looks a great deal like Camille. Bianca still grieves the loss of Camille and does not want anyone else to die on her watch.

The Lost Magic is a tale of sacrifice and loyalty and overcoming fear. Most of all, The Lost Magic is about finding the strength and power from within. When Bianca loses her magic, she believes she has lost her power. Alina lives in the Southern Network where all the witches lost their magic. Alina tells Bianca that she has been given a rare gift, a gift Alina wishes all witches could experience.

Bianca must face the mistakes she has made and summon the courage to help her father when some Council members want to remove Derek from power. Rumors of a mortal and demigod in Alkarra throw fuel on the fire. Bianca realizes she must do for Ava, the young mortal, what Derek did for her. Bianca must step aside and allow Ava to do what she came to Alkarra to do.

The first installment of The Network Saga is worth sharing with girls of all ages. Bianca has been through so much, and it has made her the witch she is now. Ava shows courage beyond what even Bianca could imagine. Alkarra is a magical place where strong girls are encouraged to become strong women. They experience doubt and insecurity, just like everyone does. The female characters of Alkarra are given the space and support they need to find their own power and strength. They are extraordinary role models for girls in today’s world.

Every library across the country and beyond should offer multiple copies of Katie Cross’s books. Strong female protagonists are important now more than ever. Mothers and daughters can easily share these books and discover their powers together. Families – mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. – can find relatable characters and lessons that are timeless and apply to everyone. The Dragonmaster Trilogy, The Network Series, and The Network Saga are books that should be in every personal library and well as public and school library in the United States and beyond. Alkarra is as diverse as the United States, and differences are celebrated, as they should be. We can all learn from Bianca, Leda, Ava, Alina, and all the amazing characters Katie Cross introduces to us in the magical world of Alkarra.
49 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Katie continues to amaze in this latest book. She builds fascinating worlds and her character building creates true individuals with many strengths, weaknesses and quirks. You love them for it. The characters become like family and friends that you are happy to share in their world and hate to leave. I was so glad to be back in Bianca's world. Katie created a story with many twists and turns that were filled with wonderful surprises. When you finish the book you just want more and cannot wait until the next book.

Katie started Bianca's story in the world of Alkarra in the Network series so you might just want to grab those books too. This book starts the Network Saga which takes place 3 years later than the previous series. I was so glad to be back in this world with characters that I cared so much about. If you like strong characters that fight for what is right than these books are for you. Bianca fights for the people that she loves and her Network. She is a person that you want in your corner. Bianca has matured and learned many lessons a long the way. She loses something dear to her but finds that she has great strength from the experience. Immerse yourself in her world. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Susan.
464 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
Can you believe it has been 3 yrs since the war ended? It is time for the yearly Celebration when the 4 Networks get together to discuss how life is progressing.Bianca is 21 yrs old now and still best friends with Leda who has changed what she originally wanted to do and is now on the low rung in the library in language. I would have liked a hint of what Bianca did for the 3 yrs. When Bianca goes to visit Priscilla and a girl washes up on shore Bianca starts a mess again—the girl is a mortal and Bianca brings her back to the Central Network but when she finds a stone on the girl (Ava) and touches it she loses her magic (hence the name—Lost Magic). So what is going to happen now. The book was to short since I want more and more and more!! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one—I hope the story never ends.
I absolutely loved this new YA Fantasy book by Katie Cross! If you like magic, dragons, potions, and spells, (or Harry Potter), then this book is for you! And if you haven't checked her out yet, this is a great chance because she just launched a new book.

I'd suggest starting with this series first: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...

The new book she just launched is right here if you want to see it! https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
4 reviews
September 6, 2021
The Lost Magic is a wonderful new novel in Katie Cross’s “Network Series,” combining elements from the two major timelines that preceded it: the previous books of the Network Series (with Bianca as the main character) and the “Dragonmaster” series (with stories about Sanna and Isadora and the world of the goddesses). My main advice to prospective readers is this: *don’t* begin this book unless you have a nice block of free time to read it, or you’ll suffer the sleep deprivation I did. Once the characters are introduced and the main plot event occurs that explains (in part) the title of the novel, you will *not* want to stop reading until you have finished. The novel intrigued me with its central mystery, while also presenting strong, complex characters who suffer from the after-effects of the “War of the Networks” that preceded the actions of the book. The main characters need to come to terms with loss and guilt, while struggling to find their true place in the world. You will end up caring about these characters and wondering how this will all be resolved. For me, this was the best novel of the series.
20 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
For someone who doesn’t like to skip to the ending to find out how the story ends, I found myself wanting to read faster and faster, or skip over words, to discover who’s causing what and how Bianca handles everything. You won’t want to skip anything in “The Lost Magic”, though. The story’s twists and turns will keep you engaged, and possibly lead you to the wrong conclusion like they did for me on occasion! It’s a great story filled with intrigue, friendship loyalties and, yes, magical moments. You can enjoy the book as a stand alone; however, to get the full picture, I recommend you first read the Network Series books, starting with “Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.” The characters and the events that happened three years prior to “The Lost Magic” in “The War of the Networks” (Book 4) are well introduced in “The Lost Magic”, smoothly integrated into the current story; but, do yourself a favor and read the four Network Series books first so you get the full impact and beauty of Katie’s storytelling about the Networks.


Profile Image for Lianne Takach.
23 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2021
We FINALLY get to return to Letum Wood!!!

Bianca has certainly been thru a LOT in her short 21 years! She’s survived an inheritance curse, a vengeful witch, a war, and now a new obstacle in her life- her lost magic. And, in losing her magic, she must learn to navigate an increasingly dangerous political world. Not to mention the loss of Letum Wood- she can’t hear her beloved forest any more! How will she cope? Will she accept this new reality? Or will this be the final straw?

Katie has truly given her readers an amazing gift by returning to one of her best, if not THE best, characters!! If you haven’t read the previous books in The Network Saga, or the Dragonmaster Trilogy, I would highly recommend grabbing them! But, not to worry!! This story stands on its own as the beginning of the next phase of the saga so dive right in!! I cannot wait for The Rise of the Demigods!!
102 reviews
September 3, 2021
I really have enjoyed all of Katie’s work and especially the Network series and the additional standalone books around the series. This book while enjoyable was not one of her best. The first half seemed slow and not much movement of the storyline forward. The second half was more enjoyable and carried the book for me. I just felt this was a bridge book to something else and at the end, not a surprise that there will be a new series coming. This I am happy for and looking forward to Katie getting back into a full story line.

While you can read this without having read the Network series, I would not recommend it. You do not need to read the Dragon master series to read this book but that series is very enjoyable reading as well.

You should also consider The Ronan Scrolls, Hazel, and the best add on The High Priestess. The last is one of my favorites.

THE NETWORK SERIES: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
Profile Image for Eve Adam.
4 reviews
September 3, 2021
Well, the Series ended and Now, the Saga Begins!

Three years after “War of the Networks” ends, Bianca Monroe’s story continues.
I love “The Lost Magic”! Bianca is a fantastic protagonist. All of the characters are developed with a strong depth of purpose, whether with integrity or a hidden agenda for power, which drives the story forward through chaos, bonding, love, loss, and hopefully surviving for the future.
If you’re new to Katie Cross, I highly recommend you check out Network Series Collection beginning with “Miss Mable’s School for Girls”, where you’re introduced to Bianca Monroe!
As a devoted fan of Katie Cross, I look forward to reading Book 2 in the Network Saga, “The Rise of the Demigods” and all future books!

THE LOST MAGIC: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...

THE NETWORK SERIES: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
2 reviews
Read
September 4, 2021
A freak accident leaves Bianca Monroe without the magic that has been a part of her all her life. At the same time, new threats to the witch world of Alkarra emerge, like a potential clash between goddess magic (inherent in Alkarra) and god magic (dominant in other realms) and the appearance of a mortal child, not to mention the stirrings of political unrest among the Networks.
Bianca struggles to navigate threats to her safety without her protective magic and and to deal with the responsibilities and demands on her as a proven problem-solver. Eventually she finds herself having to stand up to doing what is right, regardless of her lack of magic. In that moment, she realizes the power she'd always felt when doing magic was not a product of the magic; it came from herself, and she would always have that power at her command.
I recommend starting with The Network Series of the five novels that precede The Lost Magic. But if you can't wait, go ahead and dive in!
Profile Image for Laila Savolainen.
Author 78 books14 followers
September 3, 2021
Katie never disappoints, and The Lost Magic is no exception, its a full bodied story set in a world of intrigue and adventure and of course magics. As always her characters came to life as I read, each exuding their own deep personality, easily drawing me into this magic world where everything and everyone is embued with their rich history, beliefs and story. Katie so beautifully weaves her story threads, she lead me by my heart strings, my curiosity and my want to run with Bianca through everything. My only complaint is that it the 1st installment has ended, but in usual Katie style, I do not have to wait a year for the next. Reading The Lost Magic has me returning to the beginning of Bianca's story with all the fantastic books of The Network series, starting with Miss Mabel's School for Girls...but don't let the title fool you, these books are not only for girls!!!
Profile Image for Megan Noles.
1 review1 follower
September 3, 2021
The Lost Magic is the beginning of The Network Saga and while it can stand alone because Katie Cross does a great job with refreshers of what happened in The Network Series throughout the book, I would strongly urge you to read The Network Series first! In the Lost Magic, Katie Cross takes us back to Letum Wood 3 years after the war has ended. When I found out the characters would be a little older in this book, I was initially concerned. However, Katie did a phenomenal job of aging the characters while keeping their essence the same. Each character is facing a different quandary as to how they will spend the rest of their life and as always, Bianca finds herself in the middle of the action. The Lost Magic is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book in The Network Saga. If you love Harry Potter or any other fantasy series, this really is a must read!
Profile Image for Sharon.
329 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2021
This first entry in The Network Saga is another great story for Bianca, who finds she continues to have more to learn about herself and others. I loved going back to the Central Network and reconnecting with Bianca and some of her friends, as well as meeting new characters. Katie Cross is an expert character developer and world builder.  


The storyline was not what I expected, and in fact made me stressed worrying about Bianca. I'm so glad she has lots of people to support her!


There were parts of this one that dragged some for me. Most of these had to do with  establishing context I already knew from having read The Network Series and related books and a couple too many repeated explanations of details to different characters. However, these were minor in the bigger picture.


I can't wait for the next entry in the Saga!
48 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2021
Merry Meet, Katie Cross has done it again. You will love the twists and turns in the latest Bianca saga. If you have read the Network Series then you definitely need this book. You’ll catch up with Bianca, Leda and Merrick. Bianca just can’t stay out of trouble with the network. What happens when a witch loses her magic? Bianca must find out if her strength comes from her magic or from herself. “Undoubtedly, Letum Wood existed because of magic. Or did magic exist because of the forest.” Katie paints these characters and Letum Wood with her magic that you will fall in love with them all (or hate some of them). Escape into the world of magic and witches.

https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
70 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2024
Bianca is back, and her story takes a decidedly unexpected turn when her encounter with a mortal girl leads to her magic being taken away. Political intrigue still abounds as forces in Alkarra attempt to remove her father Derek from his position of power. Some old friends resurface- notably Leda and Merrick- while some intriguing new characters -Hiddleston and Ava- bring new dimensions to Bianca’s world. Baxter has always been in the background but deliciously moves into the foreground in this book, and it’s quite enjoyable getting to know him. This one is a fast read and has enough ties to what we know while bringing in new facets of Bianca and her world that it holds interest throughout and kept me wanting more.
Profile Image for Kathy Austin.
171 reviews
September 4, 2021
This is a new YA Fantasy book by Katie Cross! If you like magic, dragons, potions, and spells, then this book is for you! And if you haven't checked her out yet, this is a great chance because she just launched a new book. It really helps if you read the books in chronological order, otherwise, the story is a bit confusing, but they are a great get-away from a stressful world.

I'd suggest starting with this series first: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...

The new book she just launched is right here if you want to see it! https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
1 review
September 4, 2021
If you like a bit of fantasy and love a strong female lead, then this is the book for you! Familiar faces return and new characters emerge as we re-join life in Alkarra three years after the war of the Networks. A more mature Bianca is found dealing with loss, political intrigue and the impact of the decisions she makes on herself, her family and friends and the world she loves.
Katie Cross does a grand job of creating full-bodied, vibrant characters with imperfections that make them very relatable and she excels at creating women and girls that are brave and kind and strong and, of course, just a little bit quirky. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Debbie Burg.
24 reviews
September 6, 2021
Just finished a new YA Fantasy novel—It's really not just for YA!! I'm way past that and thoroughly enjoy this book and the entire collection of Katie Cross' book. It's too good. Magic. Spells. Enchanted forests. Everything I want to sink into at the end of this day. You've gotta check Katie Cross out if you haven't already.

Here's a link to her first series (which is the best place to start!) You get five huge novels in one ebook. Pretty sweet deal. Then come back and let me know what you think!

https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...

Her latest book launch is here if you're curious: https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
Profile Image for Loni.
83 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
This book was amazing! There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe just how amazing this book is! From the moment I read the first page, I didn’t want to put it down until I finished! It kept me on the edge of my seat! So many twists and turns—I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next! If you haven’t read any of Katie’s fantasy books, you should start today! They’re amazing! I can’t wait for the next book to come out! I can’t wait to see what other adventures are in store for Bianca and friends and to be back in Letum Wood!
Profile Image for Darcee Henstock.
107 reviews
September 4, 2021
This book was like coming home to old friends! Katie has sucked us back into the wonderful
Word of Alkarra and into the like of Bianca Monroe. Things have changed over the years but little do they know how much things are still going to change! New adventures are underway as the worlds of the witches, mortals and Gods are starting to mingle in ways no one expected! Katie is a mastermind when it comes to showing the power and determination of a girl when she puts her mind to something! Thank you for bringing us all home!
2,453 reviews
September 4, 2021
Bianca is now training recruits and is not with Merrick anymore. Such a shame. Her father is High Priest of the Central Network and his name is Derek. Just who is young Ava who Bianca rescues. Ava is a mortal with a mission to complete. Bianca loses her magic and cannot even feel Letum Woods. A young eleven-year-old girl. A dangerous amulet. Who is Baxter really. A lost love. Gods. Goddesses. War threatens Alkarra again. Goddess touched. Demigods. Just who is Baxter related to. So much happening and all without Bianca having her magic. Will she ever get it back?
Profile Image for Dana.
23 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
The 6th book in the life of Bianca Monroe, but the first in the newest series, finds us jumping into Bianca's life as an adult. Katie Cross has done a great job helping new readers find their way in Bianca's story even if this is their first foray into the world of Ankarra.
If you love magic, dragons, intrigue, adventure, and strong and confident women leading characters, this is the book and series for YOU. I almost guarantee you will read this and then want to jump back to the beginning and read Miss Mabel's School for Girls and read them all!
656 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2021
This exciting book has everything you could ask for, love, hate, war, magic, witches and much more! Bianca is a witch and in charge of getting recruits ready for battle. There were wars in the past but everyone was coming together trying to keep from going to war again with Bianca's father in charge. Mortals were not brought in the Networks because they took away magic so no not ever! Problems started when Bianca brought in a moral and everyone was mad at her except her old boy friend Merrick. So much happens now - what to do?
Profile Image for Lynn Leach.
300 reviews
January 20, 2023
With the New Year. I decided it was long past time to return to the world of Alkarra and the books I've stashed since Katie returned to tales of Bianca and her family and friends. Though it has been years since I finished the Network Series, this was like coming home again after a long journey with only little gaps in my memory of what had gone before (and that's saying something for my septuagenarian brain). Good stories stay with you. The twists and turns kept me turning pages into the wee hours. Looking forward to the next part of the journey.
Profile Image for Mary Renner.
35 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2021
Bianca has gotten herself into a situation again. She must keep secrets in order to protect the Network and her father’s position while also dealing with feelings from the heart.

Katie Cross has done it again. Bianca and the Network are back with all of the characters we loved from the past! This book is a great continuation of the Miss Mabel series. I couldn’t stop reading it once I started and when it ended I immediately wanted more! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Kimmarie Pozar.
138 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2021
I love a great series and the Network Series is a terrific read. This is a first book in a sequel to that series, 3 years later. It takes some wonderful twists and turns that kept me surprised and glued to the story. Even though this is the first book in a new series, it wraps up nicely at the end. If you have the chance to read the previous series, I would suggest it because it is great but I think this book does stand alone. Great read!
1 review
September 3, 2021
This new book was an un expected surprise, I can’t believe how much I enjoyed it!
After “The Network” series ended, I was sad about having to say goodbye to characters that felt like family. In “The Lost Magic”, Katie Cross takes us back, and through twists and turns we get to see how Bianca and the rest have grown, changed, and stayed the same… a blast! For sure!
I LOVED THE BOOK!!! CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!
111 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
A prequel to the Network Saga and 3 Years after the Network Series I think you could read it as a standalone but much better to read the Network Saga first. Bianca realises her magic has gone but she meets a golden eyed mortal called Ava and struggles to keep her safe. Merrick has returned and her thoughts of him fill her spare thoughts.
Another great read from Katie Cross who always leaves us wanting more.
35 reviews
September 5, 2021
Katie Cross has done it again!!! The Lost Magic allows us to follow Bianca and find out what is happening in her life now that the war of the networks is over. Katie Cross has once again captivated and held my interest by bringing to life one my favourite characters. Bianca makes me laugh out loud, cry and sometimes shake my head in exasperation. I can’t wait to see how Bianca’s story unfolds in the upcoming books in this series. I’m so glad Bianca is back!
Profile Image for Jessica.
2 reviews
September 6, 2021
This is a delightful continuation of the Network Series story line. Bianca Monroe is a heroine worth rooting for as she discovers that her strength and grace comes from within, not from her magical abilities. Katie Cross has assembled a wonderful team of characters that propel Bianca to become the person she needs to be, not only for herself, but for the Network. I am looking forward to future books staring Ms. Bianca Monroe!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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