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The Serving Magic #1
Lady Apprentice
Her homeland under siege. A dark sorcerer hot on her trail. All the prophecies say Linden can stop him. Who are they kidding?
**2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Award**
**2022 First Place - YA Fantasy - Incipere Awards**
**2022 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards**
**2022 Finalist - Indies Today Awards**
Linden is the worst mage apprentice at her school. Her latest accidentally destroying her classroom when a small hooded fay pops up inside the fireball she’s just conjured.
Linden is sent to the headmaster’s office to be formally expelled, when she is saved by the bell—quite literally. Someone is frantically ringing the bell inside the watchtower overlooking the western frontier. Raiders are coming, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of the enemy army.
In the days following the raid, rumors begin to fly about the invading commander, with dark powers and an even darker mission. And for some reason Linden has yet to fathom, he’s taken a personal interest in her and her unruly magic.
Praise for the award-winning Serving Magic
"A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended! ” (The Wishing Shelf, for LADY APPRENTICE)
"Airy, fun and brimming with magic…a rollicking fantasy adventure of enchanting proportions.” (Indies Today, for LADY SPY)
"This series has everything I love in a good young adult fantasy novel...a powerful protagonist, a strong plot, dry humor, and a romantic interest that our protagonist resists..." (Readers Favorite, for LADY LIEGE)
**2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Award**
**2022 First Place - YA Fantasy - Incipere Awards**
**2022 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards**
**2022 Finalist - Indies Today Awards**
Linden is the worst mage apprentice at her school. Her latest accidentally destroying her classroom when a small hooded fay pops up inside the fireball she’s just conjured.
Linden is sent to the headmaster’s office to be formally expelled, when she is saved by the bell—quite literally. Someone is frantically ringing the bell inside the watchtower overlooking the western frontier. Raiders are coming, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of the enemy army.
In the days following the raid, rumors begin to fly about the invading commander, with dark powers and an even darker mission. And for some reason Linden has yet to fathom, he’s taken a personal interest in her and her unruly magic.
Praise for the award-winning Serving Magic
"A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended! ” (The Wishing Shelf, for LADY APPRENTICE)
"Airy, fun and brimming with magic…a rollicking fantasy adventure of enchanting proportions.” (Indies Today, for LADY SPY)
"This series has everything I love in a good young adult fantasy novel...a powerful protagonist, a strong plot, dry humor, and a romantic interest that our protagonist resists..." (Readers Favorite, for LADY LIEGE)
360 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2021
327 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Toni Cabell
23 books137 followersI write Clean, Closed Door Fantasy Romance for teens, new adults, and adults.
My novels have won Silver and Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards, and multiple.\ B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Click my website link below to join my newsletter and receive a Free Novella!
https://tonicabell.com/giveaway
My novels have won Silver and Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards, and multiple.\ B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Click my website link below to join my newsletter and receive a Free Novella!
https://tonicabell.com/giveaway
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 18, 2023
I can't believe this is the first book I've read this month (its the middle of the month)! I've had such a hard time finding a good book to read!
So I really enjoyed this story but it didn't have enough parts where you could breathe. Because it was about a war once the war started happening their wasn't enough parts where Linden was talking breaks or catching her breath. So reading it did produce more anxiety than I would have liked however it did keep me reading and I appreciated the breaks that were in the book that also kept me reading.
The ending seemed way to quick and a lot solved in a much shorter period of time. Obviously war is still going on but stuff that I thought would happen throughout the series happened in this book. (I'm trying to be vague because I don't want to give out any spoilers.)
Also with Linden's character she seemed more concerned with her beau than her brother?!?!?!?! Which deeply confused me. But maybe that's just me.
Content: There is definitely more gore than I would like but I do understand that it is a war. There is also killing, again because it's a war. But just wanted to warn anyone who might feel they'd be upset after reading it.
I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this book.
So I really enjoyed this story but it didn't have enough parts where you could breathe. Because it was about a war once the war started happening their wasn't enough parts where Linden was talking breaks or catching her breath. So reading it did produce more anxiety than I would have liked however it did keep me reading and I appreciated the breaks that were in the book that also kept me reading.
The ending seemed way to quick and a lot solved in a much shorter period of time. Obviously war is still going on but stuff that I thought would happen throughout the series happened in this book. (I'm trying to be vague because I don't want to give out any spoilers.)
Also with Linden's character she seemed more concerned with her beau than her brother?!?!?!?! Which deeply confused me. But maybe that's just me.
Content: There is definitely more gore than I would like but I do understand that it is a war. There is also killing, again because it's a war. But just wanted to warn anyone who might feel they'd be upset after reading it.
I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this book.
August 17, 2021
This book was really good I enjoyed it from start to finish. I really loved the characters so much especially Linden she was a really interesting character a girl who has trouble with magic causes chaos where ever she goes she finds there is more to it than that. She is a headstrong character that has her own ways of doing things a really amazing character really. I loved the romance so much between Linden and Stryker it was amazing to read. I loved the plot it started out with a girl who caused havoc and chaos moved on to war and death and so much pain. So overall I loved this book will continue this series soon.
June 21, 2024
Riveting!
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it! She kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the end with a gripping story. I loved the light versus dark magic battles. I felt like I was right there experiencing every piece of action. I loved that there was romance, though it wasn't the main plot. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
Highly recommended!
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it! She kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the end with a gripping story. I loved the light versus dark magic battles. I felt like I was right there experiencing every piece of action. I loved that there was romance, though it wasn't the main plot. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
Highly recommended!
May 28, 2023
It was good but not great. At this point, I’m not going to read the rest of the series. I felt like the main character was a little bit whiny at some points, other parts of the book felt like they happened to fast, and then others felt like things were happening to easily.
September 8, 2021
Great book
Toni Cabell created an interesting and captivating world, with characters that you want to see succeed and survive. Loved her take on magic
Toni Cabell created an interesting and captivating world, with characters that you want to see succeed and survive. Loved her take on magic
July 9, 2022
Nice reading
It was a nice change from my murder who done it thrillers. The characters were well done and I would love to see this in screen or ps4
It was a nice change from my murder who done it thrillers. The characters were well done and I would love to see this in screen or ps4
June 18, 2025
Captivating from beginning to end - Lady Apprentice is a magical romance chock-full of adventure, mystery, and intrigue! The characters were relatable and lovable, the villains were dangerous and easy to hate, and the storyline had many well-placed twists! If you are a fan of YA novels, love fantasy (and are comfortable with the same level of magic presented in Harry Potter), and enjoy kisses-only sweet romances, then you’ll surely love Lady Apprentice like I did!
Everything about this book kept you flipping pages to see what would happen next! There was always something going on, making the book hard to put down (or, in my case, my Kindle). The worldbuilding was fantastic! I greatly enjoyed the variations of magic and how they were presented in the different characters. While not a Christian fiction novel, there was the theme of light vs. darkness or evil vs. goodness. It was not overtly Christian, but perhaps more like an allegory in nature.
The only thing I might point out was that there was so much going on that things moved quickly from one thing to the next. There were areas (that I won’t explicitly point out so as not to ruin the plot) that I would have loved to have spent more time exploring. If my only complaint is that I want more, then perhaps it wasn’t so bad after all. 🥰
Everything about this book kept you flipping pages to see what would happen next! There was always something going on, making the book hard to put down (or, in my case, my Kindle). The worldbuilding was fantastic! I greatly enjoyed the variations of magic and how they were presented in the different characters. While not a Christian fiction novel, there was the theme of light vs. darkness or evil vs. goodness. It was not overtly Christian, but perhaps more like an allegory in nature.
The only thing I might point out was that there was so much going on that things moved quickly from one thing to the next. There were areas (that I won’t explicitly point out so as not to ruin the plot) that I would have loved to have spent more time exploring. If my only complaint is that I want more, then perhaps it wasn’t so bad after all. 🥰
November 5, 2022
Lady Apprentice is the first book in the promising series called The Serving Magic Series.
A super engaging and entertaining story about a young magic school apprentice who, on the verge of being expelled for her rebelliousness and her few successes, is forced to act in defense of her school when it is attacked by an enemy army.
The story captivated me from start to finish. I've always liked stories about wizards and apprentices because I find them so much fun, and I really loved this one. I am also very satisfied with the author's way of writing.
I recommend it and look forward to the next installments of this series that is just beginning.
A super engaging and entertaining story about a young magic school apprentice who, on the verge of being expelled for her rebelliousness and her few successes, is forced to act in defense of her school when it is attacked by an enemy army.
The story captivated me from start to finish. I've always liked stories about wizards and apprentices because I find them so much fun, and I really loved this one. I am also very satisfied with the author's way of writing.
I recommend it and look forward to the next installments of this series that is just beginning.
November 5, 2022
In clear, fresh, and sometimes ironic language, Cabell reveals his various sleights in constructing a first book that is the perfect beginning of a promising series. This author is a big one and no one gets this big without natural storytelling talent. He boiled scenes down to single by telling details, the element that defines the characters or moves a plot along. This was what fired off the movie projector in my mind. Cabell really knows how to get into readers’ heads.
Lady Apprentice is exceptionally well-written, the writing is beautiful, clear, and concise, and the author’s knowledge on how to craft teen and young adults' historical romance tales is impressive.
Lady Apprentice is exceptionally well-written, the writing is beautiful, clear, and concise, and the author’s knowledge on how to craft teen and young adults' historical romance tales is impressive.
November 7, 2022
Lady Apprentice is the first book in this fascinating world of magic. It is a fast paced read but with well-developed characters, especially Linden, the main character. I like how author Toni Cabello describes her and how the plot initiates with her magic being kind of a failure and ends up being something much more than that.
It is a great story for teens, it has love, magic and a lot of action so younger readers will have a blast. It has only a few wow moments, but I think it all combusts in the end. It is a great opening to the next book. Excited to see what's next.
It is a great story for teens, it has love, magic and a lot of action so younger readers will have a blast. It has only a few wow moments, but I think it all combusts in the end. It is a great opening to the next book. Excited to see what's next.
February 7, 2025
⭐No spice
⭐No foul language
⭐War violence nothing too graphic
✨To serve we must survive✨
Tropes:
🗡️Hidden identity
🗡️Sacrifice
🗡️Found Family
🗡️Embracing who you are
🗡️Power of love
🗡️Brothers best friend
🗡️Slow burn
Narration review:
@narratorlisalynn did an amazing job and bringing all of the emotions to life. She represented this story so well. I enjoyed that when things were serious you could tell. When Linden was afraid you could tell. I am always impressed with how talented she is. She is seriously my favorite narrator because she makes you feel like you are part of the story.
The book review:
This world is so real to me. She made a picture in my mind so clear and I knew exactly where things were and what they looked like. The characters were well developed and very thought out. I am so glad that I do not have to face the glenbarrens. Toni created the villains of this book to be something so terrifying. I love when a book has a really good villain. The betrayals were so unexpected. The plot twists were placed perfectly. Every character in this book changed and grew, which I really find impressive. The book is very fast paced but nothing is left out and everything has the timing it needs. I appreciated that it wasn't easy for Linden right away and that she had to work for it and embrace her differences. I love that this book has so many beautiful messages in it.
Also I found it hilarious that Remy is ALWAYS hungry 🤣
Trigger warning: loss of loved ones and friends, imprisonment, coma, war losses.
⭐No foul language
⭐War violence nothing too graphic
✨To serve we must survive✨
Tropes:
🗡️Hidden identity
🗡️Sacrifice
🗡️Found Family
🗡️Embracing who you are
🗡️Power of love
🗡️Brothers best friend
🗡️Slow burn
Narration review:
@narratorlisalynn did an amazing job and bringing all of the emotions to life. She represented this story so well. I enjoyed that when things were serious you could tell. When Linden was afraid you could tell. I am always impressed with how talented she is. She is seriously my favorite narrator because she makes you feel like you are part of the story.
The book review:
This world is so real to me. She made a picture in my mind so clear and I knew exactly where things were and what they looked like. The characters were well developed and very thought out. I am so glad that I do not have to face the glenbarrens. Toni created the villains of this book to be something so terrifying. I love when a book has a really good villain. The betrayals were so unexpected. The plot twists were placed perfectly. Every character in this book changed and grew, which I really find impressive. The book is very fast paced but nothing is left out and everything has the timing it needs. I appreciated that it wasn't easy for Linden right away and that she had to work for it and embrace her differences. I love that this book has so many beautiful messages in it.
Also I found it hilarious that Remy is ALWAYS hungry 🤣
Trigger warning: loss of loved ones and friends, imprisonment, coma, war losses.
February 11, 2025
Lady apprentice
This is a great start to a series it has everything going for it plenty of excitement, adventures, love mixed with a bit of sadness , the characters are like friends and the plot was amazing I recommend it, a well deserved 5 stars
This is a great start to a series it has everything going for it plenty of excitement, adventures, love mixed with a bit of sadness , the characters are like friends and the plot was amazing I recommend it, a well deserved 5 stars
June 20, 2023
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
10th November 2022
TITLE: LADY APPRENTICE, A Serving Magic Book – Volume One
AUTHOR: TONI CABELL
Star Rating: 5
“A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I do enjoy a good fantasy novel and, although I´m no teenager, I often find young adult fantasy books to be the most enjoyable: Harry Potter, the Golden Compass and, to a lesser extent, the Twilight Trilogy. So I happily settled down with Lady Apprentice, the first in a set of magical books by Toni Cabell. And, I must say, I enjoyed it very much.
It´s the story of Linden, a girl with magical talents – although she´s not very good at controlling them yet! The story begins in fencing class. Not long after, the school is attacked, the commander a dark sorcerer who, it seems, is very interested in the young protagonist. What follows is a thrilling fantasy adventure full of mystery, magic – and a growing evil Linden must find a way of stopping.
In many ways, the plot has a Harry Potter feel to it, Linden very much reminding me of ´the boy who lived´. But that´s not a criticism. I think teenagers – and possibly adults too - love novels which focus on a ´good´ character having to stop a considerably stronger ´bad´ character. In fact, I´d say half of every adventure/mystery/thriller is based on that very premise.
In terms of the writing style, the author´s very accomplished, balancing descriptive prose with well-written, authentic speech – and throwing in plenty of pace to keep teenagers turning the page. She´s also excellent at developing her characters, particularly Linden, who grows considerably during the novel.
All in all, I´m delighted to recommend Lady Apprentice to any young adult who enjoys skilfully plotted books packed full of magic, mayhem, and a plethora of dark secrets. There´s never a dull moment, and I, for one, am very much looking forward to reading book two.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: LADY APPRENTICE, A Serving Magic Book – Volume One
Author: Toni Cabell
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a SUPER book – loved it!!!!!!! The plot’s cool, the magic is, well, magical, and it’s sort of funny too.” Girl reader, aged 15
“I liked Linden the most. She’s a bit like Harry Potter. The book reminded me of Rawling’s books, how the dark sorcerer has taken an interest in her – very Voldemort! I followed the story no problem at all, and the cover’s ace.” Girl reader, aged 16
“I thought the author did a fab job of developing the hero and coming up with a clever fantasy plot.” Male reader, aged 15
“Linden grows a lot in the story; I think that’s a sign of good writing.” Girl reader, aged 15
“I loved that it was fast-paced, never boring, and had clever twists.” Boy, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A richly told fantasy packed full of magic and adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
10th November 2022
TITLE: LADY APPRENTICE, A Serving Magic Book – Volume One
AUTHOR: TONI CABELL
Star Rating: 5
“A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I do enjoy a good fantasy novel and, although I´m no teenager, I often find young adult fantasy books to be the most enjoyable: Harry Potter, the Golden Compass and, to a lesser extent, the Twilight Trilogy. So I happily settled down with Lady Apprentice, the first in a set of magical books by Toni Cabell. And, I must say, I enjoyed it very much.
It´s the story of Linden, a girl with magical talents – although she´s not very good at controlling them yet! The story begins in fencing class. Not long after, the school is attacked, the commander a dark sorcerer who, it seems, is very interested in the young protagonist. What follows is a thrilling fantasy adventure full of mystery, magic – and a growing evil Linden must find a way of stopping.
In many ways, the plot has a Harry Potter feel to it, Linden very much reminding me of ´the boy who lived´. But that´s not a criticism. I think teenagers – and possibly adults too - love novels which focus on a ´good´ character having to stop a considerably stronger ´bad´ character. In fact, I´d say half of every adventure/mystery/thriller is based on that very premise.
In terms of the writing style, the author´s very accomplished, balancing descriptive prose with well-written, authentic speech – and throwing in plenty of pace to keep teenagers turning the page. She´s also excellent at developing her characters, particularly Linden, who grows considerably during the novel.
All in all, I´m delighted to recommend Lady Apprentice to any young adult who enjoys skilfully plotted books packed full of magic, mayhem, and a plethora of dark secrets. There´s never a dull moment, and I, for one, am very much looking forward to reading book two.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: LADY APPRENTICE, A Serving Magic Book – Volume One
Author: Toni Cabell
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a SUPER book – loved it!!!!!!! The plot’s cool, the magic is, well, magical, and it’s sort of funny too.” Girl reader, aged 15
“I liked Linden the most. She’s a bit like Harry Potter. The book reminded me of Rawling’s books, how the dark sorcerer has taken an interest in her – very Voldemort! I followed the story no problem at all, and the cover’s ace.” Girl reader, aged 16
“I thought the author did a fab job of developing the hero and coming up with a clever fantasy plot.” Male reader, aged 15
“Linden grows a lot in the story; I think that’s a sign of good writing.” Girl reader, aged 15
“I loved that it was fast-paced, never boring, and had clever twists.” Boy, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A richly told fantasy packed full of magic and adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 2, 2024
This would be great for teen girls!
This was my first time reading a YA fantasy and I loved this! The female character has strong ties and great love for her family and that was so refreshing. I am about to start the second book in this series and can’t wait!
This was my first time reading a YA fantasy and I loved this! The female character has strong ties and great love for her family and that was so refreshing. I am about to start the second book in this series and can’t wait!
January 23, 2025
Really enjoy this magical romantasy adventure! I listened to the audio version, and I thoroughly enjoyed the narration. Highly recommend!
July 10, 2021
Gave up
My biggest complaint about most books is the refusal by characters to tell the truth, ask for help, or generally not make silly decisions. While this one might get better, I certainly don't have the patience today to make it past the 8% mark.
My biggest complaint about most books is the refusal by characters to tell the truth, ask for help, or generally not make silly decisions. While this one might get better, I certainly don't have the patience today to make it past the 8% mark.
February 7, 2023
A great beginning for a magic tale...
Toni Cabell has gotten off to a great start here in the first book of The Serving Magic series. The main character, Linden, is young, still a student of magic. She has much to learn, and much of what she has to learn is about who and what she is. Her family is in government, so when war breaks out, they are involved from the very beginning. She's sent off to live with her grandmother, Nari, who is a Master Mage, to keep her safe and to allow her to finish her training. Nari is another dual mage as Linden, so she is imminently qualified to teach her. But war is not kind, and Nari had foreseen her fate. Linden and her friends are welcomed in by a closed community of Sisters, where all of them have their training completed as Mages and Linden actually becomes a Master Mage. She learns more truths about her future as well, which will control her life more than she can know.
The storyline is interesting and imaginative enough to keep you wanting to go on with the next book. The world building is well done with some creative twists. The magic is solid and in the hands of Mages only. I found it to be consistent in each incident. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Recommended.
Toni Cabell has gotten off to a great start here in the first book of The Serving Magic series. The main character, Linden, is young, still a student of magic. She has much to learn, and much of what she has to learn is about who and what she is. Her family is in government, so when war breaks out, they are involved from the very beginning. She's sent off to live with her grandmother, Nari, who is a Master Mage, to keep her safe and to allow her to finish her training. Nari is another dual mage as Linden, so she is imminently qualified to teach her. But war is not kind, and Nari had foreseen her fate. Linden and her friends are welcomed in by a closed community of Sisters, where all of them have their training completed as Mages and Linden actually becomes a Master Mage. She learns more truths about her future as well, which will control her life more than she can know.
The storyline is interesting and imaginative enough to keep you wanting to go on with the next book. The world building is well done with some creative twists. The magic is solid and in the hands of Mages only. I found it to be consistent in each incident. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Recommended.
April 1, 2023
This book focuses on our Main character, Linden, who is currently in school to work on her magical abilities. However, she keeps messing up spells and incantations and having things go horribly wrong. While trying to master these abilities, some enemies are trying to start a war and attack her school. Her parents send her to her grandparents after that to keep her safe. Her grandmother then picks up her magic training and Linden starts to learn a lot more about herself.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the adventure and ease of flowing from chapter to chapter. I fell in love with the characters and wanted them to succeed. As I normally read a lot of romance, this was a nice change of pace being more fantasy focused. My only complaint was the overall timing. Things proceeded quickly and chunks of time disappear in the book. I would have liked it to be a little more detailed in that regard, but still enjoyed it.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the adventure and ease of flowing from chapter to chapter. I fell in love with the characters and wanted them to succeed. As I normally read a lot of romance, this was a nice change of pace being more fantasy focused. My only complaint was the overall timing. Things proceeded quickly and chunks of time disappear in the book. I would have liked it to be a little more detailed in that regard, but still enjoyed it.
August 14, 2021
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I also had a few issues with Cabell's writing style. Her ideas are brilliant but I found her sentences to be too short, and she also seemed to skip through time too quickly (one short book covered a year).
The romance was fairly stilted, and Linden and her love interest (I won't reveal his name as that could be considered a spoiler) only actually meet about 4 times throughout the entire book.
The actual plot was interesting enough for me to want to read the next in the series, but I will say that I almost gave up on this one at the halfway mark so I'm hoping that the author improves her writing with practise.
The romance was fairly stilted, and Linden and her love interest (I won't reveal his name as that could be considered a spoiler) only actually meet about 4 times throughout the entire book.
The actual plot was interesting enough for me to want to read the next in the series, but I will say that I almost gave up on this one at the halfway mark so I'm hoping that the author improves her writing with practise.
September 4, 2021
DNF’d 25% through
When you’ve finished a quarter of a book and have already seen a lack of planning and are still waiting for the plot to start….it’s time to give up.
The writing is not enjoyable, it’s a slog through type story. I skimmed the whole letter section. This feels like it was written by a kid and not edited at all.
The synopsis sounds interesting, but until this book sees beta readers and a quality editor it isn’t worth it. It also needs some character evaluation and an engine behind the plot, the first quarter is too slow and the author repetitively undercuts any humor or interesting moments by over explaining them.
When you’ve finished a quarter of a book and have already seen a lack of planning and are still waiting for the plot to start….it’s time to give up.
The writing is not enjoyable, it’s a slog through type story. I skimmed the whole letter section. This feels like it was written by a kid and not edited at all.
The synopsis sounds interesting, but until this book sees beta readers and a quality editor it isn’t worth it. It also needs some character evaluation and an engine behind the plot, the first quarter is too slow and the author repetitively undercuts any humor or interesting moments by over explaining them.
December 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book by Toni. It had some epic magic, a new storyline I don't think I've seen before, some great characters and character growth, and a romantic subplot I could get behind! The main female character has to overcome many of her feelings of inadequacy and frustration to really embrace the future ahead of her, and it adds growth along the way as she learns to do so. I liked that most the characters seemed to grow throughout the story and there were even a couple plot twists! I can't wait to see where the series goes though this story works well as its own novel so you're not left with a huge cliffhanger.
July 21, 2024
Linden learns to tame her Magic
By her own words, Linden has a saucy temperament. She often flouts convention and has her own mind, but she also knows how to act in polite society and is kind to others. I like the open and honest way she has of speaking to others. Once her Grandmother gives her a truth serum and figures out what is happening with her and her magic, Linden becomes a lot happier with herself. There is happiness and sorrow, peace and war, friendship and betrayal, restful times and action. Interesting beginning to the series.
By her own words, Linden has a saucy temperament. She often flouts convention and has her own mind, but she also knows how to act in polite society and is kind to others. I like the open and honest way she has of speaking to others. Once her Grandmother gives her a truth serum and figures out what is happening with her and her magic, Linden becomes a lot happier with herself. There is happiness and sorrow, peace and war, friendship and betrayal, restful times and action. Interesting beginning to the series.
June 5, 2021
Linden is a young girl whose powers cause her problems. She will need to get them under control fast as an evil man is determined to kill her.
She faces losses as the battle continues, taking away her home life.
She makes wonderful friends to help her along the way. She endures betrayal, death and the dungeon.
Plus, a lot of surprises as to her destiny.
She faces losses as the battle continues, taking away her home life.
She makes wonderful friends to help her along the way. She endures betrayal, death and the dungeon.
Plus, a lot of surprises as to her destiny.
June 6, 2021
Action packed fantasy
The book builds slowly with the author taking time to deftly world build. The pacing is excellent, the plot growing as the main character, Linden, matures.
The characters are crafted carefully and grow over the course of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly await the next in the series.
The book builds slowly with the author taking time to deftly world build. The pacing is excellent, the plot growing as the main character, Linden, matures.
The characters are crafted carefully and grow over the course of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly await the next in the series.
September 19, 2021
Disappointing read
This is a disappointing read - characters all over the place - Stryker, Ian, her parents her special teenth party.
That’s when I decided enough is enough. Book is a mess needs rewrite and editing to organize magical training, character development and general overall
Plot.
Good idea, but execution was poor
This is a disappointing read - characters all over the place - Stryker, Ian, her parents her special teenth party.
That’s when I decided enough is enough. Book is a mess needs rewrite and editing to organize magical training, character development and general overall
Plot.
Good idea, but execution was poor
May 19, 2022
enjoyable
Populated with well written characters; each unique and necessary to the story! The plot is twisted and contorted, with appropriate side roads, and a few bits of backtracking! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see what lies ahead for our heroine, Linden.
Populated with well written characters; each unique and necessary to the story! The plot is twisted and contorted, with appropriate side roads, and a few bits of backtracking! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see what lies ahead for our heroine, Linden.
February 3, 2023
Lady Apprentice (Serving Magic: A Swords & sorcery romantic Fantasy Book 1)
If you want to find the Fay and fight with normal swords then this is what you are looking for!
If you want to leave your home and family and hearth this is it!
If you like pirates and swash and buckles then this is it!
Come and enjoy the ride!
If you want to find the Fay and fight with normal swords then this is what you are looking for!
If you want to leave your home and family and hearth this is it!
If you like pirates and swash and buckles then this is it!
Come and enjoy the ride!
February 19, 2023
engaging!
I was drawn in very early in the story and stayed hooked right to the end. I thought the world-building was excellent - there's a steampunk feel to it which I found interesting. I also thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their development. I look forward to reading more about Linden, Stryker, Jayna, Mara, Toz, Remy, Matteo, and, of course, Kal!
I was drawn in very early in the story and stayed hooked right to the end. I thought the world-building was excellent - there's a steampunk feel to it which I found interesting. I also thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their development. I look forward to reading more about Linden, Stryker, Jayna, Mara, Toz, Remy, Matteo, and, of course, Kal!
April 27, 2021
Great story
Toni Cabell did a wonderful job with story telling in this novel. I was happy and sad to get to the end. Loved the growth of the characters. I am eager to read more books by this author.
Toni Cabell did a wonderful job with story telling in this novel. I was happy and sad to get to the end. Loved the growth of the characters. I am eager to read more books by this author.
May 24, 2021
Lady Apprentice
I really enjoyed the book even the dopey love scenes which I usually skip. Not the romantic type this one. It certainly didn’t leave out the heart ache. Makes an old geezer feel young again.
I really enjoyed the book even the dopey love scenes which I usually skip. Not the romantic type this one. It certainly didn’t leave out the heart ache. Makes an old geezer feel young again.
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