Coming of Mage

by Mikel Andrews

Quinn Sullivan, fresh from his first year of college, returns to his summer job working at at an off-season ski resort on the North Shore of Minnesota. This isn't just any resort though; it's a resort for those imbued with metaphysikal powers—what some might call "wizards."Like most college students in the 80s, Quinn has no car, no money, and no plans for the future. Unlike most mages his age, however, he isn't keeping up on his spellwork, still ties his shoes by hand, and has fallen for a meta-user way out of his league; an alchemist named Emma.Emma is outgoing and smart, with a seemingly endless supply of social skills—none of which is exactly in Quinn's wheelhouse. The only thing she doesn't have is the rare metaphysikal artifact she needs to get into the Alnwick Academy of Alchemy.Okay, so maybe Quinn has one plan.Chock full of strange creatures, mystifying spells, and small town mystery, Quinn's quest to impress Emma is a classic summer story with a fantasy twist—and that's just the easy part.* * * * *"An achingly sharp look back at growing friendships and budding romance in a magical time that never was (the enchanted '80s) but you wish could have been. as if J.K. Rowling had written Stand By Me—or Stephen King had written Harry Potter—set on the shores of Lake Superior." -- Matt Forbeck, Author of Vegas Knights

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2011

Reviews

[Abigayl Fincel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written novel, and while I don't know that I would add it to my list of all-time favorites, it was a worthwhile read. It's something like a Harry Potter on the North Shore. The author has managed to populate his world with wizards, alchemists and magical creatures while still retaining the spirit of the area.

At an off-season resort for wizards, Quinn and his friend, an alchemist named Emma, are spending their summer working as guides on canoe trips, basilisk tracking, and whatever other tasks their boss assigns them. Quinn's goal for the summer is not, however, to catch up on his spells or brace for his second year at college. Rather, his free time is spent on a project that he believes will enable him to move beyond the friend zone in his relationship with Emma.

His plan is to get a solistone, a very rare and expensive gem, for Emma so that she can study alchemy abroad. Unfortunately, being a college student, Quinn has no car and no money and ends up teaming up with his rival, a stuck up, sword-wielding rich kid in order to get what he needs to make the stone. He also enlists the help of Tristan, a coworker with his own set of unusual skills.

[Sarvenaz Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthy debut! This YA fantasy novella has a lot going for it: solid worldbuilding, sharp geek humor and some unexpected twists and turns. Andrews is an author I'd definitely want to read more from.

[Nicholle Berthiaume]

A must read!

[A S Hooghkirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun read. You can tell the writer is stuck in the 80s which is great since his book takes place and references 80s nostalgia throughout the book. This was by far my favorite book of 2013. (Sorry for the late review.) After I finished it I immediately read it again. Since I purchased the book I have read it 6 times and am more than excited for a sequel to this one.

Magic and 80s. It is like John Hughes, and J.K Rowling had a child and that child is Mikel Andrews. The characters are described magnificently, with an edge of your seat adventure. Highly recommend this book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent page turner! Can't wait to see what comes next from this author!