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The King's Spell
Only a king can banish sorcerers and strip enchanters of their power. Only a king is immune to spells and potions. Only a king knows the truth behind the legends. Until now.
Magic Collector Devryn Ashby may have deserved the curse that saps his magic-manipulating abilities, but it certainly won’t help him with the task King Reginald has assigned him. Instead of allowing him to continue hunting for those who stole the powerful Enchanter’s List, the king makes Devryn trainer-in-magic to the mischievous enchantress Lady Meredith Lofton.
Except for an occasional matchmaking exploit, Lady Meredith has little use for her power of enchantment—until the king asks her to train in magical warfare techniques. This both excites and terrifies her. And irks her, for she refuses to be bossed around by the critical Devryn Ashby, a man she’s not even sure she should trust.
But as dangers increase and the sorcerers’ schemes unfold, Devryn and Meredith must choose whom to follow—their own desires and prejudices or their king. Only a king knows how much the kingdom depends on their choice.
THE KING'S SPELL, Realm and Wand book 1, is a YA Christian fantasy series with a "Jane Austen romance meets fantasy adventure" feel. It is part of the Magic Collectors story world.
Magic Collector Devryn Ashby may have deserved the curse that saps his magic-manipulating abilities, but it certainly won’t help him with the task King Reginald has assigned him. Instead of allowing him to continue hunting for those who stole the powerful Enchanter’s List, the king makes Devryn trainer-in-magic to the mischievous enchantress Lady Meredith Lofton.
Except for an occasional matchmaking exploit, Lady Meredith has little use for her power of enchantment—until the king asks her to train in magical warfare techniques. This both excites and terrifies her. And irks her, for she refuses to be bossed around by the critical Devryn Ashby, a man she’s not even sure she should trust.
But as dangers increase and the sorcerers’ schemes unfold, Devryn and Meredith must choose whom to follow—their own desires and prejudices or their king. Only a king knows how much the kingdom depends on their choice.
THE KING'S SPELL, Realm and Wand book 1, is a YA Christian fantasy series with a "Jane Austen romance meets fantasy adventure" feel. It is part of the Magic Collectors story world.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2021
74 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 2, 2022
So where EJ Kitchens shines is the world building. Things are well thought out. They're usually unique. There's detail but it's clear to understand without getting info dumpy.
This book has all of that. Very rich and satisfying world
There's also a lot of great character moments. Both characters are flawed in a believable way. There's a great mystery here that unfolds with enough information to keep one reading.
I will say, I kind of expected from the cover and description this would have a little more of a romance. I think it's building towards a slow burn that will pay off in a future book, but the characters get to at most a begrudging respect by the end and that's about it.
If you're reading for the fantasy/mystery elements, I think you'll love this. If you go in looking for a romantic fantasy with a lot of feels, it's not that so you won't find it.
That said, very well written, good characterization, highly satisfying mystery, excellent world building.
This book has all of that. Very rich and satisfying world
There's also a lot of great character moments. Both characters are flawed in a believable way. There's a great mystery here that unfolds with enough information to keep one reading.
I will say, I kind of expected from the cover and description this would have a little more of a romance. I think it's building towards a slow burn that will pay off in a future book, but the characters get to at most a begrudging respect by the end and that's about it.
If you're reading for the fantasy/mystery elements, I think you'll love this. If you go in looking for a romantic fantasy with a lot of feels, it's not that so you won't find it.
That said, very well written, good characterization, highly satisfying mystery, excellent world building.
June 17, 2021
Kitchens' writes the most delicious fantasy. I loved the relatable characters, the lush world, and the prose of this story so much. What can I say ... I must have more!
dnf
September 3, 2022DNF @45%
This was a bit confusing as far as magic books go, the terms haven’t been clearly explained and the readers are sort of expected to just draw their own conclusions as the book moves along and the main plot is just starting now. Maybe it’d get better idk. But I wasn't enjoying this world at all and neither did I grow to care about either of the main characters. I realised that I sort of started skimming through the book and thus it would be better for me to just dnf it instead of putting myself through the ordeal of going through it. Not even a challenge motivated me enough to finish this lol.
This was a bit confusing as far as magic books go, the terms haven’t been clearly explained and the readers are sort of expected to just draw their own conclusions as the book moves along and the main plot is just starting now. Maybe it’d get better idk. But I wasn't enjoying this world at all and neither did I grow to care about either of the main characters. I realised that I sort of started skimming through the book and thus it would be better for me to just dnf it instead of putting myself through the ordeal of going through it. Not even a challenge motivated me enough to finish this lol.
October 22, 2022
3.5 stars
I was kinda disappointed in this book. I wanted to just put it down, but I wasn’t sure if it would get better or not. It was a very slow book, and I skim read a lot of it. I wanted the book to be about the two main characters, but there were so many side characters thrown in, and I couldn’t keep track of who they all were. It was also confusing how all the men seemed to have three different names. When it was Meredith’s pov, I never even knew who Devryn was because sometimes he was called Lord Arden and I didn’t know if that was his father or his uncle or him! It was pretty confusing. Also, didn’t like the cuss word half way through the book.
I’ve read other books by this author, and I loved them! So, I was very disappointed in this book.
I was kinda disappointed in this book. I wanted to just put it down, but I wasn’t sure if it would get better or not. It was a very slow book, and I skim read a lot of it. I wanted the book to be about the two main characters, but there were so many side characters thrown in, and I couldn’t keep track of who they all were. It was also confusing how all the men seemed to have three different names. When it was Meredith’s pov, I never even knew who Devryn was because sometimes he was called Lord Arden and I didn’t know if that was his father or his uncle or him! It was pretty confusing. Also, didn’t like the cuss word half way through the book.
I’ve read other books by this author, and I loved them! So, I was very disappointed in this book.
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November 15, 2024I really wanted to like this book but goodness I was slogging through it and it has been 2 months and I just feel like it was a chore. The writing, for me, is clumsy; I had to reread sentences multiples times to understand the meaning or tone. And the multitude of names was overwhelming for me especially with some characters having 2 or 3 names. I kept thinking, "Where was the editor on this one?" I think there is a great concept here but I just couldn't go further.
January 21, 2025
After reading Of Magic Made series, set in the distant past, I thought I'd pick up the Regency type series with the enchanters and half-magics.
I'm not surprised by the slow burn romance trope that E. J. Kitchens often uses. I really like the characters and setup. Plenty of action and mysterious goings on. I think I'll like this series as much as Athdar and Thea (Wrought of Silver and Ravens).
I'm not surprised by the slow burn romance trope that E. J. Kitchens often uses. I really like the characters and setup. Plenty of action and mysterious goings on. I think I'll like this series as much as Athdar and Thea (Wrought of Silver and Ravens).
December 12, 2021
3.5 / 5 stars.
When I realized that this book was Jane Austen-ish with a touch of fairytale, I couldn’t resist reading it! Now, I’m pretty peculiar when it comes to books with magic. I don’t read things with out-and-out witchcraft, but don’t mind books like Lord of the Rings and Narnia. To me, The King’s Spell falls into the category with LOTR and Narnia, so if you’re ok with those books, I think you’ll be ok with this one.
The characters in this series fall into four categories: non-magic, half-magic (can absorb and use magic), enchanters (born with magical powers), and sorcerers (enchanters who’ve chosen to be bad). And none of them truly trust the others but need to learn to work together to make sure the sorcerers don’t win at their game or everyone will suffer.
This book definitely lives up to the promise of being Jane Austen-like and is set in the same time period with kings and classes and manners. I absolutely loved it! Though it did take me a little bit to get everyone’s names and titles straight, that’s usually the case for your typical J.A. book also. The little easter eggs from fairytales are something that I also loved. That, and how God was given credit for bestowing powers and was credited as being the Creator and King of Kings. Something I really appreciate in a book.
What I didn’t like? The d-word about halfway through the book. Completely took me by surprise and I wasn’t happy about it. I’ll also mention that those that died or were put to death because of doing evil are called the “d**ned” at one point, but to me that’s correct usage of the era and not cussing, unlike the other instance.
Now, this book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but not one that leaves you rolling your eyes at the ending. I feel that it ended well and with enough suspense to interest you in reading the next one. (which, of course, is the point. ;P) And I am most definitely interested in reading the next one to find out what is going to happen to the two main characters!
All-in-all, this was a great read that was hard to put down and if not for the 1 word, would get a rave review from me!
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone. (And then proceeded to buy my own copy when it was on sale for $0.99 🙈😆)
When I realized that this book was Jane Austen-ish with a touch of fairytale, I couldn’t resist reading it! Now, I’m pretty peculiar when it comes to books with magic. I don’t read things with out-and-out witchcraft, but don’t mind books like Lord of the Rings and Narnia. To me, The King’s Spell falls into the category with LOTR and Narnia, so if you’re ok with those books, I think you’ll be ok with this one.
The characters in this series fall into four categories: non-magic, half-magic (can absorb and use magic), enchanters (born with magical powers), and sorcerers (enchanters who’ve chosen to be bad). And none of them truly trust the others but need to learn to work together to make sure the sorcerers don’t win at their game or everyone will suffer.
This book definitely lives up to the promise of being Jane Austen-like and is set in the same time period with kings and classes and manners. I absolutely loved it! Though it did take me a little bit to get everyone’s names and titles straight, that’s usually the case for your typical J.A. book also. The little easter eggs from fairytales are something that I also loved. That, and how God was given credit for bestowing powers and was credited as being the Creator and King of Kings. Something I really appreciate in a book.
What I didn’t like? The d-word about halfway through the book. Completely took me by surprise and I wasn’t happy about it. I’ll also mention that those that died or were put to death because of doing evil are called the “d**ned” at one point, but to me that’s correct usage of the era and not cussing, unlike the other instance.
Now, this book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but not one that leaves you rolling your eyes at the ending. I feel that it ended well and with enough suspense to interest you in reading the next one. (which, of course, is the point. ;P) And I am most definitely interested in reading the next one to find out what is going to happen to the two main characters!
All-in-all, this was a great read that was hard to put down and if not for the 1 word, would get a rave review from me!
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone. (And then proceeded to buy my own copy when it was on sale for $0.99 🙈😆)
September 10, 2021
Intriguing and suspenseful!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I could hardly put it down. I've read 'To catch a Magic Thief,' and the Beauty and the Beast retelling- both of which are awesome- and this is set in the same world but in the past. I hope the next book is ready soon....I usually don't like reading books in a series until the series is complete as the suspense kills me. I guess I didn't pay close enough attention this time as there is another book coming out. Like the other 2 books, this one is written from 2 points of view- the enchantress and the half-magic. Again, based on the magic thief book, its obvious what's eventually going to happen, but getting there is a great ride! There's magic (obviously), fighting, back-stabbing, assasination attempts, intrigue, sorcery and so much more! Also, this author writes clean stories. I haven't come across a swear word, much less anything more than kisses in the books of her's that I've read. Thank you for that! I've not read all of her books.....waiting for the series to be completed! I highly recommend her stories. Just to clarify- the other books I mentioned are definitely fairy tale retellings. As far as I can tell, this series is not. It's set in the same world and has characters that are ancestors to those from the other books, but I haven't detected a retelling. That doesn't matter though, it's still worth reading!! If you like fairy tale retellings, like I do, you will not regret reading this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I could hardly put it down. I've read 'To catch a Magic Thief,' and the Beauty and the Beast retelling- both of which are awesome- and this is set in the same world but in the past. I hope the next book is ready soon....I usually don't like reading books in a series until the series is complete as the suspense kills me. I guess I didn't pay close enough attention this time as there is another book coming out. Like the other 2 books, this one is written from 2 points of view- the enchantress and the half-magic. Again, based on the magic thief book, its obvious what's eventually going to happen, but getting there is a great ride! There's magic (obviously), fighting, back-stabbing, assasination attempts, intrigue, sorcery and so much more! Also, this author writes clean stories. I haven't come across a swear word, much less anything more than kisses in the books of her's that I've read. Thank you for that! I've not read all of her books.....waiting for the series to be completed! I highly recommend her stories. Just to clarify- the other books I mentioned are definitely fairy tale retellings. As far as I can tell, this series is not. It's set in the same world and has characters that are ancestors to those from the other books, but I haven't detected a retelling. That doesn't matter though, it's still worth reading!! If you like fairy tale retellings, like I do, you will not regret reading this book.
June 16, 2021
Wonderful and tormenting at the same time
Another wonderful book by EJ Kitchens. Every time I read a book of this series, I am more drawn into the characters and the plot. This book was a great read but is the hardest for me because it feels like a “Part 1 of 2” and I still don’t know what happens! So, take note, if you don’t like cliffhangers, wait for the next book to come out.
To help myself get over said cliffhanger, I think I’ll take the opportunity to reread The Magic Collector’s series (The Rose and the Wand and To Catch a Magic Thief) as I can appreciate certain aspects of them more now after reading The King’s Spell.
I’m amazed at how well Kitchens weaves the story together over the three books so far and how she keeps it straight.
Audience: mid to late teens
Romance: none, really. Very clean
Cautions: this book does mention enchantment and sorcery quite a bit but it’s more of a light and dark side feel like with Star Wars or Narnia. There are also frequent mentionings of “The King of Kings” and prayer [to God]. Devryn also struggles through with the moral question of stealing and doing what is right.
I did receive a free copy of this book to read for review purposes, but the review is entirely my own.
Another wonderful book by EJ Kitchens. Every time I read a book of this series, I am more drawn into the characters and the plot. This book was a great read but is the hardest for me because it feels like a “Part 1 of 2” and I still don’t know what happens! So, take note, if you don’t like cliffhangers, wait for the next book to come out.
To help myself get over said cliffhanger, I think I’ll take the opportunity to reread The Magic Collector’s series (The Rose and the Wand and To Catch a Magic Thief) as I can appreciate certain aspects of them more now after reading The King’s Spell.
I’m amazed at how well Kitchens weaves the story together over the three books so far and how she keeps it straight.
Audience: mid to late teens
Romance: none, really. Very clean
Cautions: this book does mention enchantment and sorcery quite a bit but it’s more of a light and dark side feel like with Star Wars or Narnia. There are also frequent mentionings of “The King of Kings” and prayer [to God]. Devryn also struggles through with the moral question of stealing and doing what is right.
I did receive a free copy of this book to read for review purposes, but the review is entirely my own.
June 22, 2021
I lOVED this book.
First I have always really enjoyed Kitchen's series that take place in this world. It started with the Rose and the Wand but she hooked me completely with Wrought of Silver and Ravens. It does take a while to remember all the characters and how they fit together but once I got there I was just just lost (in a good way) in the writing and plot.
We first met Devryn in Rose and the Wand, he was the semi villain who truly was a good person but made terrible decisions. I really enjoyed learning more about him and see how he has changed since his curse. Meredith is an enchantress who Devryn seems to always circle with caution.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series to see how their relationship evolves and how they work with the prejudice of those who have magic and those who collect it. I'm just fascinated with this world that Kitchens has created. It is so different from anything else I have read, add the regency-like aspect to it and it really is perfection.
First I have always really enjoyed Kitchen's series that take place in this world. It started with the Rose and the Wand but she hooked me completely with Wrought of Silver and Ravens. It does take a while to remember all the characters and how they fit together but once I got there I was just just lost (in a good way) in the writing and plot.
We first met Devryn in Rose and the Wand, he was the semi villain who truly was a good person but made terrible decisions. I really enjoyed learning more about him and see how he has changed since his curse. Meredith is an enchantress who Devryn seems to always circle with caution.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series to see how their relationship evolves and how they work with the prejudice of those who have magic and those who collect it. I'm just fascinated with this world that Kitchens has created. It is so different from anything else I have read, add the regency-like aspect to it and it really is perfection.
June 26, 2022
The cover made me think I was getting a romance. What I got was a historical thriller with a cliffhanger ending. I got an ARC of book 2, and it begins with the climax that book 1 didn't have. Why is this a thing.
Anyway, it's a good book, but it doesn't explain anything. For instance, when the guy and girl meet, it's because the girl has enchanted a friend's horse to bolt in the hopes that the friend's boyfriend will rescue her. The hero is super angry at her and we're not told why *until book 2* when we find that his mom is crippled because of a horse enchanted to bolt. So ... it's kind of confusing to read, because we're just left up in the air about most things. The part where the guy sneaks in under a disguise and the hero catches him ... like ... why was this important? The disguised guy didn't do anything. We never find out what he was trying to do. He gets mind-wiped by sorcerers but .. why? I thought maybe it was just me, but I see reviews from other readers also having trouble following the story. Blah. It's fun to read, if you can really really concentrate.
Anyway, it's a good book, but it doesn't explain anything. For instance, when the guy and girl meet, it's because the girl has enchanted a friend's horse to bolt in the hopes that the friend's boyfriend will rescue her. The hero is super angry at her and we're not told why *until book 2* when we find that his mom is crippled because of a horse enchanted to bolt. So ... it's kind of confusing to read, because we're just left up in the air about most things. The part where the guy sneaks in under a disguise and the hero catches him ... like ... why was this important? The disguised guy didn't do anything. We never find out what he was trying to do. He gets mind-wiped by sorcerers but .. why? I thought maybe it was just me, but I see reviews from other readers also having trouble following the story. Blah. It's fun to read, if you can really really concentrate.
June 17, 2021
Another fantastic book from EJ Kitchens! I fall more in love with her Magic Collectors world and the storyline she has created with each book that is released.
I am so thrilled the author chose to continue this particular character's story from The Rose and the Wand. He intrigued me, and I enjoyed reading more about him! I always delight in this author's likeable characters, slow build attraction, and happily ever afters. Combining fantasy with a Jane Austen-like flair continues to draw me in!
When is the next book coming?!? I need to know what happens!!
(I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and review it. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review.)
I am so thrilled the author chose to continue this particular character's story from The Rose and the Wand. He intrigued me, and I enjoyed reading more about him! I always delight in this author's likeable characters, slow build attraction, and happily ever afters. Combining fantasy with a Jane Austen-like flair continues to draw me in!
When is the next book coming?!? I need to know what happens!!
(I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and review it. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review.)
June 21, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm glad I tried it. I did get the impression that other stories exist in this world, but I did not feel I lost anything by starting with this book. The characters are well developed, with believable differences of opinion. The magic system is rich and well-described. At times I was getting that delightful fiction feeling of "Oh I want to do that!"
I happen to dislike cliff-hanger endings, and this book definitely has one. If that bothers you too, wait for the next book before reading this one.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book, but of course, this is still my honest opinion.
I happen to dislike cliff-hanger endings, and this book definitely has one. If that bothers you too, wait for the next book before reading this one.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book, but of course, this is still my honest opinion.
November 6, 2024
DNF 75% I tried, I really tried to finish it, but it was so boring. 75% of it and it was just a bunch of side quests and side characters. The protagonist had only met like 5 times, and many of those times it was just glances not a conversation.I understand is supposed to slow burn, but it can o to be slow burn if the whole book is focusing on one quest or one plot line, not multiple at a time. Plus there too many names being thrown, and sometimes I didn’t know if we were talking about the ML or his dad/brother/uncle. It just became annoying and there was no movement. I liked the idea of the story, I just don’t think it was executed properly. SORRY AUTHOR
July 23, 2025
This very slowburn romance was not what I was expecting from the blurb and cover - it is so much more fun and mischievous than the tutor-student romance I thought this would be. The conflicting backgrounds and philosophies and personalities of Devryn and Meredith really make this tale, particularly as serious Devryn keeps running into impulsive headstrong Meredith while he is skulking around places where she should not be. I have to get my hands on book 2 to see how their romance matures (over their objections, I'm sure).
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2022
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor homework stays this reader from the eventual completion of an enjoyable book. (I started reading this last year, got way too much homework, forgot I was reading it and had to start over again earlier this month. Oh well.)
My goodness! This is definitely the book I needed after reading The Rose and the Wand. I'm so happy Devryn gets his own story, and I get to see him grow. And Meredith is perfectly wonderful and mischievous. That cliffhanger, though. Luckily, the sequel is supposed to come out this year.
My goodness! This is definitely the book I needed after reading The Rose and the Wand. I'm so happy Devryn gets his own story, and I get to see him grow. And Meredith is perfectly wonderful and mischievous. That cliffhanger, though. Luckily, the sequel is supposed to come out this year.
September 13, 2021
Thoroughly Enjoyable
Kitchens have created an amazing world of magic and fantasy. I enjoyed this story and anxiously await the next installment.
My only disappointment in this story is that I would like to see a little bit more interaction between the two main characters. I expect that to happen more in the next book, though.
Kitchens have created an amazing world of magic and fantasy. I enjoyed this story and anxiously await the next installment.
My only disappointment in this story is that I would like to see a little bit more interaction between the two main characters. I expect that to happen more in the next book, though.
January 10, 2022
Hard to sympathize with the characters at times. There is a lot of thinking and not always much dialogue. Two main narrators, but a random chapter here and there with a new narrator.
Also, the blurb makes it sounds like a lot more happens to drive the story forward. It takes the book plus the epilogue to get through what the blurb states happens.
Also, the blurb makes it sounds like a lot more happens to drive the story forward. It takes the book plus the epilogue to get through what the blurb states happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2021
Magical Regency
I enjoy the mix of Jane Austen time period and magic. It’s listed as the first book of a series, but don’t read it until you’ve read the Rose and the Wand first-it won’t make sense without the backstory.
I enjoy the mix of Jane Austen time period and magic. It’s listed as the first book of a series, but don’t read it until you’ve read the Rose and the Wand first-it won’t make sense without the backstory.
July 2, 2022
4.5 for this wonderful book!! I really liked this book- the author pulled me into this world and then I found that I couldn’t stop reading. It was so good- it ends on such a note that now I want to read the rose and the wand as well as the next book.
March 31, 2024
Hard to put down clean read
I really love the world building in this book, especially the concept of half magics who can take and manipulate magic but have none of their own. Very believable characters and look forward to the continuation of this story in the next book.
I really love the world building in this book, especially the concept of half magics who can take and manipulate magic but have none of their own. Very believable characters and look forward to the continuation of this story in the next book.
January 24, 2022
This book was SUCH a fun read! I loved the pace, and quickly fell in love with the characters. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, and to read more by this author!!
October 18, 2023
Well, I finished it. I won't be reading the next one. I lost interest halfway through. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's me.
January 1, 2025
This is the first book by EJ that I've finished. I did try another book but was too distracted or in a slump to finish it. Now, I'll definitely go back and try it again.
It took me a while to start this one and then to get sucked in. However, the adventure won me over. I love a good adventure. (wink!)
I did have a little trouble with the POVs. But I managed to work them out. Eventually, they started to "sound" differently. If that makes sense.
The pace is steady. There were a couple of places that sped up but not bad. No speeding up and then dropping you like a hot potato in this read, thankfully.
Devryn is a magic empath and collector. Being a half-magic, his tools and talents are very important to not only him but to the king as well.
Meredith is essentially an enchantress-in-training. Although, EJ never uses this term.
Their stories are two separate paths that eventually merge over a common person who was targeted by sorcerers. The merging of the plot lines is one thing I love and in my opinion, few authors do it well. Frank Peretti is one who masterfully weaves stories together and this one was also woven beautifully!
I was very curious at first as to where the author was going with all the orphans and the dinner parties with secret lists and such. But, alas! We didn't have to wait long for all to be revealed. The book wasn't super lengthy, however, I certainly felt "stuffed" after reading it.
No gore, no romance (per say), no sensuality, no profanity. This was a very clean read with one mention of a lady removing her corset but being very modest the entire time. There was also a funny tidbit of Devryn's morals being questioned over a lady in an inn. Never fear, our hero remains mostly spotless with the exception of his curse.
This was an interesting godly read. I don't want to say "Christian" because while fantasy can be "Christian" it is hard for me to incorporate magic, magic collecting, and the like with Christianity. So, it was godly in word & deed.
I am most eager for book 2.
It took me a while to start this one and then to get sucked in. However, the adventure won me over. I love a good adventure. (wink!)
I did have a little trouble with the POVs. But I managed to work them out. Eventually, they started to "sound" differently. If that makes sense.
The pace is steady. There were a couple of places that sped up but not bad. No speeding up and then dropping you like a hot potato in this read, thankfully.
Devryn is a magic empath and collector. Being a half-magic, his tools and talents are very important to not only him but to the king as well.
Meredith is essentially an enchantress-in-training. Although, EJ never uses this term.
Their stories are two separate paths that eventually merge over a common person who was targeted by sorcerers. The merging of the plot lines is one thing I love and in my opinion, few authors do it well. Frank Peretti is one who masterfully weaves stories together and this one was also woven beautifully!
I was very curious at first as to where the author was going with all the orphans and the dinner parties with secret lists and such. But, alas! We didn't have to wait long for all to be revealed. The book wasn't super lengthy, however, I certainly felt "stuffed" after reading it.
No gore, no romance (per say), no sensuality, no profanity. This was a very clean read with one mention of a lady removing her corset but being very modest the entire time. There was also a funny tidbit of Devryn's morals being questioned over a lady in an inn. Never fear, our hero remains mostly spotless with the exception of his curse.
This was an interesting godly read. I don't want to say "Christian" because while fantasy can be "Christian" it is hard for me to incorporate magic, magic collecting, and the like with Christianity. So, it was godly in word & deed.
I am most eager for book 2.
July 3, 2022
I originally started with Kitchen's Of Magic Made series and this series is set in the same world but way later in history. It has a Jane Austen feel with magic and mystery! All things right up my alley!
The world building is fantastic and unique! The characters are lovable and broken. They are a beautiful work in progress. I appreciate the slow build to relationship between Meredith and Devryn because there is such much room for a building of a friendship that turns to more. It is heart stirring and you will find yourself rooting for each of the characters, but it is not instant love or major chemistry from the start. Those stories have their place too (which I can appreciate), but this book requires more patience as you build a deep affection for the characters and the blending of their lives. Meredith and Devryn can tolerate each other by the end of this book. I promise it is worth the investment!
The mystery is multi-faceted with many moving pieces and complicated relationships between the different power wielders. Each character is essential and brings unique characteristics and skills to the table. It is going to need a cohesive skilled group banding together to uncover the plots of the Dark Mage and thwart him.
I highly recommend checking out this series!
The world building is fantastic and unique! The characters are lovable and broken. They are a beautiful work in progress. I appreciate the slow build to relationship between Meredith and Devryn because there is such much room for a building of a friendship that turns to more. It is heart stirring and you will find yourself rooting for each of the characters, but it is not instant love or major chemistry from the start. Those stories have their place too (which I can appreciate), but this book requires more patience as you build a deep affection for the characters and the blending of their lives. Meredith and Devryn can tolerate each other by the end of this book. I promise it is worth the investment!
The mystery is multi-faceted with many moving pieces and complicated relationships between the different power wielders. Each character is essential and brings unique characteristics and skills to the table. It is going to need a cohesive skilled group banding together to uncover the plots of the Dark Mage and thwart him.
I highly recommend checking out this series!
August 3, 2022
DNF 35%
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