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The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4
Trial of Magic
Lord Enchanter Evariste has been missing for years. Everyone has given up all hope of finding him—except for Angelique.
Because he dared to befriend her when all other mages scorned her due to her dangerous magic, Angelique is determined to find him—no matter the cost. But as years have passed and she has failed to locate Evariste, she’s forced to realize that he was more than a friend.
Battle weary and sick of politics, Angelique is close to breaking…until she hears a rumor that Evariste was taken north.
To confirm the information, she’ll have to break into a den of black mages, hide her identity, and master her magic—which she fears above all else.
But when she finally finds Evariste, she learns she is woefully unprepared for the enemies that hold him captive.
Trial of Magic is an epic fantasy fairy tale that follows a reluctant heroine who wants nothing to do with romance, magical battles, and curse breaking, but finds herself mucking with all three. Like its companion series, Timeless Fairy Tales, this series has clean romance.
Because he dared to befriend her when all other mages scorned her due to her dangerous magic, Angelique is determined to find him—no matter the cost. But as years have passed and she has failed to locate Evariste, she’s forced to realize that he was more than a friend.
Battle weary and sick of politics, Angelique is close to breaking…until she hears a rumor that Evariste was taken north.
To confirm the information, she’ll have to break into a den of black mages, hide her identity, and master her magic—which she fears above all else.
But when she finally finds Evariste, she learns she is woefully unprepared for the enemies that hold him captive.
Trial of Magic is an epic fantasy fairy tale that follows a reluctant heroine who wants nothing to do with romance, magical battles, and curse breaking, but finds herself mucking with all three. Like its companion series, Timeless Fairy Tales, this series has clean romance.
713 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2021
353 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Shea
119 books4,777 followersMy pen name is K. M. Shea, but my readers—I prefer to call them Champions—call me Kitty.
I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
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VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...
VISIT MY WEBSITE
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I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
VISIT MY FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27090...
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...
VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://kmshea.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
August 17, 2022
Favorite author released long awaited sequel to favorite series? HECK YEAH WHERE IS MY COPY
July 30, 2021
I am SO happy this book has finally come, honestly. I'd call it a good "rest stop" for the series.
First of all, the set up, the relationships, the plot, the main character's growth, and did I mention all the relationships? Romantic or not, author really does know how to write so many different kinds of love and it's honestly heartwarming. I do enjoy how this book moved along the plot and readied it for its final arc, and its reveals and such were....very intriguing. And were set up SO WELL. Finally, this is a small point, but I really do appreciate how the author emphasizes the passage of time compared to her magical and non-magical characters...it's such a small worldbuilding point but it really is a great one.
I...do not have any more criticisms cause the HAPPY from this one is so strong. There are still questions I want answered and new questions I need answered...but so much that has been set up feels like it's been paid in this book. Big applause to Kitty for having written this monster of a book and just...relationships and story and healing and....yeah. It was a ride that I could NOT leave alone.
And if you're antsy about picking up the Timeless Fairy Tales and Snow Queen and other Fairy Tale Enchantress books, I'd say Trial of Magic makes reading all those books SO worth it. Though, admittedly, there will be so much screaming.
Content: A few battle scenes and magical torture scenes. It will be sad but there's nothing so...overly heavy? Like all of Kitty's books, it's clean.
First of all, the set up, the relationships, the plot, the main character's growth, and did I mention all the relationships? Romantic or not, author really does know how to write so many different kinds of love and it's honestly heartwarming. I do enjoy how this book moved along the plot and readied it for its final arc, and its reveals and such were....very intriguing. And were set up SO WELL. Finally, this is a small point, but I really do appreciate how the author emphasizes the passage of time compared to her magical and non-magical characters...it's such a small worldbuilding point but it really is a great one.
I...do not have any more criticisms cause the HAPPY from this one is so strong. There are still questions I want answered and new questions I need answered...but so much that has been set up feels like it's been paid in this book. Big applause to Kitty for having written this monster of a book and just...relationships and story and healing and....yeah. It was a ride that I could NOT leave alone.
And if you're antsy about picking up the Timeless Fairy Tales and Snow Queen and other Fairy Tale Enchantress books, I'd say Trial of Magic makes reading all those books SO worth it. Though, admittedly, there will be so much screaming.
Content: A few battle scenes and magical torture scenes. It will be sad but there's nothing so...overly heavy? Like all of Kitty's books, it's clean.
August 10, 2021
AHH!!!!! THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!
I've been waiting for this book SO impatiently, and it still managed to exceed my expectations!
Angelique grows SO MUCH in this book! When this book starts, she is about as low as she can get. But, thankfully, the author doesn't leave her there for long.
This book does overlap the Timeless Fairy Tales books 10 and 11 (Twelve Dancing Princess and Snow White). There is a lot of re-hashing of the events of those books that is necessary for Angelique's character development and to show what is really going on from her POV.
But it was the parts of the book that were new that really stole the show! The events that happened between Twelve Dancing Princesses and Snow White were THE BEST!!! The epic girls team up (not saying too much to avoid spoilers) was unexpected and I laughed out loud at several points!
And that ending! We finally get answers to questions that have been building since the first Timeless Fairy Tale book! Ahh!!!!
Now that we are past the timeline from the previous series, I'm expecting lots of twists and turns and battles for the next books! I know they are going to be AMAZING!!!!
I've been waiting for this book SO impatiently, and it still managed to exceed my expectations!
Angelique grows SO MUCH in this book! When this book starts, she is about as low as she can get. But, thankfully, the author doesn't leave her there for long.
This book does overlap the Timeless Fairy Tales books 10 and 11 (Twelve Dancing Princess and Snow White). There is a lot of re-hashing of the events of those books that is necessary for Angelique's character development and to show what is really going on from her POV.
But it was the parts of the book that were new that really stole the show! The events that happened between Twelve Dancing Princesses and Snow White were THE BEST!!! The epic girls team up (not saying too much to avoid spoilers) was unexpected and I laughed out loud at several points!
And that ending! We finally get answers to questions that have been building since the first Timeless Fairy Tale book! Ahh!!!!
Now that we are past the timeline from the previous series, I'm expecting lots of twists and turns and battles for the next books! I know they are going to be AMAZING!!!!
January 10, 2022
Ahhhhh!
So much amazingness-I think I might of highlighted half of the book! 😆😍😍😍😍
I was worried I would be a bit lost trying to remember what all went down in the previous books, but Kitty did such a good job inter-connecting all the timelines, making for a smooth flowing book full of humor, heart, and action!👌♡♡♡
I will try hard not to think of how long it will be till we get book 5.😭 -Patience is a virtue.-
Side note- I'm so happy we got an Acri POV, minor as it was.😉😻
So much amazingness-I think I might of highlighted half of the book! 😆😍😍😍😍
I was worried I would be a bit lost trying to remember what all went down in the previous books, but Kitty did such a good job inter-connecting all the timelines, making for a smooth flowing book full of humor, heart, and action!👌♡♡♡
I will try hard not to think of how long it will be till we get book 5.😭 -Patience is a virtue.-
Side note- I'm so happy we got an Acri POV, minor as it was.😉😻
July 30, 2021
Yay!
I'm about halfway through, but some pro's and con's to start.
Pro: New book right before a weekend
Con: When they say it releases on Friday, they really mean at like 12:15 Thursday night, and I lack the self-discipline not to start at least some of it right away
Pro: This one is longer than previous installments, which means more book!
Con: Despite staying up WAY past my bedtime, I was only able to get about halfway through, before I had to go to sleep in order to not be a complete zombie at work today. The temptation to call in sick was strong.
Thus far, the book is full of Kitty's trademark humor. I've enjoyed getting to see the adventures that Angelique and Quinn went on, and can't wait to finish!
I'm about halfway through, but some pro's and con's to start.
Pro: New book right before a weekend
Con: When they say it releases on Friday, they really mean at like 12:15 Thursday night, and I lack the self-discipline not to start at least some of it right away
Pro: This one is longer than previous installments, which means more book!
Con: Despite staying up WAY past my bedtime, I was only able to get about halfway through, before I had to go to sleep in order to not be a complete zombie at work today. The temptation to call in sick was strong.
Thus far, the book is full of Kitty's trademark humor. I've enjoyed getting to see the adventures that Angelique and Quinn went on, and can't wait to finish!
May 8, 2023
Note: This review is a combined review for books 2, 3, and 4 of this series.
I usually love books from this author, but this series has just been disappointing for me for the last few books. Unfortunately, books 2, 3, and 4 of this series have just been a rehash of every enchantress scene from the main fairy tale retelling series. (And I do mean every scene... Book 4 basically repeats the entire Snow White book.)
As a result, the overall plot progression of this series has just felt frustratingly slow, since I’ve already read the main fairy tale retelling series, and it also feels like there is little to no development of the MCs, which is a shame given how much I do actually like Angelique and Evariste as MCs. I really think this 6-book series should have been edited down to a trilogy, focusing more on Angelique and Evariste’s story (like this author’s Snow Queen duology).
I usually love books from this author, but this series has just been disappointing for me for the last few books. Unfortunately, books 2, 3, and 4 of this series have just been a rehash of every enchantress scene from the main fairy tale retelling series. (And I do mean every scene... Book 4 basically repeats the entire Snow White book.)
As a result, the overall plot progression of this series has just felt frustratingly slow, since I’ve already read the main fairy tale retelling series, and it also feels like there is little to no development of the MCs, which is a shame given how much I do actually like Angelique and Evariste as MCs. I really think this 6-book series should have been edited down to a trilogy, focusing more on Angelique and Evariste’s story (like this author’s Snow Queen duology).
August 9, 2021
Delightful addition
This was a delightful addition to the Fairy Tale Enchantress series! I loved seeing a different perspective on the Timeless Fairytales and loved watching Angelique grow and develop! This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for thematic violence.
This was a delightful addition to the Fairy Tale Enchantress series! I loved seeing a different perspective on the Timeless Fairytales and loved watching Angelique grow and develop! This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for thematic violence.
July 31, 2021
FINALLY. That's the first thought that popped into my head when I received a notification saying this book was available. Finally, the long awaited cliffhanger from Snow White has a resolution. Finally, Angel starts to heal and grow. Finally, people are standing with and for Angel. Finally, we get to see the adventures of Quinn and Angel.
This book was totally worth the wait! I can't say too much more without giving away details but I absolutely loved this book!
This book was totally worth the wait! I can't say too much more without giving away details but I absolutely loved this book!
October 1, 2021
I have to be honest and admit that I wasn't sure I was going to continue on with this series. Book 3 was brutally long and annoyingly frustrating. I didn't like anybody: the heroine, the hero for still being stuck, all the prejudiced people who were Debbie Downers about the heroine's power, the mirror, the Chosen, the list seemed endless. I hadn't read most of the fairy tale retellings by this author and I think that if were you like me, book 3 would've been impossible to finish. It certainly felt that way to me. I didn't get the "Oh, it's so nice to see those characters again" kind of feeling at all, which I think would've been the only thing that kept me going. As it was, I barely finished book 3.
But then I read a UF series by this author, and then another UF series by this author, and I thought to myself: "Huh, might as well give this enchantress series one more try". And so I did. It was long and it read long. However, I must say that things did actually happen, and lots of plot lines and subplot lines came to a head and were finally pushed in a productive direction. Plus, Angelique finally stopped throwing herself a pity party every other chapter ad made herself a little emotionally vulnerable toward others. And for all that I have to give it three stars. I'm hoping books 5 and 6 aren't nearly as long. And there needs to be some major relationship changes soon. But let's just say I'm hopeful. No one writes an adorable, sweet romance like K.M. Shea.
But then I read a UF series by this author, and then another UF series by this author, and I thought to myself: "Huh, might as well give this enchantress series one more try". And so I did. It was long and it read long. However, I must say that things did actually happen, and lots of plot lines and subplot lines came to a head and were finally pushed in a productive direction. Plus, Angelique finally stopped throwing herself a pity party every other chapter ad made herself a little emotionally vulnerable toward others. And for all that I have to give it three stars. I'm hoping books 5 and 6 aren't nearly as long. And there needs to be some major relationship changes soon. But let's just say I'm hopeful. No one writes an adorable, sweet romance like K.M. Shea.
July 12, 2023
Not the last book shockingly, only took 75% of this book and prior 3 to get past her Pavlovian training.
Will read next as the cast of characters are fun.
Will read next as the cast of characters are fun.
August 1, 2021
Okay so.... this was freaking awesome.
Angelique had so much setup from the last three books, there was a LOT coming up to this one.
And everything was SO WORTH IT.
Am I not saying much because there's too much to say? Yes. Yes I am.
Angelique had so much setup from the last three books, there was a LOT coming up to this one.
And everything was SO WORTH IT.
Am I not saying much because there's too much to say? Yes. Yes I am.
July 30, 2021
AMAZING!!!!!
Another fantastic installment in this series. I Will be demanding that all my frieand read it.!!!!!!!
Can't wait to see what comes next!
Another fantastic installment in this series. I Will be demanding that all my frieand read it.!!!!!!!
Can't wait to see what comes next!
September 24, 2021
Finally read it! Loved it! And now waiting for the next book though thats not to be released until 2024. maybe. Hopefully.
Well about the story, i liked the advancement of story. Especially that Angelique is now comfortable with her magic and acknowledge it.
The best part is her relationship with everyone getting better. She's found friends she can count on. I loved how Elle,Quinn, Gabrielle and then Odette and Snow White helped her through and the way everyone acknowledges her efforts in saving the continent.
Finding Evariste is certainly the crowning moment of the story though we knew that much already from Snow white. But it was still great to read it especially because it was from Angelique and Evariste's view point.
In the previous book it kind of looked dragged that Angel wasn't accepting and willing to use her core magic but thats fixed for better now.
And finally things seem to get better though Evariste is still sealed from his magic and the war has yet to come but things have started to go in the right direction now with Angelique accepting her core magic, Evariste freed, conclave being freed of moles and shifting to Verglas.
So yayyyy 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Well about the story, i liked the advancement of story. Especially that Angelique is now comfortable with her magic and acknowledge it.
The best part is her relationship with everyone getting better. She's found friends she can count on. I loved how Elle,Quinn, Gabrielle and then Odette and Snow White helped her through and the way everyone acknowledges her efforts in saving the continent.
Finding Evariste is certainly the crowning moment of the story though we knew that much already from Snow white. But it was still great to read it especially because it was from Angelique and Evariste's view point.
In the previous book it kind of looked dragged that Angel wasn't accepting and willing to use her core magic but thats fixed for better now.
And finally things seem to get better though Evariste is still sealed from his magic and the war has yet to come but things have started to go in the right direction now with Angelique accepting her core magic, Evariste freed, conclave being freed of moles and shifting to Verglas.
So yayyyy 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
The first 3/4 of this book was just what I expected—a rehash of the last two books in the Fairy Tale series but from Angelique’s perspective. I know what Shea is trying to do but it really messes up with the flow of the book to have so much crammed in. I would have liked things to be edited down (this goes for the other books in this series) and skipped over a lot of the already-seen action. I did like that this book went beyond the end of Snow White. Now that the next books are going to be new info I’m excited to see how everything plays out. Contains: non-gory violence against monsters.
March 5, 2024
Thank God
I don’t think I could have taken much more of Angel’s refusal to use her magic. I almost didn’t even read this book, especially when I saw that it’s been almost 3 years since it was released and checked the author’s website to see the next book isn’t even on the list for this year and people are wondering if she’s given up on the series. But as a writer myself that due to covid and many other personal reasons has left readers hanging for 4 years, I get it. I’m glad I read this one and I’ll hope the next book comes out sooner rather than later.
I don’t think I could have taken much more of Angel’s refusal to use her magic. I almost didn’t even read this book, especially when I saw that it’s been almost 3 years since it was released and checked the author’s website to see the next book isn’t even on the list for this year and people are wondering if she’s given up on the series. But as a writer myself that due to covid and many other personal reasons has left readers hanging for 4 years, I get it. I’m glad I read this one and I’ll hope the next book comes out sooner rather than later.
May 3, 2024
So..I naively thought this was a four book series. But it is intended to be a six book series and it does indeed leave off at a hanging point. I looked up to see when the next book is due out, and the author is experiencing significant health issues and is taking a writing hiatus. Her blog post said it would be probably be at least two years before she publishes anything else - so I would caution you if you do not like to wait for a series to be finished (I don't think the last two are even written yet) - you may want to wait before beginning the Fairy Tale Enchantress series.
August 2, 2021
Perfect in every way!
Wow! This book was so worth waiting almost 2 years for! I was laughing, crying, and experiencing a full range of emotions when reading this book. The pacing is great, and the character development made me happy. Amazing work, and I can’t wait for books 5 and 6 though I know it’ll be a while until they release.
Wow! This book was so worth waiting almost 2 years for! I was laughing, crying, and experiencing a full range of emotions when reading this book. The pacing is great, and the character development made me happy. Amazing work, and I can’t wait for books 5 and 6 though I know it’ll be a while until they release.
February 6, 2023
Okay normally I love these happy little KM Shea books. This one was painfully slow and so drawn out for no reason. At least things fundamental to the plot actually happened in this book, but I straight up skimmed 90% of it and didn’t feel like I missed anything crucial
October 30, 2024
6/5*
I am more emotionally invested in this fictional couple's relationship than I am my own.
As a side note: *deep inhale*
FINALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY!!!!!!
This installation in the series has singlehandedly cured my depression. Thank you.
That is all.
I am more emotionally invested in this fictional couple's relationship than I am my own.
As a side note: *deep inhale*
FINALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY!!!!!!
This installation in the series has singlehandedly cured my depression. Thank you.
That is all.
July 14, 2022
I inhaled this book and I just found out we'll have to wait for the next two a long time, but I'm sure it will be worth it. I'm still not a fan of the sudden endings through the series though.
December 26, 2021
Fun fairy retell escape novel. I love Angelique’s character arc and her growth as an enchantress. I thought this was the last in the series only to discover there are two more books!
August 6, 2021
80% is a repetition of 2 previous books in series
Disappointing.
80% of the book was stories from two other books, nothing new, often even exact same wording & vignettes.
Only 20% touched on the immediate aftermath of Angelique rescuing Evariste, then the great betrayal by Chosen Conclave members.
It's extremely annoying that this series will have 6 books when it could have ended with this one. I guess money talks and pads the word-count and repetition. Very sad about this.
I've truly loved many of her books, but this one was almost an insult.
However, I do prefer Angelique's behavior & character now. Less effacing, more assertive, quick to speak up and out. That was a good thing shown in this book.
Disappointing.
80% of the book was stories from two other books, nothing new, often even exact same wording & vignettes.
Only 20% touched on the immediate aftermath of Angelique rescuing Evariste, then the great betrayal by Chosen Conclave members.
It's extremely annoying that this series will have 6 books when it could have ended with this one. I guess money talks and pads the word-count and repetition. Very sad about this.
I've truly loved many of her books, but this one was almost an insult.
However, I do prefer Angelique's behavior & character now. Less effacing, more assertive, quick to speak up and out. That was a good thing shown in this book.
September 11, 2021
I've been waiting for this book to come out for 2 years and let me tell you, the wait was worth it! I was a bit bored towards the middle-end once we got to Snow White's story because that was one of my least favorite stories of the series. However, the ending was so phenomenal that this rating shot back up to 5 stars.
I love how much stronger Angelique was in this story. Her thoughts in the first few books were always fun but self-deprecating. It was hard to read because I constantly wanted to shake her and snap her out of that funk. Now, I can't get enough of her (ESPECIALLLY WHEN SHE'S WITH SWEET PEGASUS). She's sassy, playful, and finally starting to believe in her own capabilities. I can't wait until the next book since from here on out, the stories will be taking place after all the fairy tale books. NEW PLOTS WOOT.
I love how much stronger Angelique was in this story. Her thoughts in the first few books were always fun but self-deprecating. It was hard to read because I constantly wanted to shake her and snap her out of that funk. Now, I can't get enough of her (ESPECIALLLY WHEN SHE'S WITH SWEET PEGASUS). She's sassy, playful, and finally starting to believe in her own capabilities. I can't wait until the next book since from here on out, the stories will be taking place after all the fairy tale books. NEW PLOTS WOOT.
September 28, 2021
I need to read the next book now!
Finally we see some things unravel. Angelique is looking for a way to break the Elves curse and free them from the forest. Here we meet the honorable Quinn. I loved her since the moment Angelique loved her, which was immediately. Quinn really is much like Evariste.
Evariste, oh, Evariste. Knowing Shea, Evariste won't unseal his powers until the very last moment before the final battle.
I marvel at the way the author was able to wave such a story, and put Angelique in the middle of every one. I haven't read the parallel series, but I know they are as good as all her work.
Gods, this saga is really a treasure.
Finally we see some things unravel. Angelique is looking for a way to break the Elves curse and free them from the forest. Here we meet the honorable Quinn. I loved her since the moment Angelique loved her, which was immediately. Quinn really is much like Evariste.
Evariste, oh, Evariste. Knowing Shea, Evariste won't unseal his powers until the very last moment before the final battle.
I marvel at the way the author was able to wave such a story, and put Angelique in the middle of every one. I haven't read the parallel series, but I know they are as good as all her work.
Gods, this saga is really a treasure.
November 28, 2024
I just read all four books in this series and enjoyed each one enough to continue on to the next. I haven't read the separate fairy tale retellings so didn't find these books too long, but I did wish for more content for the main characters. What surprised me the most is the lack of book 5 and 6 to complete the story. It's been years and while I understand life and other priorities get in the way, I also think authors have a responsibility to complete their series when consumers have paid to read prior books. Authors are creators but they should also be professionals and I can't think of another example where we would be happy to buy a product that isn't all there, especially with no indication of when the rest of the product will arrive. I'm a fan of K. M. Shea, but I won't be reading any future books until I see that all books in a series have been published.
September 2, 2023
Wow amazing spectacular fantastic
Head line says it all ... I'm soooo not looking forward to the wait to see what's next! Wow I'm simply at a loss for how to convey how amazing this series and timeless fairy tales are. Because there are no words to tell you don't think buy them all and you won't be disappointed .... Now to reread them all again because I need to be with my favorite characters ever!!!!
Head line says it all ... I'm soooo not looking forward to the wait to see what's next! Wow I'm simply at a loss for how to convey how amazing this series and timeless fairy tales are. Because there are no words to tell you don't think buy them all and you won't be disappointed .... Now to reread them all again because I need to be with my favorite characters ever!!!!
January 10, 2023
Latest book in the series to come out, can't wait for book five!!! Another super-clean romance that warms my heart. Taking this over a romcom any day. Sarcastic characters with gentle moments.
January 13, 2022
"Angelique, enchantress-in-training and still technically a mere apprentice, sat on the back of Pegasus—the constellation— and wondered when her life had taken such an unexpected turn that she came to be arguing with a magic horse."
This book was SO GOOD!!
This series is one of my absolute favorites so far, and this book was DEFINITELY worth the wait. It answered so many questions that I wanted to be answered, and
At first, I was concerned that it would be difficult to remember and understand everything since it had been about 2 years since I last read the series, but the first 50 pages or so refreshed my memory very quickly, and the book was a smooth ride! (well... not really)
First... the plot development was PHENOMENAL! I have never seen such exquisite world-building and character development! I was a little worried that the story would be all over the place, but it was super clean and well-written.
This series is also—without a doubt— the best series I've ever read when it comes to the characters. K.M. Shea knows how to develop her characters so well. Whether it comes to Angelique, Evariste, Snow White, or even Pegasus, they changed in ways I couldn't possibly imagine. Especially Angelique!! I am so happy for her!
K.M. Shea is SOOO good at writing all types of love. Whether it's parental, platonic, self, or romantic love, she displayed it PERFECTLY.
THE PLOT TWISTSS oh my goodness... I did not expect that! Angelique is truly an amazing Enchantress!
I will DEFINITELY recommend this to everyone! This books series is so amazing and fantastic! There are laughs, cries, and cheers, and I think absolutely everyone would enjoy this! If you like fantasy, sci-fi, fiction, romance, and dystopia... PICK UP THE BOOK. NOW. (or in my case, download it)
Infinite Stars :)
This next part is for me to look back to when the next book comes out so that I can remember a few key details. Sadly, the only downside to this series is that each book comes out about 2 years apart. If you haven't read this book yet, DO NOT CLICK THE view spoiler BUTTON!! This will tell all of the events of the book.
March 30, 2022
I loved this book. I have loved this series, which has crossed back and forth with KM Shea's Fairy Tale series. I've really enjoyed the back and forth interweaving of the two series. With this book Shea reaches the end of the Fairy Tale series and the next two books in this series will move forward independent of other books. I'm looking forward to that as well. My main complaint about the fairy tale books (some more than others), has been how swiftly many of the stories conclude. Sometimes it feels like Shea ran out of plot and had to wrap up the relationship issues faster than felt natural. I've loved her Magiford trilogies and this series because they've all given Shea the space to allow her characters to grow and develop as individuals, and for their relationships to develop and deepen naturally.
This book has a lot of payoff in terms of character development. Angelique has grown and grown and grown over the four books of this series. I remember reading a bunch of reviews of the first and even second books with people complaining about how little progress she's made in accepting herself and her magic. And one review someone wrote saying that her growth and progress was much more realistic and believable for someone who had been treated as she had. I guess I found myself agreeing more with that final reviewer...and on top of that, Angelique didn't bother me in the first couple books. She seemed read to me, and her beliefs about herself and her power seemed real and understandable. Frustrating at times, but understandable. Same thing with her growing feeling of being alone, friendless and put upon that built to a climax in the third book. Here in this book, she actively practices her magic to increase strength, versatility and control. She still struggles some, but what a difference from how she felt in the first book! She also starts experiencing normal friendship...which has been present and available all along, but for various reasons not truly recognized.
The main payoff though, is the return of Evariste after a long, long absence. Firstly, it's just great that he's back. But what's really nice is seeing the change in his relationship with Angelique because of her interim growth. She notes herself - they are now relating as equals rather than master and apprentice. The time apart let Angelique grow up and helps remove any squick factor that would hinder readers from embracing a romantic relationship between the two.
I'm sad I finished this book because there's such a long wait for the next one. I actually put off reading this book for months because of knowing there are supposed to be two more books and that the next one isn't coming for so long. In the end I had to re-skim/read the final two fairy tale series books and the end of the 3rd book in this series before I could start this book...these were all recommendations Shea made prior to this one being released, but I'd timed my initial readings to where it shouldn't have been necessary....until she announced it would be 2024 before the next book is out and I decided to hold off on reading this one. I could only hold out for so long though...just long enough to need to reread all those other books! At least there are lots of books to go back and peruse next year when I'm killing time waiting for the year after next.
This book has a lot of payoff in terms of character development. Angelique has grown and grown and grown over the four books of this series. I remember reading a bunch of reviews of the first and even second books with people complaining about how little progress she's made in accepting herself and her magic. And one review someone wrote saying that her growth and progress was much more realistic and believable for someone who had been treated as she had. I guess I found myself agreeing more with that final reviewer...and on top of that, Angelique didn't bother me in the first couple books. She seemed read to me, and her beliefs about herself and her power seemed real and understandable. Frustrating at times, but understandable. Same thing with her growing feeling of being alone, friendless and put upon that built to a climax in the third book. Here in this book, she actively practices her magic to increase strength, versatility and control. She still struggles some, but what a difference from how she felt in the first book! She also starts experiencing normal friendship...which has been present and available all along, but for various reasons not truly recognized.
The main payoff though, is the return of Evariste after a long, long absence. Firstly, it's just great that he's back. But what's really nice is seeing the change in his relationship with Angelique because of her interim growth. She notes herself - they are now relating as equals rather than master and apprentice. The time apart let Angelique grow up and helps remove any squick factor that would hinder readers from embracing a romantic relationship between the two.
I'm sad I finished this book because there's such a long wait for the next one. I actually put off reading this book for months because of knowing there are supposed to be two more books and that the next one isn't coming for so long. In the end I had to re-skim/read the final two fairy tale series books and the end of the 3rd book in this series before I could start this book...these were all recommendations Shea made prior to this one being released, but I'd timed my initial readings to where it shouldn't have been necessary....until she announced it would be 2024 before the next book is out and I decided to hold off on reading this one. I could only hold out for so long though...just long enough to need to reread all those other books! At least there are lots of books to go back and peruse next year when I'm killing time waiting for the year after next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
Best in the Series So Far
Let's start this off by saying that I haven't been the biggest fan of Angelique so far in this series. I have found her books long and slightly burdensome as they go over events that the reader is already familiar with from the Timeless Fairytale series. The lack of character growth for the titular character also made me slightly reluctant to pick up this book.
I am so glad I did.
Everything that I have been craving since the start of the series happened. Serious character and plot development, fantastic team ups, escalation of conflict... so good!
CHARACTERS
ANGELIQUE - finally! My! Girl! Grows!!!! I won't go into depth, but if you've been as dissatisfied as I have with her character in the past three books, then this one might ease you troubled soul.
EVARISTE - to be perfectly honest, I found Evar to be kind of dry in this one. It seems as if he has a one-track mind. Definitely not my favorite of Shea's live interests. I feel like I need more from him...
CLOVICUS AND SYBILLA - again, to be perfectly honest, these two just acted kind of sketchy for most of the book. Something about the way they were written didn't come across as genuine to me.
SNOW WHITE AND QUINN - these two were among my favorites of the previous series, and I loved how they were portrayed in this book. Literally zero complaints with regards to these two.
ELLE AND GABRIELLE - a fantastic team up. I wasn't expecting how present they were in the book - I won't explain how they came to be in the story, but know that it opens the gate for lots of humor.
PEGASUS - He's actually my favorite character in the series. He's the best.
OTHERS:
The Seven Warriors are fantastic and in character.
I wish we could have seen more of Severin and Stil. They felt like afterthoughts.
The Council can die for all I care, but I'm pleased with development in terms of the Veneno Conclave (some clever foreshadowing, that name. Veneno means venom in Portuguese. Make of that what you will).
Emerys is utterly amazing in his utter lack of tact and common sense. He's a good friend.
PLOT
The pacing for this book was far better than its predecessors. While previous books tended to drag on, there were enough varied fast and slow moments that I was able to paused and do things IRL while still being anxious to read more.
Love is honestly starting to feel like a Deus Ex Machina in this series. Don't know what to do? Love the evil away! I get that that's the moral of the story, but still... it's starting to feel over done now.
There were several plot twists, including an absolutely epic battle that I wasn't expecting, but there were also times when the Chosen acted a bit too... dumb to be plausible. Several high up spies in the Conclave for instance, try to accuse a certain character (not Angelique) of being a black mage, but the attempt falls short of realistic and reasonable action in the way that it's portrayed.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'm glad, because I was getting close to dropping the series if it didn't improve. I look forward to the next one - the escalation of the conflict gripped me and made me anxious to know what happens. I'll definitely be pre-ordering the next book!
Let's start this off by saying that I haven't been the biggest fan of Angelique so far in this series. I have found her books long and slightly burdensome as they go over events that the reader is already familiar with from the Timeless Fairytale series. The lack of character growth for the titular character also made me slightly reluctant to pick up this book.
I am so glad I did.
Everything that I have been craving since the start of the series happened. Serious character and plot development, fantastic team ups, escalation of conflict... so good!
CHARACTERS
ANGELIQUE - finally! My! Girl! Grows!!!! I won't go into depth, but if you've been as dissatisfied as I have with her character in the past three books, then this one might ease you troubled soul.
EVARISTE - to be perfectly honest, I found Evar to be kind of dry in this one. It seems as if he has a one-track mind. Definitely not my favorite of Shea's live interests. I feel like I need more from him...
CLOVICUS AND SYBILLA - again, to be perfectly honest, these two just acted kind of sketchy for most of the book. Something about the way they were written didn't come across as genuine to me.
SNOW WHITE AND QUINN - these two were among my favorites of the previous series, and I loved how they were portrayed in this book. Literally zero complaints with regards to these two.
ELLE AND GABRIELLE - a fantastic team up. I wasn't expecting how present they were in the book - I won't explain how they came to be in the story, but know that it opens the gate for lots of humor.
PEGASUS - He's actually my favorite character in the series. He's the best.
OTHERS:
The Seven Warriors are fantastic and in character.
I wish we could have seen more of Severin and Stil. They felt like afterthoughts.
The Council can die for all I care, but I'm pleased with development in terms of the Veneno Conclave (some clever foreshadowing, that name. Veneno means venom in Portuguese. Make of that what you will).
Emerys is utterly amazing in his utter lack of tact and common sense. He's a good friend.
PLOT
The pacing for this book was far better than its predecessors. While previous books tended to drag on, there were enough varied fast and slow moments that I was able to paused and do things IRL while still being anxious to read more.
Love is honestly starting to feel like a Deus Ex Machina in this series. Don't know what to do? Love the evil away! I get that that's the moral of the story, but still... it's starting to feel over done now.
There were several plot twists, including an absolutely epic battle that I wasn't expecting, but there were also times when the Chosen acted a bit too... dumb to be plausible. Several high up spies in the Conclave for instance, try to accuse a certain character (not Angelique) of being a black mage, but the attempt falls short of realistic and reasonable action in the way that it's portrayed.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'm glad, because I was getting close to dropping the series if it didn't improve. I look forward to the next one - the escalation of the conflict gripped me and made me anxious to know what happens. I'll definitely be pre-ordering the next book!
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