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Sorceress Academy #1
Forbidden Magic
Forbidden Magic. Unknown Power.
Celeste was a privileged princess living a seemingly uneventful life. A doting mother, a loving brother, and her father, King Roland, were her entire world. Her lifelong lady-in-waiting and friend, Savannah, attempts to keep the stubborn princess in line.
Her life changed in an instant when assassins invaded her home. Against her will, she’s sent to a sorceress academy far from her home for her own safety. She takes with her unfathomable horror she witnessed and the losses she doesn’t understand.
She struggles to fit in where there’s an underlying disdain for her. Kael is an unknown and she can’t figure out if he’s her friend or enemy and the strange feelings she has toward him. What he reveals infuriates her and is unforgivable.
Buhara is on the march and wants all the kingdoms, academies and magic for himself and he’ll use anyone to attain his goal, even his son. Peace is not possible with the alliances forged between evil forces and those who pretend to be for it.
Attempting to find her way through this new and strange world, Celeste relies on her new friends and allies to help her defeat the impending battles she’s been thrust into, and the new life where she’s forced to forget about her past.
Celeste was a privileged princess living a seemingly uneventful life. A doting mother, a loving brother, and her father, King Roland, were her entire world. Her lifelong lady-in-waiting and friend, Savannah, attempts to keep the stubborn princess in line.
Her life changed in an instant when assassins invaded her home. Against her will, she’s sent to a sorceress academy far from her home for her own safety. She takes with her unfathomable horror she witnessed and the losses she doesn’t understand.
She struggles to fit in where there’s an underlying disdain for her. Kael is an unknown and she can’t figure out if he’s her friend or enemy and the strange feelings she has toward him. What he reveals infuriates her and is unforgivable.
Buhara is on the march and wants all the kingdoms, academies and magic for himself and he’ll use anyone to attain his goal, even his son. Peace is not possible with the alliances forged between evil forces and those who pretend to be for it.
Attempting to find her way through this new and strange world, Celeste relies on her new friends and allies to help her defeat the impending battles she’s been thrust into, and the new life where she’s forced to forget about her past.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2021
12 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Wells
13 books9 followersD. A. Wells creates immersive fantasy worlds where ancient magic meets modern discovery, appealing to readers who believe the best stories transcend age boundaries. Her interconnected universes span from sorceress academies and dragon-filled realms to contemporary settings where hidden heritage mysteries unfold in university libraries and ancient cathedrals.
Known for intricate world-building that rewards careful readers, her stories feature complex symbol systems, progressive magical authentication, and authentic relationships that drive both personal growth and world-changing consequences. Whether exploring magical academies, bloodline legacies, or high fantasy dragon lore, her work combines intellectual depth with emotional resonance, creating narratives that satisfy both young adults discovering their place in the world and adults seeking sophisticated escapism.
Her fantasy spans multiple genres—from the academic urban fantasy of the Ava Calloway Universe to epic high fantasy dragon sagas to magical academy adventures—but all share a common thread: characters who must master not just magical abilities, but the wisdom to use them responsibly. Like the most beloved fantasy series, her books offer layered storytelling that reveals new depths with each reading, appealing to anyone who believes that the most powerful magic lies in the choices we make and the relationships we forge.
Perfect for readers who appreciate fantasy that grows with them, offering adventure and wonder while exploring themes of heritage, responsibility, and the transformative power of authentic connection.
Known for intricate world-building that rewards careful readers, her stories feature complex symbol systems, progressive magical authentication, and authentic relationships that drive both personal growth and world-changing consequences. Whether exploring magical academies, bloodline legacies, or high fantasy dragon lore, her work combines intellectual depth with emotional resonance, creating narratives that satisfy both young adults discovering their place in the world and adults seeking sophisticated escapism.
Her fantasy spans multiple genres—from the academic urban fantasy of the Ava Calloway Universe to epic high fantasy dragon sagas to magical academy adventures—but all share a common thread: characters who must master not just magical abilities, but the wisdom to use them responsibly. Like the most beloved fantasy series, her books offer layered storytelling that reveals new depths with each reading, appealing to anyone who believes that the most powerful magic lies in the choices we make and the relationships we forge.
Perfect for readers who appreciate fantasy that grows with them, offering adventure and wonder while exploring themes of heritage, responsibility, and the transformative power of authentic connection.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 10, 2021
Thank you to author D.A. Wells for the opportunity to review an electronic Advanced Reader's Copy for this review. I liked the book enough that I've purchased the book as well.
This book appears to be written for the younger end of Young Adult. Of course, it is written about a teenage princess, newly coming into her magical powers, while dealing with a threat to her kingdom and family, in fulfillment of a prophecy that everyone but the main character appears to know about, to some degree. The book goes back and forth on whether it is legal or illegal for the people to wield magic, but generally, outside of the Sorceress Academy, it is illegal, although there is a lot of magic use that takes place. It generally focuses on the main character, Celeste, the princess, and introduces several close members of her inner circle, including parents, siblings, friends, teachers/professors, and her familiar.
The book appears to be a Young Adult/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy blend, in a Earth-based world, with different kingdoms but also including an Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. There were references to some technology, including jeans, buses, iPods, and phones, but the weapons described were pretty much all bladed weapons. There appears to be an amalgamation of medieval (castles) and modern technology.
The book introduces a love interest, who was also involved in dire events against her family. Even upon learning that the love interest was involved in those dire events, Celeste is depicted as still entertaining romantic feelings for the love interest. I found this one element of the story disturbing, given this book is intended for a Young Adult audience, although I concede that is because there was an adolescent female in my area that was involved in the murder and attempted murder of her parents, at the direction and in cooperation with her boyfriend. I just think that this plot line really sends a bad message to impressionable readers. I get that the trope "Girls like the bad boys" is a trope for a reason. I read this book both with consideration for both my enjoyment and for whether it is appropriate to share with my children, foster children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. This issue gives me pause. I'm not saying it is a deal breaker on purchasing or sharing the book, but I think that this would certainly require discussion about how the character handled her love interest, in light of the harm caused to her family.
The author, in descriptions of Celeste, waivered between a mature, thoughtful young woman coming into her power and a petulant, impulsive child. Initially, this really grated on me, but upon reflection, I think that is fair, because we experience this with our adolescent children.
Although there are references to romantic interests within the book, there is no sexual conduct described or depicted. While there are scenes of violence, it is described in very basic terms, and should not serve to traumatize younger readers or readers with violence trigger concerns. The book does detail drugging victims and kidnapping, so readers sensitive to those issues should be aware. There was at least one incidence of strong language that I noted, but it was pretty benign, and I wouldn't worry about that one episode in determining whether or not to share the book with an adolescent family member.
The book did address several socially positive themes, including the value of knowledge and learning, the importance of family and friendship, the importance of honesty, the value of life, and the value of social diversity. I believe these themes will resonate throughout the series, and these are good themes to amplify, via an entertainment medium, with our Young Adults. With the comment noted above, I would share this book with family members and foster children.
This book appears to be written for the younger end of Young Adult. Of course, it is written about a teenage princess, newly coming into her magical powers, while dealing with a threat to her kingdom and family, in fulfillment of a prophecy that everyone but the main character appears to know about, to some degree. The book goes back and forth on whether it is legal or illegal for the people to wield magic, but generally, outside of the Sorceress Academy, it is illegal, although there is a lot of magic use that takes place. It generally focuses on the main character, Celeste, the princess, and introduces several close members of her inner circle, including parents, siblings, friends, teachers/professors, and her familiar.
The book appears to be a Young Adult/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy blend, in a Earth-based world, with different kingdoms but also including an Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. There were references to some technology, including jeans, buses, iPods, and phones, but the weapons described were pretty much all bladed weapons. There appears to be an amalgamation of medieval (castles) and modern technology.
The book introduces a love interest, who was also involved in dire events against her family. Even upon learning that the love interest was involved in those dire events, Celeste is depicted as still entertaining romantic feelings for the love interest. I found this one element of the story disturbing, given this book is intended for a Young Adult audience, although I concede that is because there was an adolescent female in my area that was involved in the murder and attempted murder of her parents, at the direction and in cooperation with her boyfriend. I just think that this plot line really sends a bad message to impressionable readers. I get that the trope "Girls like the bad boys" is a trope for a reason. I read this book both with consideration for both my enjoyment and for whether it is appropriate to share with my children, foster children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. This issue gives me pause. I'm not saying it is a deal breaker on purchasing or sharing the book, but I think that this would certainly require discussion about how the character handled her love interest, in light of the harm caused to her family.
The author, in descriptions of Celeste, waivered between a mature, thoughtful young woman coming into her power and a petulant, impulsive child. Initially, this really grated on me, but upon reflection, I think that is fair, because we experience this with our adolescent children.
Although there are references to romantic interests within the book, there is no sexual conduct described or depicted. While there are scenes of violence, it is described in very basic terms, and should not serve to traumatize younger readers or readers with violence trigger concerns. The book does detail drugging victims and kidnapping, so readers sensitive to those issues should be aware. There was at least one incidence of strong language that I noted, but it was pretty benign, and I wouldn't worry about that one episode in determining whether or not to share the book with an adolescent family member.
The book did address several socially positive themes, including the value of knowledge and learning, the importance of family and friendship, the importance of honesty, the value of life, and the value of social diversity. I believe these themes will resonate throughout the series, and these are good themes to amplify, via an entertainment medium, with our Young Adults. With the comment noted above, I would share this book with family members and foster children.
November 17, 2021
I'll be honest that YA is not my typical choice of book, so I had a bit of a hard time getting into this story. However, the issue is with me and not with the author. Forbidden Magic had a lot of great aspects to it such as fantasy creatures of all kinds, magic wielding and familiars for any magic wielder (not just the normal witch that we see having them in so many books), the battle between good and evil, the mystery between who is friend and who is foe, and a prophecy to save the surrounding kingdoms. I think a lot of readers of YA will enjoy this series.
In this book, it is mentioned that the fmc, Celeste, is nineteen years old, but to me she and the rest of the characters came off as much younger based on their mannerisms and speech. With that being said, I think this is a great fantasy book for younger readers. I believe a lot of teens would be able to identify with Celeste, as she is thrust into a completely unfamiliar situation that she was never prepared for. At this time in their lives, many teens are going through so many changes that can become overwhelming and beat on their self confidence. You see this a lot with Celeste as she attempts to learn magic to no avail. There are many times that she gets so frustrated that she wants to give up, but those around her simply do not let her quit and continue to support her through her learning journey.
One thing that was really nice about this book was the morals that were shown and that can be learned from. Sometimes it takes a village and in Celeste's case, this is the truth. Celeste had such a great support system around her from the beginning of the book even if some of them didn't hit it off right away. The idea that you cannot do everything on your own is definitely proven by how she and her group of protectors had to work together in order to get out of difficult situations.
Another positive focus of this book was that confidence is key. Celeste's grasp on her magical abilities was very slow going in this book and although that could be annoying at times, you could see that the only real times her magic worked was when she was either incredibly emotional (ie: anger) or when she had confidence in herself. Having confidence played such a huge part in how her magic reacted to her attempts. You can't expect things to go well if you aren't in the right state of mind. Celeste has a long journey ahead of her, but hopefully with those around her to support and build her confidence, she will blossom into the self assured leader and savior that she is meant to be.
In this book, it is mentioned that the fmc, Celeste, is nineteen years old, but to me she and the rest of the characters came off as much younger based on their mannerisms and speech. With that being said, I think this is a great fantasy book for younger readers. I believe a lot of teens would be able to identify with Celeste, as she is thrust into a completely unfamiliar situation that she was never prepared for. At this time in their lives, many teens are going through so many changes that can become overwhelming and beat on their self confidence. You see this a lot with Celeste as she attempts to learn magic to no avail. There are many times that she gets so frustrated that she wants to give up, but those around her simply do not let her quit and continue to support her through her learning journey.
One thing that was really nice about this book was the morals that were shown and that can be learned from. Sometimes it takes a village and in Celeste's case, this is the truth. Celeste had such a great support system around her from the beginning of the book even if some of them didn't hit it off right away. The idea that you cannot do everything on your own is definitely proven by how she and her group of protectors had to work together in order to get out of difficult situations.
Another positive focus of this book was that confidence is key. Celeste's grasp on her magical abilities was very slow going in this book and although that could be annoying at times, you could see that the only real times her magic worked was when she was either incredibly emotional (ie: anger) or when she had confidence in herself. Having confidence played such a huge part in how her magic reacted to her attempts. You can't expect things to go well if you aren't in the right state of mind. Celeste has a long journey ahead of her, but hopefully with those around her to support and build her confidence, she will blossom into the self assured leader and savior that she is meant to be.
November 18, 2021
D.A.Wells debuts her first Young Adult book with Forbidden Magic: Sorceress Academy-Year One.
I love the magical world that spins in this story. As a reader, I want to be taken to a new and exciting setting. This world had a lot of familiar feeling components, but there was definitely a harsher side that balanced the story.
We have our female main character, who, although old enough to attend the academy, is quite naive. Even as horrific things are happening to her family, and she finds herself in an unexpected setting, she doesn’t become jaded. There is something positive in seeing this message to young readers.
Even as she tries to harness her own magic, and it is frustrating to her, she must learn to cope.
There are a few unique scenes in Wells’ story that show us a peek at what may be coming further in the series. I look forward to Year Two!
I love the magical world that spins in this story. As a reader, I want to be taken to a new and exciting setting. This world had a lot of familiar feeling components, but there was definitely a harsher side that balanced the story.
We have our female main character, who, although old enough to attend the academy, is quite naive. Even as horrific things are happening to her family, and she finds herself in an unexpected setting, she doesn’t become jaded. There is something positive in seeing this message to young readers.
Even as she tries to harness her own magic, and it is frustrating to her, she must learn to cope.
There are a few unique scenes in Wells’ story that show us a peek at what may be coming further in the series. I look forward to Year Two!
November 7, 2021
Academy
This series has potential. However, I had trouble connecting with the characters. The POV was transient, not in a structured way so it was difficult to know which character to focus on. This is an academy book where the FMC is supposed to be 19 but the characters to me portrayed more of a pre-teen or high school age group. At times it felt rushed into the next scene, I could see there was more potential to build in the scenes. At other times there seemed to be word filler recapping what had just happened like you get at the beginning of a new episode of a tv series, however what’s being recapped just happened in the previous paragraph. I think I would love this book if it was reworked a little.
This series has potential. However, I had trouble connecting with the characters. The POV was transient, not in a structured way so it was difficult to know which character to focus on. This is an academy book where the FMC is supposed to be 19 but the characters to me portrayed more of a pre-teen or high school age group. At times it felt rushed into the next scene, I could see there was more potential to build in the scenes. At other times there seemed to be word filler recapping what had just happened like you get at the beginning of a new episode of a tv series, however what’s being recapped just happened in the previous paragraph. I think I would love this book if it was reworked a little.
November 10, 2021
This book starts off really well. Celeste rushes in and there is an attack on the castle. King Roland forces Celeste off to school under the guise that she needs to be away from the caste while they are under attack. Celeste only makes a few friends and some of them seem to be more of an enemy than a friend. Celeste doesn’t know who to trust and as a reader it’s especially hard to know who is friend or foe. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The idea of the story is really good but I did not like the recapping that happened throughout the book. I can see where there is a lot of potential for the rest of the story.
November 5, 2021
All magical
What an interesting magical young adult read. Celeste has lost her mother and brother and forced to go to an academy that she's never heard of to learn magic that's been forbidden in her kingdom. While there, she doubts herself, ends up on many adventures and has a great group of friends that are her protectors. This book had a lot of information and at times not enough, so I'm very curious to see how this series goes.
What an interesting magical young adult read. Celeste has lost her mother and brother and forced to go to an academy that she's never heard of to learn magic that's been forbidden in her kingdom. While there, she doubts herself, ends up on many adventures and has a great group of friends that are her protectors. This book had a lot of information and at times not enough, so I'm very curious to see how this series goes.
November 10, 2021
Exciting start of series
Royalty, a magical academy, evil threatening to take over the world. Mystery, murder, magic, adventure and friendship. Celeste finds herself sent to an academy to learn magic. She also learns she is part of a prophecy and has chosen protectors. There is betrayal, trials, death and friendships....such an engaging story. Excited to see what happens next.
Royalty, a magical academy, evil threatening to take over the world. Mystery, murder, magic, adventure and friendship. Celeste finds herself sent to an academy to learn magic. She also learns she is part of a prophecy and has chosen protectors. There is betrayal, trials, death and friendships....such an engaging story. Excited to see what happens next.
November 14, 2021
I have questions? When's the next one?
Okay so this book wasn't best thing I've ever read. Trying to understand pov if I had set in down in the middle of a page took me a second. But my must have for books is world building if I can't see myself in the world I can't read it. For the main characters age I felt she was a realistic character and that the world was well built. Book two awaits
Okay so this book wasn't best thing I've ever read. Trying to understand pov if I had set in down in the middle of a page took me a second. But my must have for books is world building if I can't see myself in the world I can't read it. For the main characters age I felt she was a realistic character and that the world was well built. Book two awaits
November 16, 2021
Great read for the younger end of the YA scale! Who wouldn't want to read an adventure that has Magic, a Princess, a Prophecy, Assassins, mystery and Villains! Celeste is so brave and her big adventure starts out immediately. With the help of her friends she starts to learn about her special kind of magic!
Author DA Wells did a good job with this storyline and I believe young adults will enjoy this series!!
Author DA Wells did a good job with this storyline and I believe young adults will enjoy this series!!
November 27, 2021
Overall this book had lots of positive aspects. The story is full of adventure and who doesn't love magic? I felt at times the characters were hard to get a lot of depth from, but the plot definitely helps the characters come to life on the pages. I enjoyed the writing, I found it clear and easy to follow. It was a solid start to the series and I'm definitely interested to see where this author takes the story and characters. It was a fun YA book!
November 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It moves along at a great pace which made for an easy and relaxing read. The characters are interesting and you want to know more about them. By the end of the book you are loving these characters. This is a book that needs to be read, there is no doubt about it.
November 11, 2021
This is an interesting and strong start to a new series by D.A Wells. It is filled with magic, betrayal, and adventure. The storyline is unique and engaging. I am intrigued to read how the story and characters develop over this series. This is a young adult academy series with a bit of romance and tons of adventure.
November 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this. The book dives right into the plot and it is full of intrigue and mystery. Celeste is a great character and she doesn’t know who who to trust after the assassination of her family. The only thing I didn’t like was the recapping of events just after they occurred as it takes the flow of the book away.
November 15, 2021
This is an awesome YA/Academy story and I really enjoyed it. I love Celeste, and I loved seeing how she handled the numerous struggles that befall her in the story. The storyline is intriguing and definitely keeps you interested. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
November 17, 2021
D.A. Wells
Forbidden Magic: Sorceress Academy - Year One (of Four)
Celeste and her friends
This was a great YA/NA academy adventure story! I enjoyed reading it very much. There was Magic, friendships, familiars, spirit guides, and so much more! I'm eager to see where this series goes!
Forbidden Magic: Sorceress Academy - Year One (of Four)
Celeste and her friends
This was a great YA/NA academy adventure story! I enjoyed reading it very much. There was Magic, friendships, familiars, spirit guides, and so much more! I'm eager to see where this series goes!
November 17, 2021
What a book! Book 1 if this series and it starts out pretty great. I liked these characters enough that I could not put down. The storyline is pretty good as well and I honestly can not wait for the next book because I need more.
November 26, 2021
I don't mind YA stories and I found this story to be interesting. Although the mfc is late teens, heading into early twenties, she appears to act/have mannerism of someone a little younger (mid teens), other than that I enjoyed the story and would love to see where it goes.
November 5, 2021
Good book with well done characters and an engaging storyline. The world building is well done and I like how Celeste has to change her idea to fit in with her new life.
November 6, 2021
I will be honest this is a first for me, I have never read something like this. Completely unique but I still found I enjoyed it good storyline although a bit confusing at times
November 9, 2021
Wow loved the pace this book moved at, once you have finished you will love all the characters!! Can't wait until the next one!!
November 10, 2021
This was a nice start with an academy series. It will be interesting to see how the characters develop in future novels and see how they grow on this magical adventure. This was a nice little read.
November 10, 2021
A journey of learning, forbidden magic, friendship, deception, familiars,magical lessons,tragedy and young attraction....this is a great start to this series....looking forward to the next book.
November 16, 2021
new author with a new series ... was so excited to pick this up! ... Celeste is amazing & cannot wait for more!!
November 16, 2021
I really liked Forbidden Magic It took me at least two days to read just because I started it late one night and fell asleep on my phone while reading it. I really liked the characters alot.
November 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It is looking to be a great series. I can't wait for the next book.
November 16, 2021
Interesting plot
So I really wanted to love this book based on the blurb because I love the plot idea but it took me awhile to get into the book. Celeste was a difficult character for me to like. It was almost hard to believe she was 19. The writing was also kind of rushed at times or not enough info was given for context which made the story hard to follow at times - the flow just wasn't smooth. The idea of the story was solid and it gets better the 2nd half though. Celeste also grew on me somewhat but she needs to be better developed along with some of the other characters in her band of heroes. However, the ending left me intrigued enough to want to read book 2.
So I really wanted to love this book based on the blurb because I love the plot idea but it took me awhile to get into the book. Celeste was a difficult character for me to like. It was almost hard to believe she was 19. The writing was also kind of rushed at times or not enough info was given for context which made the story hard to follow at times - the flow just wasn't smooth. The idea of the story was solid and it gets better the 2nd half though. Celeste also grew on me somewhat but she needs to be better developed along with some of the other characters in her band of heroes. However, the ending left me intrigued enough to want to read book 2.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews