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The Serving Magic #4
Lady Spy
A dark fay uprising. A dashing fay wizard. And a growing anti-magic movement. Mara’s blades aren’t sharp enough to cut through this tangled web.
By day, Mara runs a clockwork toyshop. By night, she spies for the resistance. The last thing Mara needs is a ridiculously handsome fay to train in customer service and spy craft.
Arnesto is persistent, bedazzling, and a twelfth-level fay wizard. He also casts spells in all the wrong places, talks more than he listens, and manages to get himself arrested. Mara plans to send the incompetent fay packing if he makes one more mistake.
But Mara and Arnesto must team up when a fresh threat imperils both the human and fay realms. Are swords, magic, and a scrap of prophecy enough to save the kingdom?
By day, Mara runs a clockwork toyshop. By night, she spies for the resistance. The last thing Mara needs is a ridiculously handsome fay to train in customer service and spy craft.
Arnesto is persistent, bedazzling, and a twelfth-level fay wizard. He also casts spells in all the wrong places, talks more than he listens, and manages to get himself arrested. Mara plans to send the incompetent fay packing if he makes one more mistake.
But Mara and Arnesto must team up when a fresh threat imperils both the human and fay realms. Are swords, magic, and a scrap of prophecy enough to save the kingdom?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2022
About the author
Toni Cabell
22 books145 followersI write Clean, Closed Door Fantasy Romance for teens, new adults, and adults.
My novels have won Silver and Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards, and multiple B.R.A.G. Medallions.
Click my website link below to join my newsletter and receive a Free Novella!
https://tonicabell.com/
My novels have won Silver and Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards, and multiple B.R.A.G. Medallions.
Click my website link below to join my newsletter and receive a Free Novella!
https://tonicabell.com/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 24, 2022
I was provided this book as an ARC via NetGalley and BooksGoSocial - thank you for this!
**This review may have spoilers from previous books, but will not contain spoilers for this installment.**
Lady Spy is the fourth book in a fantasy series, set in a world where three factions - the country of Valerra (humans with some prevalence of Serving Magic), the country of Glenbarra (humans with some prevalence of necromancy), and the fay of Havynweal (a combination plus elemental magic) - are the main players. In the earlier books, Glenbarra took over Valerra, and an underground resistance, aided by the fay, ousted them and ragained control of Valerra.
This book picks up after the war, following the story of Mara, a spy who was part of the main resistance group and played a major role in the defeat of the Glenbarrans. Mara is pulled in to help train a fay scout, Arnesto, brother of a friend and fellow resistance veteran. Mara and Arnesto are quickly pulled into a conspiracy that points towards a new enemy, and must work together with the help of others in the resistance to protect both Valerra and Gavynweal from the new threat.
I have not read the other books, so I approached this one carefully - though I needn't have bothered - everything is explained in due time, and there is very little that occurs in this book that relies entirely on knowledge from the previous books, though I presume they help with context. The information isn't thrown at you either - it comes up when it's relevant, and feels like a natural part of the storytelling. Mara is a strong woman who's using her experiences to be better, though she's caught off balance by the fay and her interactions with Arnesto, who hasn't been in Valerra for very long. She's the kind of character I love reading about - flawed, certainly, but determined, and completely loyal to her friends and her cause.
This book is fun, ultimately - I never wanted to put it down, The only thing I would have liked more of is the ending - parts of it felt a little anticlimactic, though there was a nice reveal at the end, and it put you through the emotional wringer to get there. However, this also feels almost intentional due to Mara's character - she is one to process later and act now, so it almost makes sense that some of the emotional weight isn't there initially. I think I also just really like Mara, and would have liked to have had more pages to spend with her!
There is a romance element to this book though it's a minor subplot rather than being the main plot of the book - I'd fully recommend this to anyone who loves their fantasy and worldbuilding with a splash of romance and feelings, rather than a romance with a splash of fantasy (so, readers like me!). I'm definitely going back to read the rest of the series now.
4.75/5
**This review may have spoilers from previous books, but will not contain spoilers for this installment.**
Lady Spy is the fourth book in a fantasy series, set in a world where three factions - the country of Valerra (humans with some prevalence of Serving Magic), the country of Glenbarra (humans with some prevalence of necromancy), and the fay of Havynweal (a combination plus elemental magic) - are the main players. In the earlier books, Glenbarra took over Valerra, and an underground resistance, aided by the fay, ousted them and ragained control of Valerra.
This book picks up after the war, following the story of Mara, a spy who was part of the main resistance group and played a major role in the defeat of the Glenbarrans. Mara is pulled in to help train a fay scout, Arnesto, brother of a friend and fellow resistance veteran. Mara and Arnesto are quickly pulled into a conspiracy that points towards a new enemy, and must work together with the help of others in the resistance to protect both Valerra and Gavynweal from the new threat.
I have not read the other books, so I approached this one carefully - though I needn't have bothered - everything is explained in due time, and there is very little that occurs in this book that relies entirely on knowledge from the previous books, though I presume they help with context. The information isn't thrown at you either - it comes up when it's relevant, and feels like a natural part of the storytelling. Mara is a strong woman who's using her experiences to be better, though she's caught off balance by the fay and her interactions with Arnesto, who hasn't been in Valerra for very long. She's the kind of character I love reading about - flawed, certainly, but determined, and completely loyal to her friends and her cause.
This book is fun, ultimately - I never wanted to put it down, The only thing I would have liked more of is the ending - parts of it felt a little anticlimactic, though there was a nice reveal at the end, and it put you through the emotional wringer to get there. However, this also feels almost intentional due to Mara's character - she is one to process later and act now, so it almost makes sense that some of the emotional weight isn't there initially. I think I also just really like Mara, and would have liked to have had more pages to spend with her!
There is a romance element to this book though it's a minor subplot rather than being the main plot of the book - I'd fully recommend this to anyone who loves their fantasy and worldbuilding with a splash of romance and feelings, rather than a romance with a splash of fantasy (so, readers like me!). I'm definitely going back to read the rest of the series now.
4.75/5
March 16, 2022
Lady Spy
Such a magical mystery with so much intrigue humor laughter pain and sorrow filled with love ,tears ,friendship in so many races .Deception and betrayal in lands near and far, above and below All written beautifully with vibrant and colorful characters to become attached to and those to loathe. If you enjoy adventure, fantasy and a little slow burn romance or mabey curious to try reading it to see if you might this is just right for you.😉 ACQUIRE " Lady Spy " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 🤔🙂😀😏Kat
Such a magical mystery with so much intrigue humor laughter pain and sorrow filled with love ,tears ,friendship in so many races .Deception and betrayal in lands near and far, above and below All written beautifully with vibrant and colorful characters to become attached to and those to loathe. If you enjoy adventure, fantasy and a little slow burn romance or mabey curious to try reading it to see if you might this is just right for you.😉 ACQUIRE " Lady Spy " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 🤔🙂😀😏Kat
March 11, 2026
I loved this fresh perspective for the fourth book in the series! I love how this showed that the battle against serving magic didn’t end with the war and there was still clean up that needed to occur. I love being able to learn more about Mara and get to see her seek out her happy ending! This was a joy to listen to! The narrator is very engaging and the story is so intriguing! Overall loved this story!
Content: kissing only, non graphic battle scenes and wounds
Content: kissing only, non graphic battle scenes and wounds
June 8, 2022
Lady Spy is a fun and filled with magic story that mixes suspense and adventure but also humor and sorrow and love. There’s so much in this fourth book in the series that I get why this is the fourth; I bet the rest are as good as this one and before reading this book I knew it would be good because not every story can get to a 4th installment.
Characters are lovable and easy to empathize with. This is such a great read that it was difficult to stop reading. Cabell created great characters and a very well developed plot that hooked me right from the start. A recommended reading, for sure.
June 8, 2022
Lady Spy written by Toni Cabell is an excellent read that I devoured in what felt like minutes. The plot is highly engaging, and I was turning pages well into the night. I just did not want to put this book down.
I like Mara and Arnesto, the protagonists. They are very well-crafted characters. Mara is an intelligent and resourceful fay who runs a shop by day and spies for the resistance by night. Arnesto is a handsome and a bit clumsy fay who she has to train to become a spy. Together, they will fight to protect and save the human and fay worlds. This great read mixes magic, fantasy and adventure to create a novel that I am sure will fascinate readers. Strongly recommended.
I like Mara and Arnesto, the protagonists. They are very well-crafted characters. Mara is an intelligent and resourceful fay who runs a shop by day and spies for the resistance by night. Arnesto is a handsome and a bit clumsy fay who she has to train to become a spy. Together, they will fight to protect and save the human and fay worlds. This great read mixes magic, fantasy and adventure to create a novel that I am sure will fascinate readers. Strongly recommended.
November 7, 2023
Lady Spy
Fae and magic are the source premise of the book. The story of Mara and her apprentice. The book is full of action, magic, twist, humor, and love. I really enjoyed this book. I hope you will like it too.
Fae and magic are the source premise of the book. The story of Mara and her apprentice. The book is full of action, magic, twist, humor, and love. I really enjoyed this book. I hope you will like it too.
July 14, 2022
Lady Spy (The Serving Magick Series Book 4
I love this series. It’s a wonderful whimsical tale which I found a great respite in a world full of bad things and news. Perfect!
I love this series. It’s a wonderful whimsical tale which I found a great respite in a world full of bad things and news. Perfect!
December 11, 2022
Very Good
I found this story to be very good - actually it was great!! I loved the storyline but then I love stories about the fae. If you do then this is for you.
I found this story to be very good - actually it was great!! I loved the storyline but then I love stories about the fae. If you do then this is for you.
August 25, 2023
Excellent story
This was an exciting addition to a very intense and intriguing action packed series. The theme is both suspenseful and emotional with fantastic characters.
This was an exciting addition to a very intense and intriguing action packed series. The theme is both suspenseful and emotional with fantastic characters.
May 26, 2022
Firstly: I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. Secondly: I didn't finish this book. Bear both of those things in mind when it comes to the rest of my review. Before I began reading, I read someone else's review that had a brief summary of other books and also said that this one was okay to read without context as everything was explained anyway. It is true that I did not need the context of the previous books to understand what was happening, in fact, I think I got too much explanation. I got to chapter 4 (page 54) before I gave up. I understood the plot just fine, but I didn't care about it. Maybe, perhaps, if I had read the other books I would have a vested interest in the characters already, but I doubt it. The protagonist was very 2-dimensional and bland. The supporting characters were not very good at supporting. I guess I couldn't connect to this book on any wavelength. Even though I only got to page 54, I'm pretty sure I could still tell you what happens in the rest of the book. I could say more about it, but it wouldn't be very constructive. This might also be better suited for a younger teen audience rather than a young adult audience as the language and writing style is more elementary than I was expecting and so was the content (characters, plot, setting).If this is the fourth book in the series then the author must have an audience who enjoys it, it's just not me. If you're interested in this book, maybe start at the beginning of the series and hopefully that will help with a few of the problems I have.
August 7, 2025
Lady Spy is the first book I have read written by Toni Cabell, and I am excited to read more. This is the fourth book in the Serving Magic series, but it is part of a duology. So, it can be read as a standalone or read as part of the Serving Magic series. I read Lady Spy, then plan on reading Lady Reaper, and then going back to book 1 of the series. It follows the story of Mara and Arnesto. This book was so amazing. I cannot wait to dive into the next book.
I need to take a moment and comment on the narration. I had the privilege of listening to the audiobook version of the book. When I tell you this is better than TV, I am not exaggerating. This story, paired with the narration by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, is phenomenal. Lisa has by far become one of my favorite narrators to listen to. She truly brings any book to life.
The character development was great. Mara works in a clockwork toyshop and is a spy for the resistance behind the scenes. She is working on training her newest spy, Arnesto, who is a fay. Arnesto brings such a fun dynamic to this book. He is still learning how to interact with humans.
The setting was a fun world to uncover, and I look forward to ‘traveling’ back to Valerra and learning some more of her secrets. The storyline was great. I am not the biggest fantasy reader, but this year I have made it my mission to dive into more fantasy books, and this book did not disappoint. This was my first encounter with Fae/Fay’s, so it took me a moment to figure out, and the magical element. We have assignation, fire, griffin, spies, accidental engagement, magic, the undead, and so much more. This had so many great elements to make the perfect fantasy story. A world I will be visiting again soon.
The romance was a sweet, kisses-only, with an accidental engagement due to a misunderstanding.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
I need to take a moment and comment on the narration. I had the privilege of listening to the audiobook version of the book. When I tell you this is better than TV, I am not exaggerating. This story, paired with the narration by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, is phenomenal. Lisa has by far become one of my favorite narrators to listen to. She truly brings any book to life.
The character development was great. Mara works in a clockwork toyshop and is a spy for the resistance behind the scenes. She is working on training her newest spy, Arnesto, who is a fay. Arnesto brings such a fun dynamic to this book. He is still learning how to interact with humans.
The setting was a fun world to uncover, and I look forward to ‘traveling’ back to Valerra and learning some more of her secrets. The storyline was great. I am not the biggest fantasy reader, but this year I have made it my mission to dive into more fantasy books, and this book did not disappoint. This was my first encounter with Fae/Fay’s, so it took me a moment to figure out, and the magical element. We have assignation, fire, griffin, spies, accidental engagement, magic, the undead, and so much more. This had so many great elements to make the perfect fantasy story. A world I will be visiting again soon.
The romance was a sweet, kisses-only, with an accidental engagement due to a misunderstanding.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
May 11, 2022
This is a solid fantasy. It is the fourth in a series in which I have not read the first three. It wasn’t necessary to read them to understand what was going on but it is obvious that some context is missing. There is action, a bit of mystery, decent world-building, and a little romance.
Mara is a strong character, a skilled spy and warrior, has great loyalty to her country and friends and is compassionate. However, she is not perfect. I like characters like this. Now she has to train a handsome and powerful fay mage in the ways of being a spy. Arnesto is a bit impulsive and very much not adjusted to human culture. However, he is willing to learn. Needless to say, that leads to some uncomfortable situations.
But these are small things compared to the threats to both Mara and Arnesto’s countries. They must work together to defeat necromancers, dark fay, power hungry politicians and intolerance.
I enjoyed this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Mara is a strong character, a skilled spy and warrior, has great loyalty to her country and friends and is compassionate. However, she is not perfect. I like characters like this. Now she has to train a handsome and powerful fay mage in the ways of being a spy. Arnesto is a bit impulsive and very much not adjusted to human culture. However, he is willing to learn. Needless to say, that leads to some uncomfortable situations.
But these are small things compared to the threats to both Mara and Arnesto’s countries. They must work together to defeat necromancers, dark fay, power hungry politicians and intolerance.
I enjoyed this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 22, 2025
Audiobook Review: Lady Spy by Toni Cabell, narrated by Lisa Sandlin
This is a fast-paced, well-written, and exciting story about a human spy and her fae apprentice. The narration was absolutely perfect for both the story and the characters, adding extra charm to the already vivid details.
Lady Spy is Book 4 in the Serving Magic series. I hadn’t read the earlier books, but I never felt lost in the storyline. I imagine some richness may have been missed without that extra context, but Toni Cabell’s ability to weave a story is impressive; she draws the reader in without getting bogged down in too many details.
Lisa Sandlin brings the characters to life and delivers a smooth, flawless performance. Her narration matched the tone of the story beautifully.
I think this is a fun story, appropriate for teens and adults who enjoy fae-inspired fantasy. The romance is light, and the mix of action and espionage keeps things exciting from start to finish.
I was given a code to download the audiobook, but all thoughts and feelings about this book are my own.
This is a fast-paced, well-written, and exciting story about a human spy and her fae apprentice. The narration was absolutely perfect for both the story and the characters, adding extra charm to the already vivid details.
Lady Spy is Book 4 in the Serving Magic series. I hadn’t read the earlier books, but I never felt lost in the storyline. I imagine some richness may have been missed without that extra context, but Toni Cabell’s ability to weave a story is impressive; she draws the reader in without getting bogged down in too many details.
Lisa Sandlin brings the characters to life and delivers a smooth, flawless performance. Her narration matched the tone of the story beautifully.
I think this is a fun story, appropriate for teens and adults who enjoy fae-inspired fantasy. The romance is light, and the mix of action and espionage keeps things exciting from start to finish.
I was given a code to download the audiobook, but all thoughts and feelings about this book are my own.
June 6, 2025
I was told I could start with this book since it had a different main character from the first series and was intrigued by the "accidentally engaged to a fae" trope. I definately enjoyed it and will be going back to read the other books. I didn't find anything confusing for having read out of order, but there were definitely references to past events and a few spoilers. The world building was really cool, and I'm looking forward to learning more about it, and catch up on events that I missed.
Arnesto and Mara are cute! The accidental engagement didn't happen as early as I expected in the book, so the dynamic wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be, but I still liked it a lot! There's a lot of plot that had nothing to do with the romance, so I think people who aren't big fans of romance would enjoy this book as well.
Like I said, I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
Arnesto and Mara are cute! The accidental engagement didn't happen as early as I expected in the book, so the dynamic wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be, but I still liked it a lot! There's a lot of plot that had nothing to do with the romance, so I think people who aren't big fans of romance would enjoy this book as well.
Like I said, I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
March 26, 2022
This book was fine. It will most be enjoyed by fans of repetitive young adult fantasy romance with more action than character development, and readers who like novelizations of games.
The story is mostly formulaic and unimaginative (with a character named King Roi - King King, really?). The narrative reminds me a lot of the books of R.A. Salvatore, but without the compelling character of Drizzt. It feels like it is based on a game (or perhaps the author would like to see it become a game). I haven't read the first three books and it felt to me like there was a lot of unnecessary filling in of backstory from previous books.
I dub this fun and forgettable. Perhaps I would have liked it more if I'd read the first three books in the series, but I doubt it.
I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.
The story is mostly formulaic and unimaginative (with a character named King Roi - King King, really?). The narrative reminds me a lot of the books of R.A. Salvatore, but without the compelling character of Drizzt. It feels like it is based on a game (or perhaps the author would like to see it become a game). I haven't read the first three books and it felt to me like there was a lot of unnecessary filling in of backstory from previous books.
I dub this fun and forgettable. Perhaps I would have liked it more if I'd read the first three books in the series, but I doubt it.
I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars -- Lady Spy is the fourth part in the Serving Magic series. I have read the previous books and enjoyed them mostly. For me it fell into the pattern of overly formulaic/ predictable YA fantasy. There was a lot of unecessary backfilling of worldbuilding that has already been well covered in the previous books in the series. There is a romance plotline, but its mostly secondary to the overall fantasy/ worldbuilding narrative, so if a detailed romance is what you are looking for, this might not be the book for you. Having said that, it is enjoyable for what it is. An easy read to fill an afternoon.
June 9, 2022
"Lady Spy" is the fourth book in The Serving Magic series. Although I haven't read every book in the series, I think I managed to understand everything that was going on in this one. I also believe context would help with being more invested with the storyline overall.
I think the narration and the pace were good throughout the read. This novel will fit perfectly with young readers who enjoy fantasy books with a little bit of romance.
The thing that captivated me the most when I encountered this read was the cover of the book author Toni Cabell chose, setting some mystery from the beginning.
I think the narration and the pace were good throughout the read. This novel will fit perfectly with young readers who enjoy fantasy books with a little bit of romance.
The thing that captivated me the most when I encountered this read was the cover of the book author Toni Cabell chose, setting some mystery from the beginning.
June 9, 2022
Lady Spy by Cabell is an European historical fiction which does not disappoint. The author has been able to achieve a piece of literature that is fun to read that delves into the interesting world of history.
This is the fourth book in this fantasy series, so one can tell right away that the events here are good, otherwise, there won’t be at least 4 books. And the good thing about this volume is that it can be read as a standalone thanks to the way it has been put together. The events never stop moving forward and the unexpected twists present have been strategically placed so that readers can be hooked entirely up to the last second.
This is the fourth book in this fantasy series, so one can tell right away that the events here are good, otherwise, there won’t be at least 4 books. And the good thing about this volume is that it can be read as a standalone thanks to the way it has been put together. The events never stop moving forward and the unexpected twists present have been strategically placed so that readers can be hooked entirely up to the last second.
June 11, 2022
Lady Spy
Mara is smart Fae woman. Who is deadly with her blades. Employed by the resistance, mara uses her cover as a shop owner to ferret out information. When she is assigned a new underling, Mara is annoyed. However, Mara soon learns that working together with arnesto and smoothing out his rough spots, will help her in her missions. This is the 4th book in the series and although it can be read on it's own, the story will be richer and the world will make more sense if read in order. A wonderful addition to the series with continued strong characters.
Mara is smart Fae woman. Who is deadly with her blades. Employed by the resistance, mara uses her cover as a shop owner to ferret out information. When she is assigned a new underling, Mara is annoyed. However, Mara soon learns that working together with arnesto and smoothing out his rough spots, will help her in her missions. This is the 4th book in the series and although it can be read on it's own, the story will be richer and the world will make more sense if read in order. A wonderful addition to the series with continued strong characters.
August 14, 2025
**Read as an audiobook**
This story definitely exceeded any expectations I had going into it. It was such an epic adventure! Mara is such a tough and resilient FMC, and Arnesto definitely grew on me as the story progressed. Toni’s world building and magic systems were so descriptive and easy to visualize. There were several moments where I didn’t know how things were going to play out, but Lisa Lynn Sandlin’s performance only added to my excitement for the story and anticipation for what lies ahead. I definitely plan to add the other books in the series to my TBR. Filled with magic, suspense, adventure— as well as a dash of romance— Lady Spy delivers an action-packed and romantic fantasy story.
This story definitely exceeded any expectations I had going into it. It was such an epic adventure! Mara is such a tough and resilient FMC, and Arnesto definitely grew on me as the story progressed. Toni’s world building and magic systems were so descriptive and easy to visualize. There were several moments where I didn’t know how things were going to play out, but Lisa Lynn Sandlin’s performance only added to my excitement for the story and anticipation for what lies ahead. I definitely plan to add the other books in the series to my TBR. Filled with magic, suspense, adventure— as well as a dash of romance— Lady Spy delivers an action-packed and romantic fantasy story.
December 8, 2023
Unique magic, steampunk references, post-war vibes in a turn of the century setting.
A very young YA complete with handsome fae, brave heroines, and evil villains to be vanquished. Suitable for new teens. For those who like Scott Westerfield's Leviathan series, Gail Levine's stand-alones, or Rosamunde Hodges' fairytale retellings (Cruel Beauty etc.). Humor falls along the "fish out of water" and is gentle rather than mocking.
A very young YA complete with handsome fae, brave heroines, and evil villains to be vanquished. Suitable for new teens. For those who like Scott Westerfield's Leviathan series, Gail Levine's stand-alones, or Rosamunde Hodges' fairytale retellings (Cruel Beauty etc.). Humor falls along the "fish out of water" and is gentle rather than mocking.
June 28, 2022
I enjoyed the different perspective in this book, it was nice to see a whole new side of the Serving magic world. I found the main character and the love interest to be compelling and you spend the whole time rooting for them. The writing is a bit simplistic but it is a great, friendly YA fantasy. If you liked the other books in the series then you will for sure like this one as well.
September 1, 2025
At first It seemed like there were a lot of characters. As the book goes on all the characters start fitting together. I really enjoyed the two main characters Mara and Arnesto, they work really well together. I will definitely be reading book 5. Read the first 3 before starting this book. I would recommend this book to others.
June 2, 2026
Being the fourth book in the series & having not read the previous ones, I thought I would be lost. The author did a great job at informing the readers of what happened and there was enough action that I didn’t feel that I missed anything. Great characters and story! I received this audiobook from the author without an expectation of a good review. These thoughts are all my own.
November 14, 2023
We are proud to announce that LADY SPY (Serving Magic Book 4) by Toni Cabell has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
November 30, 2025
Mara's adventure continues in this fascinating YA fantasy series. An engaging adventure that includes action, intrigue, spells, spies, magic, conflicts, a threat, interactions, romance, emotions, humor, intriguing characters, and twists.
April 29, 2025
Mara is such a strong character that has grown on me as the series has continued. I absolutely adore her now, even though I initially loathed her. I really loved watching her find herself more and find love. Life has not been easy for any of them, but Mara is especially struggling with the changes and loneliness but yet she tries to take it in stride and do her best to save her homeland. She also helps others to accept themselves, which is ironic when the issues they have are issues she initially teased her friends for. Who said people can't change?
June 15, 2024
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
6th April 2023
TITLE: LADY SPY, A Serving Magic Book – Volume Four
AUTHOR: TONI CABELL
Star Rating: 5
‘A riveting YA novel packed full of magical dangers and memorable characters!’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
And so, to book number four! I must say, I´m very impressed by this author´s energy in keeping this set of books going – and developing. And this shows in the fact I enjoyed Book Four, this book, even more than Book Three – which was pretty good too. Lady Spy is the story of Mara who works in a clockwork toyshop (very cool setting) but it´s just a cover for her spy work for the Resistance. Then we meet Arnesto, a fay who´s a bit incompetent – to put it mildly. Mara must try to help him which is not a job she enjoys doing. But, working together, they might just win the coming battle!
This is an excellent novel, skilfully plotted, with two memorable characters who develop strong chemistry between them. The author´s adept at speech, using it to develop her central characters, and there´s a good balance of light humour and daring deeds. And just look at that cover! It´s amazing, pulling you into the story.
All in all, a fab fantasy novel for young adults. Teenagers will love rooting for Mara (who is not a girl to be messed with) and her new student is charming in his own way. With strong pacing and a number of surprising twists, this is a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: LADY SPY
Author: Toni Cabell
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers,5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I loved all the magic in this book, and the other books in the set too. I liked Mara as she’s (a) cool and (b) brave. I liked that the author put a little humour in it between the two MCs. This is FAB for teenagers who miss Harry Potter.” Girl, aged 15
“I always enjoy books with chemistry between the characters, so this book was perfect for me.” Girl, aged 14
“I have read every book in this set. I think Lady Apprentice is the best, but this is very good too. I liked the characters, the simple writing style and how the author put lots of suspense into the story. The second half is the best – there’s more happening!” Boy, aged 15
“A little romance, a little humour, a little magic and a lot of suspense. This is such a good novel I went back and started reading the rest of them. I’m now reading Lady Reaper. This author is an amazing writer for YA.” Girl, aged 15
“The MC is smart – I love smart MCs! I enjoyed every page.” Boy, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrill-a-page fantasy saga, perfect for YA readers. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
6th April 2023
TITLE: LADY SPY, A Serving Magic Book – Volume Four
AUTHOR: TONI CABELL
Star Rating: 5
‘A riveting YA novel packed full of magical dangers and memorable characters!’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
And so, to book number four! I must say, I´m very impressed by this author´s energy in keeping this set of books going – and developing. And this shows in the fact I enjoyed Book Four, this book, even more than Book Three – which was pretty good too. Lady Spy is the story of Mara who works in a clockwork toyshop (very cool setting) but it´s just a cover for her spy work for the Resistance. Then we meet Arnesto, a fay who´s a bit incompetent – to put it mildly. Mara must try to help him which is not a job she enjoys doing. But, working together, they might just win the coming battle!
This is an excellent novel, skilfully plotted, with two memorable characters who develop strong chemistry between them. The author´s adept at speech, using it to develop her central characters, and there´s a good balance of light humour and daring deeds. And just look at that cover! It´s amazing, pulling you into the story.
All in all, a fab fantasy novel for young adults. Teenagers will love rooting for Mara (who is not a girl to be messed with) and her new student is charming in his own way. With strong pacing and a number of surprising twists, this is a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: LADY SPY
Author: Toni Cabell
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers,5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I loved all the magic in this book, and the other books in the set too. I liked Mara as she’s (a) cool and (b) brave. I liked that the author put a little humour in it between the two MCs. This is FAB for teenagers who miss Harry Potter.” Girl, aged 15
“I always enjoy books with chemistry between the characters, so this book was perfect for me.” Girl, aged 14
“I have read every book in this set. I think Lady Apprentice is the best, but this is very good too. I liked the characters, the simple writing style and how the author put lots of suspense into the story. The second half is the best – there’s more happening!” Boy, aged 15
“A little romance, a little humour, a little magic and a lot of suspense. This is such a good novel I went back and started reading the rest of them. I’m now reading Lady Reaper. This author is an amazing writer for YA.” Girl, aged 15
“The MC is smart – I love smart MCs! I enjoyed every page.” Boy, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrill-a-page fantasy saga, perfect for YA readers. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 17, 2025
I loved this book! Part of a duology within the Serving Magic series, Lady Spy is written from Mara's POV. It's easy to become invested in the independent, courageous, loyal, and determined young woman.
When assassins and other dark forces threaten Valera, Mara immediately steps in to find out why and then to fight. Assisted by a delightful cast of human and magical characters, she uses all her skills to help defeat evil.
I also love the slow-burn romance in this book. Mara isn't pleased when she's asked to train Arnesto (a gorgeous fay wizard with a unique way of speaking) as a field operative. Still, Arnesto has a way of endearing people to him, and Mara is not immune. Frankly, neither was I ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Narrated by the fabulous Lisa Lynn Sandlin, I was completely transported to each new scene and loved hearing the different voices while picturing the characters in my head. I highly recommend listening to Lady Spy if you can.
When assassins and other dark forces threaten Valera, Mara immediately steps in to find out why and then to fight. Assisted by a delightful cast of human and magical characters, she uses all her skills to help defeat evil.
I also love the slow-burn romance in this book. Mara isn't pleased when she's asked to train Arnesto (a gorgeous fay wizard with a unique way of speaking) as a field operative. Still, Arnesto has a way of endearing people to him, and Mara is not immune. Frankly, neither was I ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Narrated by the fabulous Lisa Lynn Sandlin, I was completely transported to each new scene and loved hearing the different voices while picturing the characters in my head. I highly recommend listening to Lady Spy if you can.
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