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Mages in the Mundane #1
The Reborn Prince
He was a prince, forced into a new life as a pauper.
Luc, a poor but vain young man in 1775 Paris, is confused by his dreams of gilded ballrooms and unknown people in lace and jewels. What's more, everything before the past two years is a hazy fog in his mind. His only link is Aunt Mathilde, who gives him few answers. What he doesn't know is that 'Aunt Mathilde' is in fact his mother—and a Sorceress. She keeps him captive under her magical veil, desperate to both protect him and punish him for the evil deeds of his royal past. When disease leaves Luc scarred and weakened, he feels his life is over. He pushes away his humble friends, including Emilie, a young housemaid.
Emilie, scarred from smallpox, is resigned to life as a spinster. Yet, she sees beauty and joy in life and understands Luc's despair beneath his bitter, beastly attitude.
Unless Luc can embrace his inner strength, care about others, and love unselfishly, he risks destroying himself once more. This is Book 1 of the Mages in the Mundane historical fantasy series and is an adult twist on Beauty and the Beast, with family drama, a secret underground society of Mages, and a sweet love story. The novel ends with a lead-in to the sequel.
Luc, a poor but vain young man in 1775 Paris, is confused by his dreams of gilded ballrooms and unknown people in lace and jewels. What's more, everything before the past two years is a hazy fog in his mind. His only link is Aunt Mathilde, who gives him few answers. What he doesn't know is that 'Aunt Mathilde' is in fact his mother—and a Sorceress. She keeps him captive under her magical veil, desperate to both protect him and punish him for the evil deeds of his royal past. When disease leaves Luc scarred and weakened, he feels his life is over. He pushes away his humble friends, including Emilie, a young housemaid.
Emilie, scarred from smallpox, is resigned to life as a spinster. Yet, she sees beauty and joy in life and understands Luc's despair beneath his bitter, beastly attitude.
Unless Luc can embrace his inner strength, care about others, and love unselfishly, he risks destroying himself once more. This is Book 1 of the Mages in the Mundane historical fantasy series and is an adult twist on Beauty and the Beast, with family drama, a secret underground society of Mages, and a sweet love story. The novel ends with a lead-in to the sequel.
414 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2021
24 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Julianne Munich
7 books67 followersJulianne lives in Wisconsin with her husband and son, while her two daughters are grown and flown.
She writes romantic fantasy filled with swoony and sweet love stories, angst, magical world-building in period settings, battles, and adventure.
When not writing, Julianne enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her family, taking walks outdoors, and watching true crime or historical dramas on Netflix.
She writes romantic fantasy filled with swoony and sweet love stories, angst, magical world-building in period settings, battles, and adventure.
When not writing, Julianne enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her family, taking walks outdoors, and watching true crime or historical dramas on Netflix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 8, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Julianne Munich for sending me this FREE ARC COPY as part of the Book Blog Tour this week!!
This was my first time reading a book and series by Julianne so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i ended up loving this book more then i thought i would. It had such an intriguing and magicalness about it that made it hard to put down.
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Luc, Jean and Emilie were definately my favorites. I loved how their friendship evolved throughout the book.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 18th Century Paris, France while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenal Book 1 in this YA Fantasy Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out later this year!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Julianne Munich for sending me this FREE ARC COPY as part of the Book Blog Tour this week!!
This was my first time reading a book and series by Julianne so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i ended up loving this book more then i thought i would. It had such an intriguing and magicalness about it that made it hard to put down.
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Luc, Jean and Emilie were definately my favorites. I loved how their friendship evolved throughout the book.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 18th Century Paris, France while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenal Book 1 in this YA Fantasy Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out later this year!!
December 13, 2022
Magical and touching all the way through
The story opens with the selfish and arrogant Prince Renaud committing a terrible crime. When a mage save his life in more than one way, she decides to "give him a new life" and wipes his memories clean. And our reborn Luc goes through the years in poverty, all his time as a prince nothing more than a fog in his mind, he learns humility through life's hard lessons (somewhat sharpened by a certain mage..)
He is still himself, even without his memories. But the people he meets gradually help him become a better person as he build relationships with each one.
Alongside Lucs growth, we learn about the magical realm of the mages. And all of their strict laws. We learn just how much Mathilde risked in saving Prince Renaud. The blend of magic, politics, family, and love was thoughtfully written. There were even some notable references to the Bible, yet done in a way that it should still be enjoyable to read even if you aren't a Christian. With such a sweet and endearing romance, mixed with clever magic, The Reborn Prince was a pleasure to read. The end left me with questions and even some worries looming over the horizon, but still was a fitting ending.
The story opens with the selfish and arrogant Prince Renaud committing a terrible crime. When a mage save his life in more than one way, she decides to "give him a new life" and wipes his memories clean. And our reborn Luc goes through the years in poverty, all his time as a prince nothing more than a fog in his mind, he learns humility through life's hard lessons (somewhat sharpened by a certain mage..)
He is still himself, even without his memories. But the people he meets gradually help him become a better person as he build relationships with each one.
Alongside Lucs growth, we learn about the magical realm of the mages. And all of their strict laws. We learn just how much Mathilde risked in saving Prince Renaud. The blend of magic, politics, family, and love was thoughtfully written. There were even some notable references to the Bible, yet done in a way that it should still be enjoyable to read even if you aren't a Christian. With such a sweet and endearing romance, mixed with clever magic, The Reborn Prince was a pleasure to read. The end left me with questions and even some worries looming over the horizon, but still was a fitting ending.
January 21, 2023
I usually don't read anything other than epic fantasy or sci-fi, but this book really surprised me. For starters, it's very well written. The prose is a joy to read: clean, beautiful, rhythmic. The plot is not anything to write home about but this story's strength is in its characters. From the beginning I became attached to Mathilde and to Renaud/Luc. They're archetypes but they're very well done archetypes, which is not a small feat.
The French elements are pretty well done, it seemed the author did some good research on the period and how to insert the fantastical elements in it.
I'm intrigued by the magical world and the implications in it, and will definitely read the next book.
The French elements are pretty well done, it seemed the author did some good research on the period and how to insert the fantastical elements in it.
I'm intrigued by the magical world and the implications in it, and will definitely read the next book.
February 19, 2022
5 Stars
This was a wonderful introduction to a fantasy series! It is a fast-paced book and I kept turning pages to see what would happen. It left me wanting more and I can't wait to see how the story will continue to unfold during the rest of the series. I also grew attached to the characters whom are well portrayed and shared their emotions, both joy and heartache throughout the book. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a wholesome fantasy series to dive into.
This was a wonderful introduction to a fantasy series! It is a fast-paced book and I kept turning pages to see what would happen. It left me wanting more and I can't wait to see how the story will continue to unfold during the rest of the series. I also grew attached to the characters whom are well portrayed and shared their emotions, both joy and heartache throughout the book. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a wholesome fantasy series to dive into.
April 17, 2022
This book is so much more than just a 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling.
The Beast is Prince Renaud, an assassin whose memory was erased by his sorceress mother. The Beauty is Emilie, a housemaid who knows Prince Renaud only as Luc, a poor man who suffered smallpox. While Luc doesn't know his real identity, he and Emilie work together as servants for a noble. Will his memory return??
I loved the worldbuilding and the entire cast of characters. This is the first of a new series.
The Beast is Prince Renaud, an assassin whose memory was erased by his sorceress mother. The Beauty is Emilie, a housemaid who knows Prince Renaud only as Luc, a poor man who suffered smallpox. While Luc doesn't know his real identity, he and Emilie work together as servants for a noble. Will his memory return??
I loved the worldbuilding and the entire cast of characters. This is the first of a new series.
December 28, 2023
Historical Fiction With A Magical Twist
This book was a fun read! Loved the setting and was very intrigued by the Mage world.
The characters were really neat to follow, though I did genuinely despise Luc for a while. Marcel was probably my favorite character though, and I loved everytime we got a look into his head.
If you love magic and historical Paris, you'll love this book. It's a quick and fun read and leads into the rest of the series.
This book was a fun read! Loved the setting and was very intrigued by the Mage world.
The characters were really neat to follow, though I did genuinely despise Luc for a while. Marcel was probably my favorite character though, and I loved everytime we got a look into his head.
If you love magic and historical Paris, you'll love this book. It's a quick and fun read and leads into the rest of the series.
April 21, 2025
An enthralling historical fantasy with a bit of romance, magic, and mystery. I slowly fell in love with all the many characters and how each of their stories and personalities wove together around Luc Bisset. Luc has been placed under a spell which has erased his past life as an arrogant prince. Mages are hunting for him and his rogue mage mother who placed the charm on him to hopefully help him lead a humbler life. I'm super excited to see what happens next, especially concerning a mage who has been caught in the middle of all the intrigue!
March 11, 2023
I first want to say thank you to Travelling Pages Tours and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for the blog tour.
I actually give this book a 3.5 stars, but I can’t give half stars on here. I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy. It was a slower start to the story line, but not in a bad way. There was a lot of background and character build up to this first book of the series.
There’s a full story line by the end of the book and I can’t wait to read the next one.
I actually give this book a 3.5 stars, but I can’t give half stars on here. I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy. It was a slower start to the story line, but not in a bad way. There was a lot of background and character build up to this first book of the series.
There’s a full story line by the end of the book and I can’t wait to read the next one.
December 14, 2022
Engaging story set in historical France with a twist on Beauty and the Beast. Wonderful characters and world building.
January 31, 2023
This was a great read! Following "Luc" through his new life and slowly learning who did and who did not know his true identity was a great adventure. It definitely compelled me on to the next book in the series. Great characters and an intricate plot line made for a great book! I would definitely recommend The Reborn Prince to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre. On to Book Two!
February 10, 2022
The Reborn Prince is a wonderful story I enjoyed from start to finish. Following Luc, the bitter, arrogant prince with magic-induced memory loss, the pages seemed to flip by themselves as he went on a journey of self-discovery, learning to let go of his bitterness, care for others, and discover love.
The love story centers around the arrogant but kind Luc and Emilie, a lovely, strong girl who lacks confidence. The pair seem mismatched, and we’re wondering if they’ll be able to overcome their weaknesses and find love in each other.
The magic society is well developed, with political factions pulling strings on the unknowing sans-magie. We get to follow several interesting characters, like Marcel, the coach driver with his ice magic and a love for classical music to thwart mind reading, or the potion-brewing, quirky Armand.
With how the book ended, I’m waiting in suspense for the next book.
This story was an interesting take on the classic Beauty and the Beast, with a magical society which reminded me of Harry Potter, and set in 1700 Paris.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic fantasy, who loved Beauty and the Beast growing up, and wants a wholesome love story.
The love story centers around the arrogant but kind Luc and Emilie, a lovely, strong girl who lacks confidence. The pair seem mismatched, and we’re wondering if they’ll be able to overcome their weaknesses and find love in each other.
The magic society is well developed, with political factions pulling strings on the unknowing sans-magie. We get to follow several interesting characters, like Marcel, the coach driver with his ice magic and a love for classical music to thwart mind reading, or the potion-brewing, quirky Armand.
With how the book ended, I’m waiting in suspense for the next book.
This story was an interesting take on the classic Beauty and the Beast, with a magical society which reminded me of Harry Potter, and set in 1700 Paris.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic fantasy, who loved Beauty and the Beast growing up, and wants a wholesome love story.
June 12, 2022
A well-researched and delightful blend of fantasy and historical romance.
As shallow as this is, what first attracted me to this book was the cover. I know, we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but hey, I'm only human. What I found inside was just as enjoyable as the cover. Each character was interesting, unique, and flawed in their own way, and they learn and grow over the course of the book. Luc undergoes the most substantial transformation after a life-changing illness that at one point has him considering suicide. My favourite character (Marcel) had a minor role in this book, but I suspect he will play a bigger role in the next books.
In addition to romance, there's mystery, suspense, and intrigue, and, of course, magic. I look forward to seeing more magic and learning more about the magical system in future installments. And the setting is beautifully portrayed, enough so that you can see yourself on the streets of long-ago Paris. You can certainly tell the author did her homework researching those details, right down to the clothing.
All in all, a good read, and I look forward to more.
As shallow as this is, what first attracted me to this book was the cover. I know, we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but hey, I'm only human. What I found inside was just as enjoyable as the cover. Each character was interesting, unique, and flawed in their own way, and they learn and grow over the course of the book. Luc undergoes the most substantial transformation after a life-changing illness that at one point has him considering suicide. My favourite character (Marcel) had a minor role in this book, but I suspect he will play a bigger role in the next books.
In addition to romance, there's mystery, suspense, and intrigue, and, of course, magic. I look forward to seeing more magic and learning more about the magical system in future installments. And the setting is beautifully portrayed, enough so that you can see yourself on the streets of long-ago Paris. You can certainly tell the author did her homework researching those details, right down to the clothing.
All in all, a good read, and I look forward to more.
November 22, 2022
beautifully descriptive narative... and magic
I read these books out of order and still loved them. The world building is epic-- both using historical Paris (and doing a great job of it I might add) but also building a hidden world beneath the surface full of magic and suspense.
I really liked that the characters of a beauty and a beast were more about their inner qualities than their physical appearances. It gave a depth to the story.
I read the othe rreviews talking about how the story doesn't feel complete. I sort of agree but sort of don't. Maybe it is because I ready the Second book first so I already knew how the two would end up, but I don't know. Either way, I'd say you have to read the second book to feel any completion to the story. which is the only reason I gave the book 4* instead of 5*. Otherwise, great job!
I read these books out of order and still loved them. The world building is epic-- both using historical Paris (and doing a great job of it I might add) but also building a hidden world beneath the surface full of magic and suspense.
I really liked that the characters of a beauty and a beast were more about their inner qualities than their physical appearances. It gave a depth to the story.
I read the othe rreviews talking about how the story doesn't feel complete. I sort of agree but sort of don't. Maybe it is because I ready the Second book first so I already knew how the two would end up, but I don't know. Either way, I'd say you have to read the second book to feel any completion to the story. which is the only reason I gave the book 4* instead of 5*. Otherwise, great job!
June 6, 2022
The Reborn Prince is a delightful fantasy set in historical France. I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters and exploring Paris with its hidden magical village. Worldbuilding is excellent! The author brings the setting to life with her choice of details & French language. I felt like I was in Paris, walking the streets with the characters. If you like historical fantasy with magic & romance, give this book a go.
Read
June 17, 2023Emilie joined her sister by the stove. "I couldn't do it. He was horrid!" She sighed. "A rude, selfish beast, Addie. I had to tell him I could not serve him if he treated me like a piece of dirt on the bottom of his boot."
I waited until I finished the trilogy to start reviewing. I believe I specified where I refer to the trilogy instead of just this book, though, and there shouldn't be any unmarked spoilers.
The Reborn Prince is an enjoyable, easy read, with quite a few fun, snappy lines. The novel sets up a captivating world, where powerful Mages have a hidden village in Paris, and some even live hidden among the Sans-Magies (non-magical people). I enjoyed how 1700s France itself is used as an exotic setting, with French used for spellcasting. I don't know any French, so it made everything feel a little foreign and a lot fantastical. And the magic here IS fantastical, used with (for the most part) few consequences. There are some spells, but in many cases it's more like innate talents. Mages even use one type of magic that is very reminiscent of modern technology!
There are quite a few elements from Beauty and the Beast (French setting, disguised enchantress, Luc as a beast/Emilie as a (scarred) beauty, magic mirrors). That said, I'm not sure I'd call it a retelling so much as a remix of some elements with a lot of new ones, which I frankly liked better than a straight retelling. Themes of identity and forgiveness start in this book and grow throughout the trilogy. I thought the philosophical questions raised were really interesting.
I liked the sisters Emilie and Adelaide, who have likable and distinct personalities and who always support each other. I also grew to cheer for Luc, even though he was (intentionally) hard for me to like at first.
But for me, the story really picked up when we meet coachman Marcel Clement. He adds a lot of mystery and elegance and does a fine job of introducing us to the wonders of magic. I almost always only read the first book in a series (indie or traditionally published) because I feel like that gives me a good idea of the author and the world and characters they created. But Marcel compelled me to read through the whole series without even stopping to read anything else.
I also enjoyed the quiet nods to various things you don't always see in fantasy, such as one character having what I assume is dyslexia (though it wasn't called out as such); the charming, handsome Marcel being of half-African descent; and one of the main female characters in this book being scarred, while another is heavyset. The characters are even of diverse ages, something which grows more pronounced as the series continues.
As far as content, I don't recall anything in this particular book that wasn't generally clean. There's a bit of cursing, but most of it is in French. (Though if you know French or look at a translator, the French curses later on in the trilogy get a little intense!) The spice level is overall low throughout the trilogy, but it does amp up in later books. Still nothing the vast majority of readers would balk at, but a wee bit of tongue-kissing and groping.
This is the first book in a trilogy, but I honestly view this book and The Ice Mage as more or less one book. I wouldn't call the ending of this one a cliffhanger, but I also didn't feel like much of the story was really resolved in this one. Fortunately, the trilogy is complete, and I was happy to dive right into the next book.
Recommended for anyone who likes historical fantasy with romantic elements.
I waited until I finished the trilogy to start reviewing. I believe I specified where I refer to the trilogy instead of just this book, though, and there shouldn't be any unmarked spoilers.
The Reborn Prince is an enjoyable, easy read, with quite a few fun, snappy lines. The novel sets up a captivating world, where powerful Mages have a hidden village in Paris, and some even live hidden among the Sans-Magies (non-magical people). I enjoyed how 1700s France itself is used as an exotic setting, with French used for spellcasting. I don't know any French, so it made everything feel a little foreign and a lot fantastical. And the magic here IS fantastical, used with (for the most part) few consequences. There are some spells, but in many cases it's more like innate talents. Mages even use one type of magic that is very reminiscent of modern technology!
There are quite a few elements from Beauty and the Beast (French setting, disguised enchantress, Luc as a beast/Emilie as a (scarred) beauty, magic mirrors). That said, I'm not sure I'd call it a retelling so much as a remix of some elements with a lot of new ones, which I frankly liked better than a straight retelling. Themes of identity and forgiveness start in this book and grow throughout the trilogy. I thought the philosophical questions raised were really interesting.
I liked the sisters Emilie and Adelaide, who have likable and distinct personalities and who always support each other. I also grew to cheer for Luc, even though he was (intentionally) hard for me to like at first.
But for me, the story really picked up when we meet coachman Marcel Clement. He adds a lot of mystery and elegance and does a fine job of introducing us to the wonders of magic. I almost always only read the first book in a series (indie or traditionally published) because I feel like that gives me a good idea of the author and the world and characters they created. But Marcel compelled me to read through the whole series without even stopping to read anything else.
I also enjoyed the quiet nods to various things you don't always see in fantasy, such as one character having what I assume is dyslexia (though it wasn't called out as such); the charming, handsome Marcel being of half-African descent; and one of the main female characters in this book being scarred, while another is heavyset. The characters are even of diverse ages, something which grows more pronounced as the series continues.
As far as content, I don't recall anything in this particular book that wasn't generally clean. There's a bit of cursing, but most of it is in French. (Though if you know French or look at a translator, the French curses later on in the trilogy get a little intense!) The spice level is overall low throughout the trilogy, but it does amp up in later books. Still nothing the vast majority of readers would balk at, but a wee bit of tongue-kissing and groping.
This is the first book in a trilogy, but I honestly view this book and The Ice Mage as more or less one book. I wouldn't call the ending of this one a cliffhanger, but I also didn't feel like much of the story was really resolved in this one. Fortunately, the trilogy is complete, and I was happy to dive right into the next book.
Recommended for anyone who likes historical fantasy with romantic elements.
March 8, 2023
Julianne’s writing style is mostly easy to read, especially if you understand French. I was committed to the story quickly and wanted to know what was going to happen next with Prince Renaud and Mathilde. The whole time I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat.
The storyline was brilliant and I loved how Julianne weaved the threads of the story together. I felt captured by it and wanted to know what the outcome was going to be. Even though it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it only had elements of that fairytale. It was not a direct retelling, so you couldn’t guess the different outcomes.
The story kept me guessing all the time. It’s not often that I can’t guess any of the outcomes or plots but with this book, I couldn’t guess any! The different worlds that Julianne pulled us into sounded beautiful and tragic at the same time. We always see Paris, France as this beautiful and romantic place but Julianne gives you another side of it as well. I had no problem living myself into the different settings that she created.
At first, you think that Prince Renaud/Luc is a real piece of work and that he has evil at the root of him. But as you keep reading you find that he seems to have been treated badly all through his life by his brother, which then stole the woman he loved. You then start to understand his hatred for him. You start to slowly but surely feel sorry for the life that he seemed to have lived in the castle. Julianne definitely wanted us to know that Luc was full of himself. He made me think of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. I couldn’t understand how Luc/Renaud just left without saying goodbye to his ‘aunt’ and the same for Mathilde that didn’t say goodbye to her son before leaving.
The dialogue was interesting and mostly easy to understand. I know the author gave translations of the French at the beginning of the book but it was too much effort to go back and forth the whole time. I was still able to understand the story so I wasn’t too bothered by it. I enjoyed all the other characters in the story. Emilie might be a maid but she definitely did not back down with men in her own class and I loved that she wasn’t a meek walkover. Adelaide made me chuckle quite often and she sounded adorable. I won’t go through all the characters but Julianne wrote each one with their own personalities that were vastly different from each other and I thought they rounded the story out very well and made for a good read.
This is book 1 of the Mages in the Mundane series. Book two is The Ice Mage and I can’t wait to read it. This book ends on a cliffhanger and has a lead-in to the next book in the series. I feel like this ending was the calm before the storm that was about to hit their lives. I don’t think we will know the full story until we reach the end of book 3 in the series. Book 3 is the final book in the series.
I would recommend The Reborn Prince to anyone that loves Fairytale Retelling, Fantasy, Romance and stories of magic, Mages and Witches.
The storyline was brilliant and I loved how Julianne weaved the threads of the story together. I felt captured by it and wanted to know what the outcome was going to be. Even though it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it only had elements of that fairytale. It was not a direct retelling, so you couldn’t guess the different outcomes.
The story kept me guessing all the time. It’s not often that I can’t guess any of the outcomes or plots but with this book, I couldn’t guess any! The different worlds that Julianne pulled us into sounded beautiful and tragic at the same time. We always see Paris, France as this beautiful and romantic place but Julianne gives you another side of it as well. I had no problem living myself into the different settings that she created.
At first, you think that Prince Renaud/Luc is a real piece of work and that he has evil at the root of him. But as you keep reading you find that he seems to have been treated badly all through his life by his brother, which then stole the woman he loved. You then start to understand his hatred for him. You start to slowly but surely feel sorry for the life that he seemed to have lived in the castle. Julianne definitely wanted us to know that Luc was full of himself. He made me think of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. I couldn’t understand how Luc/Renaud just left without saying goodbye to his ‘aunt’ and the same for Mathilde that didn’t say goodbye to her son before leaving.
The dialogue was interesting and mostly easy to understand. I know the author gave translations of the French at the beginning of the book but it was too much effort to go back and forth the whole time. I was still able to understand the story so I wasn’t too bothered by it. I enjoyed all the other characters in the story. Emilie might be a maid but she definitely did not back down with men in her own class and I loved that she wasn’t a meek walkover. Adelaide made me chuckle quite often and she sounded adorable. I won’t go through all the characters but Julianne wrote each one with their own personalities that were vastly different from each other and I thought they rounded the story out very well and made for a good read.
This is book 1 of the Mages in the Mundane series. Book two is The Ice Mage and I can’t wait to read it. This book ends on a cliffhanger and has a lead-in to the next book in the series. I feel like this ending was the calm before the storm that was about to hit their lives. I don’t think we will know the full story until we reach the end of book 3 in the series. Book 3 is the final book in the series.
I would recommend The Reborn Prince to anyone that loves Fairytale Retelling, Fantasy, Romance and stories of magic, Mages and Witches.
January 11, 2023
The beautiful cover of this book (with the theme continued through two more books) beckoned me to open it like ‘once upon a time’ tales of old. Mathilde, a hermit who lived in a ‘cottage fashioned from an ever-green tree’, scrambled over rocks and pebbles to get a look at a royal wedding happening in a nearby castle, in the hope of glimpsing the groom’s brother, Renaud. Though she loved him, she was aware of his temper and recklessness and had witnessed his rage in her looking glass the night before. This is the first clue that Mathilde has magical powers, but when she heals the wound of Prince Christopher, shot at the hands of his brother, readers’ suspicions are confirmed. As Renaud is chased into the forest and shot, Mathilde heals him with her magic and teleports him to her cottage where readers learn that she is his mother. She erases his memory and teleports them both to her cousin Armand’s house in Paris to start a new life. The story picks up two years later when Armand visits her living in a run-down flat in an impoverished state. He transforms the hovel with a wave of his hand and one wonders why Mathilde could not have used her powers to improve her living conditions. It is soon apparent that she is trying to hide her magic from her son who is now named Luc and believes that Mathilde is his aunt. While his memories have been erased he still has the personality traits of old. Mathilde risks retribution from the Mage society for having practised her magic in public to save Prince Christopher, but the love she had for her son meant she was prepared to take whatever risks necessary to save him from himself. Can a disfiguring disease or the love of a good woman help him change his cruel and arrogant ways? No spoilers here. I enjoyed the pace, the writing style and the description of people and places. It would have been good to have been introduced to Renaud while he was a prince so that we had some contrast between his privileged life and the life he came to know. It’s an enchanting tale full of magic and romance.
January 15, 2023
I am a big fan of a glossary, having cut my fantasy teeth on Stephen Donaldson’s ‘The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever’. Julianne Munich starts the first book in her ‘Mages in the Mundane’ series with a Glossary of French Terms and Magical Phrases, and I think it’s well worth spending a minute or two enjoying it before diving into ‘The Reborn Prince’. (I particularly like ‘Sandwich fait de jointures de doigts’.)
This is a superb book, and I heartily give it five stars! Set in the gorgeously described rues of eighteenth-century Paris, ‘The Reborn Prince’ explores what might happen if a criminal were given a second chance—one where he does not remember anything of his misdemeanours. Nestled out of regular Parisians’ sight is an enchanted community of fantastical characters governed by exacting principles and complex politics.
Julianne Munich provides the reader with not only a handsomely constructed world but also love, family and, of course, magic. Luc is the arrogant anti-hero who, with his memory erased by a witch, endures poverty and rejection on his journey to becoming a better man. At the same time, Munich educates her reader about the rules of her magical kingdom; as such, we grow together.
‘The Reborn Prince’ is full of well-developed characters: Mathilde the witch, who is more than she seems; Emile the insecure love interest, who struggles with the legacy of smallpox; Marcel Clement the spy, a Cryomancer who wields ice; and cousin Armand Guerin, who likes to mix cider with his potions. Munich has an excellent writing style, making this a pacy book with the right balance of descriptive prose, character development, plot and, inevitably, magical tension. Ultimately this is a morality story akin to well-known fairy tales, but it has its own splendour, which makes it a delightful read. Luc’s ultimate transformation is heart-warming and, for me, a lesson we can all learn. Highly recommend.
This is a superb book, and I heartily give it five stars! Set in the gorgeously described rues of eighteenth-century Paris, ‘The Reborn Prince’ explores what might happen if a criminal were given a second chance—one where he does not remember anything of his misdemeanours. Nestled out of regular Parisians’ sight is an enchanted community of fantastical characters governed by exacting principles and complex politics.
Julianne Munich provides the reader with not only a handsomely constructed world but also love, family and, of course, magic. Luc is the arrogant anti-hero who, with his memory erased by a witch, endures poverty and rejection on his journey to becoming a better man. At the same time, Munich educates her reader about the rules of her magical kingdom; as such, we grow together.
‘The Reborn Prince’ is full of well-developed characters: Mathilde the witch, who is more than she seems; Emile the insecure love interest, who struggles with the legacy of smallpox; Marcel Clement the spy, a Cryomancer who wields ice; and cousin Armand Guerin, who likes to mix cider with his potions. Munich has an excellent writing style, making this a pacy book with the right balance of descriptive prose, character development, plot and, inevitably, magical tension. Ultimately this is a morality story akin to well-known fairy tales, but it has its own splendour, which makes it a delightful read. Luc’s ultimate transformation is heart-warming and, for me, a lesson we can all learn. Highly recommend.
February 19, 2022
An enchanting love story with echoes of Beauty and the Beast, wrapped around a magical world set in Paris, 1775. I was hooked from the start with this story, and the idea of a nasty prince finding humility and true love through becoming a new person due to memory loss. Effectively, that is the focus of this first book, although the author has set up multiple story strands that are not realised at the end, but with the promise of a second book.
Excellent world-building and development of characters, although I would have liked to know more about how Prince Renaud (Luc) became the man he was before his mother, Mathilde who is a Mage, steps in to take magical remedial action. We sometimes get flashbacks to her past with baby Renaud and suggestions about his upbringing, but little to help the reader empathise with the crimes he has committed. Perhaps that is yet to come, and I would welcome that insight. We do, however, find it in our hearts to empathise with Luc because he has no memory of his past self. And this is how the reader is swept up in the love story between Luc and Emilie.
I felt that there was enough in Luc’s story arc to complete his journey in one book and at times felt that the pace was deliberately slowed in the latter half, in order to stretch this book out to make way for book two. However, it has set the reader up nicely with a strong desire to find out what happens next with a nod and a wink to further character developments, in particular regarding the intriguing coachman and Ice Mage, Marcel.
This book would appeal to readers who love romantic fantasy with a fairy tale feel and all the intrigue of a secret historical magical society operating amongst the unsuspecting general populous. I look forward to reading book two.
Excellent world-building and development of characters, although I would have liked to know more about how Prince Renaud (Luc) became the man he was before his mother, Mathilde who is a Mage, steps in to take magical remedial action. We sometimes get flashbacks to her past with baby Renaud and suggestions about his upbringing, but little to help the reader empathise with the crimes he has committed. Perhaps that is yet to come, and I would welcome that insight. We do, however, find it in our hearts to empathise with Luc because he has no memory of his past self. And this is how the reader is swept up in the love story between Luc and Emilie.
I felt that there was enough in Luc’s story arc to complete his journey in one book and at times felt that the pace was deliberately slowed in the latter half, in order to stretch this book out to make way for book two. However, it has set the reader up nicely with a strong desire to find out what happens next with a nod and a wink to further character developments, in particular regarding the intriguing coachman and Ice Mage, Marcel.
This book would appeal to readers who love romantic fantasy with a fairy tale feel and all the intrigue of a secret historical magical society operating amongst the unsuspecting general populous. I look forward to reading book two.
April 24, 2022
The short version: I liked this book and loved the characters. I don’t regret buying it, and I certainly enjoyed the time I spent reading it.
The long version:
I wanted to give this book a five-star review. I really did. But honestly, the book felt like pure exposition, and less like an actual story.
*Minor spoilers ahead*
I kept waiting for Luc to get his memory back. I kept waiting for Marcel to stand up against Alexis. I kept waiting for the inevitable confrontation between Renaud and Christopher. But none of it ever happened. The biggest thing the book was leading up to doesn’t happen, at least not in this book. It made the story feel very unfinished, or like it was a prequel instead of a first book in a series.
However, I did really like the story. It kept me entertained, and I read all the way through until the end. Honestly, I was more interested in Marcel than I was in Luc. I wish he and the magical world had more time in the spotlight, because they are the most intriguing part of the book, at least for me. Especially the way the magical world is run, and how unfair it is. I wish we could’ve seen more rebellion against the tyranny.
I really enjoyed the way Luc progressed and changed, and I really liked the characters and their motivations. Some of the dialogue was kind of confusing, but overall they seemed very lifelike and likeable. There was some swearing and suggestiveness, both of which I don’t like, but it wasn’t enough to be distracting.
All in all, I’d say it was a good book, and my money was well spent. I enjoyed the time I spent reading it.
The long version:
I wanted to give this book a five-star review. I really did. But honestly, the book felt like pure exposition, and less like an actual story.
*Minor spoilers ahead*
I kept waiting for Luc to get his memory back. I kept waiting for Marcel to stand up against Alexis. I kept waiting for the inevitable confrontation between Renaud and Christopher. But none of it ever happened. The biggest thing the book was leading up to doesn’t happen, at least not in this book. It made the story feel very unfinished, or like it was a prequel instead of a first book in a series.
However, I did really like the story. It kept me entertained, and I read all the way through until the end. Honestly, I was more interested in Marcel than I was in Luc. I wish he and the magical world had more time in the spotlight, because they are the most intriguing part of the book, at least for me. Especially the way the magical world is run, and how unfair it is. I wish we could’ve seen more rebellion against the tyranny.
I really enjoyed the way Luc progressed and changed, and I really liked the characters and their motivations. Some of the dialogue was kind of confusing, but overall they seemed very lifelike and likeable. There was some swearing and suggestiveness, both of which I don’t like, but it wasn’t enough to be distracting.
All in all, I’d say it was a good book, and my money was well spent. I enjoyed the time I spent reading it.
July 27, 2022
I want to preface this by saying that the author did a phenomenal job building an intricate world. Not only are you in historical Paris, but Julianne Munich also creates a world of magic within the same city walls. There is an entire governing body, filled with politics and varying forms of discrimination toward one another and the non-magical people of Paris.
The beast "transformation" is done in a unique fashion, taking a bastard prince and turning him into a pauper. But when Luc continues to behave in an arrogant, cruel, and selfish manner, the universe strikes him with one more transformation. He catches smallpox which leads to a physical disfigurement. However it is in this that he is finally stripped of his overbearing pride and wrath and FINALLY becomes a likeable character. But this wouldn't have happened without the help of our "Belle". Emilie has also suffered the physical ramifications of contracting and surviving the smallpox disease. But she helps Luc recover, and slowly, a sweet, gentle romance buds between them.
But they are not the sole focus of the book. Oh no. There is a secret, magical society here too. And this is where many other characters, storylines, politics, variables interweave with the story.
With that said, the book did move slowly for my taste. I understand there is much backstory that had to be explained, but the pace felt unnecessarily slow at times. There were many points of interest within the magical society (the Ice Mage, Marcel, the auctioning of females in a marriage market) and I know that the author is leading to even more immersive storylines in the subsequent novels.
The beast "transformation" is done in a unique fashion, taking a bastard prince and turning him into a pauper. But when Luc continues to behave in an arrogant, cruel, and selfish manner, the universe strikes him with one more transformation. He catches smallpox which leads to a physical disfigurement. However it is in this that he is finally stripped of his overbearing pride and wrath and FINALLY becomes a likeable character. But this wouldn't have happened without the help of our "Belle". Emilie has also suffered the physical ramifications of contracting and surviving the smallpox disease. But she helps Luc recover, and slowly, a sweet, gentle romance buds between them.
But they are not the sole focus of the book. Oh no. There is a secret, magical society here too. And this is where many other characters, storylines, politics, variables interweave with the story.
With that said, the book did move slowly for my taste. I understand there is much backstory that had to be explained, but the pace felt unnecessarily slow at times. There were many points of interest within the magical society (the Ice Mage, Marcel, the auctioning of females in a marriage market) and I know that the author is leading to even more immersive storylines in the subsequent novels.
March 10, 2023
This book immediately draws you in, wanting to know more about the mages and what other powers they have and why there is such secrecy in their lives. However soon after you are thrown into another world and begin to read about Luc and Mathilde and their connection. This is book one in Mages in the Mundane and it really did provide such a great back story to the rest of the books. It really set up the story line and while the book left off on a cliffhanger it was a great cliffhanger as it makes you want to pick up the next book. This book also had great character development and it made you fall in love with the characters especially Luc who the book revolves around, because I will say that he was not a very lovable character from the beginning of the book. I enjoyed seeing the character development and seeing him find love even though it sounds like it might be short lived, which I hope not. If you are into magic, character development and secrets I strongly recommend you pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
October 23, 2023
A magical and romantic story for Disney fans
The Reborn Prince is a Prince and the Pauper meets Man in the Iron Mask meets Beauty and the Beast meets Harry Potter meets Cinderella story about a prince who has been spelled to forget who he is. He’s rude and haughty to everyone and fairly unlikeable, but he meets a maid named Emilie who, in true romantic fashion, “will fix him through love.”
I’m a bit too much of a realist to believe this sort of “I’ll be the one to fix him” romantic magic, and the magic bits read like Harry Potter. The “18th century France” bits read like an anachronism with a few glaring questions of authenticity jumping out at me. But, if Disney fairy-tale is more your speed than historical accuracy, then this is a romantic and magical tale for the lover of witch and mage fantasy; although my brain was firmly invested in seeing the environment as a Steampunk fantasy version of Victorian England rather than 18th-century France.
The Reborn Prince will delight Disney fans, wanna-be witches, wizards, princes and princesses alike.
The Reborn Prince is a Prince and the Pauper meets Man in the Iron Mask meets Beauty and the Beast meets Harry Potter meets Cinderella story about a prince who has been spelled to forget who he is. He’s rude and haughty to everyone and fairly unlikeable, but he meets a maid named Emilie who, in true romantic fashion, “will fix him through love.”
I’m a bit too much of a realist to believe this sort of “I’ll be the one to fix him” romantic magic, and the magic bits read like Harry Potter. The “18th century France” bits read like an anachronism with a few glaring questions of authenticity jumping out at me. But, if Disney fairy-tale is more your speed than historical accuracy, then this is a romantic and magical tale for the lover of witch and mage fantasy; although my brain was firmly invested in seeing the environment as a Steampunk fantasy version of Victorian England rather than 18th-century France.
The Reborn Prince will delight Disney fans, wanna-be witches, wizards, princes and princesses alike.
August 16, 2024
This series is set in a world where mages live and work among the mundane human world. If a mage doesn't live by mage society rules, they are outcasted and seen as traitors to some.
The book throws you into the world immediately and right at a time when Mathilde has a hard decision to make. Mages are not allowed to use their abilities in front of the Mundane, but to save her son, she'd do anything.
Her son, once a royal prince, Luc, is a stubborn, nasty man. As the story progresses, he learns some hard truths.
This story delves into multiple POVs. The main three are Mathilde, Luc, and Emilie.
My favorite character is Marcel. He daylights as a coach driver, but his main occupation is a mage agent who works for mage Law Enforcement. He is a mage whose main power is Ice magic. He can kill with it, but he rather not use his abilities if it can be helped. As the story progresses into book two, I foresee his main job butting heads with his moral compass.
I'm excited to read more of this series and see what happens to the cast of characters.
The book throws you into the world immediately and right at a time when Mathilde has a hard decision to make. Mages are not allowed to use their abilities in front of the Mundane, but to save her son, she'd do anything.
Her son, once a royal prince, Luc, is a stubborn, nasty man. As the story progresses, he learns some hard truths.
This story delves into multiple POVs. The main three are Mathilde, Luc, and Emilie.
My favorite character is Marcel. He daylights as a coach driver, but his main occupation is a mage agent who works for mage Law Enforcement. He is a mage whose main power is Ice magic. He can kill with it, but he rather not use his abilities if it can be helped. As the story progresses into book two, I foresee his main job butting heads with his moral compass.
I'm excited to read more of this series and see what happens to the cast of characters.
October 3, 2022
‘Beauty and the Beast meets Downton Abbey’
When a man has no purpose in life to lift him up, the void starts filling with negativity that brings him down. Beauty cannot blossom when the roots are rotten.
This story has an underlying current that even adults with the best intentions make mistakes with children in their care. Some decisions have detrimental effects that continue well into adulthood. Telling kids the whole truth is not always the best option, but what are we to do without a scrying pan to foresee the future?
Some romances aren’t really ‘enemies-to-lovers’, but rather a couple who begin to respect each other after one of them refuses to back down in standing up to the other person. Personal accountability ofttimes only begins when somebody judges us.
Let’s find out if justice is truly served in ‘The Ice Mage’.
'Frosted Roses' to be released in a few days!
When a man has no purpose in life to lift him up, the void starts filling with negativity that brings him down. Beauty cannot blossom when the roots are rotten.
This story has an underlying current that even adults with the best intentions make mistakes with children in their care. Some decisions have detrimental effects that continue well into adulthood. Telling kids the whole truth is not always the best option, but what are we to do without a scrying pan to foresee the future?
Some romances aren’t really ‘enemies-to-lovers’, but rather a couple who begin to respect each other after one of them refuses to back down in standing up to the other person. Personal accountability ofttimes only begins when somebody judges us.
Let’s find out if justice is truly served in ‘The Ice Mage’.
'Frosted Roses' to be released in a few days!
June 1, 2023
Title: The Reborn Prince
Author: Julianne Munich
Release Date: December 18th, 2021
Page Count: 404
Format: Ebook
Start Date: January 3rd, 2023
Finish Date: January 17th, 2023
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
I really wanted to enjoy this book. For the most part, I did. I really loved the story and the idea behind the story. The thing that just didn’t do it for me were the characters. I didn’t care for any of them. The ones I thought I might have been able to connect with weren’t really big parts of the story so I can’t really give a solid answer on that. I may read the next book in the series when it releases, if it hasn’t already. I’m just really not sure at this moment. I also may reread this book just to give it another chance. I just really didn't love the cruelty that some of the characters represented frequently. Their attitudes were completely unbearable.
Author: Julianne Munich
Release Date: December 18th, 2021
Page Count: 404
Format: Ebook
Start Date: January 3rd, 2023
Finish Date: January 17th, 2023
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
I really wanted to enjoy this book. For the most part, I did. I really loved the story and the idea behind the story. The thing that just didn’t do it for me were the characters. I didn’t care for any of them. The ones I thought I might have been able to connect with weren’t really big parts of the story so I can’t really give a solid answer on that. I may read the next book in the series when it releases, if it hasn’t already. I’m just really not sure at this moment. I also may reread this book just to give it another chance. I just really didn't love the cruelty that some of the characters represented frequently. Their attitudes were completely unbearable.
August 6, 2023
I just finished this book, and I really liked it. Besides the cover being beautiful, the writing is too; very colorful and very clear. I love when a character is arrogant, and life schools them and humbles them. This is the journey of Luc, the main character, and I love watching his transformation. The love story between him and Emilie is so sweet and heartfelt. I also loved the skillful, lyrical French words in the text, and appreciated the guide at the front. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend this.
March 12, 2023
Firstly I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!
Now 😂 into the actual important stuff
Julianne knows how to capture your attention and KEEP it with the amazing storyline and characters and the magic! And just the world building in general!
I think Jean was my favorite. But the setting was so beautiful with what I pictured! And sets up perfectly for book two!
I love the building of the friendships throughout the whole story.
Now 😂 into the actual important stuff
Julianne knows how to capture your attention and KEEP it with the amazing storyline and characters and the magic! And just the world building in general!
I think Jean was my favorite. But the setting was so beautiful with what I pictured! And sets up perfectly for book two!
I love the building of the friendships throughout the whole story.
August 19, 2023
Enchanting book about a cursed young man and his Mage mother who tries to re-set her grown son's life by erasing his memories. This is an engaging book with a "Beauty and the Beast" plot and three strong female heroines, the sorceress Mathilde and maid sisters Emilie and Adelaide.
I grew to love the whole cast of characters in the series. This first book is Luc's story, who was born as Prince Renaud.
The series continues on with multiple character's stories. It gets even better!
I grew to love the whole cast of characters in the series. This first book is Luc's story, who was born as Prince Renaud.
The series continues on with multiple character's stories. It gets even better!
February 27, 2023
Magical Land set in Paris, France
This story is made more realistic with its setting in France and the use of French words and phrases. Mages are of different types, but the interaction between them and the human world is complicated. The characters are likeable, except for the mage world leadership who are villainous. More to come in book two!
This story is made more realistic with its setting in France and the use of French words and phrases. Mages are of different types, but the interaction between them and the human world is complicated. The characters are likeable, except for the mage world leadership who are villainous. More to come in book two!
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