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Elice, the Great #1
The Secret Mage
Prophecies and lies. Love and betrayal.
It all began with a prophecy, but what if it was a lie?
Life for Elice has always been one thing: lonely. She lives in secret, locked away in a secluded cottage because of the king’s magic ban. Elice must live this way until she can learn to control her rare elemental magic—the ability to control air, earth, and water.
At least, that’s what her guardian, Lenore, has always told her.
But when Lenore goes missing, Elice’s mission to find her becomes intertwined with a handsome lord and a crown princess. With both the past and the truth on the line, she must decide if finding her guardian is more important than finding out why she looks exactly like the princess.
The Secret Mage is book one of Elice, the Great, a young adult fantasy series that retells the classic fairytale Rapunzel, with slow-burn romance, diverse characters, and themes of coming-of-age, self-discovery, and identity.
It all began with a prophecy, but what if it was a lie?
Life for Elice has always been one thing: lonely. She lives in secret, locked away in a secluded cottage because of the king’s magic ban. Elice must live this way until she can learn to control her rare elemental magic—the ability to control air, earth, and water.
At least, that’s what her guardian, Lenore, has always told her.
But when Lenore goes missing, Elice’s mission to find her becomes intertwined with a handsome lord and a crown princess. With both the past and the truth on the line, she must decide if finding her guardian is more important than finding out why she looks exactly like the princess.
The Secret Mage is book one of Elice, the Great, a young adult fantasy series that retells the classic fairytale Rapunzel, with slow-burn romance, diverse characters, and themes of coming-of-age, self-discovery, and identity.
230 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2022
59 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Roachford
9 books10 followersJennifer Roachford is a wife and mom of five beautiful children. She became an author so she could chase after her lifelong love of books. Her passion for storytelling comes to life through her diverse fantasy novels. As an Afro-Latina, she strives to promote diversity in every book she writes.
She enjoys baking, coffee, sleeping in (when her children let her), and snow days. When she isn’t working on her novel or editing someone else’s manuscript, she is homeschooling her children and watching them grow up.
She enjoys baking, coffee, sleeping in (when her children let her), and snow days. When she isn’t working on her novel or editing someone else’s manuscript, she is homeschooling her children and watching them grow up.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 8, 2022
This was fantastic!! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
So I pretty much inhaled this in two days. I. Am. Stressed. This is only books one and now I must wait to see what happens next 😩.
We all know the story of Rapunzel right, but let’s add melanin, secrets, lies, and some magic. Mix all of that and you have an amazing start to what will surly be one of my favorite series.
Elice is about two weeks away from her 17th birthday and all she wants is to gain control over her magic and to go outside. You see she lives in a cabin in the woods with the only person she knows and no matter how much she begs Elice is not allowed out. No red flags there. She can control not one not two, but three of the four elements with her power. This is rare and she has been told by her guardian Lenore that she is too dangerous to be around other people. Again, no red flags and just excellent parenting. But everything changes when Lenore goes missing on a routine trip into town to get supplies.
First I would like to say the pacing in this book is excellent. We don’t have to wait forever for Elice to figure out who she is and what’s going on. This book keeps you on your toes the entire time and I really enjoyed that the author did not make us go the long way around for people to put two and two together! With that being said, I believe she did this because she knew she was about to stress us out. From the person who rescued her, to her family reunion, to her trying to uncover what really happened, and her finding out that her homecoming was only the beginning it was stress, stress, stress. Everybody in this book is suspicious and on top of that Elice is a firecracker so you’re gonna be on your the edge of your seat the whole time.
The Secret Mage is giving magic, romance, fairytales reimagined, twitches vibes, a whole lot of drama, and action.
THIS IS HOW YOU START A SERIES! 10/10 read it people!
So I pretty much inhaled this in two days. I. Am. Stressed. This is only books one and now I must wait to see what happens next 😩.
We all know the story of Rapunzel right, but let’s add melanin, secrets, lies, and some magic. Mix all of that and you have an amazing start to what will surly be one of my favorite series.
Elice is about two weeks away from her 17th birthday and all she wants is to gain control over her magic and to go outside. You see she lives in a cabin in the woods with the only person she knows and no matter how much she begs Elice is not allowed out. No red flags there. She can control not one not two, but three of the four elements with her power. This is rare and she has been told by her guardian Lenore that she is too dangerous to be around other people. Again, no red flags and just excellent parenting. But everything changes when Lenore goes missing on a routine trip into town to get supplies.
First I would like to say the pacing in this book is excellent. We don’t have to wait forever for Elice to figure out who she is and what’s going on. This book keeps you on your toes the entire time and I really enjoyed that the author did not make us go the long way around for people to put two and two together! With that being said, I believe she did this because she knew she was about to stress us out. From the person who rescued her, to her family reunion, to her trying to uncover what really happened, and her finding out that her homecoming was only the beginning it was stress, stress, stress. Everybody in this book is suspicious and on top of that Elice is a firecracker so you’re gonna be on your the edge of your seat the whole time.
The Secret Mage is giving magic, romance, fairytales reimagined, twitches vibes, a whole lot of drama, and action.
THIS IS HOW YOU START A SERIES! 10/10 read it people!
April 19, 2022
This was great! The story of Rapunzel retold with a few twists and turns, magic, drama and lies. It’s a well paced, well written story that I have to say captured me from the very start and the world building is just beautiful. An exciting storyline that’s also emotional and has a slow burn romance and I cannot wait to read the next book!
April 24, 2022
The Secret Mage is the first part in the Elice the Great series by Jennifer Roachford. This book is a YA fantasy retelling of Rapunzel, and also the debut of this author. I always love to get to know new authors, and also love a good retelling. What will this debut have in store?
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
April 20, 2022
Fantastic!
This was a truly delightful coming of age tale with Rapunzel vibes. I love it. A hidden mage who is much more than what she seems, and a mystery that involves the safety and security of an entire kingdom, spunky characters and conflicted relationships, all makes a light and delightful read.
I love the characters especially our spunky heroine, and am thrilled to pieces to have received an advanced reader copy of this tale. I can hardly wait for the next one!
This was a truly delightful coming of age tale with Rapunzel vibes. I love it. A hidden mage who is much more than what she seems, and a mystery that involves the safety and security of an entire kingdom, spunky characters and conflicted relationships, all makes a light and delightful read.
I love the characters especially our spunky heroine, and am thrilled to pieces to have received an advanced reader copy of this tale. I can hardly wait for the next one!
January 20, 2024
“𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱—𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲.” 𝗛𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲’𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻.
2.5/5 ⭐️ [rounded up]
honestly this had so much potential and i was slightly disappointed that the execution was not at all what i expected.
we all love our favorite fairytales re-written with plot twists and new characters, which is exactly what this entailed. there was magic, love and somewhat happiness at the end if you ask me.
elice and alice are long lost twins which are brought together by fate. their parents knew about both of their existences but completely decided to erase elice off the story since she had powers and that was absolutely not allowed in their dear kingdom.
the story follows elice, the young mage who is meant to learn how to deal with great power and has a responsability to learn that by herself after being shut out by her family and kingdom. by being brought back to her beloved “home”, her parents treat her like a prisoner for a good chunk of the book and don’t seem to even want to explain or give her a reason on why she was being shut out.
elice has to learn that she has been lied to and betrayed through her whole life and with the help of her sister and maybe a love interest she is able to change a few things here and there.
unfortunately i felt as if the book was rushed at points and was lacking some information. for example, i would love to have learned more about how elice felt. maybe even have a bit more information on how she felt about being betrayed because it felt as if she just accepted her fate and didn’t have a problem with her entire family shutting her out. upon her reuniting with her sister, she just accepted that as if everything was okay. i wish there would have been a little bit more pushback and perhaps a more solid background range of feelings.
the love story that is shown to us is very lacking, and i wish there was more romance involved in her story since she deserves it but also has never experienced that before. i’m excited to keep learning about her story and maybe even giving this story a solid continuation!
2.5/5 ⭐️ [rounded up]
honestly this had so much potential and i was slightly disappointed that the execution was not at all what i expected.
we all love our favorite fairytales re-written with plot twists and new characters, which is exactly what this entailed. there was magic, love and somewhat happiness at the end if you ask me.
elice and alice are long lost twins which are brought together by fate. their parents knew about both of their existences but completely decided to erase elice off the story since she had powers and that was absolutely not allowed in their dear kingdom.
the story follows elice, the young mage who is meant to learn how to deal with great power and has a responsability to learn that by herself after being shut out by her family and kingdom. by being brought back to her beloved “home”, her parents treat her like a prisoner for a good chunk of the book and don’t seem to even want to explain or give her a reason on why she was being shut out.
elice has to learn that she has been lied to and betrayed through her whole life and with the help of her sister and maybe a love interest she is able to change a few things here and there.
unfortunately i felt as if the book was rushed at points and was lacking some information. for example, i would love to have learned more about how elice felt. maybe even have a bit more information on how she felt about being betrayed because it felt as if she just accepted her fate and didn’t have a problem with her entire family shutting her out. upon her reuniting with her sister, she just accepted that as if everything was okay. i wish there would have been a little bit more pushback and perhaps a more solid background range of feelings.
the love story that is shown to us is very lacking, and i wish there was more romance involved in her story since she deserves it but also has never experienced that before. i’m excited to keep learning about her story and maybe even giving this story a solid continuation!
October 28, 2022
The Secret Mage is a retelling of Rapunzel. When Elice was born , the prophesy was made that she would be a Mage by fate and will get access to dangerous powers that would rival Orser.
Yet she was oblivion to her identity and origin. Lenore raised her. Elice was entangled in a web of lies and deception, trying to find out about her parents, one day Leonare go out and Elice finds her necklace so she ventures on an odyssey to find her yet the destiny and prosphesy encapsulates themselves, secrets reveals themselves and the truth is brimming in her eyes with a feeling of anger yet curiosity was running in her veins and all she wanted to ask Lenore why she entangled her in the web of lies and deception? Why her parents abandoned her? Why the fate is cruel to her?
While Elice is trying to find the answers, King Edgar made a deal with Lenore but will he grant her what she wants despite hiding the deepest truth. In the midst of lies, deception, prophesy and conspiracy, Will Elice find the answers of her questions and be able to save herself and her family from the evil that is lurking on them?
Yet she was oblivion to her identity and origin. Lenore raised her. Elice was entangled in a web of lies and deception, trying to find out about her parents, one day Leonare go out and Elice finds her necklace so she ventures on an odyssey to find her yet the destiny and prosphesy encapsulates themselves, secrets reveals themselves and the truth is brimming in her eyes with a feeling of anger yet curiosity was running in her veins and all she wanted to ask Lenore why she entangled her in the web of lies and deception? Why her parents abandoned her? Why the fate is cruel to her?
While Elice is trying to find the answers, King Edgar made a deal with Lenore but will he grant her what she wants despite hiding the deepest truth. In the midst of lies, deception, prophesy and conspiracy, Will Elice find the answers of her questions and be able to save herself and her family from the evil that is lurking on them?
April 20, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Mage is a Rapunzel retelling with secrets, lies and magic thrown in to make the story its own. Just before her 17th birthday, our main character, Elice, learns a lot about her past, the secrets that were kept for the good of the people of the kingdom, and where she really came from. b
Overall, the story was nicely paced and was an easy read. Jennifer Roachford did a good job building up this world and incorporating a magical system that was not overly complicated to follow. Elice is fierce and even with everything that is thrown at her, she doesn't give up and stays true to who she is deep down. The Secret Mage is a story of identity and self-discovery as Elice not only tries to unravel the lies around her, but discover who she really is and who she wants to be. This was a great first book that will be an enjoyable series.
The Secret Mage is a Rapunzel retelling with secrets, lies and magic thrown in to make the story its own. Just before her 17th birthday, our main character, Elice, learns a lot about her past, the secrets that were kept for the good of the people of the kingdom, and where she really came from. b
Overall, the story was nicely paced and was an easy read. Jennifer Roachford did a good job building up this world and incorporating a magical system that was not overly complicated to follow. Elice is fierce and even with everything that is thrown at her, she doesn't give up and stays true to who she is deep down. The Secret Mage is a story of identity and self-discovery as Elice not only tries to unravel the lies around her, but discover who she really is and who she wants to be. This was a great first book that will be an enjoyable series.
April 21, 2022
I was so excited to ARC read The Secret Mage! I was pulled in by the blurb - magic, secrets and lies, fairytale retelling, and slow-burn romance? Count me in. Jennifer tells such a compelling story. Elice is a mage in a time when magic is forbidden. A chance encounter leads her to leave her old life behind and discover some shocking truths, all while figuring out who she is. You get to experience everything right with Elice, and it's like you are actually there with her, feeling everything she is, seeing everything she does.
I read this book in one sitting because it kept pulling me in and I couldn't resist turning one more page, which turned into all the pages. The characters are fully developed, the pacing is perfect, and the ending leaves the readers wanting more. James is hands-down one of my favorite male characters, ever. I CANNOT wait until the next book comes out!
I read this book in one sitting because it kept pulling me in and I couldn't resist turning one more page, which turned into all the pages. The characters are fully developed, the pacing is perfect, and the ending leaves the readers wanting more. James is hands-down one of my favorite male characters, ever. I CANNOT wait until the next book comes out!
April 12, 2022
3.75 - a good start to a new series
The Secret Mage is a diverse re-telling of Rapunzel. The story follows Elice, a mage who is forced to hide away her magic.
I appreciated how the author kept the essential elements of Rapunzel, yet digressed enough to create a new and exciting story. The story is quite fast paced which I also liked for the most part (I cannot stand when a plot drags out for no good reason), however, there were some scenes I would have appreciated more time in. On this note as well, some of the characters lacked depth; a slower pace may have solved this issue.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book, and it is a good start to a new series!
The Secret Mage is a diverse re-telling of Rapunzel. The story follows Elice, a mage who is forced to hide away her magic.
I appreciated how the author kept the essential elements of Rapunzel, yet digressed enough to create a new and exciting story. The story is quite fast paced which I also liked for the most part (I cannot stand when a plot drags out for no good reason), however, there were some scenes I would have appreciated more time in. On this note as well, some of the characters lacked depth; a slower pace may have solved this issue.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book, and it is a good start to a new series!
April 13, 2022
The Secret Mage
Fantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was quite an easy read. The pacing is just right, the characters are well developed and I really liked getting to know the magic system and some of the history of the world it is set in.
There were a couple of things that I predicted but I was still curious enough that it kept me reading.
It would be nice to see even more details about the magic and see it explored more. I wasn't too keen on the ending, it seemed sudden and a little flat for me but that being said, I'm intrigued about the next book and what it brings.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Roachford for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Fantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was quite an easy read. The pacing is just right, the characters are well developed and I really liked getting to know the magic system and some of the history of the world it is set in.
There were a couple of things that I predicted but I was still curious enough that it kept me reading.
It would be nice to see even more details about the magic and see it explored more. I wasn't too keen on the ending, it seemed sudden and a little flat for me but that being said, I'm intrigued about the next book and what it brings.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Roachford for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐
I LOVED this book. Omg. I downloaded it for Stuff Your Kindle Day, and instantly was drawn in by the gorgeous cover. I didn't realize it was a Rapunzel retelling before I started reading it, but while reading it, I definitely made the connection! It's a light Rapunzel retelling set in a world where mages, by law, can't use their magic under the penalty of death. However...the long lost princess is a mage, so when she returns to the kingdom, she challenges this law. It also gave me The Selection vibes (which is great because I adore that book). So glad I grabbed this book, I hardly could put it down. If you're checking whether or not to snag this book, I implore you to do so. 🌠
I LOVED this book. Omg. I downloaded it for Stuff Your Kindle Day, and instantly was drawn in by the gorgeous cover. I didn't realize it was a Rapunzel retelling before I started reading it, but while reading it, I definitely made the connection! It's a light Rapunzel retelling set in a world where mages, by law, can't use their magic under the penalty of death. However...the long lost princess is a mage, so when she returns to the kingdom, she challenges this law. It also gave me The Selection vibes (which is great because I adore that book). So glad I grabbed this book, I hardly could put it down. If you're checking whether or not to snag this book, I implore you to do so. 🌠
April 10, 2022
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I loved this! It’s such a unique magical world with fun rules about the magic system. One of the best features is that the protagonist is still learning so we get to discover it along with her!
Adored the characters. They really pull you in and make you feel a connection. I felt all of the frustration, hope, anger and sadness which makes for an engaging read.
The writer leaves you at a fun spot and I can’t wait to read more!
I loved this! It’s such a unique magical world with fun rules about the magic system. One of the best features is that the protagonist is still learning so we get to discover it along with her!
Adored the characters. They really pull you in and make you feel a connection. I felt all of the frustration, hope, anger and sadness which makes for an engaging read.
The writer leaves you at a fun spot and I can’t wait to read more!
December 23, 2022
This is a wonderful take on Repunzel. The romance is a backdrop, allowing the twists and turns of the plot to shine through. There is foreshadowing for a savvy reader to follow and put together, but the shocks and twists are still enough to catch even the savviest by a bit of surprise. The character growth and development is beautiful, and it’s a relaxing and fun read. Definitely recommend and, in fact. I’ve read it twice already.
April 18, 2022
This was a fun read. It is lighthearted and playful. There is a nice romance, but the story started out more unpredictable than it ended. I like the character's relationship with magic but I do wish there was more involved with the magic. This was more of a story about an angry princess rather than a mystical fairy tale, although well written. The cover is amazing!
October 30, 2022
This was an interesting fantasy tale that follows Elice as she tries to control her magic. When her guardian suddenly disappears, she embarks on a life altering journey where many truths are revealed. The book is fast paced with quite a few twists. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 3, 2024
This wasn't bad, but it felt very YA in ways I didn't love. It had some awkward moments (from the characters) that I wasn't vibing with. The characters are just somewhat juvenile. It probably is correct based on the age range (I'm thinking younger YA, like lower high school or upper middle school even) but not my favorite thing.
April 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. This is an ubiased review in exchange for ARC. I love reupunzel and this book captured similaries to the story while still standing out on its own. I cannot wait to read book 2.
April 14, 2022
Let me start off by saying, I’m fairly easy to please and hopped on this opportunity to be an ARC reader for the first time and let me just say, it’s great! It’s fast paced and an easy, quick read. I can’t wait to continue the series!
April 19, 2022
This book was such a cute story!
It was clean, with great descriptions and characters.
The characters reactions were accurate to the situation.
If your looking for a good, clean story, this is for you!
It was clean, with great descriptions and characters.
The characters reactions were accurate to the situation.
If your looking for a good, clean story, this is for you!
April 22, 2022
I really loved the story line of this book. It was a neat spin on Rapunzel without the damsel in distress. I do wish there had been more relationship development between characters but it was a fun adventure, and I’ll be curious to see where book 2 takes us.
February 1, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the Rapunzel retelling. Looking forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out. It reminds me of Avatar the Last Airbender with the mage being able to wield the power of the elements. MC upset me a bit with her impatience and putting others in danger. Overall a good read.
I enjoyed the Rapunzel retelling. Looking forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out. It reminds me of Avatar the Last Airbender with the mage being able to wield the power of the elements. MC upset me a bit with her impatience and putting others in danger. Overall a good read.
April 21, 2022
This was an amazing book that I read in less than 12 hours, I was so hooked. I highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next one!
Want to read
December 27, 2023NOOO THE COVER WAS PRETTIER ON AMAZON
November 27, 2022
This is such a wonderful YA story to follow. It is a great repunzel retelling with some unexpected twists. The world building is simple and immersive. It’s easy to follow while leaving a few mysteries for the reader to determine for themselves.
I really enjoyed this story. The romance is truly a backdrop of the plot itself, which is what I appreciate. It’s a relatively slow burn, but worth the wait, especially since the romance is not the point of the story. The plot is worth following and answers a lot of questions while leaving enough that I’m craving more without feeling parched. There’s action, humor, self discovery, and a beautiful family reunion. I hope to see more books from this author and definitely more following these fun characters. 5/5 would recommend to anyone looking for a good, relaxing, immersive book.
I really enjoyed this story. The romance is truly a backdrop of the plot itself, which is what I appreciate. It’s a relatively slow burn, but worth the wait, especially since the romance is not the point of the story. The plot is worth following and answers a lot of questions while leaving enough that I’m craving more without feeling parched. There’s action, humor, self discovery, and a beautiful family reunion. I hope to see more books from this author and definitely more following these fun characters. 5/5 would recommend to anyone looking for a good, relaxing, immersive book.
August 3, 2022
Whew! This was a fun read in a well-imagined world, with a likeable protagonist and an enjoyable touch of romance. I loved the relationship between the sisters, and the love interest was charming and so sweet. Kudos to the author! Excited for the next book!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews