What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shattered Trilogy #1.5
Shattered Magic
Rocco has his future figured out. One magical tournament is all that stands between him and admission to the Academy--the most prestigious school for magic in the world and the place where he will finally belong. But when a mysterious stranger shows up with an offer from the God of Magic himself, Rocco is left with a choice: swear fealty to the god or follow his own path. Fueled by the desire to realize his dreams, Rocco plunges forward, but the God of Magic cannot be ignored, and Rocco soon learns there is more to lose than just the tournament...
Unknown Binding
About the author
Emily Huffman
6 books76 followersEmily Huffman is the author of The Shattered Trilogy, an epic fantasy series. Before becoming an author, she worked in fraud—but now she leaves stopping the bad guys to her characters. If she’s not writing, you might find her cosplaying at various conventions, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or playing video games/board games!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 17, 2022
This was a fun and quick story about a boy called Rocco, who’s trying to fight his way into an academy. Rocco is quite a stubborn kid but I think that’s one of his greatest virtues. He’s a crowd favorite to get into the academy and needs only one more duel to get there but that’s when it all turns upside down.
I think a lot of people will really like this story. I got to experience a glimpse of the world Emily is creating here and in her main series The Shattered Trilogy. My understand is you don’t have to read the main series to understand this novella and I never felt like I missed anything. I thought it was well written and made me interested enough that I would want to pick up another story in this world in the future. If you like the found family trope I think you will really love this story!
Thanks Emily for sending me a copy to read!
I think a lot of people will really like this story. I got to experience a glimpse of the world Emily is creating here and in her main series The Shattered Trilogy. My understand is you don’t have to read the main series to understand this novella and I never felt like I missed anything. I thought it was well written and made me interested enough that I would want to pick up another story in this world in the future. If you like the found family trope I think you will really love this story!
Thanks Emily for sending me a copy to read!
April 26, 2022
Shattered Magic follows Rocco as he tries to win his way into a prestigious academy, while he receives an offer from the god of Magic himself.
Emily Huffman is a great author that continues to write intriguing stories. This short novella was an entertaining read and a great addition into the Shattered world. Rocco was an exciting character that was stubborn and focused on his goals, which made him completely relatable.
Emily Huffman is a great author that continues to write intriguing stories. This short novella was an entertaining read and a great addition into the Shattered world. Rocco was an exciting character that was stubborn and focused on his goals, which made him completely relatable.
April 26, 2022
This is a magical novella. A fast paced quick read as we follow Rocco who wants nothing more then to go to the academy, a prestigious school for magic users but of course although he thinks he knows what he wants something always gets in the way. It’s an exciting read full of action and choices and that those choices have consequences and I really felt at times for Rocco!
May 2, 2022
An interesting story in the series that sees Rocco face unforeseen circumstances when he declines an offer from the God of Magic. The story moves at a good pace with some interesting characters. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 19, 2022
4.5 stars
This novella follows Rocco, a magic-user who aims to join the Academy (fighting his way through opponents successfully to achieve this) when he is approached by a stranger offering him a deal with the God of Magic, Helm. This novella goes alongside the Shattered trilogy (and though I have not read book 1 which is currently out, I have read the other novelette in the series 'Shattered Sacrifice' so I can't comment how exactly it ties into the rest of the story yet).
I really enjoy Emily Huffman's writing, and find her characters very approachable and likeable despite their flaws. The way characters think is logical even if you don't agree with their every thought, and I found myself immersed in the world which she has created. Very much looking forward to reading the full length novel but this was a very interesting character (and background) introduction which I have to assume ties into the rest of the universe. It is a very quick, fast-paced read which I really enjoyed.
Trigger warnings: fire & burns, injury, possible spoiler:
I received an ARC of this novella by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This novella follows Rocco, a magic-user who aims to join the Academy (fighting his way through opponents successfully to achieve this) when he is approached by a stranger offering him a deal with the God of Magic, Helm. This novella goes alongside the Shattered trilogy (and though I have not read book 1 which is currently out, I have read the other novelette in the series 'Shattered Sacrifice' so I can't comment how exactly it ties into the rest of the story yet).
I really enjoy Emily Huffman's writing, and find her characters very approachable and likeable despite their flaws. The way characters think is logical even if you don't agree with their every thought, and I found myself immersed in the world which she has created. Very much looking forward to reading the full length novel but this was a very interesting character (and background) introduction which I have to assume ties into the rest of the universe. It is a very quick, fast-paced read which I really enjoyed.
Trigger warnings: fire & burns, injury, possible spoiler:
I received an ARC of this novella by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
This was the 3rd novella I read for SFINCS.
Initial rating is 3 stars. This novella had an interesting magic system and story. But overall, it just felt like it moved too quickly. I couldn't get close enough to any of the characters to really get to know them and it felt like this was part of a series already written and we would need to read the rest of the books, to fully appreciate this novella instead of being able to appreciate it on it's own.
CAWPILE breakdown:
Characters: 5 - These characters could be interesting, if we knew more. However it moved so fast and felt almost like we were watching it from a distance. We only got glimpses of the characters.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - You could feel the tension in the atmosphere throughout. The setting was great and vivid.
Writing Style: 6 - It just felt like things moved too quickly for me. Like this was a novellas that was written for a series already written, and you had to have read that series first to appreciate it fully. Which is fine, if this wasn't for a novella competition where the novellas had to be either first in a series or a standalone. This felt like a prequel written after the fact.
Plot: 8 - The plot moved along nicely and made sense to the story.
Intrigue: 4 - Honestly, everything moved so quickly and we barely got to know the characters, it was hard for me to find any intrigue.
Logic/relationships: 7 - Things made sense to the story, so logic was on point. Relationships is hard to say anything about, since I don't really feel like I know any of the characters that well. Everything I felt like it was leading to a friendship/alliance/or anything either it changed again or the book ended...
Enjoyment: 7 - I enjoyed reading this, it just felt like I was missing the bigger picture because I hadn't read the other books and it moved too fast for me to keep up.
CAWPILE Total Score - 44/7 = 6.2 = 3.5 stars.
Initial rating is 3 stars. This novella had an interesting magic system and story. But overall, it just felt like it moved too quickly. I couldn't get close enough to any of the characters to really get to know them and it felt like this was part of a series already written and we would need to read the rest of the books, to fully appreciate this novella instead of being able to appreciate it on it's own.
CAWPILE breakdown:
Characters: 5 - These characters could be interesting, if we knew more. However it moved so fast and felt almost like we were watching it from a distance. We only got glimpses of the characters.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - You could feel the tension in the atmosphere throughout. The setting was great and vivid.
Writing Style: 6 - It just felt like things moved too quickly for me. Like this was a novellas that was written for a series already written, and you had to have read that series first to appreciate it fully. Which is fine, if this wasn't for a novella competition where the novellas had to be either first in a series or a standalone. This felt like a prequel written after the fact.
Plot: 8 - The plot moved along nicely and made sense to the story.
Intrigue: 4 - Honestly, everything moved so quickly and we barely got to know the characters, it was hard for me to find any intrigue.
Logic/relationships: 7 - Things made sense to the story, so logic was on point. Relationships is hard to say anything about, since I don't really feel like I know any of the characters that well. Everything I felt like it was leading to a friendship/alliance/or anything either it changed again or the book ended...
Enjoyment: 7 - I enjoyed reading this, it just felt like I was missing the bigger picture because I hadn't read the other books and it moved too fast for me to keep up.
CAWPILE Total Score - 44/7 = 6.2 = 3.5 stars.
November 10, 2023
3/5 Stars
Shattered Magic is my first read for SFINCS.
Magic, battles, and internal struggles. Shattered Magic follows Rocco, a young mage, as he’s faced with a difficult choice; the life he’s dreamed of or a mysterious offer from the God of Magic.
Shattered Magic begins strong and thrusts readers into the odds pit against Rocco. Throughout the duels and learning of Rocco’s life I was invested early in his circumstances and found myself cheering him on.
However, I found that investment dwindled the more I read about the main character and side cast. While it does have both plot and character-driven storytelling, it felt more plot-driven as the story went on. As a result, the characters motivations started to feel rushed and less impactful, making it hard to keep that investment.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding, magic, lore and their implications within the story. The action scenes along with the stakes were gripping, and the plot was thoughtfully done.
Overall, this is an entertaining read that sets up for a larger story.
Shattered Magic is my first read for SFINCS.
Magic, battles, and internal struggles. Shattered Magic follows Rocco, a young mage, as he’s faced with a difficult choice; the life he’s dreamed of or a mysterious offer from the God of Magic.
Shattered Magic begins strong and thrusts readers into the odds pit against Rocco. Throughout the duels and learning of Rocco’s life I was invested early in his circumstances and found myself cheering him on.
However, I found that investment dwindled the more I read about the main character and side cast. While it does have both plot and character-driven storytelling, it felt more plot-driven as the story went on. As a result, the characters motivations started to feel rushed and less impactful, making it hard to keep that investment.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding, magic, lore and their implications within the story. The action scenes along with the stakes were gripping, and the plot was thoughtfully done.
Overall, this is an entertaining read that sets up for a larger story.
April 19, 2022
This is a quick read and just a short novella introducing us to Rocco who is offered by the God of Magic, Helm, the prospect to become a mage hunter(to hunt those who do not deserve magic). Rocco declines and ends up losing his magic. And now is trying to find out how to get it back, or else figure out who he is as a person without his magic.
This was a quick and exciting read. Rocco did irritate me at times, he tended to complain a lot, but he seemed to learn in the end he is more than just the magic and abilities he lost. There was quite a bit of action in this small compact story, but also a message as to how you are more than just the abilities you have. We also meet the Lost King and the Lancers of the Lost, which I do not recall being in the first book. I can only assume this book introduced this group of people and we will see more of them in the next book.
I received a free digital copy to read from the author. Thank you Emily!
This was a quick and exciting read. Rocco did irritate me at times, he tended to complain a lot, but he seemed to learn in the end he is more than just the magic and abilities he lost. There was quite a bit of action in this small compact story, but also a message as to how you are more than just the abilities you have. We also meet the Lost King and the Lancers of the Lost, which I do not recall being in the first book. I can only assume this book introduced this group of people and we will see more of them in the next book.
I received a free digital copy to read from the author. Thank you Emily!
April 27, 2022
Shattered Magic is a novella featuring Rocco, a mage who has his magic stolen from him.
I finished it in a day, and it was a very enjoyable read. I have not read the main series, but this novella worked entirely as a stand alone and I wasn’t confused.
Rocco was a sympathetic character and the author did well portraying his rage and frustration over the loss of his powers. His whole life trajectory is upended, and his refusal to accept is shown very well.
The shortness of the book doesn’t leave a lot of time for development, but what development there is is great. The characters are interesting and feel like they have depth. I wanted to learn more about them because I felt like they had more to their stories, and what was shown here was just a small glimpse.
The novella left me intrigued about this world and its people and I now want to read the main series.
A great story.
I finished it in a day, and it was a very enjoyable read. I have not read the main series, but this novella worked entirely as a stand alone and I wasn’t confused.
Rocco was a sympathetic character and the author did well portraying his rage and frustration over the loss of his powers. His whole life trajectory is upended, and his refusal to accept is shown very well.
The shortness of the book doesn’t leave a lot of time for development, but what development there is is great. The characters are interesting and feel like they have depth. I wanted to learn more about them because I felt like they had more to their stories, and what was shown here was just a small glimpse.
The novella left me intrigued about this world and its people and I now want to read the main series.
A great story.
April 26, 2022
A great read about finding yourself when the path before you isn't quite what you expected. Rocco is confident - some would say cocky - as he prepares for the final magical tournament that will allow him to study at the Academy, a life-long dream of his. The night before the tournament, however, he is visited by a mysterious stranger who gives him a warning. Soon after, Rocco realizes that his future - and his destiny - may not be what he originally envisioned. Huffman is a great writer who immediately pulled me into the world of The Shattered Trilogy. This was my first time reading a book in this series, but I'll now be sure to check out more of Huffman's work. (I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 30, 2022
This was such a fun read! I loved that there’s a bit of a moral mixed in with the found family trope and that we get to see Rocco’s journey through loss and re-finding himself. While I think this worked a a novella, I actually wish we had gotten to see more about Rocco - a bit more of his life before the tournament, a bit of his time in training, something. It feels weird to say this about a novella, but it felt too rushed to me and while I felt for Rocco, I wanted more so I could feel more. I didn’t quite feel an attachment to Rocco, here, and so the impacts of his loss and recovery weren’t as strong as they could have been? Overall, a good addition to the world being built here!
Thanks to the author for sending me an eARC!
Thanks to the author for sending me an eARC!
April 27, 2022
ARC Review of Shattered Magic by Emily Huffman
* * * * *
A great quick read filled with magic, battles, new goals and an alliance.
Rocco wanted nothing more to win his spot in the Academy and be the best, but coming across a mate hunter was the worst thing to happen before his final fight to gain entry and win what was his.
He was given a choice: join Helm or suffer the consequences.
He suffered alright.
Now stripped of his magic, Rocco is determined to get it back. With his determination and a little assistance from The Lost, Rocco is out for revenge and to take back back his life.
* * * * *
A great quick read filled with magic, battles, new goals and an alliance.
Rocco wanted nothing more to win his spot in the Academy and be the best, but coming across a mate hunter was the worst thing to happen before his final fight to gain entry and win what was his.
He was given a choice: join Helm or suffer the consequences.
He suffered alright.
Now stripped of his magic, Rocco is determined to get it back. With his determination and a little assistance from The Lost, Rocco is out for revenge and to take back back his life.
April 24, 2022
This was a quick read. The main character is a mage who loses his magic during a final duel. We then get to follow a bit of their journey. The overall story is good and packed with action. I believe one of the themes is identity, beyond what you hold or do. I liked that the author depicted a flawed main character who is able to rise above their own doubts and desires to do what's right.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange of my voluntary review from the author.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange of my voluntary review from the author.
April 26, 2022
This is a fantasy novella, a fast read. It concerns a character with magic in a magic world who loses his magic. In trying to get it back, he is drawn into a world of non-magic people fighting the servants of the God of magic.
I think this is part of a series but I have not read the other stories nor did I feel I needed to in order to follow the story.
It is an interesting concept that wraps around to a logical and alternatively rewarding conclusion.
Some of the wording felt overly descriptive, and personally I felt the magic at the beginning was a bit overexplained.
I was able to sympathize with the main character and in general I cared about his journey and ultimate conclusion.
I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review, and I thank her for it.
I think this is part of a series but I have not read the other stories nor did I feel I needed to in order to follow the story.
It is an interesting concept that wraps around to a logical and alternatively rewarding conclusion.
Some of the wording felt overly descriptive, and personally I felt the magic at the beginning was a bit overexplained.
I was able to sympathize with the main character and in general I cared about his journey and ultimate conclusion.
I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review, and I thank her for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
Right out the gate I knew it would be a special book when there was a map AND a world building guide. Always a plus 🥰
Rocco is a cocky magical progeny who loses his magic and fights to get it back until he realizes that maybe there's better ways to live life.
I can not wait to read the other books 🥰
Rocco is a cocky magical progeny who loses his magic and fights to get it back until he realizes that maybe there's better ways to live life.
I can not wait to read the other books 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
This was a fast read. The story follows Rocco. He was in line to be a great Mage and he is offered a chance of a lifetime but he refuses and it makes things a bit more difficult for him. There were a couple of slow moments but overall the story flowed nicely and I didn't feel like pieces were missing. I can't wait to dive into the first book!
May 1, 2022
This is an easy reading, relaxing book with a life lesson in. It shows that a person is not made up of just one aspect. If you loose one you don't have to despair, start focusing on other parts of yourself to become who you are meant to be and where you are ment to be.
April 28, 2022
Wow. That is all I have to say. GET THIS BOOK! NOW!
April 30, 2022
An enjoyable short story and liked the spin on the tale so that it's non magic users that are involved in a world filled with magic
Keen to read the main series to see where Rocco fits in!
Keen to read the main series to see where Rocco fits in!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews