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Astra Academy #1
Academy Arcanist
Hopes. Dreams. And literal nightmares out to kill a young boy.
Gray Lexly, son of a candlemaker, wants to escape his life of old-world technologies and study at the prestigious Astra Academy, a school for arcanists—those who can wield magic. But Gray has a major problem. Every night, as he sleeps, he’s visited by monsters. When they injure Gray in his dreams, he wakes with the same wounds in real life…
On the night Gray might finally die in his nightmares, he is saved by the kind and mysterious Professor Helmith, a powerful arcanist. She offers to protect Gray and invites him to attend Astra Academy.
Before that can happen, Gray must bond with a mystical creature to become an arcanist himself. Will he bond with a unicorn? A pegasus? A kitsune? Whatever he bonds with will determine his magical abilities, so he must choose wisely.
And when trouble finds Professor Helmith, Gray must become powerful enough to help her and fend off the terrible nightmares, before it’s too late…
Gray Lexly, son of a candlemaker, wants to escape his life of old-world technologies and study at the prestigious Astra Academy, a school for arcanists—those who can wield magic. But Gray has a major problem. Every night, as he sleeps, he’s visited by monsters. When they injure Gray in his dreams, he wakes with the same wounds in real life…
On the night Gray might finally die in his nightmares, he is saved by the kind and mysterious Professor Helmith, a powerful arcanist. She offers to protect Gray and invites him to attend Astra Academy.
Before that can happen, Gray must bond with a mystical creature to become an arcanist himself. Will he bond with a unicorn? A pegasus? A kitsune? Whatever he bonds with will determine his magical abilities, so he must choose wisely.
And when trouble finds Professor Helmith, Gray must become powerful enough to help her and fend off the terrible nightmares, before it’s too late…
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
1130 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read
About the author
Shami Stovall
45 books828 followersShami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 25, 2022
4/5
A real page turner
This one's a nice series opener...
I actually liked it a bit more than Knightmare Arcanist. I flew through this book in a day. It was very easy to read and kept the flow of the story without any hindrances. It was fast paced with YA elements that doesn't feel waayyy too YA. Liked the MC and all the secondary characters.
But... There are some issues in this one too. Since this book follows the Academy trope I expected a little more of learning and actions and all that but I was disappointed on that aspect. Otherwise, it's a fun read.
I will be joining up for the sequel.
A real page turner
This one's a nice series opener...
I actually liked it a bit more than Knightmare Arcanist. I flew through this book in a day. It was very easy to read and kept the flow of the story without any hindrances. It was fast paced with YA elements that doesn't feel waayyy too YA. Liked the MC and all the secondary characters.
But... There are some issues in this one too. Since this book follows the Academy trope I expected a little more of learning and actions and all that but I was disappointed on that aspect. Otherwise, it's a fun read.
I will be joining up for the sequel.
August 26, 2022
This book is actually a 3.5, but I could not justify giving it only 3 stars.
The story is really well written. The setting is great and I loved most of the characters. What really pulled this book down is the MC/narrator. He is a Marty Stu and a stuck-up jerk for most of the book.
[SPOILER]
The MC is embarrassed by his brother's mannerism and gentle nature. He hates that his brother enjoys making up poetry. He spends his time obsessed with finding the Professor, rather than meeting his classmates. For this reason, he is rude to almost all of them. The only exception is the most powerful classmate, who of course starts flirting with the MC as soon as she meets him. And through it all, they like him - because of course they do! - other than the one who is designed to be the snob.
And of course, he figures out his magic almost entirely on his own and always manages to come up with a solution to every problem.
[/SPOILER]
Towards the end of the book, the MC turns into a half-way decent kid. I hope he stays that way in Book 2.
The story is really well written. The setting is great and I loved most of the characters. What really pulled this book down is the MC/narrator. He is a Marty Stu and a stuck-up jerk for most of the book.
[SPOILER]
The MC is embarrassed by his brother's mannerism and gentle nature. He hates that his brother enjoys making up poetry. He spends his time obsessed with finding the Professor, rather than meeting his classmates. For this reason, he is rude to almost all of them. The only exception is the most powerful classmate, who of course starts flirting with the MC as soon as she meets him. And through it all, they like him - because of course they do! - other than the one who is designed to be the snob.
And of course, he figures out his magic almost entirely on his own and always manages to come up with a solution to every problem.
[/SPOILER]
Towards the end of the book, the MC turns into a half-way decent kid. I hope he stays that way in Book 2.
July 22, 2023
I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by The Write Reads and received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars!
TL;DR: Academy Arcanist is a fast-paced YA fantasy that's a little bit dark and filled with a lot of magic! If you love magical creatures/companions in your fantasies then there's no doubt that you will love this world and the magical system linked to forming a life-long unbreakable bond with a supernatural animal. The characters were intriguing, the plot was mysterious (if not a little predictable) and I adored the found family vibes that always come with starting a new life in a magical academy. Although I struggled with the MC and his perspective at times, there was never a moment I didn't root for his success. This is a great start to a series and I can't wait to see where this goes next!
Several years ago I read another book by this author and I don't know why I never continued with that series (also set in this world of arcanists) because I remember really enjoying it. I was excited to dive back into this world and Stovall didn't disappoint. This reads very easily in that the language used was straightforward and the descriptions were not overly elaborate while still being enough to allow you to vividly picture the surroundings and sink into the setting. Little bits of the world's history are dropped along the way as some parts of the lore play a role in the main plot but for the most part, we get to learn about the magic system alongside our MC, Gray—and it's a really fun and great system! We meet a wide array of supernatural animals or eldrin that have magical abilities and trials of worth that a human must pass in order to bond with them. I loved learning about the different creatures and their trials and it was fascinating to see the abilities that each one possesses and bestows upon their arcanist. It's clever, inventive and fun!
Throughout the story, we also meet quite a few characters that come along for the journey and become compelling side characters you will definitely want to learn more about. However, the story focuses on Gray and his journey to become an arcanist to protect himself and solve the mystery of the nightmares that have caused deaths. Gray is... a fifteen-year-old boy. He's emotional, he's easily embarrassed, he's judgmental, and he thinks he knows everything and can do everything better than anyone else. He has a bit of a holier-than-thou attitude that at times was a bit exasperating and I was worried, especially at the start, that I would end up not enjoying this because of how irritating I found him to be. That said, I admired his tenacity and how he never gave up searching for answers. I also appreciated that he has a genuine love and appreciation for his twin brother and the heartfelt moments between them—when Gray would actually allow himself to feel and be vulnerable—made it possible for me to tolerate his stinky attitude. 😂 I'm hoping that the author wrote Gray in such a way to show how he develops as an individual and arcanist throughout the series.
Another character that made Gray tolerable was Twain, the most precious eldrin to probably ever exist! He's freaking ADORABLE and I just wanted to scoop him up and cuddle him forever, lol. His sass and personality were so fun! Other characters I really liked were Sorin with his sweet, gentle-hearted, ever-optimistic and supportive personality. The bond that he starts to form with fellow "outcast" Nini was also very sweet and I loved how supportive he and even Gray were of her despite how everyone else treated her.
The plot itself has a little bit of mystery to it and though it was easy to predict what would happen, it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. The main plot does slow down slightly in the middle but it was balanced by the interesting world-building, academy life, magic practice and eldrin bonding, which definitely held my attention the whole time. I really liked the magical school setting and seeing this motley group of very different young adults learn to be in each other's orbit. Overall, I think this was a really solid first book in a new series and I'm looking forward to seeing where the adventure goes next.
TL;DR: Academy Arcanist is a fast-paced YA fantasy that's a little bit dark and filled with a lot of magic! If you love magical creatures/companions in your fantasies then there's no doubt that you will love this world and the magical system linked to forming a life-long unbreakable bond with a supernatural animal. The characters were intriguing, the plot was mysterious (if not a little predictable) and I adored the found family vibes that always come with starting a new life in a magical academy. Although I struggled with the MC and his perspective at times, there was never a moment I didn't root for his success. This is a great start to a series and I can't wait to see where this goes next!
Several years ago I read another book by this author and I don't know why I never continued with that series (also set in this world of arcanists) because I remember really enjoying it. I was excited to dive back into this world and Stovall didn't disappoint. This reads very easily in that the language used was straightforward and the descriptions were not overly elaborate while still being enough to allow you to vividly picture the surroundings and sink into the setting. Little bits of the world's history are dropped along the way as some parts of the lore play a role in the main plot but for the most part, we get to learn about the magic system alongside our MC, Gray—and it's a really fun and great system! We meet a wide array of supernatural animals or eldrin that have magical abilities and trials of worth that a human must pass in order to bond with them. I loved learning about the different creatures and their trials and it was fascinating to see the abilities that each one possesses and bestows upon their arcanist. It's clever, inventive and fun!
Throughout the story, we also meet quite a few characters that come along for the journey and become compelling side characters you will definitely want to learn more about. However, the story focuses on Gray and his journey to become an arcanist to protect himself and solve the mystery of the nightmares that have caused deaths. Gray is... a fifteen-year-old boy. He's emotional, he's easily embarrassed, he's judgmental, and he thinks he knows everything and can do everything better than anyone else. He has a bit of a holier-than-thou attitude that at times was a bit exasperating and I was worried, especially at the start, that I would end up not enjoying this because of how irritating I found him to be. That said, I admired his tenacity and how he never gave up searching for answers. I also appreciated that he has a genuine love and appreciation for his twin brother and the heartfelt moments between them—when Gray would actually allow himself to feel and be vulnerable—made it possible for me to tolerate his stinky attitude. 😂 I'm hoping that the author wrote Gray in such a way to show how he develops as an individual and arcanist throughout the series.
Another character that made Gray tolerable was Twain, the most precious eldrin to probably ever exist! He's freaking ADORABLE and I just wanted to scoop him up and cuddle him forever, lol. His sass and personality were so fun! Other characters I really liked were Sorin with his sweet, gentle-hearted, ever-optimistic and supportive personality. The bond that he starts to form with fellow "outcast" Nini was also very sweet and I loved how supportive he and even Gray were of her despite how everyone else treated her.
The plot itself has a little bit of mystery to it and though it was easy to predict what would happen, it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. The main plot does slow down slightly in the middle but it was balanced by the interesting world-building, academy life, magic practice and eldrin bonding, which definitely held my attention the whole time. I really liked the magical school setting and seeing this motley group of very different young adults learn to be in each other's orbit. Overall, I think this was a really solid first book in a new series and I'm looking forward to seeing where the adventure goes next.
October 17, 2023
ACADEMY ARCANIST is the first book in the Astra Academy series. If you have read the Frith Chronicles, then you will be familiar with this world of Arcanists and Eldrins. I loved that series, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and I wasn't disappointed!
Gray and Sorin are fantastic characters; twins that are very different from each other but share a deep brotherly bond. At thirteen years old, Gray is attacked in his dreams but his parents don't believe him. A professor from Astra Academy saves him and he spends time with her in his dreams, learning about the Arcanists. When he is fifteen, he and Sorin head to the Academy, desperate to find an eldrin of their own. But when he meets Professor Helmith, Gray knows something is wrong. This isn't the same professor he met in his dreams.
I loved this story! It's a long one, but I read it in one sitting, as I was literally unable to move at the time. It took me all day, but I loved every word and was swept away in the story. The supporting characters all have their own foibles and quirks, and I look forward to learning more about each of them as the series progresses. It is well-paced, giving you plenty of action as well as quiet times to process just what's going on.
A great start to a series that returns me to a world I love. I can't wait for more. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 6, 2022
Gray and Sorin are fantastic characters; twins that are very different from each other but share a deep brotherly bond. At thirteen years old, Gray is attacked in his dreams but his parents don't believe him. A professor from Astra Academy saves him and he spends time with her in his dreams, learning about the Arcanists. When he is fifteen, he and Sorin head to the Academy, desperate to find an eldrin of their own. But when he meets Professor Helmith, Gray knows something is wrong. This isn't the same professor he met in his dreams.
I loved this story! It's a long one, but I read it in one sitting, as I was literally unable to move at the time. It took me all day, but I loved every word and was swept away in the story. The supporting characters all have their own foibles and quirks, and I look forward to learning more about each of them as the series progresses. It is well-paced, giving you plenty of action as well as quiet times to process just what's going on.
A great start to a series that returns me to a world I love. I can't wait for more. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 6, 2022
September 30, 2022
Pales in comparison
This apparently comes after the events of the previous Arcanist series but the setting of "Hogwarts" Arcanist school means that the author reexplains all the basics we learned via the previous series. Then we are focusing on the same elderin as the other series as well. I understand the mimic choice but really Knightmare again?
Also the whole Amateur defeats professional/adult ancient evil happened waaay to fast. The mc is appardntly just an amazingly gifted natural arcanist....
This apparently comes after the events of the previous Arcanist series but the setting of "Hogwarts" Arcanist school means that the author reexplains all the basics we learned via the previous series. Then we are focusing on the same elderin as the other series as well. I understand the mimic choice but really Knightmare again?
Also the whole Amateur defeats professional/adult ancient evil happened waaay to fast. The mc is appardntly just an amazingly gifted natural arcanist....
August 26, 2022
4 Stars
sorry for this chaotic review
So let’s start in the beginning
First 9 chapters annoyed the living Jesus out of me
Gray our main character acted so pretentious and I was close to DNF the book (I know in the beginning he is only 13 but come on)
Also if i have to read the words "don't fret" one more time i might choke someone
There is also Sorin, his brother and that guy is really likeable
“I know you fear your time of sleep,” he said in poetic rhythm. “Where wicked monsters sometimes creep.” “Sorin, I don’t—” “They fill your mind with hate and dread, dark-hearted schemes, and perhaps undead. But you needn’t worry, cuz we’re a team—I’ll be here, so you can finally dream.”
So if you’re think of putting the book down because you didn’t enjoy the beginning PLEASE continue because with the 10th chapter this book gets good like GOOD
I totally got the Harry Potter vibes (the school setting and the main trio etc.) and it also reminded me a bit of His Dark Materials (because of the bonding with creatures)
It is such a beautiful and magical world. The descriptions of the different creatures were great, simply a world in which you wish to disappear into!
Gray was still a pretentious little shit at times and I really hope he gets more humble as the books progress
“Are you sure you want to associate with someone like that?”
(like come on was that Gray or Malfoy???)
But all in all Gray is a really good dude, trying to do the right thing and being a good friend
Same as in Harry Potter we do have a book that doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but with a storyline that isn’t finished yet, and that’s perfectly ok by me
Honorable mentions are Twain, I love you so much and Nini I wish I could be your friend in real life
“Nini was the image of the lady of death. A terrifying omen given physical form.”
I would say this is 95% YA but it has some small Adult elements that gave me the creeps lol
The pacing was fast and action packed so I hope this stays the same in the following books
I really can’t wait where the story goes!
So let’s start in the beginning
First 9 chapters annoyed the living Jesus out of me
Gray our main character acted so pretentious and I was close to DNF the book (I know in the beginning he is only 13 but come on)
Also if i have to read the words "don't fret" one more time i might choke someone
There is also Sorin, his brother and that guy is really likeable
“I know you fear your time of sleep,” he said in poetic rhythm. “Where wicked monsters sometimes creep.” “Sorin, I don’t—” “They fill your mind with hate and dread, dark-hearted schemes, and perhaps undead. But you needn’t worry, cuz we’re a team—I’ll be here, so you can finally dream.”
So if you’re think of putting the book down because you didn’t enjoy the beginning PLEASE continue because with the 10th chapter this book gets good like GOOD
I totally got the Harry Potter vibes (the school setting and the main trio etc.) and it also reminded me a bit of His Dark Materials (because of the bonding with creatures)
It is such a beautiful and magical world. The descriptions of the different creatures were great, simply a world in which you wish to disappear into!
Gray was still a pretentious little shit at times and I really hope he gets more humble as the books progress
“Are you sure you want to associate with someone like that?”
(like come on was that Gray or Malfoy???)
But all in all Gray is a really good dude, trying to do the right thing and being a good friend
Same as in Harry Potter we do have a book that doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but with a storyline that isn’t finished yet, and that’s perfectly ok by me
Honorable mentions are Twain, I love you so much and Nini I wish I could be your friend in real life
“Nini was the image of the lady of death. A terrifying omen given physical form.”
I would say this is 95% YA but it has some small Adult elements that gave me the creeps lol
The pacing was fast and action packed so I hope this stays the same in the following books
I really can’t wait where the story goes!
July 10, 2023
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and getting lost in the world of magic and magical creatures; eldrins and arcanists. I whizzed through it in just a few sittings.
Grey does not want to live his life on the small island where he lives nor does he want to become a candlemaker, like his dad.
He has been having nightmares where he is being attacked by monster spider puppets, and he is bringing the injuries with him when he wakes. Of course, his father and stepmother don’t believe his stories. In his dreams, he meets Professor Helmith. She protects him and tells him all about the Astra Academy where she teaches magic, and that is his decision made. He will go there but has to wait two years until he is 15.
Just after his 15th birthday he heads to the academy with his twin brother. They have not yet bonded with a magical creature, having little choice on their island, so they hope they will each find one in the menagerie, below the academy.
The menagerie section of the story with the magical animals is so very well described. I could have carried on reading more about all the animals and their individual Trials of Worth, which a human has to pass to be considered eligible to bond. Bonds are forever and make each party stronger.
Move forward a short time to lessons. Grey has been so excited to meet Professor Helmith in real life but she doesn’t recognise him. He knows her so well, even her walk, so realises this woman is an imposter.
That’s far enough into the story for my review! I think fans of Harry Potter and perhaps Percy Jackson will enjoy this book. The world is set years ago, just as steam engines and plumbing are being invented.
I enjoyed getting to know the different students and their magical animals, or once bonded they are now arcanists and eldrins.
I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of this series.
Thank you to The Write Reads for my E copy of the book and my spot on the blog tour.
Grey does not want to live his life on the small island where he lives nor does he want to become a candlemaker, like his dad.
He has been having nightmares where he is being attacked by monster spider puppets, and he is bringing the injuries with him when he wakes. Of course, his father and stepmother don’t believe his stories. In his dreams, he meets Professor Helmith. She protects him and tells him all about the Astra Academy where she teaches magic, and that is his decision made. He will go there but has to wait two years until he is 15.
Just after his 15th birthday he heads to the academy with his twin brother. They have not yet bonded with a magical creature, having little choice on their island, so they hope they will each find one in the menagerie, below the academy.
The menagerie section of the story with the magical animals is so very well described. I could have carried on reading more about all the animals and their individual Trials of Worth, which a human has to pass to be considered eligible to bond. Bonds are forever and make each party stronger.
Move forward a short time to lessons. Grey has been so excited to meet Professor Helmith in real life but she doesn’t recognise him. He knows her so well, even her walk, so realises this woman is an imposter.
That’s far enough into the story for my review! I think fans of Harry Potter and perhaps Percy Jackson will enjoy this book. The world is set years ago, just as steam engines and plumbing are being invented.
I enjoyed getting to know the different students and their magical animals, or once bonded they are now arcanists and eldrins.
I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of this series.
Thank you to The Write Reads for my E copy of the book and my spot on the blog tour.
July 12, 2023
Magic and fantasy are the things that really take me away from everything. This book has plenty of that along with magical creatures, too. The first book in the Astra Academy series. One that I am really eager to carry on reading.
I haven't read anything by Shami Stovall before this book, and I now want to read every book she has written. To say I hardly ever read fantasy until a few yeats ago, I now love fantasy and even buy so many fantasy books you wouldn't believe I never read it. This book is a great example of how the fantasy genre grabs me.
I was transported to Greys world. A boy who has no wish to follow his father into candlemaking. All he wants is to study at the Astra Academy. A prestigous place for those who have magic at their fingertips.
Grey has a massive problem. He has nightmares in which monsters visit him and hurt him. He wakes up every day, with the actual wounds from his dreams. A professor from the academy invites him to study there, and she can protect him from the nightmares. He first has to bond with a magical creature to become an arcanist. That in itself is a serious decision! Then comes the time he is needed to protect his professor, but will he be powerful enough to fight the nightmares and help her?
Immersive, fantastical, and vivid. The world building alone took me away from my life. The characters I invested in. Shami Stovall certainly knows how to create characters that feel real. Grey tugged on my heartsrings from the beginning.
I loved the magical creatures, but I am a sucker for them anyway. My favourite of all time is Dobby from Harry Potter. I know 52 and a soft touch! Ah well, Im glad I am. Especially if it means I can enjoy books such as this.
It was a great start to an intriguing series. I shall be reading the next book,without a doubt!
Thanks to The Write Reads and Shami Stovall for the copy of the book to write my honest review.
I haven't read anything by Shami Stovall before this book, and I now want to read every book she has written. To say I hardly ever read fantasy until a few yeats ago, I now love fantasy and even buy so many fantasy books you wouldn't believe I never read it. This book is a great example of how the fantasy genre grabs me.
I was transported to Greys world. A boy who has no wish to follow his father into candlemaking. All he wants is to study at the Astra Academy. A prestigous place for those who have magic at their fingertips.
Grey has a massive problem. He has nightmares in which monsters visit him and hurt him. He wakes up every day, with the actual wounds from his dreams. A professor from the academy invites him to study there, and she can protect him from the nightmares. He first has to bond with a magical creature to become an arcanist. That in itself is a serious decision! Then comes the time he is needed to protect his professor, but will he be powerful enough to fight the nightmares and help her?
Immersive, fantastical, and vivid. The world building alone took me away from my life. The characters I invested in. Shami Stovall certainly knows how to create characters that feel real. Grey tugged on my heartsrings from the beginning.
I loved the magical creatures, but I am a sucker for them anyway. My favourite of all time is Dobby from Harry Potter. I know 52 and a soft touch! Ah well, Im glad I am. Especially if it means I can enjoy books such as this.
It was a great start to an intriguing series. I shall be reading the next book,without a doubt!
Thanks to The Write Reads and Shami Stovall for the copy of the book to write my honest review.
April 12, 2024
That was fun. Felt more middle grade than YA, but maybe that’s what made it so enjoyable. Now, if the exact same story could only be written for an adult audience, that would be pure magic.
September 13, 2023
A wonderfully fun romp through a well-crafted world of magic!
This was so much fun! Gray is the perfect, teenaged blend of sweet and snarky, with intelligent, outside the box thinking balanced by age-appropriate rashness that lands him repeatedly in hot water. He and his twin brother Sorin, who is his opposite in so many ways, have a strong bond that is both endearing and a driving force throughout the story.
The scope of Stovall’s fantasy world is captivating. Humans, once they come of age, can gain arcane knowledge and skills by bonding with a magical creature—and thereby earning the right to study at the elite and fascinating Astra Academy. The book boasts a colorful supporting cast, and there seems no end to the enchanting array of “eldrin” beings.
I have only one peeve with the otherwise engaging storytelling: Gray repeatedly gives visual descriptions, from 1st person POV, of the arcanist mark on his own forehead. It’s like he has a mirror in front of him—because how else would he know what it looks like?—yet there is never any indication of a reflective surface. If the mark has some sort of tactile or self-intuitive quality, it is never explained.
This is an easy and spellbinding read, perfect for middle schoolers, but enjoyable for me as an adult. I followed Gray eagerly up to the climax, where things got a little more grotesque. While it was not inappropriately graphic, I felt like we had transitioned to a Halloween-themed “tales from the crypt” style of story. Not really my thing—I prefer more nuanced forces of evil. But I still look forward to the sequel!
This was so much fun! Gray is the perfect, teenaged blend of sweet and snarky, with intelligent, outside the box thinking balanced by age-appropriate rashness that lands him repeatedly in hot water. He and his twin brother Sorin, who is his opposite in so many ways, have a strong bond that is both endearing and a driving force throughout the story.
The scope of Stovall’s fantasy world is captivating. Humans, once they come of age, can gain arcane knowledge and skills by bonding with a magical creature—and thereby earning the right to study at the elite and fascinating Astra Academy. The book boasts a colorful supporting cast, and there seems no end to the enchanting array of “eldrin” beings.
I have only one peeve with the otherwise engaging storytelling: Gray repeatedly gives visual descriptions, from 1st person POV, of the arcanist mark on his own forehead. It’s like he has a mirror in front of him—because how else would he know what it looks like?—yet there is never any indication of a reflective surface. If the mark has some sort of tactile or self-intuitive quality, it is never explained.
This is an easy and spellbinding read, perfect for middle schoolers, but enjoyable for me as an adult. I followed Gray eagerly up to the climax, where things got a little more grotesque. While it was not inappropriately graphic, I felt like we had transitioned to a Halloween-themed “tales from the crypt” style of story. Not really my thing—I prefer more nuanced forces of evil. But I still look forward to the sequel!
October 26, 2022
Good story and another interesting cast of characters
I should say that I’m already a big fan of Shami Stovall and her books, especially The Frith Chronicles, her series about arcanists, so I’m already a little biased towards the whole concept of arcanists. I absolutely love this magic concept and it was great to see it again in this setting.
So this was a nice read -- great pace, interesting characters, an interesting story and, again, an amazing magic concept. I liked reading about magical creatures I was already familiar with from the Frith series and about some new ones. Also, the characters here are young, so sometimes I couldn’t help feeling like an old fart, annoyed with some of the things they do (hah), but that’s always been my thing with very young characters in books. Anyway, it didn’t distract me from the story, which moved forward well and kept me reading.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I love the Frith Chronicles, so I’m glad that I didn’t hate this one. I can’t say I like it more than the Frith Chronicles, but I’m interested to see where this series goes.
If you like reading fantasy about magic wielders bonded with intriguing magic creatures, you might like this one. :)
This review also appears on my blog.
I received a copy of this book as part of my participation in the blog tour. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
I should say that I’m already a big fan of Shami Stovall and her books, especially The Frith Chronicles, her series about arcanists, so I’m already a little biased towards the whole concept of arcanists. I absolutely love this magic concept and it was great to see it again in this setting.
So this was a nice read -- great pace, interesting characters, an interesting story and, again, an amazing magic concept. I liked reading about magical creatures I was already familiar with from the Frith series and about some new ones. Also, the characters here are young, so sometimes I couldn’t help feeling like an old fart, annoyed with some of the things they do (hah), but that’s always been my thing with very young characters in books. Anyway, it didn’t distract me from the story, which moved forward well and kept me reading.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I love the Frith Chronicles, so I’m glad that I didn’t hate this one. I can’t say I like it more than the Frith Chronicles, but I’m interested to see where this series goes.
If you like reading fantasy about magic wielders bonded with intriguing magic creatures, you might like this one. :)
This review also appears on my blog.
I received a copy of this book as part of my participation in the blog tour. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
October 28, 2022
Academy Arcanist, book one of the Astra Academy, by Shami Stovall, picks up in the future from her Frith Chronicles series.
Once again, Stovall's imagination works overtime to create a world blending magic, hope, dreams, and nightmares.
Young Gray Lexly, the son of a simple candlemaker, wants to attend the prestigious academy for Arcanists. But first, he has to live long enough to accomplish his dream. Every night, he is attacked by monsters in his nightmares and wakes up to the same wounds in his real life.
Enter Professor Helmith from the academy, who saves Gray from his horrible nightmare death. However, his quest is just beginning. Now it's his turn to save his professor, but he must first conquer his powers.
While the book is a bit longish at ~450 pages, it reads reasonably fast due to the action and plot twists. The world-building is superb, the pace is good, the characters are fleshed out, and the book sets up the next in the series.
Fans of young-adult fantasy will enjoy this book immensely.
Once again, Stovall's imagination works overtime to create a world blending magic, hope, dreams, and nightmares.
Young Gray Lexly, the son of a simple candlemaker, wants to attend the prestigious academy for Arcanists. But first, he has to live long enough to accomplish his dream. Every night, he is attacked by monsters in his nightmares and wakes up to the same wounds in his real life.
Enter Professor Helmith from the academy, who saves Gray from his horrible nightmare death. However, his quest is just beginning. Now it's his turn to save his professor, but he must first conquer his powers.
While the book is a bit longish at ~450 pages, it reads reasonably fast due to the action and plot twists. The world-building is superb, the pace is good, the characters are fleshed out, and the book sets up the next in the series.
Fans of young-adult fantasy will enjoy this book immensely.
November 6, 2022
For those who have read the Frith Chronicles, this book reminded me of a cook attempting to make a new recipe but using the exact same ingredients as their previous meal.
In the Frith Chronicles certain elodrine, like mimics, rizzles, ethereal whelks,and knightmares are presented as extremely rare. It is a story where the main characters are the outliers in their society.
A new series was an opportunity to explore the rich possibilities within this world. Instead, we were immediately introduced to an ethereal welk arcanist, followed in rapid order by a rizzle, a mimic, a nightmare, a drunk instructor, and more of the exact same ingredients reshuffled.
The main change was the story is based at Hogwarts instead of the back of a giant turtle. Less original instead of moreso.
In addition, I couldn't read anything the protagonist's brother did without picturing Fezzik from The Princess Bride. They were copies down to the incessant rhyming.
I read the seven books of the Frith Chronicles in only a few weeks. I set this book aside only a few chapters in, and finished it much later.
In the Frith Chronicles certain elodrine, like mimics, rizzles, ethereal whelks,and knightmares are presented as extremely rare. It is a story where the main characters are the outliers in their society.
A new series was an opportunity to explore the rich possibilities within this world. Instead, we were immediately introduced to an ethereal welk arcanist, followed in rapid order by a rizzle, a mimic, a nightmare, a drunk instructor, and more of the exact same ingredients reshuffled.
The main change was the story is based at Hogwarts instead of the back of a giant turtle. Less original instead of moreso.
In addition, I couldn't read anything the protagonist's brother did without picturing Fezzik from The Princess Bride. They were copies down to the incessant rhyming.
I read the seven books of the Frith Chronicles in only a few weeks. I set this book aside only a few chapters in, and finished it much later.
July 19, 2023
What's it about (in a nutshell):
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall is the first book in the second series. It takes place in the epic fantasy world surrounding Astra Academy, a school designed to instruct new arcanists in utilizing and honing their powers from the magical beasts they are bonded with.
My Reading Experience:
I love Shami Stovall's fantasy world, which is chocked full of mystical beasts. It's such a fun world to immerse myself in and experience. I loved it in her first series – Frith Chronicles – and continued to enjoy it in this series – Astra Academy. I've read fantasy stories where people bond with dragons, but this is the first I've read that has every manner of mythical creature plus some created by the author (I believe) that can bond with people who prove their worth. Each creature has its own unique magical powers that are shared with its bonded person. The details involved in creating this world are just phenomenal. I felt like I was there experiencing the world for myself – choosing a creature to bond with and participating in the trial of worth.
I love that the plot is so dangerous and thrilling. You come into this world learning that Gray is experiencing dreams where the wounds he suffers in the dream, he suffers for real. That is really borderline horror. It never fully crossed the line between thriller and horror, but it has plenty of thrills and is created in the way I love for a thriller. The plot is tightly focused, the pace fast, and the dangers are life-threatening – I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning.
I also enjoy the dark academia-ness of the Astra Academy. All of the students are, for all intents and purposes, adults though most are around 15 or 16, which is fitting for this YA story. Having the students come together to learn and collaborate also allows the reader to get to know all of the creatures better, which the story wouldn't have been the same without.
Overall, I had a great time back in this world and loved the thriller plot mixed with myth and magic. And, if you are wondering (especially those that have been reading my reviews for years and know I have a particular mythical beast I adore) – yes, there are dragons!!! There are a few different types, and they are among those magical creatures people bond with.
Characters:
The characters are all very well-developed. I didn't care for the main character – Gray – at first. His personality was off-putting to me, but he definitely had a distinctive personality, whether I cared for it or not. I loved that through the course of the story, he grew in age and maturity into a main character that I could get behind and one who started to show real potential for being the hero of the story/series.
His twin brother Sorin is so much the Sam Wise to Gray's Frodo. I just loved Sorin, his love of poetry, and his natural instinct to protect people from others and themselves. He has such a big heart! I also loved this little twist that made him unique among his character type - whenever he saw someone needing help, he would send Gray to help instead of doing it himself. And Gray always did as Sorin asked, even if grudgingly.
These acts helped Gray grow into a much better person, and I loved Sorin even more for seeing that Gray needed to do these things in order to grow.
Narration & Pacing:
The story is told in first-person narration through Gray. I have mixed feelings about that because, as I've already mentioned, I didn't really care for him initially. But it's an excellent narration style to keep the dangers impactful and the pace fast.
Read if you're in the mood for:
Every manner of mythical beasts
Magic and mayhem
A thrilling, dangerous plot
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall is the first book in the second series. It takes place in the epic fantasy world surrounding Astra Academy, a school designed to instruct new arcanists in utilizing and honing their powers from the magical beasts they are bonded with.
My Reading Experience:
I love Shami Stovall's fantasy world, which is chocked full of mystical beasts. It's such a fun world to immerse myself in and experience. I loved it in her first series – Frith Chronicles – and continued to enjoy it in this series – Astra Academy. I've read fantasy stories where people bond with dragons, but this is the first I've read that has every manner of mythical creature plus some created by the author (I believe) that can bond with people who prove their worth. Each creature has its own unique magical powers that are shared with its bonded person. The details involved in creating this world are just phenomenal. I felt like I was there experiencing the world for myself – choosing a creature to bond with and participating in the trial of worth.
I love that the plot is so dangerous and thrilling. You come into this world learning that Gray is experiencing dreams where the wounds he suffers in the dream, he suffers for real. That is really borderline horror. It never fully crossed the line between thriller and horror, but it has plenty of thrills and is created in the way I love for a thriller. The plot is tightly focused, the pace fast, and the dangers are life-threatening – I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning.
I also enjoy the dark academia-ness of the Astra Academy. All of the students are, for all intents and purposes, adults though most are around 15 or 16, which is fitting for this YA story. Having the students come together to learn and collaborate also allows the reader to get to know all of the creatures better, which the story wouldn't have been the same without.
Overall, I had a great time back in this world and loved the thriller plot mixed with myth and magic. And, if you are wondering (especially those that have been reading my reviews for years and know I have a particular mythical beast I adore) – yes, there are dragons!!! There are a few different types, and they are among those magical creatures people bond with.
Characters:
The characters are all very well-developed. I didn't care for the main character – Gray – at first. His personality was off-putting to me, but he definitely had a distinctive personality, whether I cared for it or not. I loved that through the course of the story, he grew in age and maturity into a main character that I could get behind and one who started to show real potential for being the hero of the story/series.
His twin brother Sorin is so much the Sam Wise to Gray's Frodo. I just loved Sorin, his love of poetry, and his natural instinct to protect people from others and themselves. He has such a big heart! I also loved this little twist that made him unique among his character type - whenever he saw someone needing help, he would send Gray to help instead of doing it himself. And Gray always did as Sorin asked, even if grudgingly.
These acts helped Gray grow into a much better person, and I loved Sorin even more for seeing that Gray needed to do these things in order to grow.
Narration & Pacing:
The story is told in first-person narration through Gray. I have mixed feelings about that because, as I've already mentioned, I didn't really care for him initially. But it's an excellent narration style to keep the dangers impactful and the pace fast.
Read if you're in the mood for:
Every manner of mythical beasts
Magic and mayhem
A thrilling, dangerous plot
December 28, 2024
The fundamental flaw of this book (the pacing) does not get solved later in the series, so take this as a series review rather than a singular book review. Any issues here only compound going forward.
Firstly, the pacing is rushed. All the events of the main story happen in the span of like three weeks. But that isn't an action packed three weeks. Its three weeks where a bunch of character introductions occur, a new world is hastily explained and about four things of consequence happen.
And all of this left me wondering why this takes place at an academy at all? The story does not revolve around academy life. And clearly Gray will never graduate. This school is meant to take 5 years and book three is only three months in.
It leaves me with a real sense of dissonance, where Gray is not bothered at all with school work. Not trying in class, not trying to learn magic particularly hard, not learning history, not exploring his mimic powers. Or if he is, we aren't shown it. The first book does have a bit of this, but the rest of the series utterly abandons the facade that this will be a story where someone who works hard wins because of this diligence. It's clear the only exceptional thing about Gray is that he is the main character.
For example: Gray is attacked in his dreams for over a year, he shows up to the supposed oasis of the academy and is immediately attacked and nearly killed, he discovers the only person protecting him is being impersonated, he is randomly attacked immediately at like his second class (will return to this) and he is attacked in his dreams when he brings this information to the only person he trusts (who is obviously the villain) wow! I can't believe it!
At no point does he attempt with any real diligence to learn self defense. He only survives by luck and the grace of better more competent people.
Whatever, Gray still acts like a big man and talks in only rhetorical unfunny one liners to his classmates who are all classist pricks except deep down they randomly stop being that because he wowed them with his rubber sharp wit.
This is honestly more of a tirade than this series is worth. It's not an insult to writing or whatever, but it also wasn't worth my time.
The issue was that the more I thought about what I had read, the less sense it all made. I kept asking myself why does Gray think that Raaza (the guy obsessed with getting better at fighting) is weird. Gray is attacked all the time!! Why isn't he more concerned about this!?
And then I thought about the world building, which feels a little flat. There's like four places in the academy and his island we know nothing about and the sea.
And why are all the adults incompetent to the point of ridiculousness? The headmaster has the powers of a sphinx so he is all-seeing, but he didn't notice that one of his teachers was replaced by a doppelganger? He also didn't notice the death portal being built beneath the dining hall?
Basically every adult bar the dream teacher is a joke, and even she, on reflection, is a bit daft. Like why didn't she mention to anyone at magic school that there were dream monsters attacking hundreds of people? Why couldn't she use her dream powers to tell anyone she was kidnapped?
'Excuse me, Mr All-Seeing Principal, I just wanted to mention that hundreds of people are getting attacked by a soul stealing spider. What's that? You can find the spider with your all seeing eye!? That's better than my plan, which was to passively defend this one boy in-perpetuity!'
And why!?! Did the villain - after having incapacitated the dream teacher - try to kill Gray with throwing a single log? What is his reason for not returning to the dream attacks now that - for whatever reason - the dream teacher cannot stop them?
'Well actually, he stopped because Gray was the last sacrifice he-'
Shut up!!
Are you seriously telling me, that a thousand year old mass murderer randomly decided to jeopardize his entire centuries-long plan to bring the god of death to the mortal world, because he did not want to kill the guy he had already spent over a year trying to kill? Make it make sense.
Anyway, the nuts and bolts of my complaints are that the pacing is incredibly rushed. (The villain's betrayal does not feel like one, as he has only taught two classes by the time it happens for example. This is no Philosophers stone moment where it's hinted at throughout the book or built up to. We find out that they are targeting twins and wait! The professor has a twin...)
My other major complaint is that Gray does not act like any human would act and certainly not how I would want a character in what is clearly aiming for the Progression fantasy market to act. He should either be freaking out and traumatized because of years worth of relentless attacks. Or he should be relentlessly pursuing personal strength to free himself from his helplessness.
Not all characters have to act like this, but again, every night since he was thirteen, monsters tried to kill him while he slept! And then, the only place he felt was safe, was the opposite of that. Unless he is a useless idiot (which he is) Gray should be trying with all his might to stop this from happening. Instead he farting about with half-assed academy plotlines.
'Ooo I hope that unicorn guy isn't sad that none of the rich guys like him'
My brother in Christ, you have been hunted by nightmare demons for nearly two years and there have been multiple attempts on your life! Please for the love of God start taking this seriously.
Firstly, the pacing is rushed. All the events of the main story happen in the span of like three weeks. But that isn't an action packed three weeks. Its three weeks where a bunch of character introductions occur, a new world is hastily explained and about four things of consequence happen.
And all of this left me wondering why this takes place at an academy at all? The story does not revolve around academy life. And clearly Gray will never graduate. This school is meant to take 5 years and book three is only three months in.
It leaves me with a real sense of dissonance, where Gray is not bothered at all with school work. Not trying in class, not trying to learn magic particularly hard, not learning history, not exploring his mimic powers. Or if he is, we aren't shown it. The first book does have a bit of this, but the rest of the series utterly abandons the facade that this will be a story where someone who works hard wins because of this diligence. It's clear the only exceptional thing about Gray is that he is the main character.
For example: Gray is attacked in his dreams for over a year, he shows up to the supposed oasis of the academy and is immediately attacked and nearly killed, he discovers the only person protecting him is being impersonated, he is randomly attacked immediately at like his second class (will return to this) and he is attacked in his dreams when he brings this information to the only person he trusts (who is obviously the villain) wow! I can't believe it!
At no point does he attempt with any real diligence to learn self defense. He only survives by luck and the grace of better more competent people.
Whatever, Gray still acts like a big man and talks in only rhetorical unfunny one liners to his classmates who are all classist pricks except deep down they randomly stop being that because he wowed them with his rubber sharp wit.
This is honestly more of a tirade than this series is worth. It's not an insult to writing or whatever, but it also wasn't worth my time.
The issue was that the more I thought about what I had read, the less sense it all made. I kept asking myself why does Gray think that Raaza (the guy obsessed with getting better at fighting) is weird. Gray is attacked all the time!! Why isn't he more concerned about this!?
And then I thought about the world building, which feels a little flat. There's like four places in the academy and his island we know nothing about and the sea.
And why are all the adults incompetent to the point of ridiculousness? The headmaster has the powers of a sphinx so he is all-seeing, but he didn't notice that one of his teachers was replaced by a doppelganger? He also didn't notice the death portal being built beneath the dining hall?
Basically every adult bar the dream teacher is a joke, and even she, on reflection, is a bit daft. Like why didn't she mention to anyone at magic school that there were dream monsters attacking hundreds of people? Why couldn't she use her dream powers to tell anyone she was kidnapped?
'Excuse me, Mr All-Seeing Principal, I just wanted to mention that hundreds of people are getting attacked by a soul stealing spider. What's that? You can find the spider with your all seeing eye!? That's better than my plan, which was to passively defend this one boy in-perpetuity!'
And why!?! Did the villain - after having incapacitated the dream teacher - try to kill Gray with throwing a single log? What is his reason for not returning to the dream attacks now that - for whatever reason - the dream teacher cannot stop them?
'Well actually, he stopped because Gray was the last sacrifice he-'
Shut up!!
Are you seriously telling me, that a thousand year old mass murderer randomly decided to jeopardize his entire centuries-long plan to bring the god of death to the mortal world, because he did not want to kill the guy he had already spent over a year trying to kill? Make it make sense.
Anyway, the nuts and bolts of my complaints are that the pacing is incredibly rushed. (The villain's betrayal does not feel like one, as he has only taught two classes by the time it happens for example. This is no Philosophers stone moment where it's hinted at throughout the book or built up to. We find out that they are targeting twins and wait! The professor has a twin...)
My other major complaint is that Gray does not act like any human would act and certainly not how I would want a character in what is clearly aiming for the Progression fantasy market to act. He should either be freaking out and traumatized because of years worth of relentless attacks. Or he should be relentlessly pursuing personal strength to free himself from his helplessness.
Not all characters have to act like this, but again, every night since he was thirteen, monsters tried to kill him while he slept! And then, the only place he felt was safe, was the opposite of that. Unless he is a useless idiot (which he is) Gray should be trying with all his might to stop this from happening. Instead he farting about with half-assed academy plotlines.
'Ooo I hope that unicorn guy isn't sad that none of the rich guys like him'
My brother in Christ, you have been hunted by nightmare demons for nearly two years and there have been multiple attempts on your life! Please for the love of God start taking this seriously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
“He’s a man who operates at his own speed—and it’s the speed of a corpse.”
Before Academy Arcanist I had not read anything by Shami Stovall but after reading this book, I will be reading everything I can! The moment I finished Academy Arcanist, I got the second book in the series, Mimic Arcanist, and finished that in a day too!!
Academy Arcanist is the book you get when you cross a magical school with mythical creatures (think creatures such as hippogriffs, unicorns, reapers, mimics, dragons, etc.) and a trio of misfits trying to stake their claim on their world.
“A person isn’t one deed or event. You may know the outcome, but you don’t know the story.”
This book is incredibly immersive, with an in-depth world building that isn’t too heavy or hard to follow. I was deeply rooted in the story and Grey as our MMC, and although the book is slightly longer than your average book, the fast pace enables you to read through the story quickly, whilst still being deeply invested in Grey’s journey.
“It was like Darkness was offering Death its hand.”
If you open this book, get ready for attacks on our MCs, dark forces, mythical creatures bonded to students and characters following their dreams no matter the odds or danger. This is a great YA read that perfectly sets up Book 2, Mimic Arcanist. I just wish I could have read these books in my teens!!!! It would have fit perfectly alongside my reads of Divergent and Percy Jackson!
Before Academy Arcanist I had not read anything by Shami Stovall but after reading this book, I will be reading everything I can! The moment I finished Academy Arcanist, I got the second book in the series, Mimic Arcanist, and finished that in a day too!!
Academy Arcanist is the book you get when you cross a magical school with mythical creatures (think creatures such as hippogriffs, unicorns, reapers, mimics, dragons, etc.) and a trio of misfits trying to stake their claim on their world.
“A person isn’t one deed or event. You may know the outcome, but you don’t know the story.”
This book is incredibly immersive, with an in-depth world building that isn’t too heavy or hard to follow. I was deeply rooted in the story and Grey as our MMC, and although the book is slightly longer than your average book, the fast pace enables you to read through the story quickly, whilst still being deeply invested in Grey’s journey.
“It was like Darkness was offering Death its hand.”
If you open this book, get ready for attacks on our MCs, dark forces, mythical creatures bonded to students and characters following their dreams no matter the odds or danger. This is a great YA read that perfectly sets up Book 2, Mimic Arcanist. I just wish I could have read these books in my teens!!!! It would have fit perfectly alongside my reads of Divergent and Percy Jackson!
October 3, 2024
Fun read
Akin to harry potter but honestly better. Mature characters, detailed magic system, decent plot and great pacing. Read and enjoy!
Akin to harry potter but honestly better. Mature characters, detailed magic system, decent plot and great pacing. Read and enjoy!
October 12, 2022
Unusual, and amazing
This is the first of Shami’s books I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last! Great world building and consistent magic and characters, as well as a genuine ‘what next’ with each chapter.
I loved it.
This is the first of Shami’s books I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last! Great world building and consistent magic and characters, as well as a genuine ‘what next’ with each chapter.
I loved it.
February 24, 2023
This had strong Harry Potter vibes with a small dash of His Dark Materials. I mean the HP similarities were aggressive. I had a feeling that I would like this book based on that fact alone, but the MC, Gray, was terrible. He was pretty selfish, thinking only how relationships and new magic learned could benefit him. He was so mean to his ray-of-sunshine brother, Sorin, and acted like he hated everything about his childhood. I wish the MC was Sorin. That moment he had with Nini in the tree was literal perfection. It's a shame because I really enjoyed the world and magical creatures, but I will not be continuing the series because of Gray.
August 12, 2023
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall
Thank you TheWriteReads and the author for review copy.
What an amazing, engaging story. This was a page turner.
"I'm saying the heart of nobility is to hold yourself to a higher standard."
Gray has a nightmare where a creature from his dreams is attacking him. He wakes up with injuries on his body. In one of his dreams, he meets Prof. Helmith, who protects him and tells him about magic and the Arcanist academy. This is where his journey and adventure begins.
Shami Stovall gives a unique world with so many mystical creatures to bond with if you want to be an Arcanist. I learnt about new ones in this book with their mind-blowing magic.
I was engrossed in the way things played out, the vivid descriptions and detailing that made me want to know more.
The cast was wonderful, interesting, each with talent of its own, coming together to form a wonderful group. My favourite was Sorin though.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. If you like YA fantasy, add this to your TBR.
Thank you TheWriteReads and the author for review copy.
What an amazing, engaging story. This was a page turner.
"I'm saying the heart of nobility is to hold yourself to a higher standard."
Gray has a nightmare where a creature from his dreams is attacking him. He wakes up with injuries on his body. In one of his dreams, he meets Prof. Helmith, who protects him and tells him about magic and the Arcanist academy. This is where his journey and adventure begins.
Shami Stovall gives a unique world with so many mystical creatures to bond with if you want to be an Arcanist. I learnt about new ones in this book with their mind-blowing magic.
I was engrossed in the way things played out, the vivid descriptions and detailing that made me want to know more.
The cast was wonderful, interesting, each with talent of its own, coming together to form a wonderful group. My favourite was Sorin though.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. If you like YA fantasy, add this to your TBR.
October 4, 2022
I had hopes, but it just has so much telling and exposition and it's quite hamfisted about it.
October 11, 2022
3.5 Growing Your Own Anxieties In A Fear Farm You Keep In Your Own Head Stars
Academy Arcanist is the first book in the Astra Academy series by Shami Stovall.
I truly enjoyed the concept behind this book. Arcanists and their Elkin are an intriguing concept. I enjoyed the fascinating discovery of the myriad of creatures and myths the author considered capable of bonding with an arcanist, and what they were individually capable of.
Now, the world building didn't really hold up to the air of mystery and intrigue behind the basis of this story. We are honestly told very little about the world at large. You can infer a few things, and general knowledge. But beyond that the world of this book is very much still a mystery. Perhaps, because I haven't read the authors other work, this book is a spinoff and intended to be read after...? I will have to find out.
Then there's the antagonist of this story.. Everything leading up to the discovery of the true culprit was intense and thrilling to unravel... But I felt the way in which we found out whodunit and their grand plan was underwhelming. It left a lot of room for this person to come back and commit more dastardly acts.. It all felt rather openended..
I did, however, enjoy the characters. They were crafted with such attention to detail, and uniquely individual. It was fun and enriching to delve into the layers of even tertiary characters. For this fact alone, I find myself sad that there isn't further books already released to continue this literary journey immediately.
Academy Arcanist is the first book in the Astra Academy series by Shami Stovall.
I truly enjoyed the concept behind this book. Arcanists and their Elkin are an intriguing concept. I enjoyed the fascinating discovery of the myriad of creatures and myths the author considered capable of bonding with an arcanist, and what they were individually capable of.
Now, the world building didn't really hold up to the air of mystery and intrigue behind the basis of this story. We are honestly told very little about the world at large. You can infer a few things, and general knowledge. But beyond that the world of this book is very much still a mystery. Perhaps, because I haven't read the authors other work, this book is a spinoff and intended to be read after...? I will have to find out.
Then there's the antagonist of this story.. Everything leading up to the discovery of the true culprit was intense and thrilling to unravel... But I felt the way in which we found out whodunit and their grand plan was underwhelming. It left a lot of room for this person to come back and commit more dastardly acts.. It all felt rather openended..
I did, however, enjoy the characters. They were crafted with such attention to detail, and uniquely individual. It was fun and enriching to delve into the layers of even tertiary characters. For this fact alone, I find myself sad that there isn't further books already released to continue this literary journey immediately.
October 29, 2024
4.5
Twins Gray and Sorin Lexly are sons of a candlemaker, but they want to bond with a mystical creature and become an arcanist. Except Gray has nightmares every night where he’s in danger and he thinks that one of those nights he will die for real. Until Professor Helmith appears and helps him escape. Now he just has to survive until he can meet her in person.
Holy shit, what a great book! The world building is awesome, the concept enthralling, and the execution near perfect. This is one fantastic read!
No, seriously. It’s a book that’s super hard to put down. I had some things going on in my life and I really wanted to get back to it, but couldn’t. It frustrated me. But Real Life took precedence and when I finally got back to this it was full steam ahead. I still had to deal with Real Life, but it was easier to return and dive right back in.
If you like your Fantasy filled with magic, danger, mystery, and great characters then don’t pass this one up.
Twins Gray and Sorin Lexly are sons of a candlemaker, but they want to bond with a mystical creature and become an arcanist. Except Gray has nightmares every night where he’s in danger and he thinks that one of those nights he will die for real. Until Professor Helmith appears and helps him escape. Now he just has to survive until he can meet her in person.
Holy shit, what a great book! The world building is awesome, the concept enthralling, and the execution near perfect. This is one fantastic read!
No, seriously. It’s a book that’s super hard to put down. I had some things going on in my life and I really wanted to get back to it, but couldn’t. It frustrated me. But Real Life took precedence and when I finally got back to this it was full steam ahead. I still had to deal with Real Life, but it was easier to return and dive right back in.
If you like your Fantasy filled with magic, danger, mystery, and great characters then don’t pass this one up.
September 8, 2022
Good but a bit sloppy (inconsistencies in plot and world building) and a bit slow
November 27, 2022
Entertaining but too YA for me.
July 21, 2023
Clashing audience elements
Shami Stovall struggles with a few things greatly that I noticed in her primary series, the worst of which is span. Timeline.
The duration of which realistically (for consistencies basis of the story, not per real world) development of characters and events occur both in plot as well as power.
That is to say, 1 year of events, Shami always has a tendency to have happen in a couple days. Or a couple days occurences in a year...
But what makes this an average title, I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, is that she has simply shuffled the characters from Knightmare Arcanist, made them less mature, and changed perspective. Now it is the mimic, not the knightmare, now instead of adoptive brother sister, it is twin brothers, the insufferable rival has been divided between 2 people to be much less relevant, but present.
The target audience seems to be 10 year olds, but there is still graphic violence that makes that... not right. They are 15, defined as adults per context of the time. 500 years ago, that was adults, as mature as American 22 year olds and European or Japanese 18. Yet Shami has them behaving like Harry Potter 12 year olds at best, more like our elementary 4th to 6th graders.
It is bizarre, in acting classes we are told it is too breaking to a scene to ignore what is obviously there. We HAVE to acknowledge the elephant standing clearly in view, or else the audience won't be able to pay attention to what else we are doing if we just ignore the horribly out of place things that we pretend aren't there, that is a judgment in transition from book 1 to 2 where all just proceeds as though nothing ever happened. It is REALLY jarring.
The relationships are not... developing... but then, this is a 1 week period. Which is jarring in itself. The obsessing, investigating, the Harry Potter tropism similarities, but at least the events there were, well, developing for story amd character. At least in Shami's main series this is derived of, they develop apace and time proceeds... somewhat. She drastically loses sight of time from book to book, she'll start citing events as years apart, although when reading them directly together it has only been 8 months. But the process of writing to publishing caused her to lose track of her chronology. Notes she should be keeping track of when time is so important in a storyline like hers. Eventually she had to rubberband with Game of Thrones style inconsistencies of 6 to 8 months out 2 weeks back for same distances just to cover time losses from her mistakes, which was even more jarring.
Which makes this book's primary story spanning 1 to 2 weeks being painful, as there is literally no time to digest. For the character to digest. And everything apace in that 1 week actually somewhat conflicts with the elements of the God Arcanist series Knightmare Arcanist where it took weeks to develop powers, day 1, solid grasp rather than little puffs, each and every one being a genius aparently.
A lot of that is nitpicking. If the story had spanned a couple months, and frankly, the opening of book 2 is jarring as well... best place ever, 1 week in 3 attacks that almost killed him and 1 was almost world ending, now he has PTSD, and he says best place in the world? I think... there might be something wrong with the main character... therapy wrong. I don't get why this story regresses personalities to behave like 10 year olds rather than adults, target audience seemingly 10 when graphic violence described, and adult concepts that put it at young adult. Just reminds me of Shonen Jump, Tv Tokyo trend to have immature children acting characters that are adults to appeal to larger audiences longer, but doesn't really work for a "viral" story because of the juxtaposition. Harry Potter worked because they matched their ages and their skills developed appropriately, events occurred apace, etc.
Shami Stovall struggles with a few things greatly that I noticed in her primary series, the worst of which is span. Timeline.
The duration of which realistically (for consistencies basis of the story, not per real world) development of characters and events occur both in plot as well as power.
That is to say, 1 year of events, Shami always has a tendency to have happen in a couple days. Or a couple days occurences in a year...
But what makes this an average title, I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, is that she has simply shuffled the characters from Knightmare Arcanist, made them less mature, and changed perspective. Now it is the mimic, not the knightmare, now instead of adoptive brother sister, it is twin brothers, the insufferable rival has been divided between 2 people to be much less relevant, but present.
The target audience seems to be 10 year olds, but there is still graphic violence that makes that... not right. They are 15, defined as adults per context of the time. 500 years ago, that was adults, as mature as American 22 year olds and European or Japanese 18. Yet Shami has them behaving like Harry Potter 12 year olds at best, more like our elementary 4th to 6th graders.
It is bizarre, in acting classes we are told it is too breaking to a scene to ignore what is obviously there. We HAVE to acknowledge the elephant standing clearly in view, or else the audience won't be able to pay attention to what else we are doing if we just ignore the horribly out of place things that we pretend aren't there, that is a judgment in transition from book 1 to 2 where all just proceeds as though nothing ever happened. It is REALLY jarring.
The relationships are not... developing... but then, this is a 1 week period. Which is jarring in itself. The obsessing, investigating, the Harry Potter tropism similarities, but at least the events there were, well, developing for story amd character. At least in Shami's main series this is derived of, they develop apace and time proceeds... somewhat. She drastically loses sight of time from book to book, she'll start citing events as years apart, although when reading them directly together it has only been 8 months. But the process of writing to publishing caused her to lose track of her chronology. Notes she should be keeping track of when time is so important in a storyline like hers. Eventually she had to rubberband with Game of Thrones style inconsistencies of 6 to 8 months out 2 weeks back for same distances just to cover time losses from her mistakes, which was even more jarring.
Which makes this book's primary story spanning 1 to 2 weeks being painful, as there is literally no time to digest. For the character to digest. And everything apace in that 1 week actually somewhat conflicts with the elements of the God Arcanist series Knightmare Arcanist where it took weeks to develop powers, day 1, solid grasp rather than little puffs, each and every one being a genius aparently.
A lot of that is nitpicking. If the story had spanned a couple months, and frankly, the opening of book 2 is jarring as well... best place ever, 1 week in 3 attacks that almost killed him and 1 was almost world ending, now he has PTSD, and he says best place in the world? I think... there might be something wrong with the main character... therapy wrong. I don't get why this story regresses personalities to behave like 10 year olds rather than adults, target audience seemingly 10 when graphic violence described, and adult concepts that put it at young adult. Just reminds me of Shonen Jump, Tv Tokyo trend to have immature children acting characters that are adults to appeal to larger audiences longer, but doesn't really work for a "viral" story because of the juxtaposition. Harry Potter worked because they matched their ages and their skills developed appropriately, events occurred apace, etc.
July 14, 2023
***Thank you to TheWriteReads and the author for providing a copy of the book. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***
I was intrigued by this book from the opening chapters. The mystery of the killer dream monsters had me hooked, and I just knew I needed to learn more about the magic system. The writing was engaging and easy to read. The pace was steady, and I kept wanting to read just one more chapter, which led to me flying through the entire story in just a couple of days. However, there was some repetition in the words and phrases that got annoying at times and caused me to skim a bit.
There was one major speed-bump in my desire to finish this book. The main character, Gray. At the beginning of the story, this boy was obnoxious. He constantly thought horrible things about his brother, other family members, and his home. He also came across as really arrogant, as if he was better than it all. I honestly think it was a coping mechanism for his inferiority complex, especially his thoughts about his brother. I warmed up to him eventually and even came to appreciate his bullheadedness. It helped him to never give up when things got tough, which came in really handy throughout the story as monsters and people continued to try to kill him.
I liked all the other characters. Gray's twin brother Sorin was an absolute cinnamon roll with unbridled optimism and a love for poetry. The other classmates and teachers all had unique characteristics that made them stand out, as well. However, I never felt like I really got to know them all that well, except for maybe Nini a little. In a way, that makes sense because Gray was a bit of an outcast, but I wish they'd all been more fleshed out. It seemed like the author put thought into their personalities and back stories, but it just didn't come across on page as that deep, mostly because we didn't get enough time to learn all that much about them. Maybe that will change as the series progresses. I hope so.
This book has one of my favorite magic systems ever. That's right. EVER. I'm a sucker for animal companions, and this magic system was based on bonding with mystical creatures. Y'all. I WANT ONE!! Twain and the other creatures were fantastic. They each had distinct personalities and powers, and Twain's sass stole my heart from the very beginning. I wanted to cuddle him so bad. lol. I also really loved the setting. Magical academy stories are a favorite of mine, and this book fit the mold of that trope really well. I enjoyed getting to learn about this world alongside the students, and the life-endangering mystery kept everything moving along and feeling just tense enough to always give the story a bit of an edge. It really was a wonderful combination of factors that came together to tell a great story.
All in all, this was an entertaining and easy to read fantasy. I think it would be great for anyone new to the genre or someone looking for a break from the denser options out there. If you like magical animal companions, this is really one you don't want to miss. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel soon. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
I was intrigued by this book from the opening chapters. The mystery of the killer dream monsters had me hooked, and I just knew I needed to learn more about the magic system. The writing was engaging and easy to read. The pace was steady, and I kept wanting to read just one more chapter, which led to me flying through the entire story in just a couple of days. However, there was some repetition in the words and phrases that got annoying at times and caused me to skim a bit.
There was one major speed-bump in my desire to finish this book. The main character, Gray. At the beginning of the story, this boy was obnoxious. He constantly thought horrible things about his brother, other family members, and his home. He also came across as really arrogant, as if he was better than it all. I honestly think it was a coping mechanism for his inferiority complex, especially his thoughts about his brother. I warmed up to him eventually and even came to appreciate his bullheadedness. It helped him to never give up when things got tough, which came in really handy throughout the story as monsters and people continued to try to kill him.
I liked all the other characters. Gray's twin brother Sorin was an absolute cinnamon roll with unbridled optimism and a love for poetry. The other classmates and teachers all had unique characteristics that made them stand out, as well. However, I never felt like I really got to know them all that well, except for maybe Nini a little. In a way, that makes sense because Gray was a bit of an outcast, but I wish they'd all been more fleshed out. It seemed like the author put thought into their personalities and back stories, but it just didn't come across on page as that deep, mostly because we didn't get enough time to learn all that much about them. Maybe that will change as the series progresses. I hope so.
This book has one of my favorite magic systems ever. That's right. EVER. I'm a sucker for animal companions, and this magic system was based on bonding with mystical creatures. Y'all. I WANT ONE!! Twain and the other creatures were fantastic. They each had distinct personalities and powers, and Twain's sass stole my heart from the very beginning. I wanted to cuddle him so bad. lol. I also really loved the setting. Magical academy stories are a favorite of mine, and this book fit the mold of that trope really well. I enjoyed getting to learn about this world alongside the students, and the life-endangering mystery kept everything moving along and feeling just tense enough to always give the story a bit of an edge. It really was a wonderful combination of factors that came together to tell a great story.
All in all, this was an entertaining and easy to read fantasy. I think it would be great for anyone new to the genre or someone looking for a break from the denser options out there. If you like magical animal companions, this is really one you don't want to miss. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel soon. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
July 13, 2023
Nightmares have tortured Gray for years. He knows that something is after him, getting closer to hurting him every night. His twin brother Sorin believes him but doesn’t know how to help. His father doesn’t believe him at all. On a night when the monsters are at their worst, a woman appears in his dream. She saves Gray, introduces herself as Arcanist Professor Helmith, and invites Gray to join Astra Academy. Gray has always wanted a way out of his boring life as the son of a candlemaker on an island, and this seems like the perfect opportunity. As long as he doesn’t have to be separated from Sorin, Gray is willing to do anything to become an arcanist and meet the woman who saved his life.
Academy Arcanist is set in a universe where every person with magical powers is bound to a mythical creature. The lands are filled with unicorns, griffins, and all sorts of magical folk looking to bond. Very few are selected by these creatures to complete a Trial of Worth, and even fewer people pass their trial. Gray is faced with a very steep hill to climb to not only bond with a creature but bond with one over the other applicants who were born into arcanist families and received years of extra training.
The most interesting thing that I enjoyed about his character’s journey was his relationship with his brother. Gray was the smaller twin, always being plagued by dreams, and probably getting sick more often. Sorin was gigantic for his age, always ahead when it came to anything athletic. Seeing their relationship grow as they take on these challenges made reading more fun, especially seeing Gray adjust from a boy who felt like he lived in his brother’s shadow into a far more confident teen.
This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy magic school stories. Gray and Sorin are working hard to get into the school, and the people they meet along that journey sparked my interest to keep flying through the novel. It has the perfect balance of “planned challenges to get into magic school” and “unplanned escapades due to kids trying to find out what’s really going on.”
I’m also a sucker for books that include a dream link for the characters. It’s always fun for me to read about characters meeting in dreams and having adventures there, and then having to return to the real world. When Academy Arcanist started this way, I knew that I was in for a fun ride.
The only thing I can say to be somewhat critical of this book is that I’m not really sure how to rate it! This is a book that is clearly an introduction to a more extended series, and I feel like my final thoughts about the book cannot be said until I continue with the next installment. Some of the characters didn’t feel as fleshed out as I had wanted them to be, but that could easily be remedied in book 2. I felt like the beginning dragged on for a bit before they started getting into their magic school trials, but book 2 could completely change my mind on how I feel about the pacing. This book is just begging me to read the sequel, and I can’t wait to do so.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel set in a magical school.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 books
Academy Arcanist is set in a universe where every person with magical powers is bound to a mythical creature. The lands are filled with unicorns, griffins, and all sorts of magical folk looking to bond. Very few are selected by these creatures to complete a Trial of Worth, and even fewer people pass their trial. Gray is faced with a very steep hill to climb to not only bond with a creature but bond with one over the other applicants who were born into arcanist families and received years of extra training.
The most interesting thing that I enjoyed about his character’s journey was his relationship with his brother. Gray was the smaller twin, always being plagued by dreams, and probably getting sick more often. Sorin was gigantic for his age, always ahead when it came to anything athletic. Seeing their relationship grow as they take on these challenges made reading more fun, especially seeing Gray adjust from a boy who felt like he lived in his brother’s shadow into a far more confident teen.
This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy magic school stories. Gray and Sorin are working hard to get into the school, and the people they meet along that journey sparked my interest to keep flying through the novel. It has the perfect balance of “planned challenges to get into magic school” and “unplanned escapades due to kids trying to find out what’s really going on.”
I’m also a sucker for books that include a dream link for the characters. It’s always fun for me to read about characters meeting in dreams and having adventures there, and then having to return to the real world. When Academy Arcanist started this way, I knew that I was in for a fun ride.
The only thing I can say to be somewhat critical of this book is that I’m not really sure how to rate it! This is a book that is clearly an introduction to a more extended series, and I feel like my final thoughts about the book cannot be said until I continue with the next installment. Some of the characters didn’t feel as fleshed out as I had wanted them to be, but that could easily be remedied in book 2. I felt like the beginning dragged on for a bit before they started getting into their magic school trials, but book 2 could completely change my mind on how I feel about the pacing. This book is just begging me to read the sequel, and I can’t wait to do so.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel set in a magical school.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 books
May 29, 2023
Easily by far one of the most imaginative and engaging fantasy novels I’ve read in a good while. While the idea itself is basically HIS DARK MATERIALS in a magic academic setting, the authenticity of the characters themselves and the seamless world creation absolutely carry this tale above other works of the same genre.
The narrative first person POV was nicely done. It did not feel like I was reading through sloughs of wordage and more like I was watching an entertaining animation series. Never at one point did the pacing or prose feel bogged down by excess description; real nice and lean.
I figured this work was a spinoff of a larger work, simply because the worldbuilding was so seamless.
In ARANIST the characters feel like…real people, to an extent, with real worries and goals.
Now, I did have some issues with some of the characters. Maybe even most of them, and the issue is that a good 90% of the characters in this story come off immature and or informal for basically no reason. At times it was like every character had the same exact personality of being irritable all the time when there was really no reason to be.
I had an issue with some of the skilled Arcanist characters in this book behaving like school children despite the book telling me that mythical creatures do not bond with their arcanist until they’re adults. In this case, adulthood begins at 15 years old.
The professors had a strange tendency to behave much like teenagers themselves. I get if one or two acted like this but almost ALL of them acted this way. I get it, being an arcanist is an eccentric lifestyle, but you’ll think the Arcanist school would have some code of conduct or something that professors abided by. Nah, it’s a very informal environment.
There were also the troppy, rich/noble kids being d*ckheads all the time or upset that they have to mingle with commoners at the prestigious magic school. Again, this trope isn’t all bad, but it’s typical.
For any readers anticipating some sort of academic angle to magical studies, you’ll be disappointed. Since Gray, the protagonist, doesn’t pay much attention to class worth squat, you don’t really get into much detail on how arcanists learn the ins and outs of their magical talents. Most of the things they learn are pretty intuitive that most of them wind up figuring out on their own anyway.
I enjoyed how the protagonist isn’t much of a nice guy. He’s dismissive at times, very goal orientated, pragmatic, and not worried about fitting in with everyone else. It was a nice change of pace from the usual, more introverted protagonist of this genre. For some readers, this sort of “whatever, man” Bart Simpson-type protagonist might annoy some.
The narrative first person POV was nicely done. It did not feel like I was reading through sloughs of wordage and more like I was watching an entertaining animation series. Never at one point did the pacing or prose feel bogged down by excess description; real nice and lean.
I figured this work was a spinoff of a larger work, simply because the worldbuilding was so seamless.
In ARANIST the characters feel like…real people, to an extent, with real worries and goals.
Now, I did have some issues with some of the characters. Maybe even most of them, and the issue is that a good 90% of the characters in this story come off immature and or informal for basically no reason. At times it was like every character had the same exact personality of being irritable all the time when there was really no reason to be.
I had an issue with some of the skilled Arcanist characters in this book behaving like school children despite the book telling me that mythical creatures do not bond with their arcanist until they’re adults. In this case, adulthood begins at 15 years old.
The professors had a strange tendency to behave much like teenagers themselves. I get if one or two acted like this but almost ALL of them acted this way. I get it, being an arcanist is an eccentric lifestyle, but you’ll think the Arcanist school would have some code of conduct or something that professors abided by. Nah, it’s a very informal environment.
There were also the troppy, rich/noble kids being d*ckheads all the time or upset that they have to mingle with commoners at the prestigious magic school. Again, this trope isn’t all bad, but it’s typical.
For any readers anticipating some sort of academic angle to magical studies, you’ll be disappointed. Since Gray, the protagonist, doesn’t pay much attention to class worth squat, you don’t really get into much detail on how arcanists learn the ins and outs of their magical talents. Most of the things they learn are pretty intuitive that most of them wind up figuring out on their own anyway.
I enjoyed how the protagonist isn’t much of a nice guy. He’s dismissive at times, very goal orientated, pragmatic, and not worried about fitting in with everyone else. It was a nice change of pace from the usual, more introverted protagonist of this genre. For some readers, this sort of “whatever, man” Bart Simpson-type protagonist might annoy some.
May 9, 2023
I've been reviewing the author's work for years, so when she offered me a review copy of this one, of course I accepted!
It was hard not to compare this one to Knightmare Arcanist. The same young protagonist from an impoverished and ostracized family on a small island becoming an arcanist. Although Gray definitely doesn't have Volke's innate desire for noble heroics. He was often a jerk. But it does set up a character arc that is unique from the previous series (and I'm a sucker for redemption and growth) so it didn't bother me too much. Although I do like his brother more than him. Love those "giant of a man with a gentle artistic soul" character archetypes.
This book can be read without having finished the Frith Chronicles. It re-explains the various bits of worldbuilding and makes vague allusions to the war from the first series. I will say a couple things might be spoiled if you go to read Volke's story after this one. And it's possible that more spoilers may come as the story progresses, if it discusses certain character's backstories in depth. But I loved reading the world through a new generation, with all the new technology showing the slow changing of an age.
The only reason I took off a star was the pacing. The author is well known for enjoying a long bit of downtime in the middle of her stories to dive deeper into the worldbuilding. But in this case, it took me until half the book to realize "oh, THIS is the central plot." There wasn't quite the jump off "we must do the thing" that previous books had. It makes it a bit more meandering. But I did enjoy the growing group dynamic.
Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of magical school books, but thankfully things weren't too... schoolish, for lack of a better word. It doesn't feel like a boarding school copy pasted with "magic 101" in lieu of history. And I am looking forward to seeing more cameos from characters that I'm sure will come by at some point. (Side note: I also desperately need to know if this world is queernorm yet because several you-know-whos from the original series deserve to be married, damnit).
And, of course, that classic GIGANTIC MONSTERS AND EXPLOSIONS ending. It wouldn't be a Shami Stovall book without it.
All in all, a great pick for those that loved the Frith Chronicles and anyone else looking for high fantasy Pokemon goodness.
It was hard not to compare this one to Knightmare Arcanist. The same young protagonist from an impoverished and ostracized family on a small island becoming an arcanist. Although Gray definitely doesn't have Volke's innate desire for noble heroics. He was often a jerk. But it does set up a character arc that is unique from the previous series (and I'm a sucker for redemption and growth) so it didn't bother me too much. Although I do like his brother more than him. Love those "giant of a man with a gentle artistic soul" character archetypes.
This book can be read without having finished the Frith Chronicles. It re-explains the various bits of worldbuilding and makes vague allusions to the war from the first series. I will say a couple things might be spoiled if you go to read Volke's story after this one. And it's possible that more spoilers may come as the story progresses, if it discusses certain character's backstories in depth. But I loved reading the world through a new generation, with all the new technology showing the slow changing of an age.
The only reason I took off a star was the pacing. The author is well known for enjoying a long bit of downtime in the middle of her stories to dive deeper into the worldbuilding. But in this case, it took me until half the book to realize "oh, THIS is the central plot." There wasn't quite the jump off "we must do the thing" that previous books had. It makes it a bit more meandering. But I did enjoy the growing group dynamic.
Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of magical school books, but thankfully things weren't too... schoolish, for lack of a better word. It doesn't feel like a boarding school copy pasted with "magic 101" in lieu of history. And I am looking forward to seeing more cameos from characters that I'm sure will come by at some point. (Side note: I also desperately need to know if this world is queernorm yet because several you-know-whos from the original series deserve to be married, damnit).
And, of course, that classic GIGANTIC MONSTERS AND EXPLOSIONS ending. It wouldn't be a Shami Stovall book without it.
All in all, a great pick for those that loved the Frith Chronicles and anyone else looking for high fantasy Pokemon goodness.
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