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Exemplar Hall #1
Captured by the Magi
An action-packed fantasy romance series from International Bestselling author JL Madore and debut author Ruby Night!
They came for my twin and left me behind because women hold no power in the magi world.
They're about to find out how wrong they are...
Jesse Storme. Bartender. Rock-climber. And the girl left behind.
One minute, Wyatt and I are scaling our favorite rock peak and enjoying a moment of escape from our crappy lives. The next, we're attacked and my brother is gone.
I think it's connected to the creepy recruiter dude from Exemplar Hall.
I find out it's so much worse than that...
Sucked into a Hunger Games meets Harry Potter event to rescue him, I don't know who I can trust. I'm a girl posing as a guy. I'm not supposed to be here. And I'm definitely not supposed to have the power I do.
Doesn't matter. I would suffer any pain to find and save Wyatt.
We're more that twins—We're Gemini Twins.
This is a fast-paced, medium-burn, twenty-somethings romance series set in a world where magical beings harness astrological power to get what they want. The heroine will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite. Expect hot romance, spine-tingling action, sword-crossing, sassy humor, and a continuation of story that takes you through five books.
They came for my twin and left me behind because women hold no power in the magi world.
They're about to find out how wrong they are...
Jesse Storme. Bartender. Rock-climber. And the girl left behind.
One minute, Wyatt and I are scaling our favorite rock peak and enjoying a moment of escape from our crappy lives. The next, we're attacked and my brother is gone.
I think it's connected to the creepy recruiter dude from Exemplar Hall.
I find out it's so much worse than that...
Sucked into a Hunger Games meets Harry Potter event to rescue him, I don't know who I can trust. I'm a girl posing as a guy. I'm not supposed to be here. And I'm definitely not supposed to have the power I do.
Doesn't matter. I would suffer any pain to find and save Wyatt.
We're more that twins—We're Gemini Twins.
This is a fast-paced, medium-burn, twenty-somethings romance series set in a world where magical beings harness astrological power to get what they want. The heroine will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite. Expect hot romance, spine-tingling action, sword-crossing, sassy humor, and a continuation of story that takes you through five books.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2019
927 people are currently reading
1518 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 2, 2023
4.6 stars.
Damn!
I am way more impressed and excited by this series than I ever thought.
So far, I’m loving every bit of it.
I’m not sure we’ve met everyone in the group yet..but I’m loving the ones we have.
And the plot was fucking cool as hell.
Plus I’m really enjoying Jesse’s personality.
She’s funny and makes nerdy references that have me snorting, and she’s totally badass in her own ways.
Im super pumped to see what happens next.
I want more River. I want more Mav. I wanna see who else is part of the group activities.(because if River isn’t a part of that group I might riot…)
Damn!
I am way more impressed and excited by this series than I ever thought.
So far, I’m loving every bit of it.
I’m not sure we’ve met everyone in the group yet..but I’m loving the ones we have.
And the plot was fucking cool as hell.
Plus I’m really enjoying Jesse’s personality.
She’s funny and makes nerdy references that have me snorting, and she’s totally badass in her own ways.
Im super pumped to see what happens next.
I want more River. I want more Mav. I wanna see who else is part of the group activities.(because if River isn’t a part of that group I might riot…)
Read
May 13, 2023Series rating: awesome, I read the series in two days. The ending was a let down though.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (except I hated the ending)
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes could have been drawn out
Tropes: reverse harem, academy, teacher/student, paranormal, mm
Full RTC.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (except I hated the ending)
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes could have been drawn out
Tropes: reverse harem, academy, teacher/student, paranormal, mm
Full RTC.
December 17, 2024
Series Review: 3.5 Stars
‼️Public Service Announcement: if you aren’t 100% into MM sex and relationships, then this is not the series for you‼️
I’m not kidding about that. There is much much more MM content than there is M/f. All the guys are in love with each other and have sex together. So, four guys, all having MM only sex often, versus one female. A lot of the sex scenes involving FMC are glossed over and inferred while we get an abundance of detailed MM only scenes.
Also, FMC is absolutely not the center of these relationships. River (the bear shifter) and Jack (the geeky mage) are bonded to everyone and the center of all the attention and relationships by the end of the series.
Honestly, this type of relationship setup is not my jam. I’m okay with a little MM, but this was excessive and not for me.
‼️Public Service Announcement: if you aren’t 100% into MM sex and relationships, then this is not the series for you‼️
I’m not kidding about that. There is much much more MM content than there is M/f. All the guys are in love with each other and have sex together. So, four guys, all having MM only sex often, versus one female. A lot of the sex scenes involving FMC are glossed over and inferred while we get an abundance of detailed MM only scenes.
Also, FMC is absolutely not the center of these relationships. River (the bear shifter) and Jack (the geeky mage) are bonded to everyone and the center of all the attention and relationships by the end of the series.
Honestly, this type of relationship setup is not my jam. I’m okay with a little MM, but this was excessive and not for me.
February 11, 2024
I really liked this first book, even if the FMC is too perfect for my taste.
But I got bored of this series but the start of the third book :/
But I got bored of this series but the start of the third book :/
November 30, 2025
4.5⭐
What a fun introduction to a new series!
Fast-paced, very action-adventure-y, filled with pop culture references, and with a delightfully spunky FMC with hilarious inner monologues reminiscent of Raven Kennedy or Kristy Cunning heroines in series like Heart Hassle or The Dark Side .
I binged the whole book in a day and was hooked the whole way through. The competition was very Hunger Games meets Goblet of Fire , potentially deathly, with danger lurking and betrayal looming. With the goal being to test the resistance, creativity, and mettle of the participants, not murdering the lot of them. Luckily, Exemplar Hall was not The Capitol.
I loved Jesse's wholesome relationship with her twin brother, Wyatt, and I'm intrigued to see how the family drama with Dad will continue. I'm also looking forward to figuring out which ones of all the guys introduced, aside from Maverick and probably River, will end up as part of Jesse's harem. Are we talking two more? Three? Any of the douche-canoe legacies? So many possibilities!
And I think it'll also be good to see more of the magik—with a k, the distinction is important!—side of things. That aspect was kinda confusing and surface-level explained this book, what with the whole gotta-save-Wyatt thing. Magi deriving their powers from the planets, constellations, astrology, or whatever, but also technology? I was a little lost LOL. Maybe (hopefully) a school setting will be conducive to getting clearer, more in-depth explanations? Fingers crossed!
I'm super excited to continue with the series and delve deeper into this world.
Quick edit after finishing all 5 books: Ending was unsatisfying. It left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed, and like the series didn't live up to the excitement of the very first book. But if you want RH with LOTS of MM interaction and a plot that takes a back seat to the smut, maybe you'll enjoy it.
What a fun introduction to a new series!
Fast-paced, very action-adventure-y, filled with pop culture references, and with a delightfully spunky FMC with hilarious inner monologues reminiscent of Raven Kennedy or Kristy Cunning heroines in series like Heart Hassle or The Dark Side .
I binged the whole book in a day and was hooked the whole way through. The competition was very Hunger Games meets Goblet of Fire , potentially deathly, with danger lurking and betrayal looming. With the goal being to test the resistance, creativity, and mettle of the participants, not murdering the lot of them. Luckily, Exemplar Hall was not The Capitol.
I loved Jesse's wholesome relationship with her twin brother, Wyatt, and I'm intrigued to see how the family drama with Dad will continue. I'm also looking forward to figuring out which ones of all the guys introduced, aside from Maverick and probably River, will end up as part of Jesse's harem. Are we talking two more? Three? Any of the douche-canoe legacies? So many possibilities!
And I think it'll also be good to see more of the magik—with a k, the distinction is important!—side of things. That aspect was kinda confusing and surface-level explained this book, what with the whole gotta-save-Wyatt thing. Magi deriving their powers from the planets, constellations, astrology, or whatever, but also technology? I was a little lost LOL. Maybe (hopefully) a school setting will be conducive to getting clearer, more in-depth explanations? Fingers crossed!
I'm super excited to continue with the series and delve deeper into this world.
Quick edit after finishing all 5 books: Ending was unsatisfying. It left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed, and like the series didn't live up to the excitement of the very first book. But if you want RH with LOTS of MM interaction and a plot that takes a back seat to the smut, maybe you'll enjoy it.
May 19, 2022
3.5
I ended up liking this for reasons other than what I thought I would. I went into this book looking forward to the whole "girl pretending to be a boy" trope. Unfortunately, this factored in very little to the storyline and probably could have been omitted altogether. Unfortunate. However, I ended up liking this for the hunger games aspect, which is not something I usually gravitate to, but this book provided a unique spin on this overused storyline that I enjoyed.
Why this book did not receive four stars from me:
1. The writing at the beginning of the book felt really juvenile. At first I didn't know if I was going to continue.
2. The book didn't flow well at times. It was as if individual chapters were written and then pieced together. This created a couple of instances where I wondered if I had missed the transition because nothing was making sense. Now that I know two authors were cowriting this book, I'm wondering if this is what caused the issues in continuity and flow.
3. Something was missing in the dramatic parts. I don't know, maybe this is a case of telling not showing?
Despite my issues with the book, I'm intrigued enough to want to read the sequel that comes out in June of 2022
I ended up liking this for reasons other than what I thought I would. I went into this book looking forward to the whole "girl pretending to be a boy" trope. Unfortunately, this factored in very little to the storyline and probably could have been omitted altogether. Unfortunate. However, I ended up liking this for the hunger games aspect, which is not something I usually gravitate to, but this book provided a unique spin on this overused storyline that I enjoyed.
Why this book did not receive four stars from me:
1. The writing at the beginning of the book felt really juvenile. At first I didn't know if I was going to continue.
2. The book didn't flow well at times. It was as if individual chapters were written and then pieced together. This created a couple of instances where I wondered if I had missed the transition because nothing was making sense. Now that I know two authors were cowriting this book, I'm wondering if this is what caused the issues in continuity and flow.
3. Something was missing in the dramatic parts. I don't know, maybe this is a case of telling not showing?
Despite my issues with the book, I'm intrigued enough to want to read the sequel that comes out in June of 2022
January 25, 2023
It's hard not to love Jesse, the main character. She's cute, funny, logical and brave. You can feel the love she has for her twin and the desire to do everything to get him back.
February 2, 2023
Magi Knights and shape shifters
A girl in the world of male magi. Can she find her twin and make it through the Icebreaker Trials?
Of course she can. While learning about the power locked inside,trusting her instincts and working out who’s an ally.
Bk 1 done next one please
A girl in the world of male magi. Can she find her twin and make it through the Icebreaker Trials?
Of course she can. While learning about the power locked inside,trusting her instincts and working out who’s an ally.
Bk 1 done next one please
May 5, 2023
2,5 stars
March 13, 2024
Wanted to love it but couldn’t connect with the FMC and writing style.
March 18, 2024
I really liked this book and the whole idea of this Magik world.
October 27, 2024
First half was rlly boring (☆☆), but the second half was very good (☆☆☆☆)and worth waiting for.
March 7, 2024
It was somewhat slow in the beginning and some plot points were predictable.
But overall, I'd give it a solid 3 stars for the banter.
But overall, I'd give it a solid 3 stars for the banter.
January 15, 2025
No literary masterpiece but decently entertaining for a short one-sitting read.
October 29, 2025
Kind of a slow build up; wish we’d moved faster because there was a lot of yapping and not so much action
March 29, 2023
tons of action and intrigue
Great characters, fast paced and kept me captivated to know what was going to happen next. The ending was a foregone conclusion but it was a fun ride getting there. Loved the sibling relationship and loyalty. I’m excited to see where their journey takes them. This was a great book and start to a series!
Great characters, fast paced and kept me captivated to know what was going to happen next. The ending was a foregone conclusion but it was a fun ride getting there. Loved the sibling relationship and loyalty. I’m excited to see where their journey takes them. This was a great book and start to a series!
December 25, 2019
When being the wrong sex is a game changer
A good read. Their father disappeared 10 years ago and the twins have tried to keep the pub going since they got old enough. Even though their mother takes it out on them, well on Jesse, and now the twins have been told that Wyatt will be going to the Hall. After his refusal he is kidnapped. Now Jesse is set to get him back but she is surprised to learn that most or the regulars in her life have been keeping a watchful eye out for them. A meeting with her Dad, a plan to get Wyatt but first she has to survive the first year tests. Some bonds, some betrayals and now when everything seems to be coming together her brother is kidnapped again. The only way to save him is to go through the final test, the Vault! Will it reject her because she's a female?
Strong characters that ooze life and you could tell who was going to be the "baddie", the "minion" and the friend. Great fast action, well paced and the story is just beginning. Can't wait to see how Jesse gets them all back for their betrayals!
A good read. Their father disappeared 10 years ago and the twins have tried to keep the pub going since they got old enough. Even though their mother takes it out on them, well on Jesse, and now the twins have been told that Wyatt will be going to the Hall. After his refusal he is kidnapped. Now Jesse is set to get him back but she is surprised to learn that most or the regulars in her life have been keeping a watchful eye out for them. A meeting with her Dad, a plan to get Wyatt but first she has to survive the first year tests. Some bonds, some betrayals and now when everything seems to be coming together her brother is kidnapped again. The only way to save him is to go through the final test, the Vault! Will it reject her because she's a female?
Strong characters that ooze life and you could tell who was going to be the "baddie", the "minion" and the friend. Great fast action, well paced and the story is just beginning. Can't wait to see how Jesse gets them all back for their betrayals!
May 24, 2023
This was a really middle-of-the-road read for me. Obviously, I liked the idea of this book but was so-so about the execution. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking but it also didn’t infuriate me.
I did really like the relationship between Jesse and her twin and would be interested in knowing how that develops. However, I am unlikely to continue the series. I don’t know if I’m getting too old or if the slang was just that bad but I was not a fan of reading the 20-year-old voice represented here. I’m not even fully convinced “kids” actually talk like that. Some of the slang felt a little dated and some of it felt made up (but I could be wrong…I’m in my mid-30s now and am out of touch).
There was also an element of “everyone is hot” that initially had me questioning whether some really awful characters were going to end up as love interests and I don’t need that kind of uncertainty in my life.
I did really like the relationship between Jesse and her twin and would be interested in knowing how that develops. However, I am unlikely to continue the series. I don’t know if I’m getting too old or if the slang was just that bad but I was not a fan of reading the 20-year-old voice represented here. I’m not even fully convinced “kids” actually talk like that. Some of the slang felt a little dated and some of it felt made up (but I could be wrong…I’m in my mid-30s now and am out of touch).
There was also an element of “everyone is hot” that initially had me questioning whether some really awful characters were going to end up as love interests and I don’t need that kind of uncertainty in my life.
June 19, 2020
The book Drafted by the Magi starts out 10 years prior to the current events. A heated argument and battle that quickly fades in to memory. The main character Jesse is annoying but likeable. We get to hear the story from her POV. I felt that the first few chapters were slow to start. However, when Jesse's twin is taken it starts to pick up. I found myself genuinely interested in the handful of people Jesse trusts as well as growling at the ones that clearly didn't deserve trust. I can't wait to see what adventures await the twins at Exemplar Hall.
I received the book for free in exchange for a review.
I received the book for free in exchange for a review.
April 24, 2020
Why not before?
Suddenly the twins get drafted by the Magi. This is the information book for the stories to come. You get just enough info and action to leave you saying, what happens next. A paranormal fantasy set in the modern world with a great blend of both.
Suddenly the twins get drafted by the Magi. This is the information book for the stories to come. You get just enough info and action to leave you saying, what happens next. A paranormal fantasy set in the modern world with a great blend of both.
January 18, 2023
Excellent first book in a new world
I love how take no bull Jess is, and the supporting characters almost all have my support. The bad guys make me wanna do some harm. Great start!
I love how take no bull Jess is, and the supporting characters almost all have my support. The bad guys make me wanna do some harm. Great start!
February 11, 2023
Great start to series
A Hunger games with magic, getting I to an academy of Magik. An evil counsel, a family secret lead to an adventure for the twins, Wyatt and Jesse. Amazing start to series, cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
A Hunger games with magic, getting I to an academy of Magik. An evil counsel, a family secret lead to an adventure for the twins, Wyatt and Jesse. Amazing start to series, cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
December 28, 2019
First in a new series, well-written and entertaining with promise of more excitement to come in the next phase of Jesse's education. Lot's of action and surprises. Good read.
May 1, 2022
This one didn't do it for me. There wasn't enough world-building, and our MC has little consistency. The plot choices didn't make much sense either.
January 23, 2023
Great
Great start with this series, i love the highs and lows and the female character.
I will definitely read book 2 and can't wait.
Great start with this series, i love the highs and lows and the female character.
I will definitely read book 2 and can't wait.
Read
June 1, 2023Dnf pretty early on because something abt it didn’t feel like the vibe
I think I just like wasn’t really connecting with the MC for some reason
Worth giving another try at a later date
I think I just like wasn’t really connecting with the MC for some reason
Worth giving another try at a later date
dnf
June 24, 2023DNF 42%. It’s me not the book. I just didn’t connect with the writing style.
July 20, 2023
I was instantly intrigued by "Captured by the Magi" when I discovered that Jesse, the female lead, shares my passion for rock climbing and is a fellow Gemini, just like me! It's fantastic to see my favorite sport incorporated into fiction, and the blend of rock climbing, romance, and werewolves in the story got me genuinely excited. As others have pointed out, the book does evoke some Hunger Games vibes.
The story offers a perfect mix of adventure, a mission, and a captivating supernatural world. Additionally, the inclusion of steamy moments added some extra spice, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I read that the heroine might end up with multiple love interests, which intrigued me, although I secretly hope she ends up with Mav due to their strong mate connection.
While the book did require a bit more attention, with some parts being reread. As I felt like I was missing a page sometimes. I saw that another reviewer had mentioned that there are two authors behind the book, which might explain why some sections didn't flow as smoothly. However, that's my only real gripe!
Despite this, "Captured by the Magi" is undoubtedly worth the read. I devoured it in a single day, unable to put it down. Even after finishing it, the story lingered in my mind, and I had vivid dreams that night of exploring the authors' magical world, engaging in thrilling activities like running, fighting, and wielding Magik. It's like the book unlocked a whole new world in my brain!
I can't wait to read more from this series.
October 7, 2024
I read the prequel and some of the first book before DNF when the FMC is preparing to rescue her brother. The girl has one day to prepare and they're giving her fighting lessons? What is the point? She couldn't possibly learn anything worthwhile in such a short time. It was a weird choice.
The story seems like it's gearing up for everything to just fall into the FMC's lap instead of her having to work hard or use smarts. There's a lot of angst surrounding her dad and her abusive mom and all the people in her life that lied to her, and to be honest I think the FMC is totally justified in her feelings.
The way her friend-with-benefits/future love interest is chastising her and trying to get her to instantly forgive her dad/him/everyone that deceived her, saying stuff like "stop being so hot and cold" ... it instantly made me despise him. And he seemed very controlling, smothering, and almost condescending in the short time he's on page.
There's also a huge info dump happening at the same time that weighs the story down considerably. If the goal is to get Wyatt back from kidnappers and disappear, then it makes zero sense for this group of people to enlist the aid of some ignorant and untrained girl.
After reading that her hidden identity barely features in the story and seeing the "not like the other girls" vibe, I was over it.
Note: I enjoyed the prequel more than the opening of the first book. Is it because one of the authors is different?
The story seems like it's gearing up for everything to just fall into the FMC's lap instead of her having to work hard or use smarts. There's a lot of angst surrounding her dad and her abusive mom and all the people in her life that lied to her, and to be honest I think the FMC is totally justified in her feelings.
The way her friend-with-benefits/future love interest is chastising her and trying to get her to instantly forgive her dad/him/everyone that deceived her, saying stuff like "stop being so hot and cold" ... it instantly made me despise him. And he seemed very controlling, smothering, and almost condescending in the short time he's on page.
There's also a huge info dump happening at the same time that weighs the story down considerably. If the goal is to get Wyatt back from kidnappers and disappear, then it makes zero sense for this group of people to enlist the aid of some ignorant and untrained girl.
After reading that her hidden identity barely features in the story and seeing the "not like the other girls" vibe, I was over it.
Note: I enjoyed the prequel more than the opening of the first book. Is it because one of the authors is different?
April 27, 2022
I highly recommend you read this book! So good! It is a fast paced, action packed reverse harem story with a strong female main character and lots of spice. I could not put it down but I also didn’t want it to end. Captured by the Magi is about twins(a female and male pair) and they both have magical powers. Jesse and Wyatt are legacies to an academy called Exemplar Hall. When a recruiter comes knocking on their door to offer Wyatt his spot at the academy, he turns down the offer because he won’t go without his sister, Jesse. The only problem is that Jesse is a female and It is unheard of for a female to have magical abilities. Which means she has to keep her abilities under wraps.
Unfortunately, that would not last for long because a short while after they said no to the recruiter for the academy. Wyatt gets kidnapped while he and his sister were hiking. Now Jesse has to pretend to be a boy to go through the trials and survive while searching for her brother. She has a plan to get him out of there but it will only work if she can get to him before the last trial. Because once they go through the doors, there is no way out.
You definitely do not want to miss out on this series!
Unfortunately, that would not last for long because a short while after they said no to the recruiter for the academy. Wyatt gets kidnapped while he and his sister were hiking. Now Jesse has to pretend to be a boy to go through the trials and survive while searching for her brother. She has a plan to get him out of there but it will only work if she can get to him before the last trial. Because once they go through the doors, there is no way out.
You definitely do not want to miss out on this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews