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A Mage's Influence #1
Seeds of Glory and Ruin
Two sisters. Two seeds of power. One Mage's Guild, and an unprecedented new power—but which sister does it belong to?
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie’s seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage’s Guild in her sister’s wake. She’s used to living in Airlie’s shadow, but she can’t see a place for herself in this new world.
Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister.
But leaving her new home isn’t an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters’ secrets turn everyone against them.
And as word of Airlie’s power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom’s border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor—enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice. Will she embrace her power—whatever it might be—or pursue a different path?
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie’s seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage’s Guild in her sister’s wake. She’s used to living in Airlie’s shadow, but she can’t see a place for herself in this new world.
Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister.
But leaving her new home isn’t an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters’ secrets turn everyone against them.
And as word of Airlie’s power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom’s border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor—enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice. Will she embrace her power—whatever it might be—or pursue a different path?
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2021
452 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,743 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
January 7, 2022
Huge amount of "Magic system world building" that I skimmed through. There's basically very little plot. It begins with action but after that nothing much happens except what we're told happens.
I'll move to the next volume but I wouldn't have paid for this one -- I read it via Kindle Unlimited.
I'll move to the next volume but I wouldn't have paid for this one -- I read it via Kindle Unlimited.
December 2, 2023
3.5/5.0
I really wanted to rate this four stars but my conscience just wouldn’t let me, no matter how much I personally enjoyed the experience. Yes, it is very much like the last two series (The Spoken Mage and the Hidden Mage) from this author, but I thoroughly enjoyed them both so I didn’t mind that this one also has a young girl who doesn’t know how amazingly powerful she is, travels to a magical academy, meets and becomes friends with the royals, yada, yada, yada. I liked it anyway.
Aside from it being pretty cookie cutter to those previous series, the one thing that kept me from upping the stars, however, is having to endure the “I have no power, I’m nobody” trope while knowing it’s just a matter of time before Cadence uncovers her powers. I was super impatient and frankly rather annoyed throughout the book waiting for that to happen.
Still, it’s fun and I needed some fun. So… I’m happily continuing.
I really wanted to rate this four stars but my conscience just wouldn’t let me, no matter how much I personally enjoyed the experience. Yes, it is very much like the last two series (The Spoken Mage and the Hidden Mage) from this author, but I thoroughly enjoyed them both so I didn’t mind that this one also has a young girl who doesn’t know how amazingly powerful she is, travels to a magical academy, meets and becomes friends with the royals, yada, yada, yada. I liked it anyway.
Aside from it being pretty cookie cutter to those previous series, the one thing that kept me from upping the stars, however, is having to endure the “I have no power, I’m nobody” trope while knowing it’s just a matter of time before Cadence uncovers her powers. I was super impatient and frankly rather annoyed throughout the book waiting for that to happen.
Still, it’s fun and I needed some fun. So… I’m happily continuing.
August 15, 2023
I couldn't quite put my finger on what didn't fully resonate with me. It seemed like the main character, Cadence, was more led by the plot rather than driving it. Throughout the book, Cadence was tossed around by external events, leaving her reacting helplessly. This gave the impression that the story was laying the groundwork for a significant event that was still on the horizon. Despite this, I genuinely adore Cadence as a character. I'm relieved I didn't start the series right when it was released; otherwise, I might have lost interest. Luckily, I have all three books, so I'm planning to continue from where the first book left off. I'm eagerly anticipating Cadence taking a more active role in the next installment and finally getting to see her in action.
January 1, 2022
I finished this book the day it came out, and let me tell you... It's been a long time since that last happened. I didn't like the Spoken Mage books very much, and of course that meant I never bothered to follow its sequel series, so I had my doubts when this came along. But it was such a fun and epic ride from the beginning, my doubts were endangered from the opening pages!
Let's talk about the characters. I was definitely wary of Cadence, the protagonist, but it seems I need not fear. I love the way she was written--a flawed but charming main character who responds realistically to her situation, and whose relationship with her sister carries much of the storyline. Both she and Airlie are relatable in a way that's not overdone, which I guess is a the strong point all of Cellier's books, but I thought it especially shone here!
Anyway, it was just as fun getting acquainted with the side characters as well. Now we are all very predictably and gleefully going to ship Airlie with a certain Royal Mage--but I'm getting ahead of myself. Ahem. Speaking of shipping, I was surprised by Zeke. He wasn't boring as I feared--he made me laugh out loud several times, actually--and I have rather high hopes for him... And speaking of high hopes, how could I not mention the twins? I can't wait to see more of them again, even the grumpy one! (Who doesn't love the happy-and-grumpy twin dynamic, honestly?)
Now this is the part of the review where I--always, unfailingly, I never change--gush about the worldbuilding. We don't see a particular amazing or all-new kind of magic system in this book, but as I like to say, that's not the point of good worldbuilding! And here, even with what seems like a fairly commonplace sort of magic system (I mean, compared to the one in the Spoken Mage), the worldbuilding is given a lot of thought. That meant a few somewhat info-dumpy parts, but that's really not a problem [for me, the worldbuilding nerd].
Aaaaand I don't think I have much else to say 🤔 I love this author's writing style, as usual, and in terms of content, it's as clean as all her other books (there's just a tad bit of fantasy violence). Plus, the sibling dynamics in this book are not to be missed! Anywho... I look forward to seeing what'll unfold in the next installment, especially with the way things ended in this book! Guess I'm sticking out for a long journey this time around, heheheh...
Let's talk about the characters. I was definitely wary of Cadence, the protagonist, but it seems I need not fear. I love the way she was written--a flawed but charming main character who responds realistically to her situation, and whose relationship with her sister carries much of the storyline. Both she and Airlie are relatable in a way that's not overdone, which I guess is a the strong point all of Cellier's books, but I thought it especially shone here!
Anyway, it was just as fun getting acquainted with the side characters as well. Now we are all very predictably and gleefully going to ship Airlie with a certain Royal Mage--but I'm getting ahead of myself. Ahem. Speaking of shipping, I was surprised by Zeke. He wasn't boring as I feared--he made me laugh out loud several times, actually--and I have rather high hopes for him... And speaking of high hopes, how could I not mention the twins? I can't wait to see more of them again, even the grumpy one! (Who doesn't love the happy-and-grumpy twin dynamic, honestly?)
Now this is the part of the review where I--always, unfailingly, I never change--gush about the worldbuilding. We don't see a particular amazing or all-new kind of magic system in this book, but as I like to say, that's not the point of good worldbuilding! And here, even with what seems like a fairly commonplace sort of magic system (I mean, compared to the one in the Spoken Mage), the worldbuilding is given a lot of thought. That meant a few somewhat info-dumpy parts, but that's really not a problem [for me, the worldbuilding nerd].
Aaaaand I don't think I have much else to say 🤔 I love this author's writing style, as usual, and in terms of content, it's as clean as all her other books (there's just a tad bit of fantasy violence). Plus, the sibling dynamics in this book are not to be missed! Anywho... I look forward to seeing what'll unfold in the next installment, especially with the way things ended in this book! Guess I'm sticking out for a long journey this time around, heheheh...
May 25, 2023
Melanie Cellier's latest release is the first book in a new series in a completely new storyworld! And it is AMAZING!!! All of it! I loved all the mysteries and the slowly revealed backstory! And the reveal at the end was WOW! I can't WAIT for the next book!
February 5, 2022
Retread story?
I've enjoyed almost all of Melanie Cellier's books so far, but I just felt lost throughout this one. Partly that's because the viewpoint character feels pretty lost. But Cadie is just not as observant as most of Cellier's viewpoint characters have been.
I couldn't help feeling like this might be a previously written story--maybe the original concept for the Spoken Mage series--that had been dusted off and edited a bit. The similarities in setting (and, to some extent, the characters) are just too close to ignore.
It's a pity, because this new world has fascinating potential. Finding out about the destroyed kingdom is what will drive me to keep reading this series, not any affection for Cadie or Airlie.
I've enjoyed almost all of Melanie Cellier's books so far, but I just felt lost throughout this one. Partly that's because the viewpoint character feels pretty lost. But Cadie is just not as observant as most of Cellier's viewpoint characters have been.
I couldn't help feeling like this might be a previously written story--maybe the original concept for the Spoken Mage series--that had been dusted off and edited a bit. The similarities in setting (and, to some extent, the characters) are just too close to ignore.
It's a pity, because this new world has fascinating potential. Finding out about the destroyed kingdom is what will drive me to keep reading this series, not any affection for Cadie or Airlie.
May 3, 2022
This reminded me a lot of Cellier’s other recent works. There is a girl with new or unknown powers, a magic school, and royalty attending said school. The whole school thing was weird since it seemed like the apprentices weren’t really learning anything. I felt there was way too much exposition in this one. I get it that there is a new magical concept to learn but having everyone explain everything all the time was a bit much.
January 7, 2022
Pulls You In
Cadence and Airlie were raised by their father. He often told them they had inside them the seeds of glory and ruin. Cadence always assumed that her sister, the favorite, had the glory and she the ruin.
When Airlie’s magic is activated they journey to the Capitol where she can be trained.
This book is full of secrets, magic, politics, and friendship. With so many secrets and new elements to this story I was entranced. Always wanting to learn more. I am glad that the next book release is only a month away. I can’t wait to re-enter this world.
Cadence and Airlie were raised by their father. He often told them they had inside them the seeds of glory and ruin. Cadence always assumed that her sister, the favorite, had the glory and she the ruin.
When Airlie’s magic is activated they journey to the Capitol where she can be trained.
This book is full of secrets, magic, politics, and friendship. With so many secrets and new elements to this story I was entranced. Always wanting to learn more. I am glad that the next book release is only a month away. I can’t wait to re-enter this world.
May 12, 2023
this was... really boring. not a lot actually happened and I found the characters to be pretty basic. a lot of other reviews say this is basically just an intro for the rest of the series, but damn. I think each book in a series should be able to stand on its own. unsure right now if I'll continue reading lol
March 25, 2025
I’m honestly on cloud 9 right now. I found this on accident on Hoopla. I finished it in 24 hours. I’ve basically only read thrillers or mysteries lately. I couldn’t get into anything else. But this… it drew me in. There’s fantasy, power, romance, and more. And it’s not the end! Not only is this a series, but there’s also multiple series by the same author that take place in the same world. 👏🏻 I’m sold.
Basically…
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie's seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage's Guild in her sister's wake. She's used to living in Airlie's shadow, but she can't see a place for herself in this new world. Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister. But leaving her new home isn't an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters' secrets turn everyone against them. And as word of Airlie's power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom's border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor-enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice.
Basically…
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie's seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage's Guild in her sister's wake. She's used to living in Airlie's shadow, but she can't see a place for herself in this new world. Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister. But leaving her new home isn't an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters' secrets turn everyone against them. And as word of Airlie's power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom's border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor-enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice.
April 10, 2023
This was a fun, well paced fantasy adventure! I loved the relationships and the adventure, and family secrets are always fun twists! Cadence and Airlie's relationship was so real, and I loved getting to see a new world. Overall, I'd recommend for any teen looking for a fantasy adventure!
October 14, 2022
3.5 star listen
good enough to continue the series but i would really have appreciated the fmc to have been older.
definitely a YA series i think i cant see this progressing far enough to venture into NA
I will continue with the series the world building is good and i enjoyed the premise enough.
good enough to continue the series but i would really have appreciated the fmc to have been older.
definitely a YA series i think i cant see this progressing far enough to venture into NA
I will continue with the series the world building is good and i enjoyed the premise enough.
Read
January 1, 2022Amazing read
This was a book I couldn't put down, I love how the world is built with showing not telling. Melanie cellier does an amazing job of structuring a tale that is both intriguing and thought provoking. Her characters are well rounded with detailed backgrounds (this includes the side characters) what's even more impressive is the fact that she truly seems to understand the subtle nature of being a part of the upper and lower classes . She seamlessly writes a tale that shows the wealthy in a way that is humanistic which many authors struggle to do. Lastly her female characters are able to be strong powerful women while still falling in love and wanting to be partners with a man. In total this is a must read YA novel.
This was a book I couldn't put down, I love how the world is built with showing not telling. Melanie cellier does an amazing job of structuring a tale that is both intriguing and thought provoking. Her characters are well rounded with detailed backgrounds (this includes the side characters) what's even more impressive is the fact that she truly seems to understand the subtle nature of being a part of the upper and lower classes . She seamlessly writes a tale that shows the wealthy in a way that is humanistic which many authors struggle to do. Lastly her female characters are able to be strong powerful women while still falling in love and wanting to be partners with a man. In total this is a must read YA novel.
November 29, 2022
This is basically a long intro to book two. I always find it frustrating when the main character is kept in ignorance along with the reader. Not having any clue what's happening makes for a boring book. Near the end, we finally begin to get some answers and an intriguing world begins to emerge. I just finished book two, and enjoyed it much more. I do think this will be a fun series overall, in spite of the slow beginning.
August 25, 2022
This was almost a 4 ⭐️. It took half the book to set things up and explain things and didn’t get good till halfway through.
September 16, 2022
3.5 stars for me. There was a lot of set up so things didn’t start to pick up for me until the last quarter of the book but the finale left me eager to start the next in the series!
August 31, 2023
So superfluous but the bones and plot is interesting. Need to comb through a lot of words though.
March 19, 2022
3.5 Rounded Up
I thought that this story was pretty interesting. It wasn’t high in action though there are some of those scenes. There was far mor time spent with Cadence trying to learn about the world, and magic around her. And while she did frustrate me a few times, I did ultimately like her as our narrator.
I’m happy with how things turned out in the end as I was dreading having to go through the entire series with Cadence’s adamant refusal on a particular subject. (I liked how the author laid the groundwork for that. ) Now, with the decision that was made in a moment of panicked desperation, things are going to be a lot more interesting.
I liked the cast of side characters for the most part though it sometimes felt like they could be fleshed out a bit more. I appreciated that Zeek wasn’t the redeemed a-hole as I’ve seen in so many YA fantasy novels. And, even with their troubles, I loved the relationship between Cadence and Airlie.
I’m curious to see how things will play out, how the bandits fit in with the world and its history.
There is some mild violence, but it’s glossed over pretty quickly.
I thought that this story was pretty interesting. It wasn’t high in action though there are some of those scenes. There was far mor time spent with Cadence trying to learn about the world, and magic around her. And while she did frustrate me a few times, I did ultimately like her as our narrator.
I’m happy with how things turned out in the end as I was dreading having to go through the entire series with Cadence’s adamant refusal on a particular subject. (I liked how the author laid the groundwork for that. ) Now, with the decision that was made in a moment of panicked desperation, things are going to be a lot more interesting.
I liked the cast of side characters for the most part though it sometimes felt like they could be fleshed out a bit more. I appreciated that Zeek wasn’t the redeemed a-hole as I’ve seen in so many YA fantasy novels. And, even with their troubles, I loved the relationship between Cadence and Airlie.
I’m curious to see how things will play out, how the bandits fit in with the world and its history.
There is some mild violence, but it’s glossed over pretty quickly.
December 31, 2021
Interesting
Super good. I don’t know how I’ll wait till the next books comes out, but I’m invested! This book was so unique that it instantly drew me in.
Super good. I don’t know how I’ll wait till the next books comes out, but I’m invested! This book was so unique that it instantly drew me in.
November 6, 2022
This was a random book I picked up because it was available on Hoopla. I’m so happy I did. It was quick and so enjoyable. Cant wait to read the next one!
October 22, 2023
This was fun. It took me some time to get into and there was times that i was a little bothered by how many secrets were kept from the MC and the reader, but I ended up quite enjoying this and appreciating the MC and I'll look forward to reading book two.
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore if i remember well
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore if i remember well
Sexual content: none
December 6, 2023
Okay, the plot is basic. The magic world building lacking. And the story has no driving force. I didn’t really find myself caring for the characters, or anything that happened to them (which honestly wasn’t much)
TV rating: PG
TV rating: PG
May 8, 2024
Now that I'm reading a whole new series by Melanie Cellier, Un a different world with a different magic system, I can truly say: she writes the same story over and over. Always a young woman in her upper teens with secret special magic powers that she has to discover for herself. She's sent to a magic school, befriends royalty and falls in love with someone that out classes her. The biggest difference between this and the Spoken Mage/Hidden Mage series is that mc has an older sister whose powers are revealed first, so we go through this first book waiting for mc to get hers, stuck listening to her whining because she has to follow her sister. Dynamic is still the same. It's not badly written overall, but after 6 books of the same storyline, it gets old.
April 27, 2023
Loved this one! Fun fantasy with magic powers, mystery, and innocent teen romance. Feels a little bit like Goose Girl to me, which I really loved. Starting the second book ASAP!
February 23, 2024
Zeke is my new book boyfriend I've decided. There better be some juicy scenes in the next book!
January 22, 2025
I really enjoy Melanie Cellier's books, and my rating is not to say that this book is not super good, because it is good. I just didn't connect with it as well at the current time that I read it.
The magic system and world were intriguing. There is a lot more I would be interested to learn about it all although it is a lot to take in. Cadence is thrust into this world without any knowledge about it which serves as a great way for us to learn about the world and magic system too. However, sometimes it felt a little confusing and sometimes we were given a lot of information that I didn't quite digest. I really like Cadence and Airlie and their relationship as sisters. It feels very realistic and complex. And Nik and Gia were great, too. I'm interested in getting to know them better as the series continues. I wasn't sure what to make of Zeke. I do like him but things are just interesting... The growing interest there felt a little rushed. Overall though, this was a fun, interesting story in a new world!
The magic system and world were intriguing. There is a lot more I would be interested to learn about it all although it is a lot to take in. Cadence is thrust into this world without any knowledge about it which serves as a great way for us to learn about the world and magic system too. However, sometimes it felt a little confusing and sometimes we were given a lot of information that I didn't quite digest. I really like Cadence and Airlie and their relationship as sisters. It feels very realistic and complex. And Nik and Gia were great, too. I'm interested in getting to know them better as the series continues. I wasn't sure what to make of Zeke. I do like him but things are just interesting... The growing interest there felt a little rushed. Overall though, this was a fun, interesting story in a new world!
January 22, 2022
Great start to the series, can’t wait for the next one!! I still like the spoken mage series better but the world building of this story is unique and the sister dynamic adds a new element to the story that isn’t seen in many books. I’m actually the older sister not the younger one, but the description of cadence’s anger and love towards her sister was super relatable.
Overall I’m excited to see where the story goes and am glad that Zeke knows because now she has somebody to talk to about everything
And obviously we have to have a royal/commoner with unseen powers couple because what else could we expect from Melanie cellier😂
Overall I’m excited to see where the story goes and am glad that Zeke knows because now she has somebody to talk to about everything
And obviously we have to have a royal/commoner with unseen powers couple because what else could we expect from Melanie cellier😂
November 13, 2025
Good
If you want to read with a slight romantic twist but more so the dilemma of sisters thrown into a world. They don't know anything about. One sister a protector the other just wanting to be grown up. That is what you get in this amazing fantasy story.
If you want to read with a slight romantic twist but more so the dilemma of sisters thrown into a world. They don't know anything about. One sister a protector the other just wanting to be grown up. That is what you get in this amazing fantasy story.
January 11, 2022
This is an excellent start to a new series: intriguing plot, consistent world building, and well-developed characters. I was immediately drawn in and can't wait for the next installment.
June 26, 2022
3 Stars-But In A Good Way
Review will follow in the next day . Just need to proofread to make sure it’s as free as possible of typos and grammatical errors.
My apologies for any delays caused because of this.
I really struggled with the star rating, and wanted time to pull my thoughts together, as well as an honest, accurate, and true review. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
ETA the final review:
The beginning takes off rather sluggish, and was already giving the impression that there's an excess of unnecessary, and rather trivial rhetorical expansion, which typically isn't the best portent and a potential indication for what may be forthcoming. As it is necessary in the beginning of any series to pull the reader in with the who's, why's and where's, they'll be dealing with, there can also be too much, too soon.
And just as predicted, when a group of "travelers" finally arrive at their intended destination, I was once again thrown into an staggering quantity of information, including the introduction of a slew of new characters and world building. I actually had to stop and reread some previous pages and passages, as I was beginning to feel disoriented and flummoxed again, regarding who was who and what they were carrying on about.
Once past this though, I was swept along with the various sub-plot lines that had evolved, but never with the sense that it was losing track of the main thread.
I finally found myself intensely embedded, and was carried away into the depths of it, like an inconspicuous, ignored servant in the room.
I fell in love with what was unfolding around me, and now I wanted more of what I would consider the 5 main characters, being Cadie, Airlie, Zeke, Gia, and Nik (not necessarily in that order.)
Originally, I wasn't committed, or confident, that I'd continue on with the next 4 books in the series. By the last page, I was grateful I had held off in beginning the series, until I knew all 5 were released. This way, I could now carry on, deliciously absorbed in the rest of the series.
I'm pretty sure the intended target group is 13-18, but anyone interested in Fantasy, with a preferable lightness to romance and violence, will genuinely appreciate this book, and I highly recommend this book.
I did struggle with the rating, and wavered throughout, whether it deserved 2, 3, or 4, stars. The beginning, as I outlined above, was a 2 star rating, while the middle of it, as it began building steam, deserved 3 stars, but by the end it closed out at a solid 4.
I had to go with the in between of 3, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It gives it room to improve, and build a stronger foundation as it moves along.
Review will follow in the next day . Just need to proofread to make sure it’s as free as possible of typos and grammatical errors.
My apologies for any delays caused because of this.
I really struggled with the star rating, and wanted time to pull my thoughts together, as well as an honest, accurate, and true review. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
ETA the final review:
The beginning takes off rather sluggish, and was already giving the impression that there's an excess of unnecessary, and rather trivial rhetorical expansion, which typically isn't the best portent and a potential indication for what may be forthcoming. As it is necessary in the beginning of any series to pull the reader in with the who's, why's and where's, they'll be dealing with, there can also be too much, too soon.
And just as predicted, when a group of "travelers" finally arrive at their intended destination, I was once again thrown into an staggering quantity of information, including the introduction of a slew of new characters and world building. I actually had to stop and reread some previous pages and passages, as I was beginning to feel disoriented and flummoxed again, regarding who was who and what they were carrying on about.
Once past this though, I was swept along with the various sub-plot lines that had evolved, but never with the sense that it was losing track of the main thread.
I finally found myself intensely embedded, and was carried away into the depths of it, like an inconspicuous, ignored servant in the room.
I fell in love with what was unfolding around me, and now I wanted more of what I would consider the 5 main characters, being Cadie, Airlie, Zeke, Gia, and Nik (not necessarily in that order.)
Originally, I wasn't committed, or confident, that I'd continue on with the next 4 books in the series. By the last page, I was grateful I had held off in beginning the series, until I knew all 5 were released. This way, I could now carry on, deliciously absorbed in the rest of the series.
I'm pretty sure the intended target group is 13-18, but anyone interested in Fantasy, with a preferable lightness to romance and violence, will genuinely appreciate this book, and I highly recommend this book.
I did struggle with the rating, and wavered throughout, whether it deserved 2, 3, or 4, stars. The beginning, as I outlined above, was a 2 star rating, while the middle of it, as it began building steam, deserved 3 stars, but by the end it closed out at a solid 4.
I had to go with the in between of 3, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It gives it room to improve, and build a stronger foundation as it moves along.
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