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Path of the Apprentice Mage #1
Forbidden Magic
A kingdom in danger, a great betrayal and a boy seeking to redeem the magical world. Will he succeed in overcoming the long, shadowy reach of the King and his Vizier?
Kai lives in terror under constant surveillance and suspicion in a land where magic is forbidden. He’s afraid he’ll meet the same fate as his parents. The King’s shadow is spreading across the land as he seeks to kill all who have the gift. But in his effort to create a modern world, fissures are exposed.
Kai must hide his budding powers and escape from the King’s world. While on the run, desperate to save his life, he discovers a crack in time, an ancient passage to the Academy of Moon Magic. He is determined to return and repair his world.
At the school he’s badly out of his element and there’s nowhere to hide. Fortunately, he makes a few good friends who are determined to return with him to repair the present day.
Can they stop the King before he kills the magic? Find out while you follow fascinating adventures with a group of characters you will fall in love with.
Epic fantasy full of adventure, action, magic, and mystery for all ages.
Enjoy this book today.
Kai lives in terror under constant surveillance and suspicion in a land where magic is forbidden. He’s afraid he’ll meet the same fate as his parents. The King’s shadow is spreading across the land as he seeks to kill all who have the gift. But in his effort to create a modern world, fissures are exposed.
Kai must hide his budding powers and escape from the King’s world. While on the run, desperate to save his life, he discovers a crack in time, an ancient passage to the Academy of Moon Magic. He is determined to return and repair his world.
At the school he’s badly out of his element and there’s nowhere to hide. Fortunately, he makes a few good friends who are determined to return with him to repair the present day.
Can they stop the King before he kills the magic? Find out while you follow fascinating adventures with a group of characters you will fall in love with.
Epic fantasy full of adventure, action, magic, and mystery for all ages.
Enjoy this book today.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
316 pages, ebook
Published August 28, 2022
122 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ferrier
14 books10 followersBarbara Ferrier is best known for writing Fantasy and Magic books. She’s inspired by exploring old castles, ancient ruins, and observing people’s lives. Somehow she survived grade school four times (!) the last three while raising her kids. She enjoys creating characters that we love to cheer or fear. Her first career producing television taught her to keep the action moving. While traveling she writes positive human stories we all deserve to experience.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 13, 2023
Magic, mayhem, mystery, monsters, and more. Family, friends, freedom, and trust while training.
Events of the recent and far past get the world out of balance again. But a young boy with limited training and resources learns new tricks and makes new friends as he faces the challenges of rebalancing the world after the evil king and his followers try to take over the world.
Surprise evil doers. There is a new mage in town that can time travel with friends as they save their families and friends.
But the sequels will save the world. But love will overcome evil. It just takes a lot more pages to do it.
Events of the recent and far past get the world out of balance again. But a young boy with limited training and resources learns new tricks and makes new friends as he faces the challenges of rebalancing the world after the evil king and his followers try to take over the world.
Surprise evil doers. There is a new mage in town that can time travel with friends as they save their families and friends.
But the sequels will save the world. But love will overcome evil. It just takes a lot more pages to do it.
September 7, 2022
I like the author's storyline, she came up with unique details I found interesting. I wouldn't say I have any negative views on the book except I think it was a little young for me. I think this is a wonderful story for a child, full of fantasy and magical beasts, life lessons and wonder.
At oome point in the book, I felt like it was dragging a little, and then at others, it was extremely fast paced - especially nearing the end.
Other than that, it was an interesting story and I am glad I read it.
At oome point in the book, I felt like it was dragging a little, and then at others, it was extremely fast paced - especially nearing the end.
Other than that, it was an interesting story and I am glad I read it.
August 23, 2022
On the surface, this sounds like the kind of book I would love. Outlawed magic, corrupt rulers, kid characters learning skills with the help of wise teachers. Unfortunately, I struggled to get through it.
Unfortunately, this book could be a masterclass in why you should use "show, don't tell." The first several chapters in particular felt like an information dump rather than having the information about the world and characters integrated nicely, but it doesn't get much better as the book goes on. There were often so many paragraphs of backstory or worldbuilding that I would forget what was supposed to be happening, even when the scene was supposed to be more of an action scene. The point of view would often shift from character to character, but in a way that felt accidental instead of an omniscient narrator. The writing reminded me of a lot of fanfiction I've read. Not horrible, but definitely in need of more development and some great editing.
Part of the reason for the endless telling instead of showing is that in the first part of the book, the main character is often by himself with his only his thoughts. For example, when he goes on a journey, he spends some time thinking about a place and all the grief associated with it, he decides a rock is a companion, he wants to get to the desert, he'll be able to pass miles of land through one option, the land was dry and only hardy plants survived, he ate and it was like he hadn't eaten in a year, the landscape changes to shale, he knows it's dangerous, there's yet another valley, he reaches the second ridge, he decides to spend the night in a cave, he explores a valley the next morning, he passes stone mountains, he wonders why anyone would live in a desert where he knows rain hasn't fallen in years, he wonders if his mind is playing tricks on him, he promises himself he'll stop once he gets to a certain point, he wonders if it will be barren all the way to the sea... and I was left wondering if the book would be barren that far too. Nothing happens for a long time. He wanders through all of these areas and thinks about things the reader should know about the world--for multiple pages.
As an example of the writing found in the whole book:
"Kai walked, skipped, and ran towards the Ancient Kingdom. It looked beautiful. It wasn't a ruin like the Blue Cliff Basin. It was preserved. His fear now was that it was completely empty. But there was only one way to find out.
"The castle here loomed large. He walked up the wide stone staircase and crossed the stone bridge, looking down at the crystal-clear river below. Whatever magic had created this place was powerful and he could feel it in his bones. The bridge was in perfect shape, no signs of wear like the Blue Cliff Basin. He bowed as he walked down the stairs to the large entryway and the double doors. He decided he'd request asylum. He assumed magic as strong as he felt here could welcome or repel people as it saw fit. And he didn't want to end up in a dungeon for being thought of as an intruder."
Unfortunately, it's just boring and it becomes difficult to figure out what is actually going on when there are paragraphs and paragraphs like the ones above in front of nearly every action. The dialogue, too, has so much over-explained detail. The characters don't have individual voices and just match that same wandering description as the narration. For example, this unnatural description:
"What does he look like? Tell me about him."
"He is about six feet tall and has straight black hair and emerald eyes. His skin is a shade darker than your own because he lives in the desert. He runs the Academy of Moon Magic. There are other teachers also and a few wizards come to assist from time to time, but Manni is connected to everyone. His martial arts skills are exemplary. He's quite well rounded [sic] in his magical abilities. You wouldn't guess that from his soft demeanor. Best of all, he runs the first-year program. You will find him easily. I have no doubt."
And then the character goes on. People just don't talk like this in real life, Much of the dialogue is like this, with paragraphs describing things or explaining background information. And while the world has a lot of detail, it never feels immersive, and the characters don't feel like much more than information robots to spit out anything the reader might need to know. I hate to say that I don't think I can even sum up the plot because it was buried somewhere in those endless paragraphs.
Overall, this book reads like an amateur first draft. It could have used a few more drafts and a lot more editing.
I think this book will have an audience. Young readers who enjoy magical worlds and magic training may still find that they enjoy it. The world certainly has many interesting elements to it. Unfortunately, the writing style was a dealbreaker for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy to review.
Unfortunately, this book could be a masterclass in why you should use "show, don't tell." The first several chapters in particular felt like an information dump rather than having the information about the world and characters integrated nicely, but it doesn't get much better as the book goes on. There were often so many paragraphs of backstory or worldbuilding that I would forget what was supposed to be happening, even when the scene was supposed to be more of an action scene. The point of view would often shift from character to character, but in a way that felt accidental instead of an omniscient narrator. The writing reminded me of a lot of fanfiction I've read. Not horrible, but definitely in need of more development and some great editing.
Part of the reason for the endless telling instead of showing is that in the first part of the book, the main character is often by himself with his only his thoughts. For example, when he goes on a journey, he spends some time thinking about a place and all the grief associated with it, he decides a rock is a companion, he wants to get to the desert, he'll be able to pass miles of land through one option, the land was dry and only hardy plants survived, he ate and it was like he hadn't eaten in a year, the landscape changes to shale, he knows it's dangerous, there's yet another valley, he reaches the second ridge, he decides to spend the night in a cave, he explores a valley the next morning, he passes stone mountains, he wonders why anyone would live in a desert where he knows rain hasn't fallen in years, he wonders if his mind is playing tricks on him, he promises himself he'll stop once he gets to a certain point, he wonders if it will be barren all the way to the sea... and I was left wondering if the book would be barren that far too. Nothing happens for a long time. He wanders through all of these areas and thinks about things the reader should know about the world--for multiple pages.
As an example of the writing found in the whole book:
"Kai walked, skipped, and ran towards the Ancient Kingdom. It looked beautiful. It wasn't a ruin like the Blue Cliff Basin. It was preserved. His fear now was that it was completely empty. But there was only one way to find out.
"The castle here loomed large. He walked up the wide stone staircase and crossed the stone bridge, looking down at the crystal-clear river below. Whatever magic had created this place was powerful and he could feel it in his bones. The bridge was in perfect shape, no signs of wear like the Blue Cliff Basin. He bowed as he walked down the stairs to the large entryway and the double doors. He decided he'd request asylum. He assumed magic as strong as he felt here could welcome or repel people as it saw fit. And he didn't want to end up in a dungeon for being thought of as an intruder."
Unfortunately, it's just boring and it becomes difficult to figure out what is actually going on when there are paragraphs and paragraphs like the ones above in front of nearly every action. The dialogue, too, has so much over-explained detail. The characters don't have individual voices and just match that same wandering description as the narration. For example, this unnatural description:
"What does he look like? Tell me about him."
"He is about six feet tall and has straight black hair and emerald eyes. His skin is a shade darker than your own because he lives in the desert. He runs the Academy of Moon Magic. There are other teachers also and a few wizards come to assist from time to time, but Manni is connected to everyone. His martial arts skills are exemplary. He's quite well rounded [sic] in his magical abilities. You wouldn't guess that from his soft demeanor. Best of all, he runs the first-year program. You will find him easily. I have no doubt."
And then the character goes on. People just don't talk like this in real life, Much of the dialogue is like this, with paragraphs describing things or explaining background information. And while the world has a lot of detail, it never feels immersive, and the characters don't feel like much more than information robots to spit out anything the reader might need to know. I hate to say that I don't think I can even sum up the plot because it was buried somewhere in those endless paragraphs.
Overall, this book reads like an amateur first draft. It could have used a few more drafts and a lot more editing.
I think this book will have an audience. Young readers who enjoy magical worlds and magic training may still find that they enjoy it. The world certainly has many interesting elements to it. Unfortunately, the writing style was a dealbreaker for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy to review.
May 27, 2024
Enchanting, Engaging, Enjoyable fantasy – for YA and me!
Barbara Ferrier’s "Forbidden Magic" is the captivating start to the "Path of the Apprentice Mage" series, offering a delightful blend of magic, adventure, and camaraderie that will enchant readers of all ages. Set in a world where magic is both a gift and a peril, the story follows young Kyllan, an orphan with untapped magical abilities, as he embarks on a thrilling quest to defy a tyrannical king and master his powers.
Kyllan's journey begins in dramatic fashion when he is forced to flee after being caught using magic. His only skills—riding his enchanted board and conjuring snacks—seem woefully inadequate against the crown's dark sorcerers. Yet, with heart-pounding determination, Kyllan sets off on a desperate quest through time to find a magical school and allies who can aid him in his mission.
The characters Kyllan meets along the way are vibrant and memorable, from a daring dragon rider and a graceful dancer to a girl who lives among the clouds. Together, they form a dynamic team, each bringing unique strengths to their perilous mission. The bonds they forge and the challenges they face together create a story that is as heartwarming as it is action-packed.
Ferrier’s world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a realm where magic pulses beneath the surface and danger lurks at every turn. The plot is well-paced, with a perfect balance of suspense, adventure, and moments of levity. Kyllan's growth from an untrained mage to a determined hero is both believable and inspiring, making him a character readers will eagerly root for.
"Forbidden Magic" is a spellbinding introduction to a series that promises epic quests and thrilling magic. Written with a flair that appeals to both young adults and older readers, it’s a book that families can enjoy together, offering lessons of courage, friendship, and the importance of fighting for what is right. Barbara Ferrier has crafted an engaging and enchanting tale that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the "Path of the Apprentice Mage" series.
Who should read this book: “Forbidden Magic” fits squarely into the realm of JK Rowling’s and Rick Riordan’s books and I am also reminded of "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini.
What you should drink while you're reading: For a fantasy adventure that’s enchanting and full of youthful energy, the Enchanted Forest cocktail is a delightful match. The Enchanted Forest cocktail is a refreshing and whimsical drink that captures the magic and adventure of "Forbidden Magic." The elderflower liquor adds a floral note that evokes the mystical elements of the story, while the fresh mint and blueberries provide a vibrant and enchanting presentation, perfect for a fantasy tale filled with wonder and excitement. I love elderflower liquor, and this is one of my fav’s. Cheers!
Barbara Ferrier’s "Forbidden Magic" is the captivating start to the "Path of the Apprentice Mage" series, offering a delightful blend of magic, adventure, and camaraderie that will enchant readers of all ages. Set in a world where magic is both a gift and a peril, the story follows young Kyllan, an orphan with untapped magical abilities, as he embarks on a thrilling quest to defy a tyrannical king and master his powers.
Kyllan's journey begins in dramatic fashion when he is forced to flee after being caught using magic. His only skills—riding his enchanted board and conjuring snacks—seem woefully inadequate against the crown's dark sorcerers. Yet, with heart-pounding determination, Kyllan sets off on a desperate quest through time to find a magical school and allies who can aid him in his mission.
The characters Kyllan meets along the way are vibrant and memorable, from a daring dragon rider and a graceful dancer to a girl who lives among the clouds. Together, they form a dynamic team, each bringing unique strengths to their perilous mission. The bonds they forge and the challenges they face together create a story that is as heartwarming as it is action-packed.
Ferrier’s world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a realm where magic pulses beneath the surface and danger lurks at every turn. The plot is well-paced, with a perfect balance of suspense, adventure, and moments of levity. Kyllan's growth from an untrained mage to a determined hero is both believable and inspiring, making him a character readers will eagerly root for.
"Forbidden Magic" is a spellbinding introduction to a series that promises epic quests and thrilling magic. Written with a flair that appeals to both young adults and older readers, it’s a book that families can enjoy together, offering lessons of courage, friendship, and the importance of fighting for what is right. Barbara Ferrier has crafted an engaging and enchanting tale that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the "Path of the Apprentice Mage" series.
Who should read this book: “Forbidden Magic” fits squarely into the realm of JK Rowling’s and Rick Riordan’s books and I am also reminded of "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini.
What you should drink while you're reading: For a fantasy adventure that’s enchanting and full of youthful energy, the Enchanted Forest cocktail is a delightful match. The Enchanted Forest cocktail is a refreshing and whimsical drink that captures the magic and adventure of "Forbidden Magic." The elderflower liquor adds a floral note that evokes the mystical elements of the story, while the fresh mint and blueberries provide a vibrant and enchanting presentation, perfect for a fantasy tale filled with wonder and excitement. I love elderflower liquor, and this is one of my fav’s. Cheers!
August 28, 2022
“Please, explain to me again, where I am going?” Kai said confused. “To the Ancient Kingdom in the Desert and the Academy of Moon Mages. A very sacred place,” she smiled.
Kai lives in a village where no magic is allowed, the king has forbidden it. But he grew up in the world of magic and wants to be a Ranger of the Sky, like his father before him. After hearing how magic users would be tortured and stripped of their magic, he leaves the village to hide with forest mages. But he has a different destiny, the Moon has sent him on a quest to save the villages from the king. And for that, he will need some training and some friends…
“You have been heard,” a deep, gravelly voice said. Kai heard it clearly. “I believe that was the voice of the moon,” she said smiling.
This is a young adult fantasy story with some interesting time travelling. Imagine going back in time to receive the training you need and having to tell those people their way of life won’t exist in the future. I always find it fascinating how much you should change to preserve your own future. I did like the characters, and I liked the storyline in general. Some of the dialogue sounded a bit like a lecture when the author had one character explain concepts to another. The magic system was an interesting one.
The story is sometimes a bit slow, but it was an easy read. I wouldn’t say I like how information is shared, it does feel a bit like an info dump. But the rest was an adventure, and I would read the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, thank you to them and the author, this is my own opinion.
September 1, 2022
Kai and his sister Asa are the only living survivors of a power battle between magic and corruption, or so they think after leaving their maternal grandmother with the Elves in the hope that she will survive the ailment that has plagued her.
Arriving at their aunt Onyx and Uncle Silas ' place, they are forbidden from practicing any form of magic and Kai is constantly bullied by the son of a Bogman and his brainless followers. After a severe beating, Kai hears a conversation between two Kingsmen who plan to kidnap and murder any and all moon child on the area. Being a moon child himself, Kai must flee the village to go to the forest where his mentor lives. Arriving there, he is directed to reach the Ancient Kingdom where some Protector will meet him and help him in his mission to set things right in Kalendra.
The Protector sends him back in time to the same Ancient Kingdom where he will be enrolled in the Moon Academy and follow a rigorous training to succeed in his mission. In the past, he meets Senna, Mai Li and Randon, three other students that have been selected by the council of Mages to help Kai succeed in his Mission.
The author adds to this fantastic story where two magical children going through much grief find themselves with an aunt and uncle who live in a world where magic is prohibited and the concept of
helping the neighbor is nonexistent. However, as the author so masterfully reminds the reader, a promise has been made by Kai to his father and he must honor it. In addition, the goal of his Mission and that of his team is more important than his mere self. His sister will also be called to play a key role in this second book (Counting the Prequel).
The plot is well designed, masterfully executed and the reader cannot help but be virtually transported to the lands that Kai visits, experience the raw emotions that Kai and Asa experience and tag along for an adventure filled with twists and turns that make this book a page turner deserving more than the maximum 5 Stars permitted.
Arriving at their aunt Onyx and Uncle Silas ' place, they are forbidden from practicing any form of magic and Kai is constantly bullied by the son of a Bogman and his brainless followers. After a severe beating, Kai hears a conversation between two Kingsmen who plan to kidnap and murder any and all moon child on the area. Being a moon child himself, Kai must flee the village to go to the forest where his mentor lives. Arriving there, he is directed to reach the Ancient Kingdom where some Protector will meet him and help him in his mission to set things right in Kalendra.
The Protector sends him back in time to the same Ancient Kingdom where he will be enrolled in the Moon Academy and follow a rigorous training to succeed in his mission. In the past, he meets Senna, Mai Li and Randon, three other students that have been selected by the council of Mages to help Kai succeed in his Mission.
The author adds to this fantastic story where two magical children going through much grief find themselves with an aunt and uncle who live in a world where magic is prohibited and the concept of
helping the neighbor is nonexistent. However, as the author so masterfully reminds the reader, a promise has been made by Kai to his father and he must honor it. In addition, the goal of his Mission and that of his team is more important than his mere self. His sister will also be called to play a key role in this second book (Counting the Prequel).
The plot is well designed, masterfully executed and the reader cannot help but be virtually transported to the lands that Kai visits, experience the raw emotions that Kai and Asa experience and tag along for an adventure filled with twists and turns that make this book a page turner deserving more than the maximum 5 Stars permitted.
August 30, 2022
Fifteen year old Kai and his sister Asa lives in the country of Kalendra, a magical world built up by several smaller kingdoms. But in Wizandor Village, the ruling elite and King Okid has forbidden all uses of magic, because they want to modernize Kalendra. But there are still those who remembers the old days when magic flowed freely.
When Kai's parents dies he and his sister are sent to live with their grandmother Chani in Wizandor Village, they have to supress their magic. But Kai is a Moon Mage, born under two full moons. Moon People are people with strong magical abilities. Because of this, they can talk directly to the moon. When Moon People begin dissappearing and gathered up to be executed by the Kings orders, Kai undertands he has to leave the village. He is able to travel back in time and attend the Academy of Moon People and learn how to stop this from happening and save Kalendra.
The worldbuilding is impressive but it feels like it was just told to me as a reader when explaining it or talking about it to another chracter. Maybe its because the writing is abit stiff and not so descriptive. Its more of a "show me, dont tell me"-vibe for me. It didnt feel immersive and didnt suck me into the story and I had a hard time imagining the setting or characters in my mind.
I like the trope with forbidden magic and how the main chracter had to solve it by going back in time. The magic system in this book was also diffferent and unique to me. I would recommend this book to children and teens in the ages of 12-15 who are new to the fantasy genre.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book.
When Kai's parents dies he and his sister are sent to live with their grandmother Chani in Wizandor Village, they have to supress their magic. But Kai is a Moon Mage, born under two full moons. Moon People are people with strong magical abilities. Because of this, they can talk directly to the moon. When Moon People begin dissappearing and gathered up to be executed by the Kings orders, Kai undertands he has to leave the village. He is able to travel back in time and attend the Academy of Moon People and learn how to stop this from happening and save Kalendra.
The worldbuilding is impressive but it feels like it was just told to me as a reader when explaining it or talking about it to another chracter. Maybe its because the writing is abit stiff and not so descriptive. Its more of a "show me, dont tell me"-vibe for me. It didnt feel immersive and didnt suck me into the story and I had a hard time imagining the setting or characters in my mind.
I like the trope with forbidden magic and how the main chracter had to solve it by going back in time. The magic system in this book was also diffferent and unique to me. I would recommend this book to children and teens in the ages of 12-15 who are new to the fantasy genre.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book.
September 26, 2024
Forbidden magic occurs in a world where a king's mission is to eliminate magic to bring the world into a modern era. Mages born when both moons are full are considered moon-born, the king has decided that they are the next target in his goal to eliminate magic.
Kyllan a 15-year-old mage lives with his aunt, uncle, and sister in a castle directly controlled by the king's inner circle. His uncle works for the king and hates magic, so he stands with the king to forbid the use of magic. After Kyllan's secret is revealed, he must escape to the forest where his master resides. After arriving in the forest, he is sent on a quest to save his world and take on the evil king.
Barbara Ferrier did a fantastic job writing this story, I loved the originality and world-building. She truly captured the mind of a 15-year-old when faced with life-changing events and having their secret exposed. The world is beautiful, I love the portrayal of the beasts that were mentioned, and the lavish kingdom hidden away. I loved the characters, the willingness to work together, and the acceptance they offered Kyllan. I can't wait to read the rest of the series; I highly recommend this book to those who love magic, uncovering secrets, quests, and animals.
Kyllan a 15-year-old mage lives with his aunt, uncle, and sister in a castle directly controlled by the king's inner circle. His uncle works for the king and hates magic, so he stands with the king to forbid the use of magic. After Kyllan's secret is revealed, he must escape to the forest where his master resides. After arriving in the forest, he is sent on a quest to save his world and take on the evil king.
Barbara Ferrier did a fantastic job writing this story, I loved the originality and world-building. She truly captured the mind of a 15-year-old when faced with life-changing events and having their secret exposed. The world is beautiful, I love the portrayal of the beasts that were mentioned, and the lavish kingdom hidden away. I loved the characters, the willingness to work together, and the acceptance they offered Kyllan. I can't wait to read the rest of the series; I highly recommend this book to those who love magic, uncovering secrets, quests, and animals.
August 28, 2022
I love Kai.
This is the first book of this series and kicks off things with a bang.
Kai has to leave everything and everyone behind and go on a quest to help save his world.
This 14yo boy is the most loveable boy you can imagine. And along with his three new friends they are a force to fear.
With his magical board, this boy forced to turn man shows us a magical world full of wonders even he didn't know existed.
Flying terrifying creatures, a bully who won't rest until he is hurt or preferably dead, a king hell-bent on destroying the world, and four fourteen-year-olds who have the world on their shoulders.
I love every single one of them and this book kept me going, surprise after surprise until their quest was done, but I feel more is to come and I can't wait until I can join them on their next adventure.
I loved this book and recommend it to all who love Adventure, Magic, Creatures, and cute teenagers.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
This is the first book of this series and kicks off things with a bang.
Kai has to leave everything and everyone behind and go on a quest to help save his world.
This 14yo boy is the most loveable boy you can imagine. And along with his three new friends they are a force to fear.
With his magical board, this boy forced to turn man shows us a magical world full of wonders even he didn't know existed.
Flying terrifying creatures, a bully who won't rest until he is hurt or preferably dead, a king hell-bent on destroying the world, and four fourteen-year-olds who have the world on their shoulders.
I love every single one of them and this book kept me going, surprise after surprise until their quest was done, but I feel more is to come and I can't wait until I can join them on their next adventure.
I loved this book and recommend it to all who love Adventure, Magic, Creatures, and cute teenagers.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
September 1, 2022
Forbidden Magic is about a young orphaned boy who is gifted with a rare magic but is forbidden to use it in his new town. That is, until the king threatens anyone with this special ability, and he must either run away or be killed. While away, he finds a school of students with similar abilities who he can train with and may be able to aid the people of his town.
I really wanted to enjoy this story, and it had potential; however, it has many problems: typos everywhere, a massive info dump starting on page two, multiple POV’s flying all over the place, excessive repetition. He doesn’t get to the school until at least halfway through the book, then doesn’t spend enough time with each student for the reader to really get to know and care about them. The climax was very anticlimactic and was over before it even began. Again, Forbidden Magic had potential, but in my opinion, it needed more story development and several rewrites before being published.
I really wanted to enjoy this story, and it had potential; however, it has many problems: typos everywhere, a massive info dump starting on page two, multiple POV’s flying all over the place, excessive repetition. He doesn’t get to the school until at least halfway through the book, then doesn’t spend enough time with each student for the reader to really get to know and care about them. The climax was very anticlimactic and was over before it even began. Again, Forbidden Magic had potential, but in my opinion, it needed more story development and several rewrites before being published.
September 11, 2022
Another magical school and wonderful new world of adventure. An enchanting teenage story about a dystopic kingdom, where a hypocritical King and his Vizier tricked (brainwashed) his people into thinking magic was not necessary in their lives while taking advantage of it themselves. This is a new magical world with new magical rules. The author paints thoughts of the characters in words of wisdom and understanding. The world building is creative and imaginative with a satisfying conclusion and potential for further adventures.
However, sometimes it is not clear who is speaking. There definitely needs to be more editing to clarify ideas and situations. At times, the story flowed with adventure, but there were also times the story dragged with too many repetitions of thoughts or explanations. I received this book as an ARC from the author and have written an honest review.
However, sometimes it is not clear who is speaking. There definitely needs to be more editing to clarify ideas and situations. At times, the story flowed with adventure, but there were also times the story dragged with too many repetitions of thoughts or explanations. I received this book as an ARC from the author and have written an honest review.
August 28, 2022
As an introduction to a new world and characters the premise and story show promise.
I would describe this as an eco-parable come fantasy as there are some undeniable parallels between the happenings in the lands of Kalendra and the world we currently find ourselves living in. The story feels more like it’s aimed at young adults and could be thought provoking for them.
I hope that subsequent books will breathe more life into the characters and add weight and depth to fully realise the potential Kalendra, Kai and his journey offer and thoroughly deserve.
I would describe this as an eco-parable come fantasy as there are some undeniable parallels between the happenings in the lands of Kalendra and the world we currently find ourselves living in. The story feels more like it’s aimed at young adults and could be thought provoking for them.
I hope that subsequent books will breathe more life into the characters and add weight and depth to fully realise the potential Kalendra, Kai and his journey offer and thoroughly deserve.
August 29, 2022
Kai is on the run, leaving his beloved sister behind as he flees persecution. He's a nascent practitioner in a kingdom where magic is outlawed.
The siblings have lost their parents, forced to live among relatives who abhor the use of magic. Worse still, the evil king's plans could mean the death of all practitioners.
This is Ferrier's latest instalment in the Kalendra series. It should appeal to teens and young adults looking for a fantasy adventure with a young protagonist facing incredible odds, in a mysterious and magical land.
The siblings have lost their parents, forced to live among relatives who abhor the use of magic. Worse still, the evil king's plans could mean the death of all practitioners.
This is Ferrier's latest instalment in the Kalendra series. It should appeal to teens and young adults looking for a fantasy adventure with a young protagonist facing incredible odds, in a mysterious and magical land.
August 23, 2022
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Let me begin with the positives. The storyline is unique and the author creates a very beautiful world. Personally I am not sure if this was suited to my age group. I didn't feel a connection with the characters and found it really hard to get into. But I feel like in this case it's more of a personal preference then bad writing. If you are ya fantasy then may be for you. 18 and below.
September 10, 2024
A new mythology
An excellent read and beginning of a book series. The author of this book has flawlessly created a new reality with three moons and a cursed land, which can only be saved by magical intervention requiring a trip into the past. Our young hero was born under full double moons and reaches out to try to bring magic back into his world. No spoilers about how this can be done, but I'm starting the next book right now.
An excellent read and beginning of a book series. The author of this book has flawlessly created a new reality with three moons and a cursed land, which can only be saved by magical intervention requiring a trip into the past. Our young hero was born under full double moons and reaches out to try to bring magic back into his world. No spoilers about how this can be done, but I'm starting the next book right now.
September 9, 2022
completely engrossed
Had to finish this book in one sitting! The world of Kalendra is so rich, complex and interconnected that it was so great coming back to this world with this new book. I love how the moon, magic and mysticism are interwoven as I got to live the experience with an incredibly relatable and honorable protagonist. Truly enjoyed this book 📚
Had to finish this book in one sitting! The world of Kalendra is so rich, complex and interconnected that it was so great coming back to this world with this new book. I love how the moon, magic and mysticism are interwoven as I got to live the experience with an incredibly relatable and honorable protagonist. Truly enjoyed this book 📚
August 15, 2022
An interesting story about how the past can perhaps change the future. Kai has Moon Magic but where he lives magic is forbidden. He has to leave and try to find the Academy for Magic but can he find it and will he be accepted.
August 27, 2022
I was drawn in by the concept of this story and enjoyed several of the characters, and even the way parts of the story's world could be paralleled to our own. However, I was not able to get or stay in the story easily because of the writing style making it hard to read.
September 13, 2022
Interesting
Forbidden magic and a race against time itself. Kai and his friends sure had their hands full unraveling the various nefarious schemes and mysteries… and that’s only the beginning…
Was a good read.
Forbidden magic and a race against time itself. Kai and his friends sure had their hands full unraveling the various nefarious schemes and mysteries… and that’s only the beginning…
Was a good read.
October 15, 2023
immature
This book is very immature and poorly written, although there is a solid plot and an imaginative world backing the story.
I was at the point of giving up at many points. but persevered. Although I have the next book, I will not continue.
This book is very immature and poorly written, although there is a solid plot and an imaginative world backing the story.
I was at the point of giving up at many points. but persevered. Although I have the next book, I will not continue.
February 16, 2024
A book where past and present collide. Can Kyllan and his new friends from the past return to Kyllan’s time. Can they along with his magic that he has had to hide to stay alive, come together and save the world from an evil tyrant.
September 20, 2024
A really nice adventurous start to a new series. Kyllan and Elowyns characters were very well defined and engaging. The world building was awesome. The story plot was believable. I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend it to readers of all ages.
September 17, 2023
Great start to this young adult fantasy series, I can't wait to read the next one!
June 18, 2024
One word: Boring!
November 10, 2024
could be a good read
I don’t know if I want to continue. The book just didn’t snag my interest. I most likely will not continue with the series.
I don’t know if I want to continue. The book just didn’t snag my interest. I most likely will not continue with the series.
September 29, 2022
solid part one of two
It’s a woven world of past and present, parallel lands and of course magic. A solid part one of two, looking forward to seeing where Kai’s journey takes him next.
It’s a woven world of past and present, parallel lands and of course magic. A solid part one of two, looking forward to seeing where Kai’s journey takes him next.
February 26, 2023
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Our main character in this book is Kai, who currently lives in a village where magic is forbidden by King Okid. However, Kai originally grew up in a village where magic was predominant and later lived with his grandma Channi, who taught him until she got sick. Now, while living with his aunt and uncle who don’t believe in the use of magic, King Okid’s people are randomly testing suspected kids for the Moon People to torture and kill. Upon hearing this, Kai takes the opportunity to run away and find a way to stop this atrocity from happening any further.
It’s often said that first impressions are the last impressions and will last in one’s memory for a while. Well, this book sure reminded me of that because it was missing something. A sprinkle of fairy dust or an added spice to the mix. It made me want to finish the book but not attempt the series further.
The world building in this book is a literal information dump. I feel that fiction books especially fantasy should guide our imagination, but not be our imagination when reading. This book was very descriptive and informative going into very fine details including character looks, personality, achievements and more. Told from Kai’s perspective when he journeyed alone the first half of the book could be said as just laying down the foundation.
However, the remainder of the book speeds up too fast. Going from quite a slow pace to a sudden fast turn of events, leads a lot of events and key descriptions to be lost. Such as, the training process, the bonding between the team members as well as the emotions felt when traveling through time.
Some of the dialogue felt very awkward to me. I found there were quite a few repetitions such as, Kai would mention King Okid’s plan to kill the Moon people while stating which village he’s from but then he’d get asked about King Okid’s plan a few lines down again by the same person. I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but it felt awkward and personally ruined the flow for me. Additionally, I don’t think some of the character descriptions made sense since they were told by a character in the book. I think it would’ve made more sense if those traits and personality were proven and discovered through their acts instead.
Overall, this was an okay book for me. I wasn’t very invested in it because of the lengthy information and description paragraphs in the beginning of the book. I also felt the action or finale of this book was pretty flat. I’ll probably pick up the rest of this series because I don’t prefer unfinished series however this wouldn’t be top of my list.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Our main character in this book is Kai, who currently lives in a village where magic is forbidden by King Okid. However, Kai originally grew up in a village where magic was predominant and later lived with his grandma Channi, who taught him until she got sick. Now, while living with his aunt and uncle who don’t believe in the use of magic, King Okid’s people are randomly testing suspected kids for the Moon People to torture and kill. Upon hearing this, Kai takes the opportunity to run away and find a way to stop this atrocity from happening any further.
It’s often said that first impressions are the last impressions and will last in one’s memory for a while. Well, this book sure reminded me of that because it was missing something. A sprinkle of fairy dust or an added spice to the mix. It made me want to finish the book but not attempt the series further.
The world building in this book is a literal information dump. I feel that fiction books especially fantasy should guide our imagination, but not be our imagination when reading. This book was very descriptive and informative going into very fine details including character looks, personality, achievements and more. Told from Kai’s perspective when he journeyed alone the first half of the book could be said as just laying down the foundation.
However, the remainder of the book speeds up too fast. Going from quite a slow pace to a sudden fast turn of events, leads a lot of events and key descriptions to be lost. Such as, the training process, the bonding between the team members as well as the emotions felt when traveling through time.
Some of the dialogue felt very awkward to me. I found there were quite a few repetitions such as, Kai would mention King Okid’s plan to kill the Moon people while stating which village he’s from but then he’d get asked about King Okid’s plan a few lines down again by the same person. I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but it felt awkward and personally ruined the flow for me. Additionally, I don’t think some of the character descriptions made sense since they were told by a character in the book. I think it would’ve made more sense if those traits and personality were proven and discovered through their acts instead.
Overall, this was an okay book for me. I wasn’t very invested in it because of the lengthy information and description paragraphs in the beginning of the book. I also felt the action or finale of this book was pretty flat. I’ll probably pick up the rest of this series because I don’t prefer unfinished series however this wouldn’t be top of my list.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
January 30, 2023
Very good! It took no time at all to read this story once I started reading it. It drew me in - I will certainly read more from this author.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
March 10, 2023
Kai life changes after he leave Wizandor and goes to a place to learn about magic and how to get his world back to way it was. Him and his friends go back to his world and things change. A good book of the start of the series.
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