Magic Invitation

Kalendra Chronicles #1

by Barbara Ferrier

A girl born beneath three moons. A magical land under threat. Can she stop the end of everything?

Tahendra can’t let a puzzle go unsolved. So when the intuitive teenager and her bestie find a mysterious journal floating in a closet, she’s determined to get answers from her pal’s estranged uncle. And after discovering the old man is a frequent traveler into another world, she enthusiastically leads her crew through a portal to a bewitched kingdom.

Meeting a powerful wizard who turns out to be her relative, Tahendra is astonished to learn she’s from the enchanted realm and has an important destiny. But no sooner have she and her friends begun enchantment/sorcery training than a poisonous assassination attempt leaves her life hanging by a thread.

Will Tahendra survive long enough to master her abilities and save an ancient magic?

Magic Invitation is the captivating first book in the Kalendra Chronicles YA fantasy series. If you like courageous teenage heroes, lighthearted fun, and the value of friendship, then you’ll love Barbara Ferrier's page-turning journey.

Buy Magic Invitation to RSVP for adventure today!

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2024

About the author

Barbara 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.

Reviews

[Clarissa Gosling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the theme of this book, which was about facing, understanding and accepting your fears. But I struggled to connect with any of the characters and why things were going on. Suddenly it was all a rush, yet these people had to walk there while others could travel almost instantly. And the constant head-hopping was distracting. Though the world was interesting and had some interesting features.

[Hilda Baard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, well worth the read

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Barbara did a fantastic job with this book and the wonderful details she put in to it. This is a book for teens that is set in both the real world and another more magical and beautiful world that holds a lot of mystery and secrets. The characters travel to this new land and learn they have to help save it before it's too late. They learn about their own powers and are learning to use them all while racing against the clock to save the planet! I read it in one sitting as it was just that exciting! I cannot wait until the next book to see what happens! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[evren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic Invitation was a really fun and captivating read! The story follows Tah, who’s been living on Earth without any memory of her magical origins. When she and her friends discover a bewitched journal, they’re thrown into a dangerous adventure in a world filled with wizards, turmoil, and treachery. I loved the way the author built the suspense around Tah’s mysterious powers and the failing magical world—it kept me on the edge of my seat!

The friendship between Tah and her group was one of the highlights for me. Their bond felt real, and I was invested in seeing them succeed. Uncle Kris was a cool addition too, adding some much-needed wisdom to their journey. The only downside for me was that some parts felt a little rushed, especially when it came to exploring Tah’s abilities and the poison subplot. Still, it’s a solid, exciting read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys magic, mystery, and a good adventure. Four stars!

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Invitation is the first novel in the Kalandra Chronicles For readers who love the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe this novel is for you. This is a story in a mythical world where the main characters learn to work together to solve common goals and problems. It takes time and effort to develop the trust and leadership that is needed on this journey to save the planet. The author keeps you guessing what will happen on the next page. From talking gemstones to giant eagles, the journey captivates the reader from the beginning to the end. "This is a brilliant read ... well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with and wonderful world building. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins in an odd manner. I don’t feel as if I know anything about the characters who they are, what they do, where they live, relationship status etc and then we’re talking about a magic book and a different world. It’s confusing. Then once they arrive there is so much information randomly given not in a cohesive manner that would make the story flow smoothly. The skips between narrators does not help the situation at all. Too much happens in too short a time period. As the story goes on we learn more about the magical land and the characters do grow. It’s a good story, for me not a great story I just had a hard time connecting to it and getting lost in the magical world within.
I received an arc copy of this book.

[Manie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly took early note of this YA Fantasy when right at the start of the book, Magic Invitation by author Barbara Ferrier, an amazing magical event happened...a leather bound book hanging in the air by itself inside a cupboard.
Yes, that is attention grabbing like you will seldom encounter.
But this is but a small omen as to what will await four young school friends in a magical world in a nether real called Kalendra.
Author Barbara Ferrier certainly created a spell binding plot that will take you on a ride where your emotions will mirror the ups and downs in the book as the magic unfolds.
Enjoy.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who does not like a good fantasy novel, well Ferrier does not disappoint in this action-packed and insightful journey which the MCs embark on. The rollercoaster journey has you page-turning, saying to yourself "just one more chapter". Well, for me that "one more chapter" turned into devouring the book in its entirety in one sitting. The development of the characters was beautifully expressed, and life lessons are key. All in all, I must say I am looking forward to continuing their journey. I hope you can come along too.

[Roger Proctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC. I love high fantasy and thought this book would be nice. It has elements of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia. The book is a book one, but I really feel you should read the authors earlier work to get the most out of this book. The system of magic is not as well developed as I would have liked. The book is enjoyable and is worth your time and consideration.

[Norman Hirschman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book for the reason that it appeals to both young and old. 4 youths based on stories form one youth's uncle travel fantasy world where magic is common. These 4 have to build their confidence in themselves and each other as a team to help the world they were invited to. well worth reading in my opinion.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the adventures of four friends when they find a strange journal. Their adventure takes them to a different realm where they encounter magical creatures and wizards. This is an interesting children or young adult story that is an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very charming book with great characters and a fantastic fantasy world. This book is appropriate for young adults and adults who want to be surprised at every turn . I can't wait for book 2 The Summons coming!

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this was a book for me. I found the structure of the book a little off putting and frankly couldn't hold my attention. The characters were just ok, nothing outstanding about them, to be honest nothing was there to make them memorable.

[Gwen Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well paced and thoroughly entertaining

[MaD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting idea but this seemed more of a first draft than a finished product. Sentences seemed choppy, very basic, descriptions were simple. I had a difficult time connecting with the characters and, therefore, interest waned somewhat. As I stated, it could be interesting for younger readers but seems to need more substance.

I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving a review