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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
I've reviewed this author's work before, a YA achillean romance between a vampire and a human. So when he offered me a copy of his adult novel, I was more than a little hype!
This premise intrigued me in two ways. One, I LOVE a good polycule story. I'm monogamous by choice, but the idea of having a little group love situation is intriguing. I'm also invested in stories about grief. Not necessarily where someone dies on the page, but stories where the character has to handle grief after the fact. So I was particularly interested in how a polycule would navigate the loss of one of their members.
Dorian as a character is one of those loveable assholes. Like you get why he is the way he is (thoughts bombarding you all the time can't be fun) and he's at least a little self aware. It makes for some nice grumpy x sunshine dynamics between him and Milo. There's also just a ton of sexual chemistry between the two to begin with (and some good steamy scenes). Milo desperately trying to chase after the happy ending for them he's had visions of, while Dorian can't bring himself to believe it's even possible. Fantasy gay pining. My favorite kind of pining!
As someone that works in education, the representation of teacher life is spot on. It probably won't mean a lot to people that haven't worked in the field, but the talk of pointless PDs and ten year plans for the district that get abandoned after two years was some excellent catharsis. Dorian's focus on teaching in general is intriguing. I liked the homeroom set up and the affect bureaucratic policy changes have both on the students and the world at large. And while his classroom is a little too large for most of the students to stick in the reader's memory, the general vibe of being in a classroom felt real. Even for a school teaching magic.
Admittedly, I don't have the strongest grasp of the magic system. It has several layers to it, with roots and branches and mixing the two. I don't know that I ever fully understood exactly how things work. And occasionally the dialogue would get just on the side of being awkwardly expository trying to explain everything. Although I'm not sure if there would even be a way to explain something as deep as that without a hefty amount of exposition. Still, it made for some juicy fight scenes, so I'm a fan.
I knew from the previous book that the author likes him a long, 100 page climactic scene where everything goes sideways. And this one was BIG. I particularly enjoyed how the prophecy actually turned out and how different character arcs affected it. There were a couple nice rug pull moments accompanying it. But I also love a good "it's time to let go of the past" sentimental ending. And there's still a nice big antagonist at large for future installments. A great beginning to a series!
This premise intrigued me in two ways. One, I LOVE a good polycule story. I'm monogamous by choice, but the idea of having a little group love situation is intriguing. I'm also invested in stories about grief. Not necessarily where someone dies on the page, but stories where the character has to handle grief after the fact. So I was particularly interested in how a polycule would navigate the loss of one of their members.
Dorian as a character is one of those loveable assholes. Like you get why he is the way he is (thoughts bombarding you all the time can't be fun) and he's at least a little self aware. It makes for some nice grumpy x sunshine dynamics between him and Milo. There's also just a ton of sexual chemistry between the two to begin with (and some good steamy scenes). Milo desperately trying to chase after the happy ending for them he's had visions of, while Dorian can't bring himself to believe it's even possible. Fantasy gay pining. My favorite kind of pining!
As someone that works in education, the representation of teacher life is spot on. It probably won't mean a lot to people that haven't worked in the field, but the talk of pointless PDs and ten year plans for the district that get abandoned after two years was some excellent catharsis. Dorian's focus on teaching in general is intriguing. I liked the homeroom set up and the affect bureaucratic policy changes have both on the students and the world at large. And while his classroom is a little too large for most of the students to stick in the reader's memory, the general vibe of being in a classroom felt real. Even for a school teaching magic.
Admittedly, I don't have the strongest grasp of the magic system. It has several layers to it, with roots and branches and mixing the two. I don't know that I ever fully understood exactly how things work. And occasionally the dialogue would get just on the side of being awkwardly expository trying to explain everything. Although I'm not sure if there would even be a way to explain something as deep as that without a hefty amount of exposition. Still, it made for some juicy fight scenes, so I'm a fan.
I knew from the previous book that the author likes him a long, 100 page climactic scene where everything goes sideways. And this one was BIG. I particularly enjoyed how the prophecy actually turned out and how different character arcs affected it. There were a couple nice rug pull moments accompanying it. But I also love a good "it's time to let go of the past" sentimental ending. And there's still a nice big antagonist at large for future installments. A great beginning to a series!
My Hero Academia Magic School AU … ?
Overall the story had many interesting elements and characters. I loved the premise. Like others have mentioned, the repeated long explanations and character bubbles for the students was a bit much. Needs more editing but it wasn’t bad.
The similarities between this book and MHA kept throwing me off a bit though.
I’m interested to see how book 2 turns out.
Merged review:
My Hero Academia Magic School AU … ?
Overall the story had many interesting elements and characters. I loved the premise. Like others have mentioned, the repeated long explanations and character bubbles for the students was a bit much. Needs more editing but it wasn’t bad.
The similarities between this book and MHA kept throwing me off a bit though.
I’m interested to see how book 2 turns out.
Overall the story had many interesting elements and characters. I loved the premise. Like others have mentioned, the repeated long explanations and character bubbles for the students was a bit much. Needs more editing but it wasn’t bad.
The similarities between this book and MHA kept throwing me off a bit though.
I’m interested to see how book 2 turns out.
Merged review:
My Hero Academia Magic School AU … ?
Overall the story had many interesting elements and characters. I loved the premise. Like others have mentioned, the repeated long explanations and character bubbles for the students was a bit much. Needs more editing but it wasn’t bad.
The similarities between this book and MHA kept throwing me off a bit though.
I’m interested to see how book 2 turns out.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can’t remember the last time I read a book about witches. Let alone one that gripped me and kept me wanting to read. But Three Meant To Be by @mnbennetauthor was just that!
Dorian teaches at the local academy, preparing the next generation of witches for the work of Guild work. Milo is an enchanter for Cerberus Guild, working to keep the city safe from demonic energy. They have history. From being in a throuple, to Dorian retreating after the death of their third partner Finn. When they reunite for a steamy summer before the school year, things get complicated for Dorian.
Throw in some state mandates around licensing new witches, and a coven of Warlocks causing havoc and danger the school year is bound to be interesting. Oh yeah, how can I forget a vision of of a Dorian’s students dying!
Honestly, the mystery of how this all is going to turn out was gripping. Throw in some scenes with Dorian and Milo, using their magic to further heighten the pleasure
Dorian teaches at the local academy, preparing the next generation of witches for the work of Guild work. Milo is an enchanter for Cerberus Guild, working to keep the city safe from demonic energy. They have history. From being in a throuple, to Dorian retreating after the death of their third partner Finn. When they reunite for a steamy summer before the school year, things get complicated for Dorian.
Throw in some state mandates around licensing new witches, and a coven of Warlocks causing havoc and danger the school year is bound to be interesting. Oh yeah, how can I forget a vision of of a Dorian’s students dying!
Honestly, the mystery of how this all is going to turn out was gripping. Throw in some scenes with Dorian and Milo, using their magic to further heighten the pleasure
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The roots and branches magic system was super interesting to me. The politics around it all also seemed believable.
For a story based largely in a school setting, there is still plenty of action - especially in the second half!
Enough emotion for my emo self to love, even as I wondered if it would break me a little. Good news, even with the sadness of past loss that isn’t - and can’t be - left in the past, there’s still hope for new things to come. The kids also provide some much needed levity too.
Book one covers the new year ones through their first semester (up until winter break) and I look forward to reading the rest!
Introduction
I was given a copy to review by the author. I will also be part of a book tour later this Month. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+
Review
I adored Bennet’s Young Adult Fantasy Crescentville Haunting so I was extremely excited to hear they were releasing an adult fantasy this time! And let me tell you Three Meant to Be did not disappoint in any aspect.
Telepathic high school teacher Dorian prepares ten witches for professional casting because going in unprepared is exactly why one of his partners died. Only the state doesn’t see it that way and is making it nearly impossible for Dorian to teach them the way he feels he needs to. To make matters all the worse when Dorian kisses his still living on-again and off-again clairvoyant boyfriend, Milo. He is given a glimpse of Milo’s vague vision of seeing one of Dorian’s new students, Caleb being murdered.
Still devastated and reeling from the loss of his partner Dorian refuses to stand aside. Using his skills he begins searching for answers by delving into Caleb’s mind and rooting through his memories which lead Dorian to two more students. Caleb’s ex-best friend turned rival and the prodigy with connections to dangerous warlocks. Each step Dorian takes to solve the mystery sees him evaluating his deteriorating relationship with Milo.
When he discovers a link to illegal casting Dorian resolves to work with Milo to prevent the impending vision. For all this to work Dorian will have to explore the potential future with Milo and finally find closure for their third partners whose death still looms between them. But no one said meddling with fate was easy and as the warlocks draw near putting all his students in danger Dorian will have to risk his life and his second chance with Milo to keep his students alive.
Three Meant to Be was such an addictive read. I adored every aspect of it but the parts that really stood out was the found family and rag tag group of students and their grumpy teacher finding each other. On top of a wonderful, diverse and well developed cast of characters Bennett has created a world and magic system that is equally complex and yet easy to follow and understand. You are instantly dragged into this alternative modern day world where magic exists. This is further cemented by the inclusion of text snippets between characters that I personally enjoyed.
What I also adored was that each of the characters, well students and those around them, got a chance to shine and played a role towards the plot. I already mentioned the found family aspect but it was lovely to see the friendships and rivalries evolve into something that was akin to a family. I also enjoyed that the romance was a little secondary to the main plot arc. It was nice and I wanted to see Milo and Dorian reconcile but I liked how Bennett included this but didn’t let it overtake the narrative.
There is a bit of everything in here as well, humour, heartbreak, action, magic, grumpy and sunshine pairings, a cockerel! What more could you want. All of these elements are executed perfectly in the right time and place to make this not only an enjoyable read but an addictive one. I am aware this is book one so I am already excited for book two and can’t wait to see the characters grow more in the second installment.
Hashtags
ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+ #BookReviewer#BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
I was given a copy to review by the author. I will also be part of a book tour later this Month. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+
Review
I adored Bennet’s Young Adult Fantasy Crescentville Haunting so I was extremely excited to hear they were releasing an adult fantasy this time! And let me tell you Three Meant to Be did not disappoint in any aspect.
Telepathic high school teacher Dorian prepares ten witches for professional casting because going in unprepared is exactly why one of his partners died. Only the state doesn’t see it that way and is making it nearly impossible for Dorian to teach them the way he feels he needs to. To make matters all the worse when Dorian kisses his still living on-again and off-again clairvoyant boyfriend, Milo. He is given a glimpse of Milo’s vague vision of seeing one of Dorian’s new students, Caleb being murdered.
Still devastated and reeling from the loss of his partner Dorian refuses to stand aside. Using his skills he begins searching for answers by delving into Caleb’s mind and rooting through his memories which lead Dorian to two more students. Caleb’s ex-best friend turned rival and the prodigy with connections to dangerous warlocks. Each step Dorian takes to solve the mystery sees him evaluating his deteriorating relationship with Milo.
When he discovers a link to illegal casting Dorian resolves to work with Milo to prevent the impending vision. For all this to work Dorian will have to explore the potential future with Milo and finally find closure for their third partners whose death still looms between them. But no one said meddling with fate was easy and as the warlocks draw near putting all his students in danger Dorian will have to risk his life and his second chance with Milo to keep his students alive.
Three Meant to Be was such an addictive read. I adored every aspect of it but the parts that really stood out was the found family and rag tag group of students and their grumpy teacher finding each other. On top of a wonderful, diverse and well developed cast of characters Bennett has created a world and magic system that is equally complex and yet easy to follow and understand. You are instantly dragged into this alternative modern day world where magic exists. This is further cemented by the inclusion of text snippets between characters that I personally enjoyed.
What I also adored was that each of the characters, well students and those around them, got a chance to shine and played a role towards the plot. I already mentioned the found family aspect but it was lovely to see the friendships and rivalries evolve into something that was akin to a family. I also enjoyed that the romance was a little secondary to the main plot arc. It was nice and I wanted to see Milo and Dorian reconcile but I liked how Bennett included this but didn’t let it overtake the narrative.
There is a bit of everything in here as well, humour, heartbreak, action, magic, grumpy and sunshine pairings, a cockerel! What more could you want. All of these elements are executed perfectly in the right time and place to make this not only an enjoyable read but an addictive one. I am aware this is book one so I am already excited for book two and can’t wait to see the characters grow more in the second installment.
Hashtags
ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+ #BookReviewer#BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes