Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
Might need another try
// audiobook//
// audiobook//
The entire first chapter was the main character whining about how he doesn't like people, doesn't like the administration of the school he works at, doesn't like his friend's nagging and doesn't like liking his summer fling. Coming off consequently as a college student not quite out of his teenage rebel years and not a MEMBER OF THE FACULTY.
A lot of telling, not much of showing, and to add insult to injury, I didn't even entirely grasp what was the problem with the upcoming "new teaching rules" that seemed to be a main plot point in the making. The author is a teacher and perhaps didn't go far enough to make the minutiae of his job accessible to non-teacher people.
Last thing, main character is a telepath. Couple pages in, he gleans the entire auditorium's "surface thoughts" and then even digs deeper, and none of that is presented as.. morally not ok? A violation of privacy? What?
A lot of telling, not much of showing, and to add insult to injury, I didn't even entirely grasp what was the problem with the upcoming "new teaching rules" that seemed to be a main plot point in the making. The author is a teacher and perhaps didn't go far enough to make the minutiae of his job accessible to non-teacher people.
Last thing, main character is a telepath. Couple pages in, he gleans the entire auditorium's "surface thoughts" and then even digs deeper, and none of that is presented as.. morally not ok? A violation of privacy? What?
Sometimes when you really hype yourself up about something you're excited about, you're disappointed when you finally get to read/watch/do it. But sometimes, like with this book, it's even better than you expected. I read MN Bennet's first book "Crescentville Haunting" almost on a whim earlier this year because it wasn't something I'd usually be attracted to. I'm a big scaredy cat and anything with the word haunting would normally scare me right off. But boy am I glad I took the jump because I ended up with a new instant-buy author.
This book is magical. That seems like a bad pun/joke that Gael (both of them) and probably Dorian would groan at, but maybe secretly enjoy. But I didn't mean it only that way. It just sort of happened. Anyway. If you cut your teeth on Harry Potter before it was cool (and yes I'm aware it's super NOT cool again). Or if you really enjoyed My Hero Academia, whoo boy, are you in for a treat?
This book is like Harry Potter and My Hero Academia all grown up. Dorian gives me mad Eraser Head vibes, but even darker and angrier. There are a lot more comparisons I could make, so really, if you liked MHA, you'll like this book. The relationships are beautiful. The development of will they/won't they, second chance relationships is something of a specialty of Bennet's. He really enjoys exploring the dynamics of exes who can't seem to give each other up - you'll have to read it to find out whether Dorian and Milo do or not.
While the adult relationships and characters are lovable, a delightful grumpy/sunshine situation, the students are a wonder! To develop such a full cast of characters so beautifully takes great talent. Sure, not all of them are fully developed and explored - and the reasoning behind this choice is even logical within the storyline instead of just being an oversight - we still get a good, solid glimpse into the majority of them. And considering this is the first in a series, I know we'll get more insight into the rest of them.
I've followed the author since I was on a tour for his first book, and he asked us who our favorite characters were based on some sketches. I chose Gael Martinez and Caleb. It amazed me that this continued to ring true throughout the book. I developed soft spots for others, but they stayed my favorites. But that grumpy hero, Dorian Frost, well, I think he stole my heart most of all. I was exactly like Caleb, the kind of student who would have appreciated Mr. Frosty in school, rather than complained. But I know all those students will appreciate those efforts one day.
I could probably write you a review as long as the book itself is filled with what I love about the book. The characters, the training, and the various magics. I'm very excited about the representation in the book. The main character is gay and polyamorous, and beyond some self-doubt about sexuality, there isn't really any negativity around it. I understand that this still exists in the world, but I'm always excited when books portray sexuality as positive and normal (and yes, that sounds opposite to my whole clean romance thing, but look people are complicated). But I want you to experience the joy yourself, so instead, I'll let you go read now.
I'm so grateful to the author and Love Books Tour for including me on this tour, and the first one that turned me into a huge MN Bennet fan girl. Can't wait for Book 2! I need to know what happens next. At least his next book is coming out soon to hold me over.
Who's It For?
I mean, personally, I think this book is perfect for everyone who likes books, but honestly that probably isn't true. I'm probably biased by my love for it. Anyway, it's perfect for people who love a good mystery and a thrilling race for survival. It's also good for fantasy lovers, especially those who love more gritty, urban/realistic fantasy, where it's like the real world, but with magic. There are several content warnings, so it isn't appropriate for younger readers or sensitive readers. I love it when authors provide content warnings to help readers choose whether the book is for them, I find it incredibly respectful. Bennet has done so. These are the warnings he provided at the beginning of the book, and I agree with them.
Content Warnings: Foul language, smoking and alcohol use, blood and violence, scenes of graphic sex between adults, character deaths (off page), strong themes of grief and guilt, depression, anxiety, and self-hatred (both mild and overwhelming), mental and physical assault, bullying, and mild torture
This book is magical. That seems like a bad pun/joke that Gael (both of them) and probably Dorian would groan at, but maybe secretly enjoy. But I didn't mean it only that way. It just sort of happened. Anyway. If you cut your teeth on Harry Potter before it was cool (and yes I'm aware it's super NOT cool again). Or if you really enjoyed My Hero Academia, whoo boy, are you in for a treat?
This book is like Harry Potter and My Hero Academia all grown up. Dorian gives me mad Eraser Head vibes, but even darker and angrier. There are a lot more comparisons I could make, so really, if you liked MHA, you'll like this book. The relationships are beautiful. The development of will they/won't they, second chance relationships is something of a specialty of Bennet's. He really enjoys exploring the dynamics of exes who can't seem to give each other up - you'll have to read it to find out whether Dorian and Milo do or not.
While the adult relationships and characters are lovable, a delightful grumpy/sunshine situation, the students are a wonder! To develop such a full cast of characters so beautifully takes great talent. Sure, not all of them are fully developed and explored - and the reasoning behind this choice is even logical within the storyline instead of just being an oversight - we still get a good, solid glimpse into the majority of them. And considering this is the first in a series, I know we'll get more insight into the rest of them.
I've followed the author since I was on a tour for his first book, and he asked us who our favorite characters were based on some sketches. I chose Gael Martinez and Caleb. It amazed me that this continued to ring true throughout the book. I developed soft spots for others, but they stayed my favorites. But that grumpy hero, Dorian Frost, well, I think he stole my heart most of all. I was exactly like Caleb, the kind of student who would have appreciated Mr. Frosty in school, rather than complained. But I know all those students will appreciate those efforts one day.
I could probably write you a review as long as the book itself is filled with what I love about the book. The characters, the training, and the various magics. I'm very excited about the representation in the book. The main character is gay and polyamorous, and beyond some self-doubt about sexuality, there isn't really any negativity around it. I understand that this still exists in the world, but I'm always excited when books portray sexuality as positive and normal (and yes, that sounds opposite to my whole clean romance thing, but look people are complicated). But I want you to experience the joy yourself, so instead, I'll let you go read now.
I'm so grateful to the author and Love Books Tour for including me on this tour, and the first one that turned me into a huge MN Bennet fan girl. Can't wait for Book 2! I need to know what happens next. At least his next book is coming out soon to hold me over.
Who's It For?
I mean, personally, I think this book is perfect for everyone who likes books, but honestly that probably isn't true. I'm probably biased by my love for it. Anyway, it's perfect for people who love a good mystery and a thrilling race for survival. It's also good for fantasy lovers, especially those who love more gritty, urban/realistic fantasy, where it's like the real world, but with magic. There are several content warnings, so it isn't appropriate for younger readers or sensitive readers. I love it when authors provide content warnings to help readers choose whether the book is for them, I find it incredibly respectful. Bennet has done so. These are the warnings he provided at the beginning of the book, and I agree with them.
Content Warnings: Foul language, smoking and alcohol use, blood and violence, scenes of graphic sex between adults, character deaths (off page), strong themes of grief and guilt, depression, anxiety, and self-hatred (both mild and overwhelming), mental and physical assault, bullying, and mild torture
This is one Amazon kept tossing at me, suggesting I'd like it. I resisted at first, because when it mentioned the teacher, his on again/off again boyfriend, and a student who they saw killed in a vision, I was worried the Three Meant to Be were those three... and that's just ooky (not the threesome aspect, the teacher-student thing). I was wrong about that, and I'm glad I gave it a shot. The writing is a bit rough, it looks like the author published his first book last year, so I'm thinking he just needs a bit of polishing.
I appreciate that the romance didn't take center stage, although they never let you forget it was simmering, and either the author is a teacher or has some close friends who are, cause there were a lot of things he got right about that. There were too many students to focus on, but the progress and maturation he showed in the students who did get that focus was well written. The magic system was interesting, and I'd be interested in seeing more about the internal workings of the guilds and the licensed enchanters... although, requiring a license to practice a gift you were born with is clearly a problem (read the book to see why).
I appreciate that the romance didn't take center stage, although they never let you forget it was simmering, and either the author is a teacher or has some close friends who are, cause there were a lot of things he got right about that. There were too many students to focus on, but the progress and maturation he showed in the students who did get that focus was well written. The magic system was interesting, and I'd be interested in seeing more about the internal workings of the guilds and the licensed enchanters... although, requiring a license to practice a gift you were born with is clearly a problem (read the book to see why).
Sadly, I think the person who recommended this to me steered me wrong.
This story is about Dorian, a grumpy teacher at a magic school. The book was so fun and I loved that it's written from the teachers' view! Thank you for writing a magic shcool book for adults, through the eyes of the adult!
At first, I was a little thrown by the writing. There were a few times words things/words repeated, and it also kept saying in the beginning how the kids were annoying. I could tell just by this, and not knowing at the time, that the author is, in fact, a teacher. This explained a lot! But the writing quickly sorted out, and I fully enjoyed this beautifuly written story!
I quickly fell in love with the characters and how the story unfolded. Dorian and Milo were just the best. I love them so much!
At first, I was a little thrown by the writing. There were a few times words things/words repeated, and it also kept saying in the beginning how the kids were annoying. I could tell just by this, and not knowing at the time, that the author is, in fact, a teacher. This explained a lot! But the writing quickly sorted out, and I fully enjoyed this beautifuly written story!
I quickly fell in love with the characters and how the story unfolded. Dorian and Milo were just the best. I love them so much!
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-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
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-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:
Complicated
♡ Magic
♡ Hurt/Comfort
♡ Celebrity x Teacher
Bought this while it was on sale and it definitely was worth reading if you like queer fantasy. The world building/setting was great! I wasn’t sure what to expect since I prefer going in blind and this was definitely the vibes I was hoping for.
It was a great take on a magic school, reading from the professors point of view rather than a students put a great twist onto things. Getting to know about the magic system and how it affected the characters was very enjoyable.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
POV: First Person
Release Date: 10, July 2023
Rep: Polyamory (Main Character and Love Interests), Trans (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters), BIPOC (Side Characters)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
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
The good
- This story is cleary inspired by the manga/anime My Hero Academia. As a fan, I found comforting reading a story set in a similar world and with similar characters
- Dorian's students were written so well! Twelve side characters who are all very different from one another and very memorable
-The flashbacks/imaginary conversations with Finn were so sad but also so good
The neutral
- I thought this was a romance novel, but I think it's more of a fantasy novel with a romance subplot
The bad
- I really didn't like Milo as a love interest. He says some unforgettable things to Dorian throughout the story. He clearly loves Dorian, but he must do better in the rest of the trilogy
- This story is cleary inspired by the manga/anime My Hero Academia. As a fan, I found comforting reading a story set in a similar world and with similar characters
- Dorian's students were written so well! Twelve side characters who are all very different from one another and very memorable
-
The neutral
- I thought this was a romance novel, but I think it's more of a fantasy novel with a romance subplot
The bad
- I really didn't like Milo as a love interest. He says some unforgettable things to Dorian throughout the story. He clearly loves Dorian, but he must do better in the rest of the trilogy