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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoy reading fantasy novels with magic, and this one has the magic-users competing in friendly battles to advance their rankings.
Our FMC, Tsillah, is an illusionist, but when a visiting archmage, searching for an elementalist to take on as an apprentice, comes to her home of Bayonne, she lies about being a fire elementalist in order to become Caius' apprentice, and earning money to pay for her mother's much needed treatment. This starts Tsillah's path as a career mage, travelling with the archmage Caius, and his other apprentice, the wind elementalist Ermir. Together they travel the circuit, showing off their skills in their chosen discipline.
The fact Sil isn't actually the fire elementalist she pretended to be adds some early drama, and I really enjoyed reading how she dealt with her deception and how she grew both as a person and a career mage.
This book is the first in the Mages of Might series, and I'm definitely interested in where this tale goes next.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author, with thanks, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Our FMC, Tsillah, is an illusionist, but when a visiting archmage, searching for an elementalist to take on as an apprentice, comes to her home of Bayonne, she lies about being a fire elementalist in order to become Caius' apprentice, and earning money to pay for her mother's much needed treatment. This starts Tsillah's path as a career mage, travelling with the archmage Caius, and his other apprentice, the wind elementalist Ermir. Together they travel the circuit, showing off their skills in their chosen discipline.
The fact Sil isn't actually the fire elementalist she pretended to be adds some early drama, and I really enjoyed reading how she dealt with her deception and how she grew both as a person and a career mage.
This book is the first in the Mages of Might series, and I'm definitely interested in where this tale goes next.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author, with thanks, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
My first fantasy read in a long time. So, I maybe biased, but I'll give this a 3.5 stars.
This was a great read for someone like me who's easing their way into the genre after sticking to Historical Romance last year. There wasn't much world-building but it kept the tension, most probably because I love competitions.
This was a great read for someone like me who's easing their way into the genre after sticking to Historical Romance last year. There wasn't much world-building but it kept the tension, most probably because I love competitions.
I was not pulled into this book at all. I forced myself to go back twice and read more so this was a DNF for me.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
The Archmage by @thepagesshewrote
Review
⭐⭐⭐
May include SPOILERS
I was influenced to read this book when I saw the author posting about it on Tiktok. I gave it a go because the ideas appealed to me. This book took a bit for me to get into but consistently picked up speed and had a strong finish.
I enjoyed the main character and some of the slow burn yearning from her. Her motivations to try to save her mother were really compelling but it seemed like even though this was the initial push the decision to try to be an elemental wielder aligned with something important at her core. I wanted a little more romance and yearning but the slow burn element of this was well done. The brushing of hands and the standing close together so their hands are almost touching. SWOON.
The magic system was interesting and different, I wanted more explanation of how the world worked earlier on but this was developed across the novel which worked well. I liked the idea of people potentially having more power but being restricted by a leader who was afraid of challenge. This really got me on the side of Tsillah and her crew. It was clear the High Magus is a tyrant not because we meet him but because he restricts power to shore up his own leadership.
The world feels dystopian and futuristic but also historic. They have magic which takes the place of technology and all of this blends well together.
I felt some of the writing took a bit of getting used to. It was a bit wordy in places and some of the conversations felt a bit too formal at times when they needed to be more casual. After a couple of chapters I got used to the style and found a groove.
Overall a good fantasy novel and I will continue the series.
Review
⭐⭐⭐
May include SPOILERS
I was influenced to read this book when I saw the author posting about it on Tiktok. I gave it a go because the ideas appealed to me. This book took a bit for me to get into but consistently picked up speed and had a strong finish.
I enjoyed the main character and some of the slow burn yearning from her. Her motivations to try to save her mother were really compelling but it seemed like even though this was the initial push the decision to try to be an elemental wielder aligned with something important at her core. I wanted a little more romance and yearning but the slow burn element of this was well done. The brushing of hands and the standing close together so their hands are almost touching. SWOON.
The magic system was interesting and different, I wanted more explanation of how the world worked earlier on but this was developed across the novel which worked well. I liked the idea of people potentially having more power but being restricted by a leader who was afraid of challenge. This really got me on the side of Tsillah and her crew. It was clear the High Magus is a tyrant not because we meet him but because he restricts power to shore up his own leadership.
The world feels dystopian and futuristic but also historic. They have magic which takes the place of technology and all of this blends well together.
I felt some of the writing took a bit of getting used to. It was a bit wordy in places and some of the conversations felt a bit too formal at times when they needed to be more casual. After a couple of chapters I got used to the style and found a groove.
Overall a good fantasy novel and I will continue the series.
This was filled with magic, though the magic is the usual elements with illusion thrown in as an extra it is unique in the way that it is accessed.
The FMC comes from a background of illusion but little does she know that she can wield fire as well it isn't till she tries to hide her initial deceit that she finds out and thanks to the support of other mages she finds out how strong she truly is.
This story has a hint of romance but the plot is definitely focused on the who, what and how that has brought each of the characters to where they are now.
I am so excited for book 2!!
The FMC comes from a background of illusion but little does she know that she can wield fire as well it isn't till she tries to hide her initial deceit that she finds out and thanks to the support of other mages she finds out how strong she truly is.
This story has a hint of romance but the plot is definitely focused on the who, what and how that has brought each of the characters to where they are now.
I am so excited for book 2!!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Tropes:
*protective mmc
*magic learning
*competitions
*found family
*strong fmc
*slow burn
Language: Yes
Spice: 0/5
Overall Rating: 9/10
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: .5
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: .5
ending: 1
overall enjoyment: 1
The Archmage by Emily L. K. is the thrilling first installment of the Mages of Might series. The story centers on Elara, a young mage who’s trying to navigate the dangerous political landscape of a kingdom ruled by powerful magic-wielders. Her life takes a sudden turn when she learns she may be the subject of an ancient prophecy that could save or doom the realm.
The book excels in its world-building, presenting a detailed magical system where power, politics, and destiny are intertwined. The characters, particularly Elara, are well-developed, and her journey from a novice mage to a potential savior of the kingdom is both emotional and gripping. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of action, magic, and unexpected twists that will keep readers hooked.
Themes of self-discovery, fate, and the morality of power are explored throughout the book, making it more than just an action-packed fantasy novel. It’s perfect for fans of mage academies, forbidden magic, and political intrigue.
The writing style is smooth, blending detailed descriptions with strong character dialogues, making it an engaging read. The ending leaves room for further exploration of this fascinating world, promising an exciting sequel.
*protective mmc
*magic learning
*competitions
*found family
*strong fmc
*slow burn
Language: Yes
Spice: 0/5
Overall Rating: 9/10
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: .5
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: .5
ending: 1
overall enjoyment: 1
The Archmage by Emily L. K. is the thrilling first installment of the Mages of Might series. The story centers on Elara, a young mage who’s trying to navigate the dangerous political landscape of a kingdom ruled by powerful magic-wielders. Her life takes a sudden turn when she learns she may be the subject of an ancient prophecy that could save or doom the realm.
The book excels in its world-building, presenting a detailed magical system where power, politics, and destiny are intertwined. The characters, particularly Elara, are well-developed, and her journey from a novice mage to a potential savior of the kingdom is both emotional and gripping. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of action, magic, and unexpected twists that will keep readers hooked.
Themes of self-discovery, fate, and the morality of power are explored throughout the book, making it more than just an action-packed fantasy novel. It’s perfect for fans of mage academies, forbidden magic, and political intrigue.
The writing style is smooth, blending detailed descriptions with strong character dialogues, making it an engaging read. The ending leaves room for further exploration of this fascinating world, promising an exciting sequel.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I took notes while I read an ARC of this book.
So far I really like the magic system and the different levels.
So far I really like the magic system and the different levels.
The relationship between Caius and Ermir and Tsillah is hard to pin down but not in a bad way. They were all thrust into a weird situation so it makes sense that they’re all still trying to get their bearings with each other.
The trope of teaching the reader about the book’s world through a clueless MC is well done here.
There have been a handful of little errors - a lowercase letter at the beginning of a sentence here, a missed “the” there - but nothing big enough to impact the rating.
68% It feels like there are a lot of unknowns and unasked questions but the book is mostly done. I need to know!
I am continuing to enjoy the complexity of the magic system, though I am not a little lost at the levels. If I was reading this physically, I would be constantly flipping back to the mage leveling list.
I’m glad my initial assumption of the plot twist wasn’t accurate. It’s much better than I thought it was.
I’ve really enjoyed picturing the matches in my head. Very well detailed!
