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A review by booksarethenewblack
The Outcast Mage by Annabel Campbell
4.0
You can see all my reviews here: <a href="https://booksarethenewblackblog.wordpress.com">Books Are The New Black</a>
The Outcast Mage is a book that I got swept away with quickly. I adore the characters and all the different POVs. This is a heavily political book. I know many fantasies have that going on, but this was on the extra side.
While this was heavy on politics, I enjoyed it. It was brilliant showing the mages vs. non-mages, but the different tiers within the mages themselves. You think you’ve finally made it into the Academy, to find out that it’s not what it seems. Where you came from almost holds more bearing than your power. It feels relevant to things going on today.
Naila is a character that I struggled with at times. I think all the mystery clouded around her took way too long to come to light. I mean, we don’t get much clarification until the end. At the same time, that ending made me crave the second book ASAP. Her journey through this book is slow and takes time to build. I adored her relationships with the other characters in this book. Naila is in for a heck of a time, but I’m glad we see what she is now and not what people think she will be.
On the flip side, Haelis is a character that I adored from the second I met him. He’s your dark, broody, powerful, type of wizard. I love that we learn so much about him in this book. I know he knows more than he’s saying. I love how fiercely he protects the ones he loves. I can’t wait to see what happens with his character in the next book. I loved his relationship with Larinne so much. I adored seeing the depth of their friendship.
We have many POV’s throughout the book and I enjoyed it. There are so many political stances and plays going on and it helps. I will admit, some things get a little muddier, at times. I had to think a little too hard about what was implied. A little more clarity in the magic would have helped so much. I hope we get more of the history in the next book. The ending of this book opens up so many possibilities that I didn’t know what to think. All I know is that I can’t wait to read the next book!!
Overall, this was a great start to a solid fantasy. I read this book quickly and had a hard time putting it down. There are some little things here and there but didn’t change my enjoyment. I have an inkling of where things are headed, and I am so excited. I can’t wait!
Many thanks to Orbit for the finished copy!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Outcast Mage is a book that I got swept away with quickly. I adore the characters and all the different POVs. This is a heavily political book. I know many fantasies have that going on, but this was on the extra side.
While this was heavy on politics, I enjoyed it. It was brilliant showing the mages vs. non-mages, but the different tiers within the mages themselves. You think you’ve finally made it into the Academy, to find out that it’s not what it seems. Where you came from almost holds more bearing than your power. It feels relevant to things going on today.
Naila is a character that I struggled with at times. I think all the mystery clouded around her took way too long to come to light. I mean, we don’t get much clarification until the end. At the same time, that ending made me crave the second book ASAP. Her journey through this book is slow and takes time to build. I adored her relationships with the other characters in this book. Naila is in for a heck of a time, but I’m glad we see what she is now and not what people think she will be.
On the flip side, Haelis is a character that I adored from the second I met him. He’s your dark, broody, powerful, type of wizard. I love that we learn so much about him in this book. I know he knows more than he’s saying. I love how fiercely he protects the ones he loves. I can’t wait to see what happens with his character in the next book. I loved his relationship with Larinne so much. I adored seeing the depth of their friendship.
We have many POV’s throughout the book and I enjoyed it. There are so many political stances and plays going on and it helps. I will admit, some things get a little muddier, at times. I had to think a little too hard about what was implied. A little more clarity in the magic would have helped so much. I hope we get more of the history in the next book. The ending of this book opens up so many possibilities that I didn’t know what to think. All I know is that I can’t wait to read the next book!!
Overall, this was a great start to a solid fantasy. I read this book quickly and had a hard time putting it down. There are some little things here and there but didn’t change my enjoyment. I have an inkling of where things are headed, and I am so excited. I can’t wait!
Many thanks to Orbit for the finished copy!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.