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A review by optimalbook
Dragon Mage by M.L. Spencer
3.5
Really neat ideas, ending was a bit rushed, would definitely continue into book two if it releases.
I believe there is a book two that was originally supposed to come out this year, but it's been a bit hard to find any additional information surrounding it. That said -- the book ends in a manner where if it never comes to fruition the story has ended fairly satisfactorily.
There is some truly heartbreaking moments in the story, and it has some of the best representation I've seen for individuals who are on the spectrum. The magic system, which is based around weaving threads of magic into knots or unraveling them to counter spell, was unique and interesting enough but if you're looking for "hard" magic I don't think you'll quite get it here. I'd be remiss to not mention the dragons in a book titled Dragon Mage, and here they are unique with distinct personalities and you can really feel the bond between rider and dragon.
The ending fight I feel was all wrapped up a bit too cleanly, and in some ways was a bit underwhelming as it feels like the main character was just so innately powerful that even though he needed to study for a while they could defeat enemies who should be more powerful at this stage. I think this is in part to turning Dragon Mage, from what was originally a standalone, into a series. Since it was originally intended as a standalone I think the author felt the need to make sure the villains were fully wrapped up and taken care of, but now that it's a series I'm not entirely sure where we go with book 2 in terms of scaling the threat. Additionally I felt like I have a really good understanding of Aram and their innerworkings but I feel like the same amount of time and effort wasn't spent exploring Markus and would have appreciated a better understanding of his character, and this holds true for some of his other friends and the romantic interest.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for book two and would continue the series when it release and I'd be interested to see what else M. L. Spencer writes in the future.
I believe there is a book two that was originally supposed to come out this year, but it's been a bit hard to find any additional information surrounding it. That said -- the book ends in a manner where if it never comes to fruition the story has ended fairly satisfactorily.
There is some truly heartbreaking moments in the story, and it has some of the best representation I've seen for individuals who are on the spectrum. The magic system, which is based around weaving threads of magic into knots or unraveling them to counter spell, was unique and interesting enough but if you're looking for "hard" magic I don't think you'll quite get it here. I'd be remiss to not mention the dragons in a book titled Dragon Mage, and here they are unique with distinct personalities and you can really feel the bond between rider and dragon.
The ending fight I feel was all wrapped up a bit too cleanly, and in some ways was a bit underwhelming as it feels like the main character was just so innately powerful that even though he needed to study for a while they could defeat enemies who should be more powerful at this stage. I think this is in part to turning Dragon Mage, from what was originally a standalone, into a series. Since it was originally intended as a standalone I think the author felt the need to make sure the villains were fully wrapped up and taken care of, but now that it's a series I'm not entirely sure where we go with book 2 in terms of scaling the threat. Additionally I felt like I have a really good understanding of Aram and their innerworkings but I feel like the same amount of time and effort wasn't spent exploring Markus and would have appreciated a better understanding of his character, and this holds true for some of his other friends and the romantic interest.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for book two and would continue the series when it release and I'd be interested to see what else M. L. Spencer writes in the future.