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A review by mollymortensen
The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso
4.0
The writing was so well done, I would've thought this was a veteran writer not a debut. I highlighted several passages that I just liked the way she phrased things.
More books need to focus on female friendship and Tethered Mage did it well. Their friendship progressed slowly and felt true.
I easily related to Amalia, a book loving girl who'd rather hole up in her room than go to a party. She's heir to one of the city's ruling families but though she's rich her life hasn't been easy. (I only wish I related to the rich part.) Zaira, the street smart mage needed her own point of view. She was so bitter about being captured it was hard to empathize with her. I did warm to her by the end.
The romance didn't work for me. Mostly because I have no clue what she saw in him. (I can't remember his name) He was most interesting in his first scene, where he came off strong, decisive and a bit mysterious. After that he was too weak and infatuated by her to come off as competent. At least he was nice.
When I heard about the Witch Lord Prince I thought he'd make a good love interest (not that I wanted a love triangle) but it's quickly clear he's firmly in the villain category.
My favorite character was actually Amilia's mom. She's a tough leader, smart, and confident. Though she's strict with her daughter, it's still obvious she loves her.
There wasn't a lot of worldbuilding but I liked the Venice renaissance like atmosphere she created. Magic isn't just your standard elements. There are alchemists who create potions and artificers who make magical devices as well. (And the creepy Prince's magic.) There's no discrimination against women or gays in this world, which was refreshing to see.
The mystery was good, and I didn't see most of it coming. (I did suspect one suspect. Hehe.)
THE BAD:
It felt a bit choppy. Time passed between sections but I felt they were too short, jumping from scene to scene.
The only excitement was at the beginning and ending. The "middle" a.k.a. most of the book was rather slow. More was done with the possibility of war and political plotting than magical battles. (But those could always come in future books.)
More books need to focus on female friendship and Tethered Mage did it well. Their friendship progressed slowly and felt true.
I easily related to Amalia, a book loving girl who'd rather hole up in her room than go to a party. She's heir to one of the city's ruling families but though she's rich her life hasn't been easy. (I only wish I related to the rich part.) Zaira, the street smart mage needed her own point of view. She was so bitter about being captured it was hard to empathize with her. I did warm to her by the end.
The romance didn't work for me. Mostly because I have no clue what she saw in him. (I can't remember his name) He was most interesting in his first scene, where he came off strong, decisive and a bit mysterious. After that he was too weak and infatuated by her to come off as competent. At least he was nice.
When I heard about the Witch Lord Prince I thought he'd make a good love interest (not that I wanted a love triangle) but it's quickly clear he's firmly in the villain category.
My favorite character was actually Amilia's mom. She's a tough leader, smart, and confident. Though she's strict with her daughter, it's still obvious she loves her.
There wasn't a lot of worldbuilding but I liked the Venice renaissance like atmosphere she created. Magic isn't just your standard elements. There are alchemists who create potions and artificers who make magical devices as well. (And the creepy Prince's magic.) There's no discrimination against women or gays in this world, which was refreshing to see.
The mystery was good, and I didn't see most of it coming. (I did suspect one suspect. Hehe.)
THE BAD:
It felt a bit choppy. Time passed between sections but I felt they were too short, jumping from scene to scene.
The only excitement was at the beginning and ending. The "middle" a.k.a. most of the book was rather slow. More was done with the possibility of war and political plotting than magical battles. (But those could always come in future books.)