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jaayraad_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t remember the last time I read a book about witches. Let alone one that gripped me and kept me wanting to read. But Three Meant To Be by @mnbennetauthor was just that!
Dorian teaches at the local academy, preparing the next generation of witches for the work of Guild work. Milo is an enchanter for Cerberus Guild, working to keep the city safe from demonic energy. They have history. From being in a throuple, to Dorian retreating after the death of their third partner Finn. When they reunite for a steamy summer before the school year, things get complicated for Dorian.
Throw in some state mandates around licensing new witches, and a coven of Warlocks causing havoc and danger the school year is bound to be interesting. Oh yeah, how can I forget a vision of of a Dorian’s students dying!
Honestly, the mystery of how this all is going to turn out was gripping. Throw in some scenes with Dorian and Milo, using their magic to further heighten the pleasure
Dorian teaches at the local academy, preparing the next generation of witches for the work of Guild work. Milo is an enchanter for Cerberus Guild, working to keep the city safe from demonic energy. They have history. From being in a throuple, to Dorian retreating after the death of their third partner Finn. When they reunite for a steamy summer before the school year, things get complicated for Dorian.
Throw in some state mandates around licensing new witches, and a coven of Warlocks causing havoc and danger the school year is bound to be interesting. Oh yeah, how can I forget a vision of of a Dorian’s students dying!
Honestly, the mystery of how this all is going to turn out was gripping. Throw in some scenes with Dorian and Milo, using their magic to further heighten the pleasure
claire_melanie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
patelyne's review against another edition
5.0
The roots and branches magic system was super interesting to me. The politics around it all also seemed believable.
For a story based largely in a school setting, there is still plenty of action - especially in the second half!
Enough emotion for my emo self to love, even as I wondered if it would break me a little. Good news, even with the sadness of past loss that isn’t - and can’t be - left in the past, there’s still hope for new things to come. The kids also provide some much needed levity too.
Book one covers the new year ones through their first semester (up until winter break) and I look forward to reading the rest!
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
Introduction
I was given a copy to review by the author. I will also be part of a book tour later this Month. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+
Review
I adored Bennet’s Young Adult Fantasy Crescentville Haunting so I was extremely excited to hear they were releasing an adult fantasy this time! And let me tell you Three Meant to Be did not disappoint in any aspect.
Telepathic high school teacher Dorian prepares ten witches for professional casting because going in unprepared is exactly why one of his partners died. Only the state doesn’t see it that way and is making it nearly impossible for Dorian to teach them the way he feels he needs to. To make matters all the worse when Dorian kisses his still living on-again and off-again clairvoyant boyfriend, Milo. He is given a glimpse of Milo’s vague vision of seeing one of Dorian’s new students, Caleb being murdered.
Still devastated and reeling from the loss of his partner Dorian refuses to stand aside. Using his skills he begins searching for answers by delving into Caleb’s mind and rooting through his memories which lead Dorian to two more students. Caleb’s ex-best friend turned rival and the prodigy with connections to dangerous warlocks. Each step Dorian takes to solve the mystery sees him evaluating his deteriorating relationship with Milo.
When he discovers a link to illegal casting Dorian resolves to work with Milo to prevent the impending vision. For all this to work Dorian will have to explore the potential future with Milo and finally find closure for their third partners whose death still looms between them. But no one said meddling with fate was easy and as the warlocks draw near putting all his students in danger Dorian will have to risk his life and his second chance with Milo to keep his students alive.
Three Meant to Be was such an addictive read. I adored every aspect of it but the parts that really stood out was the found family and rag tag group of students and their grumpy teacher finding each other. On top of a wonderful, diverse and well developed cast of characters Bennett has created a world and magic system that is equally complex and yet easy to follow and understand. You are instantly dragged into this alternative modern day world where magic exists. This is further cemented by the inclusion of text snippets between characters that I personally enjoyed.
What I also adored was that each of the characters, well students and those around them, got a chance to shine and played a role towards the plot. I already mentioned the found family aspect but it was lovely to see the friendships and rivalries evolve into something that was akin to a family. I also enjoyed that the romance was a little secondary to the main plot arc. It was nice and I wanted to see Milo and Dorian reconcile but I liked how Bennett included this but didn’t let it overtake the narrative.
There is a bit of everything in here as well, humour, heartbreak, action, magic, grumpy and sunshine pairings, a cockerel! What more could you want. All of these elements are executed perfectly in the right time and place to make this not only an enjoyable read but an addictive one. I am aware this is book one so I am already excited for book two and can’t wait to see the characters grow more in the second installment.
Hashtags
ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+ #BookReviewer#BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
I was given a copy to review by the author. I will also be part of a book tour later this Month. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+
Review
I adored Bennet’s Young Adult Fantasy Crescentville Haunting so I was extremely excited to hear they were releasing an adult fantasy this time! And let me tell you Three Meant to Be did not disappoint in any aspect.
Telepathic high school teacher Dorian prepares ten witches for professional casting because going in unprepared is exactly why one of his partners died. Only the state doesn’t see it that way and is making it nearly impossible for Dorian to teach them the way he feels he needs to. To make matters all the worse when Dorian kisses his still living on-again and off-again clairvoyant boyfriend, Milo. He is given a glimpse of Milo’s vague vision of seeing one of Dorian’s new students, Caleb being murdered.
Still devastated and reeling from the loss of his partner Dorian refuses to stand aside. Using his skills he begins searching for answers by delving into Caleb’s mind and rooting through his memories which lead Dorian to two more students. Caleb’s ex-best friend turned rival and the prodigy with connections to dangerous warlocks. Each step Dorian takes to solve the mystery sees him evaluating his deteriorating relationship with Milo.
When he discovers a link to illegal casting Dorian resolves to work with Milo to prevent the impending vision. For all this to work Dorian will have to explore the potential future with Milo and finally find closure for their third partners whose death still looms between them. But no one said meddling with fate was easy and as the warlocks draw near putting all his students in danger Dorian will have to risk his life and his second chance with Milo to keep his students alive.
Three Meant to Be was such an addictive read. I adored every aspect of it but the parts that really stood out was the found family and rag tag group of students and their grumpy teacher finding each other. On top of a wonderful, diverse and well developed cast of characters Bennett has created a world and magic system that is equally complex and yet easy to follow and understand. You are instantly dragged into this alternative modern day world where magic exists. This is further cemented by the inclusion of text snippets between characters that I personally enjoyed.
What I also adored was that each of the characters, well students and those around them, got a chance to shine and played a role towards the plot. I already mentioned the found family aspect but it was lovely to see the friendships and rivalries evolve into something that was akin to a family. I also enjoyed that the romance was a little secondary to the main plot arc. It was nice and I wanted to see Milo and Dorian reconcile but I liked how Bennett included this but didn’t let it overtake the narrative.
There is a bit of everything in here as well, humour, heartbreak, action, magic, grumpy and sunshine pairings, a cockerel! What more could you want. All of these elements are executed perfectly in the right time and place to make this not only an enjoyable read but an addictive one. I am aware this is book one so I am already excited for book two and can’t wait to see the characters grow more in the second installment.
Hashtags
ARCReview #MNBennet #ThreeMeantToBe #AdultFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #LGBTQIA+ #BookReviewer#BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
colleenreads5's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
elliel_nook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
tense
slow-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
5.0
Disclaimer: I requested and received this book free from Book Sirens. The cover and description really pulled me in I just had to read it. My review is voluntary.
Three Meant to Be by M.N. Bennet is the queer magic school book I've always wanted. It has similarities with other magic/superhero school media. But in my opinion it is also incredibly unique and complex. The world and magic system M.N. Bennet has crafted is fascinating. I don't like rereading books but I want to reread this one. I want to take notes on the magic system and be a total nerd about it. I want to do a deep dive into the world and how well the classism (and more) is written into the story. However, I won't say that I didn't struggle to read this book. I did struggle, it took me a month to read it. It probably wasn't my best idea to read a book with a grieving main character after suffering my own loss. I found Dorian Frost (the main character) painfully relatable. I saw a lot of myself in Dorian Frost and I don't like myself (I'm working on it). So, it was a bit hard to read at times. But I was so invested in the characters and the story.
I recommend this book if you're into superheros, magic, interesting world building, the bullshit bureaucracy that comes with them. However, if you read it be prepared to have your stepped on. There are some very dark moments in this book abuse, death, graphic injury, and more. There are also some truly heinous characters. But if I get into that I will spoil the book. However I do want to and think its fair to say that chapters 27-34 dragged me by my heartstrings all the way through turmoil to a very satisfying ending.
Overall I truly loved Three Meant to Be it made me emotional, it made me think, and it creatively inspired me. I want to get better at drawing people so I can make fan art of these characters. I loved the characters Dorian included and I loved their queerness. As I said above this is the queer magic school book I've always wanted. And it is very queer, it feels almost queernormative if not for characters I want to kick in the head and sweet under the rug. There are so many queer characters including a transgender student whose dead name never appears in the pages of this book. As a trans person I greatly appreciated this and Dorian's commentary about the school roster and outdated policies. I also loved the way Milo and Dorian's texts were included in the book, even Milo's sexts and failed attempts at flirting. Dorian and Milo's relationship is complicated there is a pain between them that needs to heal, and that doesn't get resolved in this book. Three Meant to Be is only the first book in the Branches of Past and Future. There are two more books as of right now. That I am mildly afraid of because of their titles and M.N. Bennet's ability to rip my heart out with his writing and lovable characters.
Final Note: If you were an emo kid and are now a goth adult you too might see yourself in Dorian. Also there are two sassy cats in this book which is just another reason to read it.
Three Meant to Be by M.N. Bennet is the queer magic school book I've always wanted. It has similarities with other magic/superhero school media. But in my opinion it is also incredibly unique and complex. The world and magic system M.N. Bennet has crafted is fascinating. I don't like rereading books but I want to reread this one. I want to take notes on the magic system and be a total nerd about it. I want to do a deep dive into the world and how well the classism (and more) is written into the story. However, I won't say that I didn't struggle to read this book. I did struggle, it took me a month to read it. It probably wasn't my best idea to read a book with a grieving main character after suffering my own loss. I found Dorian Frost (the main character) painfully relatable. I saw a lot of myself in Dorian Frost and I don't like myself (I'm working on it). So, it was a bit hard to read at times. But I was so invested in the characters and the story.
I recommend this book if you're into superheros, magic, interesting world building, the bullshit bureaucracy that comes with them. However, if you read it be prepared to have your stepped on. There are some very dark moments in this book abuse, death, graphic injury, and more. There are also some truly heinous characters. But if I get into that I will spoil the book. However I do want to and think its fair to say that chapters 27-34 dragged me by my heartstrings all the way through turmoil to a very satisfying ending.
Overall I truly loved Three Meant to Be it made me emotional, it made me think, and it creatively inspired me. I want to get better at drawing people so I can make fan art of these characters. I loved the characters Dorian included and I loved their queerness. As I said above this is the queer magic school book I've always wanted. And it is very queer, it feels almost queernormative if not for characters I want to kick in the head and sweet under the rug. There are so many queer characters including a transgender student whose dead name never appears in the pages of this book. As a trans person I greatly appreciated this and Dorian's commentary about the school roster and outdated policies. I also loved the way Milo and Dorian's texts were included in the book, even Milo's sexts and failed attempts at flirting. Dorian and Milo's relationship is complicated there is a pain between them that needs to heal, and that doesn't get resolved in this book. Three Meant to Be is only the first book in the Branches of Past and Future. There are two more books as of right now. That I am mildly afraid of because of their titles and M.N. Bennet's ability to rip my heart out with his writing and lovable characters.
Final Note: If you were an emo kid and are now a goth adult you too might see yourself in Dorian. Also there are two sassy cats in this book which is just another reason to read it.
cjcardosa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.75
furahuahua's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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
4.25
frantic_vampire's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
This was such a fun read! It was a little chaotic but I loved the urban fantasy/dark academia mix that this had going on. I also really loved Dorian and all his emo glory! I especially loved his attitude towards his students, a little gruff but kind and just wanting them to be prepared for their magic permit testing (and maybe trying to keep them from getting murdered). Another thing that I really liked about this was Dorian and Milo’s relationship and the Finn shaped grief that kept them apart for so long. They were kind of a mess and had a lot of issues but they worked so well together once they let themselves be happy. Three Meant To Be is getting a solid four stars! I can’t wait to read the next one 😊
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
diredreamings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25