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helenamt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
leasey23's review against another edition
2.0
This book seemed like it was going in a good direction but then it just cut off before it got to the good bit? I’m so confused by it because it feels like the first quarter of a novel... as if it’s been chopped up in order to make more money. It’s called ‘First Spell’ but the girl doesn’t even get to magic school? Like.... she doesn’t even do a spell. I’m so confused. I assume there’s more books in the series so maybe you could just put them all together to make a whole book?
I was honestly so ready for her to reach the school and to start learning and see if her brother is okay, but that’s all just cut off. All that happens in this book is that a brother and sister go in a carriage, discover magic exists, then the girl goes on a horse ride whilst the brother goes on a dragon. THATS THE WHOLE BOOK.
I hate giving criticism that’s not constructive but this felt a little ridiculous. Please put this as a start of a book and keep writing it. I want to read the whole thing.
I was honestly so ready for her to reach the school and to start learning and see if her brother is okay, but that’s all just cut off. All that happens in this book is that a brother and sister go in a carriage, discover magic exists, then the girl goes on a horse ride whilst the brother goes on a dragon. THATS THE WHOLE BOOK.
I hate giving criticism that’s not constructive but this felt a little ridiculous. Please put this as a start of a book and keep writing it. I want to read the whole thing.
doodlewinger's review
4.0
This was a short introduction to a new series about a girl named isa who just discovered magic is real. I haven't read the previous series that this book is in the same world as but I felt like I understood what was happening. I'm excited to see what will happen to isa when she starts to learn how to use magic.
secre's review
2.0
Well written but simplistic and the short length means that there is a lack of character building or world building. I think it's fair to say that this isn't a full book, and doesn't even cover Isadora's first spell. The 'book' finishes before she even takes a single class - hell, she doesn't even get to see her injured brother. For that you need to buy the next 'installment', another mere hundred pages long. If I'm reading a book, at the absolute least I expect to see basic plot lines addressed if not fully resolved.
I can't help but think that this recent serialised publishing of 100 word snippets is a bit of a piss take, trying to get you to pay well over the odds for your full tale. Yes, serials have been around for ages, but they used to be published as part of a publication or newspaper so you would get you moneys worth. Merge four or five of these together and publish book at usual kindle price and this would be a decent young adult series. As it stands, I can't help feeling it's a rip off.
I can't help but think that this recent serialised publishing of 100 word snippets is a bit of a piss take, trying to get you to pay well over the odds for your full tale. Yes, serials have been around for ages, but they used to be published as part of a publication or newspaper so you would get you moneys worth. Merge four or five of these together and publish book at usual kindle price and this would be a decent young adult series. As it stands, I can't help feeling it's a rip off.
novelbloglover's review
4.0
Book Review
Title: Magical Arta Academy: First Spell
Author: Lucia Ashta
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Adventure
Rating: ****
Review: The opening to Magical Arts Academy: First Spell was great, we meet 16-year-old Isadora and her brother Hernando who up until recently were living with their Uncle because their parents are off elsewhere in the world bringing culture to savages, almost like they are missionaries. However, the novel opens with both Isa and Nando being basically sold to a mysterious stranger and being sent somewhere unknown.
Along the way they encounter an unnatural fog where someone is attacking their driver. Things just get strange from there; the siblings encounter a ghost and learn that sorcerers are real, and some dark sorcerers are trying to kill or capture them. We are also introduced to The SMS or Sorcerers for Magical Supremacy which seems like an almost death eater like faction of sorcerers. As the battle rages on outside of the carriage Isa seems intent on trying to survive but she also begins to understand small bits about what is going on out there and with the ghost’s short explanation it seems as though she is the magically one not Nando.
As we cross the ¼ mark in the novel, the battle seems to be ending with Mordecai; their driver winning especially since a dragon arrives. Despite being told to stay in the carriage Isa’s curiosity gets the better of her and she sneaks out to get a peek of the mythical creature when she is spotted by the man riding the dragon. When everything settles down again Isa learns that Albacus is the name of Mordecai’s ghost brother and the other people who arrived are Clara and her husband Marcelo. She learns that Nando was most likely hit by a killing spell and that for some reason he survived although we know that Isa brought him back. Clara and Marcelo suggest that they should take Nando to get treatment on the dragon and leave Isa with Mordecai as they all believe that the runes were pointing towards Nando not Isa although Albacus feels differently.
As we approach the hallway mark in the novel Nando has been taken by Clara and Mordecai to be healed leaving Isa with Marcelo and Albacus as they ride on. It is here we learn that magic is actually forbidden and sorcerers or anyone who practises magic can be sentenced to death, so it seems very risky to involve to essentially children in this very dark and dangerous world. Also, at this point in the novel Isa still have no idea where she is heading and for what reason other than Mordecai was pointed to her or her brother as a potential sorcerer. So, I am halfway through this novel and I was enjoying it although I did find the story a little clunky at times and it could have been made a little smoother, but it doesn’t distract too much from the story. There are also point that are confusing that don’t need to be like the sorcerers obviously like a world isolated and kept secret from those who can’t practise magic but up until she meets the sorcerers Isa isn’t aware of them yet somehow knows magic is forbidden and punishable by death. I felt it should have been one or the other, so non-magic users should have been aware of magic and that fact it is forbidden and punishable or be totally ignorant of magic until they have been brought into the magical world like Isa and Nando.
As the trio ride towards Acquaine we get a big exposition scene where we learn about the characters, the struggles they have faced, and some insight into the magical community including the SMS and the magical council as well as learning that Acquaine is a magical academy of sorts. While this scene is informative it isn’t that interesting, but it seems when they finally arrive both Isa and Nando will be giving the choice of learning magic and joining their cause although after Nando’s brush with death I don’t think he will join the sorcerers while the ever-curious Isa definitely will, if she can get there in one piece.
As we approach the ¾ mark in the novel, the trio are closing in on Acquaine when the dark sorcerers manage to find them, and they are once again in a race for their lives. As Acquaine draws closer and closer Isa is hoping they get there in time but she has a few close calls along the way. However, this doesn’t end when they reach the academy as the sorcerers manage to follow them inside the academy’s wards and the race for their lives has no turned into a battle. Isa makes a change her instead of following orders the way she has done so far, she turns and prepares to charge into a magical battle despite not knowing anything about magic, but she has already made her mind that she is going to join the academy one way or another.
The final section of First Spell was great, Isa watches the battle end in a slightly unusual way and she also meets Arianne and Gustave who must be Clara’s parents. We are also presented with new challenges for the next novel which was a very nice set up. Overall, I felt that there were section that were a little clunky, but it was a really enjoyable read and I also like the almost historical vibes thrown in.
Title: Magical Arta Academy: First Spell
Author: Lucia Ashta
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Adventure
Rating: ****
Review: The opening to Magical Arts Academy: First Spell was great, we meet 16-year-old Isadora and her brother Hernando who up until recently were living with their Uncle because their parents are off elsewhere in the world bringing culture to savages, almost like they are missionaries. However, the novel opens with both Isa and Nando being basically sold to a mysterious stranger and being sent somewhere unknown.
Along the way they encounter an unnatural fog where someone is attacking their driver. Things just get strange from there; the siblings encounter a ghost and learn that sorcerers are real, and some dark sorcerers are trying to kill or capture them. We are also introduced to The SMS or Sorcerers for Magical Supremacy which seems like an almost death eater like faction of sorcerers. As the battle rages on outside of the carriage Isa seems intent on trying to survive but she also begins to understand small bits about what is going on out there and with the ghost’s short explanation it seems as though she is the magically one not Nando.
As we cross the ¼ mark in the novel, the battle seems to be ending with Mordecai; their driver winning especially since a dragon arrives. Despite being told to stay in the carriage Isa’s curiosity gets the better of her and she sneaks out to get a peek of the mythical creature when she is spotted by the man riding the dragon. When everything settles down again Isa learns that Albacus is the name of Mordecai’s ghost brother and the other people who arrived are Clara and her husband Marcelo. She learns that Nando was most likely hit by a killing spell and that for some reason he survived although we know that Isa brought him back. Clara and Marcelo suggest that they should take Nando to get treatment on the dragon and leave Isa with Mordecai as they all believe that the runes were pointing towards Nando not Isa although Albacus feels differently.
As we approach the hallway mark in the novel Nando has been taken by Clara and Mordecai to be healed leaving Isa with Marcelo and Albacus as they ride on. It is here we learn that magic is actually forbidden and sorcerers or anyone who practises magic can be sentenced to death, so it seems very risky to involve to essentially children in this very dark and dangerous world. Also, at this point in the novel Isa still have no idea where she is heading and for what reason other than Mordecai was pointed to her or her brother as a potential sorcerer. So, I am halfway through this novel and I was enjoying it although I did find the story a little clunky at times and it could have been made a little smoother, but it doesn’t distract too much from the story. There are also point that are confusing that don’t need to be like the sorcerers obviously like a world isolated and kept secret from those who can’t practise magic but up until she meets the sorcerers Isa isn’t aware of them yet somehow knows magic is forbidden and punishable by death. I felt it should have been one or the other, so non-magic users should have been aware of magic and that fact it is forbidden and punishable or be totally ignorant of magic until they have been brought into the magical world like Isa and Nando.
As the trio ride towards Acquaine we get a big exposition scene where we learn about the characters, the struggles they have faced, and some insight into the magical community including the SMS and the magical council as well as learning that Acquaine is a magical academy of sorts. While this scene is informative it isn’t that interesting, but it seems when they finally arrive both Isa and Nando will be giving the choice of learning magic and joining their cause although after Nando’s brush with death I don’t think he will join the sorcerers while the ever-curious Isa definitely will, if she can get there in one piece.
As we approach the ¾ mark in the novel, the trio are closing in on Acquaine when the dark sorcerers manage to find them, and they are once again in a race for their lives. As Acquaine draws closer and closer Isa is hoping they get there in time but she has a few close calls along the way. However, this doesn’t end when they reach the academy as the sorcerers manage to follow them inside the academy’s wards and the race for their lives has no turned into a battle. Isa makes a change her instead of following orders the way she has done so far, she turns and prepares to charge into a magical battle despite not knowing anything about magic, but she has already made her mind that she is going to join the academy one way or another.
The final section of First Spell was great, Isa watches the battle end in a slightly unusual way and she also meets Arianne and Gustave who must be Clara’s parents. We are also presented with new challenges for the next novel which was a very nice set up. Overall, I felt that there were section that were a little clunky, but it was a really enjoyable read and I also like the almost historical vibes thrown in.
ayanamifaerudo's review
3.0
*No, I haven't learned my lesson with Dragon School.
*Here we go again with these episodic books.
*A lot of action though.
*Here we go again with these episodic books.
*A lot of action though.
kittyg's review
2.0
*This is one of the #SPFBO titles I had to read for 2018*
I am afraid that although there were quite a few good ideas in this book, and I love the idea of a magical school because of nostalgia with Harry Potter etc., I found that this read as quite a young story aimed at young readers. This felt like it was quite simplistic at times, and many of the 'reveals' were quite clear to me from the start of the book which meant the story didn't really keep my interest as I wanted it to.
This is quite a short story which follow a first person point of view from our main character, Isadora. Isa and her brother Nando are bought by some strangers in the star of their book after their Uncle sells them off. They don't know anything about the people who have bought them, and they are quickly in some danger when it appears a rival faction are chasing them.
What I liked about this was that it moved quite quickly and I managed to read it fast and enjoy the story, although it was a simple one.
Unfortunately, this is such a short book that it lacks a lot of development and it's also only the very tip of the story because even by the end of the book we only have mysteries opened up and nothing is resolved. I imagine as a series this would be an easy one for young teens to read, and a good story to hook them in and get them enjoying magical stories, but as an adult or someone who has read a lot of fantasy this one just doesn't stand out enough from the crowd. 2*s from me which is 4/10 overall, but with a lot more development and a longer story with more twists this could have been good fun.
I am afraid that although there were quite a few good ideas in this book, and I love the idea of a magical school because of nostalgia with Harry Potter etc., I found that this read as quite a young story aimed at young readers. This felt like it was quite simplistic at times, and many of the 'reveals' were quite clear to me from the start of the book which meant the story didn't really keep my interest as I wanted it to.
This is quite a short story which follow a first person point of view from our main character, Isadora. Isa and her brother Nando are bought by some strangers in the star of their book after their Uncle sells them off. They don't know anything about the people who have bought them, and they are quickly in some danger when it appears a rival faction are chasing them.
What I liked about this was that it moved quite quickly and I managed to read it fast and enjoy the story, although it was a simple one.
Unfortunately, this is such a short book that it lacks a lot of development and it's also only the very tip of the story because even by the end of the book we only have mysteries opened up and nothing is resolved. I imagine as a series this would be an easy one for young teens to read, and a good story to hook them in and get them enjoying magical stories, but as an adult or someone who has read a lot of fantasy this one just doesn't stand out enough from the crowd. 2*s from me which is 4/10 overall, but with a lot more development and a longer story with more twists this could have been good fun.
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