optimalbook's review against another edition
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.
wolverinereads's review
5.0
This is not only a love letter to the fantasy genre but to every neurodivergent person who didn't believe in themselves until someone else believed in them. The most wholesome book I've read in a long time.
jmac1378's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
chelsea_frodo's review against another edition
4.0
Fun read
Looking forward to reading the next in series. Author tried to create a protagonist who seemed to be on the spectrum, but didn’t dwell on it too much.
Looking forward to reading the next in series. Author tried to create a protagonist who seemed to be on the spectrum, but didn’t dwell on it too much.
paulreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Outstanding Fantasy. This author needs to be read. Wonderful magic system, a major neurodivergent character with a fresh voice. I couldnt put this down , it felt like a new voice in Fantasy with a respectful nod to Feist and Tolkein. Do yourself a favour and read it! 5/5
parue's review against another edition
5.0
First and foremost, I want to convey my love of Aram. This is actually the first fantasy novel (or any novel for that matter) that I've read which features a main character who is on the autism spectrum. He was such a wonderful character and though I am not on the spectrum, there were a lot of things that I could relate to because he was written so well. I cried for him in his most self-loathing and depressing moments, and was overjoyed for him when he was bursting with happiness. The friendships he gains absolutely melted my cold heart. The found family trope is one of my absolute favorite things and it's done so well here. And of course, I adored Markus and pretty much every supporting character (minus the Exilari -.-).
Not sure if this next paragraph is a spoiler so I'm tagging it to be safe:
In terms of everything else (lol), the magic system was unique, the world building was spot on, and the plot was evenly paced for the most part. This book is one hefty boi (makes me glad I primarily read ebooks), but I enjoyed myself the whole way through. I'll definitely be reading any future books M.L. Spencer puts out.
Not sure if this next paragraph is a spoiler so I'm tagging it to be safe:
Spoiler
I think another reviewer (maybe on reddit?) mentioned this somewhere, but I really liked how his autism is used to his advantage when it comes to magic. He never had to "overcome" or "fix" it to gain skills, get better, or become more accepted. It became something that helped him understand himself and he was stronger for it. And not to mention, his friends in the world below loved him because of who he is, not in spite of.In terms of everything else (lol), the magic system was unique, the world building was spot on, and the plot was evenly paced for the most part. This book is one hefty boi (makes me glad I primarily read ebooks), but I enjoyed myself the whole way through. I'll definitely be reading any future books M.L. Spencer puts out.