Concealing Magic

Divine Descendants #1

by Alicia Rades

Lust feels good, even for an angel.

I'm Cora Marek, a college student with elemental magic who can't wait to attend an elite academy for supernaturals. But if I'm going to pass my courses at Harris Academy, I need to learn the art of healing—and team up with a rude, arrogant demon who can elevate my powers.

Kellan Greene can't stand me, and the feeling's mutual. He's a demon, and I'm an angel. We're total opposites, but he's heart-stoppingly irresistible. Even though we hate each other, our magic is unmatched when we're together.

The academy's certain we have potential, but they're about to find out just how wrong they are…

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Paranormal

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2019

About the author

Alicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over 40 young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering one's power and overcoming limitations. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in our world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.

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Reviews

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am usually a fan of Alicia Rades' novels, but this one was a miss. I am not a fan of time jumps. They have to be placed just right and timed just so for them to fit the novel. This one had time jumps that just made the story fall flat. The time jumps made the relationships seem dull and lifeless.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enemy to lovers start to a duology, where the enemies are failing classes, humans and the two main characters being overwhelmingly obstinate. They are supposed to be young adults going though fire-fighter and medic training. But are so busy acting like 12-year-olds, that they make you want to put them in separate time-out corners... or lock them in a small room together. The redemption arc at the end could have been so much better.

SPOILER ALERT
Instead of going to a window with the MMC to call for help, the FMC exposes their kind to the entire world by flying out of the burning building. And that's where it ends.

[Stephen Andriotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, moving into the future and you awaken into a beautiful world Rin and Marek created, as it seems all so good you learn quickly its not as it should be, it was fun to revisit the world of the Davina again. Cora is a likeable character, just like her mum she can be frustrating at times, but relatable. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Marieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice to read, but not much pages, therefore expensive. je bent te snel aan het einde van het boek. te kort en eigenlijk te weinig info.

[Topsues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such a gripping storyline. I can read 2-3 books a week, so it takes a lot for me to be impressed by an author. Alicia Rades has the ability to make you stop whatever you are thinking about and join her in her imagination, new world and characters with depth, personality & realism and enjoy every second of it. Concealing Magic, is as much about a girls journey about self discovery, as it is about her starting at a new school. An academy shrouded in secrecy from the outside world. She needs to learn there is no I in Team. Cora believes her dreams are more important than the Demon she is reluctantly partnered with. At times I could have shouted at her, at others my heart went out to her, finding myself overwhelmed with emotions. There are some interesting support characters that add to the storyline, showing Cora what her partnership should be like. I would say this is a slow burning romance one moment then a complete turnabout the next. It’s a turnstile between barely standing one another and wanting more. When Cora finally faces herself, wanting to change, she is batted out if the park, left reeling in despair and with the biggest decision of her life. One that leaves us with a surprising, suspenseful ending and a cliffhanger that made me excited about the next book in the series. Alicia Rades will take you away from reality, completely entertain you and leave you wanting more.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an academy style book and the start of what I hope will be an ongoing series. Author Rades hit it out of the park with this one. This fantasy book is what I can describe as a clean, slow growth romance that takes place in a concealed from the world college setting.

Concealed may be too strong a word. It's gated and closed off from the non-magical humans, but there are those who wonder what's going on inside the walls. Without giving any spoilers, Harris Academy is where Davinas (angels) and Aedes (demons) go to school to learn how to better use their powers. Cora, the MC, is now a part of the academy and she and her friends are going to have a semester they never imagined! She's came to learn how to be a medical firefighter.

Author Rades does a nice job giving the background on this world without pages and pages of dry descriptions. It comes about naturally and flows as the novel progresses. The characters can be a bit whiny, but they're first year students and that's part of their makeup. They are also complex and the story line moves rather quickly.

I enjoyed the pace and style of this book. It's a fast read and suitable for a variety of readers.

I read an ARC of this book and have chosen to review it.

[Roger Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Alicia Rades’ Divine Fate series (separately reviewed), so it’s no surprise that I glommed on to her new sequel (if perfectky standalone) Divine Descendants series, set 25 years later. It’s first book, Concealing Magic: A Paranormal Academy Series (Davina Universe: Divine Descendants Trilogy Book 1), was frankly superb. The leads, angel Cora Marek and demon Kellan Greene are the perfect “opposite attracts” couple who are just what’s needed for a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Add in the academy setting, a really great plot with a well-crafted supporting cast and excellent writing. The result is a definite winner. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astonishing, T&YA paranormal & urban fantasy. Cora Marek, a divina or angel, wants to be a supernatural healer. Kellan Greene, a demon, is her partner for the semester. They can't stand each other. If they can't find a way to work together, they'll fail.

This tale includes queen bees and unrequited love. The ups and downs of a developing partnership. Various obstacles to overcome. Overall, an astounding story.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, fantastic, outstanding.....I can keep going but it's probably better if you read it yourself!
This is a spin-off series and it's already off to a great start! Once again Alicia proves just how much of a badass author she is!
The characters are entertaining, frustrating, sexy and fun. The storyline is compelling and magical and the world building is beautifully written!
I can't wait for the next book!

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this first in series. The idea of two individuals having to work together to get the most out of their magic is unique so this is not your same old cookie cutter Academy book. I had a hard time getting past Cora's ego - but even though she isnt my fave lead I really enjoyed the story

[Janice perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. I can't wait to see what happens next with Cora and Kellan.

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second generation sequels don't always work, but I'm liking Cora's experience so far.

[Sarah Nassirian Sheini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I like to get to know the characters and the magic system of the story

[Aubrey]

Dnf 27%

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series takes place 25 years after the Divine Fate series. Cora Marek, a Davina, is entering her first year at Harris Academy. This has been a dream of hers to go here. The problem is, each Davina has to pair with an Aedes, work together to pass their final if they want to stay at the school. The pairing is based on different tests, and Cora gets paired with Kellan Greene. The two of them can't seem to get along and he doesn't even want to be there. They seem like the perfect match but neither of them are fully committed to working with one another. Will they be able to set aside their differences to complete the final exam? I've really enjoyed this world the author has created and it's fun to read about what's happened after the war 25 years ago. Looking forward to book two.