What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mage's Apprentice #1
Winds of Courage
Delphine possesses great power—too much power for the daughter of farmers. The Mage’s Guild would eagerly take her, but she wants nothing to do with its arrogant and self-centered members. That is, until her friend is abducted in front of her.
Now Delphine needs her power, but to access it, she’ll have to apprentice herself to a traveling master. Amara is willing to take Delphine, but Delphine has a secret—one that will cripple her apprenticeship before it even begins. And once she leaves home, the secrets keep mounting.
On the road, Delphine’s healing power wins her a new friend—a wild fox she names Ember—but it also catches the attention of the dangerous man who abducted her friend, and of Nik, the mysterious mage hunting him. Now Delphine herself is in danger, and Nik might be her only way out. But first she has to overcome her crippling secrets and convince Nik that together they can be stronger than apart.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, and clean romance, then try A Mage’s Apprentice, set in the same world as the completed Mage’s Influence series.
A Mage’s Apprentice reading
Winds of Courage
Storms of Allegiance
Tempests of Truth
Now Delphine needs her power, but to access it, she’ll have to apprentice herself to a traveling master. Amara is willing to take Delphine, but Delphine has a secret—one that will cripple her apprenticeship before it even begins. And once she leaves home, the secrets keep mounting.
On the road, Delphine’s healing power wins her a new friend—a wild fox she names Ember—but it also catches the attention of the dangerous man who abducted her friend, and of Nik, the mysterious mage hunting him. Now Delphine herself is in danger, and Nik might be her only way out. But first she has to overcome her crippling secrets and convince Nik that together they can be stronger than apart.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, and clean romance, then try A Mage’s Apprentice, set in the same world as the completed Mage’s Influence series.
A Mage’s Apprentice reading
Winds of Courage
Storms of Allegiance
Tempests of Truth
372 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2023
344 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
127 books2,782 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
dnf
August 14, 2024DNF 35%
SPOILERS ALL THE WAY
So I found the concept interesting but also very awkward? People have 'seeds' of power in them that need to mature and then be activated by other people called mages. But once that happens, you are 'bound' to a 2-year apprantenchip. There are 3 kinds (I think) of 'seeds' and the majority of the time you need/prefer someone with the same kind to 'activate' and teach you.
So our main girl has a healing seed but she hates her 'gift'. She is anti-activating her power for a few reasons and her dad's influence is a big one.
Then one day her dog gets injured and by some kind of miracle? fate? intentional sabotage? there is a (woman) mage there. She is not a healing one though, but she takes the dog and our girl to a healer.
During this trip she is somehow convinced to allow this mage to activate her after years of refusing and building hatred or whatever. This really did not make sense to me but fine.
Only for them to come back to her parents and for the girl to save her dad - now this would make sense IF the dad was sick/dying and THAT made the girl decide to forget all her preconvied notiones but no there is no correlation it was just 'good timing'.
SPOILERS ALL THE WAY
So I found the concept interesting but also very awkward? People have 'seeds' of power in them that need to mature and then be activated by other people called mages. But once that happens, you are 'bound' to a 2-year apprantenchip. There are 3 kinds (I think) of 'seeds' and the majority of the time you need/prefer someone with the same kind to 'activate' and teach you.
So our main girl has a healing seed but she hates her 'gift'. She is anti-activating her power for a few reasons and her dad's influence is a big one.
Then one day her dog gets injured and by some kind of miracle? fate? intentional sabotage? there is a (woman) mage there. She is not a healing one though, but she takes the dog and our girl to a healer.
During this trip she is somehow convinced to allow this mage to activate her after years of refusing and building hatred or whatever. This really did not make sense to me but fine.
Only for them to come back to her parents and for the girl to save her dad - now this would make sense IF the dad was sick/dying and THAT made the girl decide to forget all her preconvied notiones but no there is no correlation it was just 'good timing'.
August 1, 2023
This is the first book in Melanie Cellier's latest YA fantasy series. This is a sequel to the A Mage's Influence series, but it can be read on its own (though you'd get more out of it if you've read the first series).
Delphine, our leading lady, annoyed me at first. But she is supposed to be a bit annoying as she works through the way she'd been raised and begins to see the world with new eyes. I really liked how the author showed how damaging a parent can be by holding a child back or controlling them, even when it is done in the name of love. And how complicated that can be for a child working through something like that.
Nik is from the previous series, and I'm so excited to get his story! I can't wait to see more growth from him through the rest of this series!
Amara is my favorite character. Well, her and Ember. Just saying.
All in all, a good start to a new series, and I can't wait for the next book!
Delphine, our leading lady, annoyed me at first. But she is supposed to be a bit annoying as she works through the way she'd been raised and begins to see the world with new eyes. I really liked how the author showed how damaging a parent can be by holding a child back or controlling them, even when it is done in the name of love. And how complicated that can be for a child working through something like that.
Nik is from the previous series, and I'm so excited to get his story! I can't wait to see more growth from him through the rest of this series!
Amara is my favorite character. Well, her and Ember. Just saying.
All in all, a good start to a new series, and I can't wait for the next book!
November 10, 2024
Very enjoyable audiobook. I am happy to be returning to this world. 😊
December 9, 2023
Not for me
This book might be interesting for some, but certainly not for me. This book is to slooooowwww for me. From the beginning to the end, the book is just talking about underage kids leaving their parents and the parents are doing nothing, and that’s all about this book from one place to another, underage get kidnapped and then the grown up will say “are you sure they are not leaving on their free will?” Give me a break, it’s triggering to me, for goodness sakes we are talking about 12 -15 years old kids. Even Master Amara is like someone who is out of touch with reality, not one single time she was helping the FL, she just keep on putting doubt in her head and making her question her judgement the whole entire time.
This book might be interesting for some, but certainly not for me. This book is to slooooowwww for me. From the beginning to the end, the book is just talking about underage kids leaving their parents and the parents are doing nothing, and that’s all about this book from one place to another, underage get kidnapped and then the grown up will say “are you sure they are not leaving on their free will?” Give me a break, it’s triggering to me, for goodness sakes we are talking about 12 -15 years old kids. Even Master Amara is like someone who is out of touch with reality, not one single time she was helping the FL, she just keep on putting doubt in her head and making her question her judgement the whole entire time.
August 8, 2023
Magic and Intrigue
A spin-off series from the Seeds of Power series. We meet some new characters and some familiar ones. It could be read independently.
All of her life Delphine has been told about the strength of her healing seed, but also of the greed and selfishness of the mages in the capitol. She doesn’t want to go to train there, she wants to stay on her family farm, until a traveling mage shows her that things are not as they seem.
I like Amara and Delphine and their relationship as mage and apprentice. There’s a lot to be learned about Delphine’s magic, and new trouble brewing in the kingdom. I’m glad that we don’t have to wait long for the next book!
A spin-off series from the Seeds of Power series. We meet some new characters and some familiar ones. It could be read independently.
All of her life Delphine has been told about the strength of her healing seed, but also of the greed and selfishness of the mages in the capitol. She doesn’t want to go to train there, she wants to stay on her family farm, until a traveling mage shows her that things are not as they seem.
I like Amara and Delphine and their relationship as mage and apprentice. There’s a lot to be learned about Delphine’s magic, and new trouble brewing in the kingdom. I’m glad that we don’t have to wait long for the next book!
August 24, 2023
3.75 stars
I usually love Melanie's books but this one felt like it took forever to get going, and it felt so bogged down by internal monologue. It picked up at the end though (as they usually do) and I'm interested to see what happens next, so I'll be waiting for book 2!
I usually love Melanie's books but this one felt like it took forever to get going, and it felt so bogged down by internal monologue. It picked up at the end though (as they usually do) and I'm interested to see what happens next, so I'll be waiting for book 2!
January 12, 2024
An excellent continuation of the Melanie Cellier's fantasy series, this book held my attention from the beginning, as always. While the plot continues to be similar to previous books, with a member of the royal family, a peasant, surprising strength, and danger from a nearby country, I still love the characterizations and fully enjoy watching the main characters grow.
August 2, 2023
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
August 25, 2023
Melanie Cellier always does a great job of keeping the reader engaged with the characters and conflict. Her Spoken and Hidden Mage books are a favorite with all of my students, and most of them chose to read the books more than once. This next series will inspire them to do the same.
October 6, 2023
riveting
Lots of world building and characters brought together at a fast pace with danger and revelation around every corner. I need more!
Lots of world building and characters brought together at a fast pace with danger and revelation around every corner. I need more!
April 12, 2025
I really disliked this book. The only reason I kept reading and am into the next book is because of her track record in previous books. Delphine annoys me to no end with her childish, selfish, and irritating personality. She whines and complains and sulks when she doesn’t get her way, and seems to expect the world to revolve around her. I hope the author can work her character development magic on this series and make something of it.
March 18, 2024
I honestly have no desire to continue this series. The characters were flat, dull and SO REPETITIVE. They just kept saying the same things over and over again. Delphine was completely worthless as a heroine. She kept badgering Nick to take her with him, but she couldn't FIX anything! She was no help at all! Nick was a sullen jerk, and the book just dragged on and on with nothing happening.
November 1, 2023
Interesting
It has been engaging so far. Delphine is a 17 year old, with a powerful healing seed, born to farmers with non-mage plants affinity. Due to an incident in his past, her father is prejudiced towards mages and the guild and those feelings have absorbed by Delphine. However, an accident occured wh8ch brought Amara, a master elements mage, to their quiet life. This lead to a series of events, one of which was Delphine meeting Nik, a stranger that has been tracking a mysterious man called Grey.
Grey has been gathering teens with activated or soon to be activated seeds from obscure villages and ends up in Delphine's village from which he takes her friend, Miranda. This occurrence precipitates Delphine's decision to be activated, and so she begins her apprenticeship with Amara. Along the way, she learns some things that stir feelings of bitterness and guilt toward her father and mother, respectively.
Delphine is a good lead, and I love her compassionate heart; when she sees a need, she goes out of her way to help. Maybe that's part of what draws her to Nik. I feel that Nik has a lot of self-pity, which we saw a glimpse of from The Mage's Influence series, but I'm looking forward to seeing him grow. I love how Amara is such a good Master, and it's just as Delphine said, she treats her like they're a team. Delphine will learn a lot and grow well under her, I believe.
It has been engaging so far. Delphine is a 17 year old, with a powerful healing seed, born to farmers with non-mage plants affinity. Due to an incident in his past, her father is prejudiced towards mages and the guild and those feelings have absorbed by Delphine. However, an accident occured wh8ch brought Amara, a master elements mage, to their quiet life. This lead to a series of events, one of which was Delphine meeting Nik, a stranger that has been tracking a mysterious man called Grey.
Grey has been gathering teens with activated or soon to be activated seeds from obscure villages and ends up in Delphine's village from which he takes her friend, Miranda. This occurrence precipitates Delphine's decision to be activated, and so she begins her apprenticeship with Amara. Along the way, she learns some things that stir feelings of bitterness and guilt toward her father and mother, respectively.
Delphine is a good lead, and I love her compassionate heart; when she sees a need, she goes out of her way to help. Maybe that's part of what draws her to Nik. I feel that Nik has a lot of self-pity, which we saw a glimpse of from The Mage's Influence series, but I'm looking forward to seeing him grow. I love how Amara is such a good Master, and it's just as Delphine said, she treats her like they're a team. Delphine will learn a lot and grow well under her, I believe.
February 19, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this. I held off until the entire trilogy was released, but I also held off a bit because I haven't liked any of Melanie Cellier's non-fairytale series as much as I liked the first one (Spoken Mage). But I found myself really enjoying this book. It held my interest without making me anxious. I really enjoyed seeing the different aspects of the healing ability, Delphine's gift, and look forward to seeing it further explored in the next books. I don't recall the previous series well - it was set in the same world, but I sort of vaguely remember wanting more about the healing ability in particular. It's probably what my natural affinity would be if I lived in this world. I thought Delphine figured out something about her father really quickly, and I couldn't decide if it was quite believable or not. I also felt like the relationship between Delphine and Nik went from nonexistant to trusting...I didn't think they knew each other well enough to be friends - maybe trusting compatriots in a way that was barely believable, and then jumped to kissing in a way that really took me by surprise. Nevertheless, I went with it. It may have been helpful to me that I only dimly remember the preceding series. Somewhere midway through this book I sort of vaguely remembered not liking Nik, possibly? in the previous series? I'll be very interested to see how his story plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Winds of Courage (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 1)
Winds of Courage (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 1) ~~ Winds of Courage is a magical and emotionally rich start to Melanie Cellier’s A Mage’s Apprentice series. The story introduces Kadence, a young woman whose life changes when she’s unexpectedly chosen to become the apprentice of the reclusive and enigmatic mage, Athan. What begins as a rocky partnership slowly transforms as Kadence is forced to confront both external dangers and her own inner doubts.
The worldbuilding is immersive and detailed, with a fascinating magic system tied to elemental power and inner strength. Kadence is a relatable heroine—loyal, brave, and growing into her power through trial and error. Her relationship with Athan is built on tension, growth, and mutual learning, and the way their dynamic shifts is a standout element of the book.
There are hints of a larger mystery at play, both in Kadence’s background and in the threats looming over the kingdom, which set the stage beautifully for the rest of the series. The pacing is steady with bursts of action, magical intrigue, and heartfelt moments that make the journey feel personal and epic at the same time.
Melanie Cellier crafts an emotionally grounded and captivating start to this fantasy adventure. I definitely recommend reading this series!
Winds of Courage (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 1) ~~ Winds of Courage is a magical and emotionally rich start to Melanie Cellier’s A Mage’s Apprentice series. The story introduces Kadence, a young woman whose life changes when she’s unexpectedly chosen to become the apprentice of the reclusive and enigmatic mage, Athan. What begins as a rocky partnership slowly transforms as Kadence is forced to confront both external dangers and her own inner doubts.
The worldbuilding is immersive and detailed, with a fascinating magic system tied to elemental power and inner strength. Kadence is a relatable heroine—loyal, brave, and growing into her power through trial and error. Her relationship with Athan is built on tension, growth, and mutual learning, and the way their dynamic shifts is a standout element of the book.
There are hints of a larger mystery at play, both in Kadence’s background and in the threats looming over the kingdom, which set the stage beautifully for the rest of the series. The pacing is steady with bursts of action, magical intrigue, and heartfelt moments that make the journey feel personal and epic at the same time.
Melanie Cellier crafts an emotionally grounded and captivating start to this fantasy adventure. I definitely recommend reading this series!
May 1, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. Spoken Mage and Hidden Mage are two of my favorite series ever, but the Mage influence was just okay and the Mage Apprentice series has fallen kinda flat for me. I ended up DNFing the second book. The real standout here is Amara. I desperately want to read her story! For me Delphine was a bit too meek and introspective (except when she wanted to prove herself with Nik) and she was constantly apologizing for things she resolved to do anyway. She also lies and hides things from Amara a lot but then gets upset and hurt and Amara has to rightfully withhold things from her because she is a literal child. Yet, Amara seems to be the one always apologizing to her in the end, ever the gracious one.
I think that Melanie Cellier has proven that she can do this trope and the young 17 year old unlearned girl so well with other series. Id really REALLY loved to see what she would do with an amazing character like Amara, a strong, self assured 30 something, revered for her position but still so compassionate and giving. And the love interests..
I think that Melanie Cellier has proven that she can do this trope and the young 17 year old unlearned girl so well with other series. Id really REALLY loved to see what she would do with an amazing character like Amara, a strong, self assured 30 something, revered for her position but still so compassionate and giving. And the love interests..
July 15, 2025
So far I've liked each of the Melanie Cellier series. From the beginning this one just seems slow. And immediately it's clear that the protagonist is half a simpleton. Withholding not once, but so far twice major details that are likely life and death type of things. I'm going to finish the first book for sure or at least it's the goal, but oh my God I don't see reading all three.
I would say the books are likely not as bad as two, but definitely not three on a scale of one to five. I shouldn't say books because I'm only on book one and at this point maybe a third through it.
Almost gets kidnapped twice because she goes out at night walking around and unfamiliar city. The next night she goes out and walks around the unfamiliar city at night. This is one of the most unlikable characters a bumped into recently. So far the only likable character is the Amara character.
I would say the books are likely not as bad as two, but definitely not three on a scale of one to five. I shouldn't say books because I'm only on book one and at this point maybe a third through it.
Almost gets kidnapped twice because she goes out at night walking around and unfamiliar city. The next night she goes out and walks around the unfamiliar city at night. This is one of the most unlikable characters a bumped into recently. So far the only likable character is the Amara character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
ready for the next book!
Melanie Cellier is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every book of hers that I have read and I believe I have read almost all of the books she has published as of now.
I’m so glad that Nik gets a redemption arc story! After the end of the previous series I wanted to know what would happen with him. He had some major growing to do. Still does based on this book but you start to see some changes.
Delphine is an interesting character and her backstory is emotionally complex. I enjoyed reading through the beginning of her self discovery and am excited to see how she continues to grow in character and strength. Plus! She has a fox as an animal companion and an amazingly wise, patient, powerful, and kind master in Amara. I’m excited to keep reading the next book in the series.
Melanie Cellier is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every book of hers that I have read and I believe I have read almost all of the books she has published as of now.
I’m so glad that Nik gets a redemption arc story! After the end of the previous series I wanted to know what would happen with him. He had some major growing to do. Still does based on this book but you start to see some changes.
Delphine is an interesting character and her backstory is emotionally complex. I enjoyed reading through the beginning of her self discovery and am excited to see how she continues to grow in character and strength. Plus! She has a fox as an animal companion and an amazingly wise, patient, powerful, and kind master in Amara. I’m excited to keep reading the next book in the series.
August 15, 2023
Young woman with mage potential faces life changes
Delphine lives a nearly isolated life with her parents on her farm. Her father has convinced her to not become activated as a mage because of his mistrust of the Mage Guild, and she wishes to stay and continue life as is. She meets and traveling mage, a mysterious man in pursuit of a criminal, and the adventure she didn’t know she craved. Delphine’s character is well done while others are somewhat held back, not to reveal everything about them. It’s a good story. Not quite as good as the previous series, A Mage’s Influence. There seems to he a lot of explanation that takes away a bit. It does tie in to A Mage’s Influence with a central and side characters. I look forward to the next book.
Delphine lives a nearly isolated life with her parents on her farm. Her father has convinced her to not become activated as a mage because of his mistrust of the Mage Guild, and she wishes to stay and continue life as is. She meets and traveling mage, a mysterious man in pursuit of a criminal, and the adventure she didn’t know she craved. Delphine’s character is well done while others are somewhat held back, not to reveal everything about them. It’s a good story. Not quite as good as the previous series, A Mage’s Influence. There seems to he a lot of explanation that takes away a bit. It does tie in to A Mage’s Influence with a central and side characters. I look forward to the next book.
October 9, 2023
Stronger together. Winds of Courage was a gripping and entertaining story as Delphine faced challenges academically and personally as well as ones that could affect multiple kingdoms. Delphine has a significant weakness which makes her struggle relatable and her journey intriguing. There is lots of adventure and mystery as well as growth. I liked how it explored the value of vulnerability in relationships as well as different approaches to how to handle weakness and fear. Winds of Courage would be an entertaining read for those who like coming of age/learning how to use power stories, strong relatable main characters, significant side characters, adventure, mystery, creative magic systems, good world-building, slow clean romance, kingdom-level stakes, and animal side-kicks.
July 3, 2024
This series is best if read AFTER A Mage’s Influence series, as it takes place in the same world and magic system with crossover characters. However, it can probably be enjoyed on its own.
I listened to these on audio, so please excuse any misspellings.
Delphine has a strong healing seed. Born to two people with plants affinities, she rejects her own element, especially because of her intense squeamishness. But when a friend of hers is led off by a charismatic stranger, Delphine realizes healing-assassins are a thing. (And for a moment, I thought this book was going to go much darker than Cellier’s other novels.) She agrees for Amara, a traveling Master-strength elements mage, to activate her seed and starts her apprenticeship.
Love Ember the 🦊, Amara’s no-nonsense attitude toward training, Delphine’s unique abilities, and the truth she starts to unravel about her family. I had to immediately buy the second and third audiobooks so I could continue on.
I listened to these on audio, so please excuse any misspellings.
Delphine has a strong healing seed. Born to two people with plants affinities, she rejects her own element, especially because of her intense squeamishness. But when a friend of hers is led off by a charismatic stranger, Delphine realizes healing-assassins are a thing. (And for a moment, I thought this book was going to go much darker than Cellier’s other novels.) She agrees for Amara, a traveling Master-strength elements mage, to activate her seed and starts her apprenticeship.
Love Ember the 🦊, Amara’s no-nonsense attitude toward training, Delphine’s unique abilities, and the truth she starts to unravel about her family. I had to immediately buy the second and third audiobooks so I could continue on.
July 4, 2024
I admire Melanie Cellier, as she is an excellent writer and world-builder. But, unexpectedly, this may be the one, and the series, I love the most, elevating it to five stars. I was completely engaged the entire time, never getting bored, and not getting overly anxious. It was the exact escapism I needed this week! I have started the second in the series. I listened to the Audible version, and absolutely loved the narration by Kira Fixx. It was one of the best narrators I ever encountered.
I very much enjoy reading about all the major characters (except the one evil mystery man). I was taken aback by the revealment near the end. Really loved the focus on healing as well as plant magic. Cannot say enough fine things about this excellent book. Highly recommended!
I very much enjoy reading about all the major characters (except the one evil mystery man). I was taken aback by the revealment near the end. Really loved the focus on healing as well as plant magic. Cannot say enough fine things about this excellent book. Highly recommended!
May 17, 2025
This is a great popcorn book, as with all of Melanie Cellier’s work. It is engaging, easy to listen to, and comfortably predictable. The plot elements in every series she writes are all the same: secretly strong protagonist, peasant with eventual ties to royalty, unexpected powers unlocked, threat from a distant nation or secret enemy, etc. But I don’t mind much. I found the love intrest annoying and not very compelling, but he is thankfully not the main focus of the story. The strongest aspect of this book was the exploration of the healing mage powers and additional worldbuilding. This is as always where Melanie Cellier shines. Overall I enjoyed this book and will continue with the series. Special love to Ember, her Fox companion. 💕
June 20, 2025
Sorry this wasn’t one of my favorites. It took me a long time to listen to this one. But I also didn’t like the reader. So it was double annoy at times for me.
I feel like the main character is very naive and immature. It was so weird she left home with a stranger after fearing leaving home for so long. And it didn’t seem like to save the friend was a big enough excuse to activate your seed and head off with a mage, when 12 hours ago didn’t trust any mages at all.
It’s just been a hard read for me. And the prince character also was a big disappointment and rude and childish. He was hard to believe in as well. But I’ve been told I need to read a previous series first. So maybe I should do that.
I feel like the main character is very naive and immature. It was so weird she left home with a stranger after fearing leaving home for so long. And it didn’t seem like to save the friend was a big enough excuse to activate your seed and head off with a mage, when 12 hours ago didn’t trust any mages at all.
It’s just been a hard read for me. And the prince character also was a big disappointment and rude and childish. He was hard to believe in as well. But I’ve been told I need to read a previous series first. So maybe I should do that.
August 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the Mage Influence series and was eager to start this new spin-off. However, I was a little disappointed. The pace for the first half was rather slow, and I did not feel a connection to the characters like the previous series. In addition, as other reviewers have mentioned, the romantic relationship between Delphine and Nik was rather abrupt.
Although not one of my favorites, I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series. I will likely wait until it is completed though before starting book 2.
Although not one of my favorites, I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series. I will likely wait until it is completed though before starting book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
Another unique mage series from Melanie Cellier. Delphine is such a sympathetic character, strengths and flaws. I absolutely understand her nausea at the sight of blood.
And Nik is the perfect intense young man, dismissive of an apprentice mage, as the "enemy" for the enemies to lovers trope developing.
Amara is a wonderful and empathetic mentor with a great sense if humor when needed.
I like the traveling mage concept since it is a refreshing change from the Mage's Guild Academys in her other series.
Read this in one day. Can't wait for free time to devour the next book.
And Nik is the perfect intense young man, dismissive of an apprentice mage, as the "enemy" for the enemies to lovers trope developing.
Amara is a wonderful and empathetic mentor with a great sense if humor when needed.
I like the traveling mage concept since it is a refreshing change from the Mage's Guild Academys in her other series.
Read this in one day. Can't wait for free time to devour the next book.
July 17, 2024
This is a spin-off of the Mage's Influence series, which is set in the same world and has some of the same characters, including Nic.
However, our female lead is a brand new character, Delphine.
Delphine is older and has been afraid to activate her power seed due to her father's influence.
She meets a traveling mage and is activated and begins her apprenticeship as a traveling mage herself.
She meets Nic when she runs into Grey, who is convincing youth to leave their towns and go with him.
This begins the adventure.
YA rating
Good world building
Good character development
However, our female lead is a brand new character, Delphine.
Delphine is older and has been afraid to activate her power seed due to her father's influence.
She meets a traveling mage and is activated and begins her apprenticeship as a traveling mage herself.
She meets Nic when she runs into Grey, who is convincing youth to leave their towns and go with him.
This begins the adventure.
YA rating
Good world building
Good character development
August 8, 2023
This book was a great start to a new mage trilogy!
I already love the themes developing with Delphine and Nik as they have really stepped out on their own, out of the worlds they were raised in. I am excited to see how they help each other uncover the threat and how they help each other deal with old wounds.
I highly recommend this book series and the Mage's Influence series that came before it!
I already love the themes developing with Delphine and Nik as they have really stepped out on their own, out of the worlds they were raised in. I am excited to see how they help each other uncover the threat and how they help each other deal with old wounds.
I highly recommend this book series and the Mage's Influence series that came before it!
August 10, 2023
Omg
Melanie cellier always amazes me. I love how she can take a character who was unlikable or outright "evil" and slowly redeem them in her next book. Allowing them to see the wrong in their ways. Add to this the fact that she rights strong females into the lead and you've got the makings of an amazing book. (BTW read the extra chapter at the end with caution as it brought me to tears)
Melanie cellier always amazes me. I love how she can take a character who was unlikable or outright "evil" and slowly redeem them in her next book. Allowing them to see the wrong in their ways. Add to this the fact that she rights strong females into the lead and you've got the makings of an amazing book. (BTW read the extra chapter at the end with caution as it brought me to tears)
August 12, 2023
Contains: kisses and some fighting. This book has some of the same characters from the last series but it is definitely a stand alone. Other than the fact that the relationship went from 0 to relationship in 0 seconds flat, I thought the book was pretty enjoyable. I liked that the FMC discovered things about herself, I hope she gets to return home in the next book or so to discuss her discoveries with her parents.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews