In a world divided by cultural strife, twins Sova and Nilah, alongside their unlikely friend Evie, navigate the complex landscape of Mathsmagica Academy. Tasked with maintaining harmony amidst rising tensions and mysterious threats from The Fog, they uncover shocking truths about their pasts and the true nature of their lineage. In the quest for answers, Sova finds lingering secrets within The Tapestry of Shadows, unveiling powers that could change all religion forever.
In “Tapestry of Shadows” Sova and Nilah climb the ranks within The Academy. Born and raised in Nocturnia, country of The Shadow Covenants, society views them with hateful eyes. But their latent potential does not go unnoticed, attracting thrilling opportunities for specialised education. Little do they know, their ascension within The Academy is but a part of a grander scheme. Endariel and his loyalists have not been dormant. As the dawn of Sova's twentieth year arrives, the time came for The King of Dragons to awaken and claim his vessel's body. Who else knows a Dragon resides within Sova's body and what will Sova do when the ritual is complete and Endariel takes over?
Daniel Georgiev (Also known as "Blentkills") is a passionate storyteller and the author of captivating low and high-fantasy novels that transport readers to richly imagined worlds. With a deep love for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters, Daniel’s works blend the epic scope of high-fantasy with the grounded, intimate storytelling of low-fantasy, offering something for every fan of the genre.
Guided by a lifelong fascination with the complexities of human nature and the power of imagination, Daniel weaves tales that explore themes of resilience, identity, and the blurred line between good and evil. His writing invites readers to reflect on the choices that define us while embarking on thrilling adventures through realms both magical and familiar.
Explore his books and connect with him for insights into his creative process, upcoming releases, and the art of world-building.
I have a lot of conflicting feelings about Mathsamgica. The issues I have are numerous and start early on, and yet, I did find the characters charming (though they do act like younger teenagers, while being advertised as 20-year-olds) and the world to be rich and complex. That said, those aforementioned issues can’t be ignored.
Lets start with the plot. Info dumping was an issue and plot points often felt disjointed. There was a lack of stakes for most of the story and the characters seemed to serve the plot. Motivation wasn’t there for a lot of actions taken and trust was given freely when, given these characters backgrounds, that didn’t really make sense.
The magic system was a fabulous concept, but it also disappointed. I kept wishing that the book would more heavily lean into the nerdy, dark academia, using equations to cast spells side of things. The way the book was advertised, I thought that was what I was getting. But instead, the magic system made little sense to me and the ‘rules’ of magic were fast and loose. They chanted words to cast, but sometimes they pulled ‘equations up in their minds’ and it all felt... weird.
The last thing that I’ll mention was the pacing. It simply felt off. Things escalated SO quickly. First, they were going to school as first years, then they were the wisest mages and going on raids and then quickly to war. The transitions weren’t done well.
Mathsmagica’s saving graces were that, yes, there were dragons and they were cool and that its foundational concepts were super cool too. There were so many good plot pieces too, they just didn’t fit well together. And if the characters had been 16 (and there had been better editing), everything would have fit better for me. It also helped that there was a super sweet side romance and a wonderful sibling relationship displayed.
This world has so much potential, and with the great ending to Mathsmagica, I can’t wait to see if the following books in the series will live up to this potential.
Thank you to the author, Daniel Stefanov Georgiev for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Imagin a world where the only way to do magic was to know math... and know it well. There's me doing magic right out the window! (Cries, another magical future crushed!) You have an academy setting, magic, fantasy (obviously), dragons, and a very, very unique fairly complicated magical system. (Don't worry, the complicated doesn't really take away from the story.) I enjoyed reading Sova and Nilah adventures and I can't wait for book two!
I absolutely loved this book. I was part of the ARC team to read this book, and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish
From the very moment I started this book, I was sucked into a world full of magic. This book was amazing, and I was hooked by the first chapter. The details and character development were amazing. If you love magic, plot twists, and action, this book will be for you. The book was wonderfully written, and the illustrations were a very nice touch. Can't wait to get a physical copy to add to my collection.
-I really enjoyed this book. The magic system and the world were both great and even though I wished we could have explored more of everything, I really liked it because it was simple enough to understand but complex enough for it to be interesting. The adventure plot line was also really fun to read about.
-The characters were great. I really liked them and they were all sweet. I wish that the relationship between Evie and Nova was explored a bit more and that the slow burn burned a bit more than it did. I wanted them to be secretly pining for each other and have more romantic interactions without them actually being together yet.
-The ending was a bit expected for a standalone fantasy. It felt like everything just ended all great and cheerfully but like it was a bit too much. I wished that there was still a bit of suspense but without leaving us without anything.
I sometimes struggle with fantasy stories that require a lot of world building - especially when they introduce entirely new realms with their own rules and lore. But Mathsmagica surprised me in the best way. While the story occasionally leaned toward being a bit hard to follow, by the end, everything clicked into place. The payoff was worth it: a truly masterful fantasy world, built piece by piece in a way that felt intentional and rewarding.
A big part of what made this audiobook work so well was the narrator. He brought the story to life with ease, giving each character a distinct and believable voice. The accents were spot on, and the transitions between characters were seamless. His performance grounded the more complex parts of the book and made it feel accessible, even during the denser moments of plot or exposition.
If you’re someone who appreciates a richly built fantasy world but sometimes gets overwhelmed by the intricacies of unfamiliar settings, this audiobook might be the perfect balance. The storytelling combined with a strong narration makes Mathsmagica a memorable listen.
This book masterfully weaves the story of twins Sova and Nilah as they navigate the complexities of Mathsmagica Academy amid cultural strife and mysterious threats alongside their friend Evie. The story's pace is engaging, with beautiful descriptions and wonderful drawings that bring the world to life. I couldn't put this book down, it was amazing and Daniel sure is a wonderful author. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I trusted the author as I dove into the unfamiliar world of dark academia. I've never indulged in the genre before, but with his previous books I was excited to give it a shot. Mathsmagica has plenty of world building but is fast paced. Often the events and world building are side by side, rather than explicitly having their own moment. Overall, Mathsmagica was a delightful and easy to digest read. I look forward to the future of the series!
Mathsmagika had a wonderful concept and held so much promise to be great, but, unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
I think this book needed to spend more time in the editing stages to truly be an immersive, well flowing read. The writing is very stiff and reminds me more of a script than a novel, especially when it comes to dialog - something about the way the characters speak is very unnatural. While their actions are almost childish, their speech is overly proper in some areas and incredibly casual in others without rhyme or reason.
The magic system was unique, and I did highly enjoy that aspect of it. I wish the author had focused on it more!
Overall, the book is a decent read, but is definitely not what I pictured based off of the description. It has a unique magic system and interesting characters with a fast paced setting. The dragons are a good touch, too! If it had spent more time with a quality editor, it would have made a world of difference, but it is still an alright read if you can get past the irregular pacing and dialog.
This book was fantastically written. Fast pace but slow enough that the character development was amazing. Right away you’re brought into a world that is divided into multiple unique magic systems. Where the tension between each is felt as the characters are going to an academy. You follow twins Sova the MMC his twin sister Nilah. The twins are apart of Nocturna which they use black magic. Evie their best friend is apart of the Luminari which is light magic. The three of them were caught in a predicament where Sova was caught using a different magic from his own. It was brought to the head master of the Academy. Where he enforced the three of them to become the Harmony Enforcers. In hopes that they could help keep the school safe and hope that one day the tension between lands would ease. As the Story goes along you start to piece things together but still get the plot twists at the end! You figure out who the twins really are and why they can practice different magic. Second book? I have so many questions. It may have not ended on a cliffhanger but I have so many questions and theories. The ending felt rushed but if there is a second that would leave it perfect for the next installment!! Thank you Daniel for allowing me to read another one of your books as an ARC! You’re a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to read more of your work!
Wow! It pulled me in right away, literally. The first scene had so much going on and helped set the tone beautifully. I felt a little lost, just like the characters in the book. The author did an excellent job at pulling at your emotional strings.
I was a little concerned because the story dives into another teen war school and thought it would be similar to other story lines but there was so much more to it! It pulled me in and I didn’t want to come out of this magical world.
The concept of magic and science together enthralled me. I love both and the author did a wonderful job of blending the two worlds together. I especially enjoyed magic being seen as equations you can rewrite.
At the end of the book there was a twist that I wasn’t seeing that laid the foundation for the next in the series. I’m looking forward to the next and to see where it takes me.
Re-read: Still a 5⭐️ read. This was a re-read, so I'd be ready for the 2nd Installment coming out in the next few weeks.
The world-building and storytelling. The development of all characters. It's such an immersive experience. I feel like I'm right there with everyone. Including the Dragon King.
I'd still recommend this read for anyone interested in some high fantasy, dark academia, with magical battles and dragons. ******
1st Read - What a great world. From the start, the author gives you the world. Gives you the magic. Gives you the DRAGONS. Plus, there are many more.
Dark Academia is shown throughout Mathsmagica. The elemental magic aspect is so interesting. The action, the world-building, the plot, coexist evenly. Mathsmagica keeps you in the moment and the world until the very end.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I can’t wait for more of this world. The concepts of shape shifting and equations for magic is unlike anything I’ve yet to read. Georgiev does a wonderful job of telling a fast paced story and building an interesting and complex world. There is still so much more to learn about this trio and the world that Mathsmagica is a part of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I very quickly feel in love with this book, the only issue that I really had with it was with the characters being flouted at older, being more in their 20's and then they acted like they were actually in their teens at times. But, when I decided to just go with it and let the characters have a more fluid age, then it was perfect for me. The characters were easy to love, and they just kept pulling you in.
The character development was great. I loved the interactions between Nilah, Sovie, and Evie. Getting to watch them get to know each other, and in the process getting to know them, watching them grow and actually explore their magic, it was amazing. And watching them push their limits was breathless. Getting images and definitions from book entries was fun. That was a great fun and unique way to get the information that we needed throughout the book. The pictures really helped in being able able to be able to see what some of the creatures looked like. This helped prevent the narrator from interrupting the story to give you information that you needed.
Having read a lot of books with magic and academies, I can honestly say that there is no other book like this out there. The magic system is new and innovative. It has its own set of complexities, and yet, because we get those entries, we can understand the magic system. And the academy is yes, is not unique unto itself, but at the same time, I can say that Mathsmagica is unlike any other out there for all its own reasons that are far to numerous to state. And unlike so many other academy books out there that run like each other, our author Daniel gave us some surprises that we couldn't have ever seen coming, which were really very nice.
I can say that this is a rather interesting book all in all. The writing style and syntax are something that you have to get used to, and it takes a chapter or two, its unique to the author. But, it's suited to the style of the story, and really its more technical at time then creative, but I can forgive the author. It really matches the vibe of the book really well. And this book, and the adventure you go on in it, is so worth it, is so fun and interesting and like no other I've ever gone on before. I can't wait for the next book and to see what happens next.
(I’ll preface by saying the way I rate, 4⭐️ is the highest most books get unless I’m to the point of obsession so 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻)
I will say, as an ARC reader the prologue confused tf out of me at the beginning, but it also got me interested which is a good thing. I was also a little fluid on their ages there mentally for a while until it was mentioned that they were both 20.
I loved the character developement between Nilah, Sovie, and Evie and enjoyed watching them grow as characters. I almost wished we had more time to watch them grow and explore their magic before some of the major events happened in the books. I also really loved that we got some imaging and definitions in the form of book entries in some of the chapters. It really helped to envision some of the creatures and some of the things that are going on without the narrator having to directly tell you himself.
I have certainly not read another book like it. Sure an academy feel is something I’m used to reading, but this took it in a whole new direction. Especially with some of the twists at the end? Some of the events that happened, you anticipated happening, then Daniel threw a wrench in there and surprised me with multiple things I never saw coming.
All in all it was pretty cool. The syntax of the writing was something i had to get used to, as it’s not the usual style I read. It’s seemingly more technically than creative imagery at times, but once I got in line with that that it was a great read. I feel like it also matched the feeling of the book as well when I got into it. If you’re a few chapters in and confused as heck like I was, keep going. The journey is worth it and there’s a lot of interesting things to experience and discover along the way.
Mathsmagica by Daniel Georgiev is a book that immediately interested me from the get go. When I read the book blurb I was curious as I love a good fantasy read. I also read a previous book by this author and I enjoyed how that book was written. At the time I’m writing this review I’ve read the book twice and each time I read it in a matter of hours; each chapter felt like it led to something bigger. It’s a fantasy book that has an academy setting; it also tackles magical differences. One of my favorite elements was that it has a unique magic system that was easy to understand but complex at the same time. Plus, I thought the characters were great… especially Sova and Evie though I do wish more moments were explored. (Nothing that takes away from the read) Additionally there’s the added element of dragons which is an automatic win for me! I thought the book was well written, fast paced with an addictive take with great worldbuilding. I also thought things were described so well that I was able to imagine the settings and situations. Overall I had a great reading experience (both times). There’s also the bonus of the inside of the book has some illustrations as well. Needless to say this is my favorite book that Daniel Georgiev has written and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two. If you’re a fan of fantasy, dragons, unique magic then this is the book for you…highly recommended.
Mathsmagica is targeted towards teens/ young adults, which there is nothing wrong with that, the storyline was entertaining, I enjoyed the fantasy aspect with magic , and magical creatures, The book has photos throughout the book which I thought was cool! This book kept me interested throughout the whole book, and I did enjoyed the book, it is among the types of books I would read, but I am super excited to end up reading the second one, to see where this story leads. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot, I also enjoyed the archived section throughout the story I think the little history tid-bits added a nice touch to the book. Daniel Georgiev did a fantastic job adhearing to young adults, and teens in a way that is an easy read, its easy to get into, and it keeps your interest throughout it!
Three College aged students end up in a school for magic and science, while these students sit through their classes learning spells, and the history of their land, a strange and dangerous entity looms around the world wrecking havok in its wake, While these three friends with their wits and their powers do everything they can to keep the peace, they also find love, and friendship, while learning to trust each other throughout the story making you love them more each page. I was not exxpecting the ending and I'm super excited to learn that there will be more to the story later on! I am glad I found Daniel Georgiev and I will read whatever comes next as soon as its out!!
Daniel has created another amazing series that I can’t get enough of!
We follow twins, Sova and Nilah who were the only survivors in their family who were killed. They were just mere babies at the time, now they are older and have been accepted into Mathsmagica Academy. They must rise there the ranks and prove that those from Nocturnia aren’t what the world thinks they are. Their family name hidden, they become friends with Evie whose powers are the opposite to them - light.
They form an amazing bond which has gotten the academy’s headmaster’s attention when they worked together and fought along side each other. With a target on their backs, they must keep working together as they face tasks together to defeat.
Through of all of this, Sova is beginning to learn more about the past and what truly happened to his family. Not everything is what it seems as he uncovers why he seems to have more power and reserve than his sister and Evie.
You will not be able to put this book down once you start to read! You’ll be cheering for the love interest that begins to form, you’ll want to keep reading to make sure everyone survives the tasks they face as well as want to find out what is happening to Sova. I know I couldn’t!
I enjoyed reading mathsmagica: tapestry of shafows. It's not quite original, but what is truly original nowadays. The story is set in a fantasy world where some people are able to do magic. At the heart of the story is Sova, an incarnation of a legendary hero called Sovah, and him and his sister are the only remaining survivors of the Darc family.
The book covers off an introduction to this fantasy world, and appears to be the first of a series. It was well written and featured some great action scenes, involving magic and fantasy creatures. While reading these segments, I could easily imagine myself playing it out in an RPG game like pillars of eternity or final fantasy.
The characters were probably the weakest part, as some of the development seemed too convenient and at times things seemed too easy for the heroes, I just didn't feel anything was at stake for them. Having said that, tbh that was a minor issue, they were still likeable characters and the intrigue of the story kept me hooked.
Overall, I think this is a well told story, and while it may remind of other stories or games you might have encountered, I think there are still some interesting ideas here which makes this an enjoyable ride for fans of fantasy.
I have never read a story centered around magic quite like this one!
One major thing I loved about this world is that magic just exists and there is no need to overly explain how or why. It allows the story to just get to where it needs to be.
Now, using the concept of twins in books can often bring difficult but the way this is handled is that the focus is solely on the characters Sova. He and his sister Nilah perform a set of magic that is perceived to be dark or wrong. Usually when this happens a character is made to also look evil but the juxtaposition of them having the blonde hair plays on the stigma more and creates a way to realise not everything might be as it seems. Or at least that is how I see it!
Sometimes magical fantasy can rely on heavy information dumps. The way we get information is at the start of the chapter that either refers to something that's just happened or tells you something you will need to follow and event within the chapter while not spoiling anything.
I sincerely hope this is not the last I get to spend with Sovie, Nillie and Evie!
I am super grateful to get the opportunity to ARC this story and I cannot wait to purchase it for my bookcase!
This is a novel full of magic and a battle to restore order to the world. Sova and Nilah, our two protagonists, are from a land where that is despised by society at large. They are from a land that is imbued with black magic as a balance to light magic. Hate reigns in both lands because of past pain and hurt, and Sova and Nilah, along with Evie, are challenged to change that. Their story, as part of the larger plot the author lays out for us, becomes more complicated, and more dangerous, the closer they get to the truth of their mission. Georgiev successfully weaves together a world of magic, and its uniting power, with a world of long held prejudice, broken oaths, betrayal, and long buried secrets. He carefully crafts the trio to be a pinnacle of hope and togetherness when distrust has been the norm-painting a history asking to be rewritten.
This was a fun ride and gave me Harry Potter vibes. And although some of the dialogue could have been a bit more polished, it was a treat to read. Did I mention there are dragons in it? Yep, dragons. 4.25 stars.
A big thank you to the author for the ARC. My opinion is my own.
The things that I liked most about the book are the three characters. Sova, Nilah, and Evie. These three had a connection that was fresh and exciting for the book. I found the Sci- fi/ fantasy part to be very interesting and engaging. There are many new interesting magical spells to learn, language, people of different lands. All have different hidden agendas and Sova and his sister are caught in the middle of it. This had me really intrigued with the book, however as the book moved the beginning to the middle I found myself losing interest in the characters. Losing interest in what their challenges were. The many different wordings definitely pushed me from continuing with the book. I couldn’t connect with the plot. That was very hard to continue with the book. The story needs to read with some realism even though it’s fantasy or Sci- fi. You’ve got to capture my imagination. Play me a movie in my mind that should never end. Spoil my imagination with the good stuff. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
Mathsmagica Tapestry of Shadows follows the story of Sova and Nilah, two siblings navigating the world of magic.
I find the first few chapters not too interesting hence I took longer to read this book. To be fair, I was enthusiastic on getting a copy because I'd like to dive in the beauty of fantasy books again.
Along the chapters,the siblings met new colleagues, most importantly Evie, Sova's love interest.
I enjoyed the world building supplemented with illustrations. I definitely like the scenes with the protagonists casting spells but I would have wanted the spells relate to Math or equations so it could match the "equations appearing" during magic castings. The story is not predictable but I found I think there are a lot of things that the author want to tell in the book and it felt a bit of scattered for me.
Actually, my thoughts about the book makes me look forward for the next . The ending is a cliff hanger. I want to know more.
Thanks, Daniel Georgiev for letting me have a copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is a captivating journey into the magical world of Mathsmagica Academy, where twins Sova and Nilah navigate cultural strife and mysterious threats alongside their friend Evie. The storytelling and beautiful illustrations bring this enchanting world to life, and the engaging pace kept me unable to put it down. The character development, particularly between Nilah, Sova, and Evie, is exceptional, and I enjoyed watching them grow and explore their magic.
This book is a fantastic read for fantasy lovers, blending excitement, relatable experiences, and a unique take on the academy setting. The surprising plot twists kept me on my toes, and the twists at the end were genuinely unexpected. If you're a few chapters in and feeling lost, keep going—the journey is worth it. Highly recommended for anyone who loves magic, dragons, and a thrilling adventure!
An engaging, new fantasy world filled with magic, dragons, and love! There’s something in this book for any reader. I’ve never read a book like this or heard of a magic system like the one Daniel Georgiev describes in Mathsmagica.
Mathsmagica weaves a story of twins Sova and Nilah attending a magical academy in a land divided in its beliefs. Already looked down upon by their classmates, the twins have secrets to keep in order to preserve their safety, will they be able to after befriending Evie, a Child of the Light and practitioner of Luminari Faith? Will Evie accept them for who they are?
As if that isn’t enough to handle, Sova is fighting to keep his own power under control. He seems to have so much of it, but where is it coming from?
Endariel, the King of Dragons, rests in his vessel, growing his physical presence day by day. Will the vessel hold or succumb to his power?
I love the magic system in this book. It's based on maths and science, so to cast a spell, you need to know the equation and how much mana to insert into the formula. The prologue sets of the story and kept me in suspense each time... nope. Spoiler. The story was well written with action, dialog, and description to balance the pacing. Although I would have liked less description of characters in the middle of a fight scene. The ending was a surprise. Not at all what I expected, but looking back, there was enough foreshadowing that I just missed. The characters are young adults, but at times they act more like preteens. Especially in regards to the bit of romance happening. It was more like a childish crush. At times, the characters felt a bit flat. I knocked of about 1/3 of a point for that, which still rounds to 5 stars. In spite of the slightly bland, immature characters, this book is well worth reading.
I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team. This book was so good I couldn’t put it down! Even when I was on a plane to a bachelorette I couldn’t stop thinking about this book. Mathsmagica blends fantasy, magical math concepts and who doesn’t love a magic academy. Honestly if I was sova My head would explode if I saw what he sees. Just ask Daniel what a spells math equation looks like! The book focus on the twins Sova, Nilah, and their friend and Evie. Together they navigate a world filled with mystery, secrets, magic and plot twists. The character development and world building was amazing!
This was such a unique book, i absolutely loved the storyline and all the tiny details that were included. The background information, the detailed environment really had me completely intrigued. The magical elements were well detailed and very creative, loved the differences in the dark/light and the past history that still stigmatises the current generation. The inclusion of the illustrations were a phenomenal addition, they are really brilliant and really added to the story. The suspense and mysterious elements had me in the edge of my chair. This was an absolute brilliant book. **I want to bring up other highlights but really don’t want to ruin it for a new reader.
The world building in this book is so beautiful! Who doesn’t love a book about magic with dragons in it? Because it doesn’t read at my normal pace, it took a few chapters to get immersed into the world, but once I was in it I was hooked!
Sova, Nilah, and Evie are united in a journey of magic and power. Learning limits and studying at an academy, they push against expectations and band together to make a great team to defeat all odds. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it expected to be a part of a series! Looking forward to the next book
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Very interesting magic system. I honestly stayed up too late each night reading! I have to just had to know what would happen next. The development in this book is topnotch! I grew to love Sova, Nilah, and Evie. Even with the different cultures between the twins and Evie. Evie didn't care and wanted to be their friend, no matter how society viewed Sova and Nilah.
If you love magic, dragons, and great adventure, this book series is for you ❤️
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Daniel did a beautiful job.