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Magemother #3
The Bridge to Nowhere
Three days. Seven mages. One traitor…
In this epic conclusion to the Magemother trilogy, Brinley ventures into the upside-down world of Inveress with a traitor at her side. Meanwhile, trapped inside the Panthion, Hugo searches for the truth that will save him from destruction. Together, they will find danger and death, loyalty and friendship. Together, they must save the world, and cross the bridge to nowhere.
The Bridge to Nowhere is the third and final volume in Austin J. Bailey's Magemother series: an epic middle-grade fantasy adventure series with witches, shapeshifters, mystery, cliffhangers, and awesome kids.
In this epic conclusion to the Magemother trilogy, Brinley ventures into the upside-down world of Inveress with a traitor at her side. Meanwhile, trapped inside the Panthion, Hugo searches for the truth that will save him from destruction. Together, they will find danger and death, loyalty and friendship. Together, they must save the world, and cross the bridge to nowhere.
The Bridge to Nowhere is the third and final volume in Austin J. Bailey's Magemother series: an epic middle-grade fantasy adventure series with witches, shapeshifters, mystery, cliffhangers, and awesome kids.
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First published May 31, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 2, 2016
First off I want to say how impressed I am of Mr. Bailey to release an entire trilogy in less than a year. Usually, most authors tend to publish one book a year and sometimes the wait isn’t really worth it. However, even if Mr. Bailey had published one book a year I would not have been mad because each book was so good. As a finale, this book lived up to my expectations and gave me the ending that I really desired. There were not many surprises in the end, but I wouldn’t say that was a bad thing. Many authors try to do something drastic and it sometimes ruins the entire story. I won’t spoil the ending, but it was a little sad, exciting, and really sweet. Just as the other books, it was hopeful and filled with adventure. I believe that the reason this story was so great was because of the characters and the lessons being taught. For me, it is hard to follow a book series that has underdeveloped and bland characters. However, since book one, Mr. Bailey has given us characters that were relatable and filled with different personalities. It is hard to choose one favorite character because they are all so unique. Since this was a character driven story there really wasn’t much to say about the plot because the summary pretty much tells you everything you need to know. A major part of the story takes place in two “new” locations and they were Inveress and inside the Panthion. Brinley’s journey in Inveress and Hugo’s journey in the Panthion were really fascinating because they were in two completely different settings. The plot was pretty straight forward which made it really easy to understand what was going on.
In my review of the "Paradise Twin" I shared my little disappointment of Brinley’s powers. It wasn’t until the end of "The Bridge to Nowhere" in which I really understood the role of the Magemother and what her powers were meant to do. I knew she was supposed to be the one to take care of the mages and protect the people of Aberdeen, but for some reason I thought she was supposed to have the powers of a mage. At the final battle I saw how powerful and important Brinley was to the mages. She was there to bring unity and guide the mages. I really want to talk more about the ending but I won’t because it was really exciting and I do not want to ruin the excitement! Let’s just say it gave me a new appreciation for the Magemother. As for Hugo, it was nice again to see his struggle with Molad. A lot of the lessons taught in this story was because of his struggle between light and darkness and it made for some really compelling parts throughout the book. Hugo’s shining moment, just like Brinley’s, was near the end and I was really pleased with the outcome of his character. It’s hard to share Hugo’s story without hinting about what happens at the end so all I will say is that you won’t be disappointed! Even though it is really hard to choose a favorite character, I would probably chose Tabitha. Tabitha brought me joy and laughter in every part she is in. I love her enthusiasm, optimism, and innocence! One of my favorite parts in the book was when Tabitha chose to open the Panthion near a lake and valley and Brinley says, “Tabitha, you were supposed to be picking a spot that gave us a tactical advantage, not finding the prettiest spot to potentially die in.” I literally just laughed while typing that sentence. Cannon was also another character I found to be quite humorous and I love his relationship with Hugo. Their friendship was very similar to Brinley and Tabitha so it was really hard to lose interest in any part of the story. There was not as much dialog with the mages but it wasn’t hard to recall who was who and what power they had. United they make the perfect team and it was great to see them working together. As for the villains there was mainly four: March, Janarax, Shael, and Gadjhalt. There wasn’t a lot going on with them in the early parts of the book but they were very intimidating during the battle and it was very exciting to see them face off against our heroes.
There are some series that I have read that lost their momentum after the first book. It is really hard to write and intriguing story all the way through, but I think Mr. Bailey has accomplished this. There is no repeating plot points and there is just one large story taking place. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the books in the beginning, but here I am writing my review for the final book in the series. It took my four days to finish this book which shows how captivated I was in the story. If you are a fan of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson I highly recommend that you read this book. This has easily become one of my favorite series and I have placed it at the top of my bookshelf with some of my other favorite books!
In my review of the "Paradise Twin" I shared my little disappointment of Brinley’s powers. It wasn’t until the end of "The Bridge to Nowhere" in which I really understood the role of the Magemother and what her powers were meant to do. I knew she was supposed to be the one to take care of the mages and protect the people of Aberdeen, but for some reason I thought she was supposed to have the powers of a mage. At the final battle I saw how powerful and important Brinley was to the mages. She was there to bring unity and guide the mages. I really want to talk more about the ending but I won’t because it was really exciting and I do not want to ruin the excitement! Let’s just say it gave me a new appreciation for the Magemother. As for Hugo, it was nice again to see his struggle with Molad. A lot of the lessons taught in this story was because of his struggle between light and darkness and it made for some really compelling parts throughout the book. Hugo’s shining moment, just like Brinley’s, was near the end and I was really pleased with the outcome of his character. It’s hard to share Hugo’s story without hinting about what happens at the end so all I will say is that you won’t be disappointed! Even though it is really hard to choose a favorite character, I would probably chose Tabitha. Tabitha brought me joy and laughter in every part she is in. I love her enthusiasm, optimism, and innocence! One of my favorite parts in the book was when Tabitha chose to open the Panthion near a lake and valley and Brinley says, “Tabitha, you were supposed to be picking a spot that gave us a tactical advantage, not finding the prettiest spot to potentially die in.” I literally just laughed while typing that sentence. Cannon was also another character I found to be quite humorous and I love his relationship with Hugo. Their friendship was very similar to Brinley and Tabitha so it was really hard to lose interest in any part of the story. There was not as much dialog with the mages but it wasn’t hard to recall who was who and what power they had. United they make the perfect team and it was great to see them working together. As for the villains there was mainly four: March, Janarax, Shael, and Gadjhalt. There wasn’t a lot going on with them in the early parts of the book but they were very intimidating during the battle and it was very exciting to see them face off against our heroes.
There are some series that I have read that lost their momentum after the first book. It is really hard to write and intriguing story all the way through, but I think Mr. Bailey has accomplished this. There is no repeating plot points and there is just one large story taking place. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the books in the beginning, but here I am writing my review for the final book in the series. It took my four days to finish this book which shows how captivated I was in the story. If you are a fan of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson I highly recommend that you read this book. This has easily become one of my favorite series and I have placed it at the top of my bookshelf with some of my other favorite books!
December 25, 2017
I was actually going to finish this book in order to hate-review it, but I'm so disgusted now that I can't finish it. At first I was hoping the author would maybe read my review and think about it and I guess I still sort of hope that, but I don't think that if he read it he would.
So the first book and novella were good fun except for a few things, and the second book was pretty boring but still alright. The third book is....there were a few good things but they were heavily outled by all the bad. If you don't want to read a review that is only bad I recommend you skip this one.
1. From the first book on there was racism. All the evil people are described as having unnatural black skin many times. That's disgusting, Austin J. Bailey.
2. I don't remember what it was but in my review of the first book I mentioned ableism.
3. Tabitha-the first book treated her pretty well. She was clearly heavily coded as autistic, it seemed to me, but she was still a character. Suddenly in the third book she wasn't anymore. She was described as "childlike" or "having a child's mind forever". She would ignore dangerous stuff because there was something "fun" to do. She acted childish, though she had acted on about the same level as Hugo and Brinley beforehand (also, minor complaint, Brinley's sudden maturation was weird and not well-written). It feels like the author didn't know that he was coding her as autistic, then suddenly found out he was and made a horrible representation.
4. And this is the reason I stopped reading: There's this message of "evil isn't really evil and good isn't really good". Apparently you shouldn't fight against evil because doing good is just as bad, or will bring about evil, or something like that. You have to "be an observer and let everything take it's course". I know, I don't get it either.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.-Matin Luther King
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.-Albert Einstein
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.-Edmund Burke
Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.-Haile Selassie
The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil. -Hannah Arendt
Hey, look, maybe I misunderstood the whole "good is evil" thing. I sure hope I did.
(the stuff in quotation marks are not quotes from the book, just the main idea)
So the first book and novella were good fun except for a few things, and the second book was pretty boring but still alright. The third book is....there were a few good things but they were heavily outled by all the bad. If you don't want to read a review that is only bad I recommend you skip this one.
1. From the first book on there was racism. All the evil people are described as having unnatural black skin many times. That's disgusting, Austin J. Bailey.
2. I don't remember what it was but in my review of the first book I mentioned ableism.
3. Tabitha-the first book treated her pretty well. She was clearly heavily coded as autistic, it seemed to me, but she was still a character. Suddenly in the third book she wasn't anymore. She was described as "childlike" or "having a child's mind forever". She would ignore dangerous stuff because there was something "fun" to do. She acted childish, though she had acted on about the same level as Hugo and Brinley beforehand (also, minor complaint, Brinley's sudden maturation was weird and not well-written). It feels like the author didn't know that he was coding her as autistic, then suddenly found out he was and made a horrible representation.
4. And this is the reason I stopped reading: There's this message of "evil isn't really evil and good isn't really good". Apparently you shouldn't fight against evil because doing good is just as bad, or will bring about evil, or something like that. You have to "be an observer and let everything take it's course". I know, I don't get it either.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.-Matin Luther King
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.-Albert Einstein
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.-Edmund Burke
Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.-Haile Selassie
The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil. -Hannah Arendt
Hey, look, maybe I misunderstood the whole "good is evil" thing. I sure hope I did.
(the stuff in quotation marks are not quotes from the book, just the main idea)
February 10, 2017
I wish I could convince Austin J. Bailey to continue this series. Was the ending good? Yes, but I really didn't want it to end. By this point, I really want to be a mage, but I can't decide which one. I spent most of the book talking to myself because I was so into the story. I feel like I need to sit for a while now and realize that I have to say goodbye to the characters. I was way too invested in their lives. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, but I went to bed one night right after reading chapter 10, and spent the whole night wondering if Tabitha was okay. I may need to re-read the series right away, I'm not ready to be done with it yet.
September 8, 2016
Interesting series
The Magemother series is a middle grade fantasy written by Austin J. Bailey. The gorgeous cover artwork is eyecatching, and the premise, well, the premise of misfit girl being summoned to another world and uncovering her true past could be either totally lame or really work well. The first book was (and at the time of this publication still is) free, so I figured, what did I have to lose?
The Mage and the Magpie
This book was free on Amazon and had high reviews. Honestly, I usually pick up freebies with high reviews so I can give an honest negative review. Many people seem to think that if they like a book, it deserves five stars. Five stars, imo, should be reserved for the most excellent, memorable, standout books. Not every single book you read.
Sometimes, though, books deserve the praise. I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, the search was enjoyable, and since we're in an unfamiliar world there are lots of surprises. Some things that I think were supposed to be "reveals" were obvious to me, but others were not.
I haven't quite figured out how I feel about the magic in this series. I think magic is neutral and you use it for good or bad, like you would a car, and it seems like the mages and apprentices possess their particular magic. Like a gift. I don't think that the wind mage's apprentice could learn the magic of the metal mage. In this world, magic is either something you have or something you don't. If you have it, but are not a mage or mage apprentice, I'm not sure what you do. That's never addressed in the series.
I liked this book so much that I immediately looked the author up and signed up to receive updates from him. I received Magemother 1.5 as a "thank you."
4.5 stars
The Empty Throne
This is a novella, not a full length novel. It was offered as a "thank you" gift for signing up to receive updates from the author.
It is a very short and quick read, but it is an important link in the story. If you don't read this, there will be things you scratch your head at in later books trying to figure out if missed something.
While I didn't find this short story as compelling as the larger series narrative, I still thought it was important and highlighted the vulnerable side of Tabitha. It also makes the reader think about how they would respond if they had to go through Tabitha's test.
4 stars
The Paradise Twin
Book 2 largely focuses on finding the hidden mages and on Hugo's struggle with Molad. And there's a dragon. Dragon's are always fun, right?
In Hugo you really get that Jekyll and Hyde feel. His struggle is real, and it's easy to empathize with him. The search for the hidden mages was not as compelling, though, and almost became tedious at times. I had guessed part of Chantra's location, Unda's hiding place was obvious to me, but Lignumis' was well done.
In this book that I started feeling like the series was very similar to the Farworld series by J. Scott Savage.* A lot of necessary things happened in this book, but overall is wasn't as compelling as the others in the series. It moved things along, but I didn't feel anyone particularly developed as a character.
3 stars
The Bridge to Nowhere
This book was very interesting - and not entirely happy. There were a couple moments where I was actually surprised at something truly bad/sad happenings. Realism! I like books that have happy endings, but when absolutely everything works out perfectly as planned, it is eye-roll worthy. You see more development in Brinley and Hugo, others hold their own, and there are a couple flat characters. Some "twists" in the book I saw coming, but the intended audience would largely find them unexpected.
The Hugo/Molad struggle continued, and while it certainly felt real at times, there was one point very near the end in a major moment (trying for no spoilers!) where the reaction seemed a little extreme. But I understand why the author wrote it that way.
There is a meeting with the gods of their world, near the end of the book, and it rather felt like a huge aside. I got it - and they had showed up in other books - but the direction they promise really hadn't been there the whole series, so it didn't feel quite genuine. They also appear to be modeled after the Mormon view of God - being God and his wife who live in another world, but sometimes interact with us. The moral underpinnings in what they say are close to what I believe as a Christian, but the framework is wrong. Not everyone will agree, but I thought I'd mention it for those who want to have conversations with their children about that aspect of the book.
The biggest thing for me is one unanswered question that is actually asked in the series - what about the bell Brinley's father heard? That is never explained. I feel that is an oversight, or maybe it was too complicated to work into the book without a huge expansion ... but in that case the question should have been removed from the book. Its one thing for a reader to have questions of their own, it's another for an author to pose a question within the series that never gets answered.
Overall, the book gets 4 stars.
Serial Thoughts
As mentioned in my review of book 1, I'm not sold on how magic works in this world. To be sure, it is a well crafted story, but something seems a tad off, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe its the lack of complete explanation, I don't know.
*To expand on my Farworld comment from book 2's review. The Farworld and Magemother series aren't actually that similar. Just the whole looking for mages (who control the elements) that are hidden was bringing me strong vibes of the looking for the hidden elementals (basically the elements themselves). Also, the cross-world transfer of a main character. But the journeys are drastically different, as are the endings. The Magemother series actually has a more satisfying ending, but as a series I think I prefer Farworld. If you like one of the series, though, I'm pretty sure you'll like the other.
And, to reiterate from my review of book 3, I don't like unanswered questions posed within the story itself (If I missed this someone please point it out to me!). There is also the Mormon-esque deity thing going on that doesn't completely fit with the world that was built.
My biggest complaint for the series as a whole is the age of the our main cast. They're around 12 years old! Everything they do just seems better suited for someone at least an additional 5 years older. It's a little overdone in literature today to have THE FATE OF THE WORLD resting on pre-to-early teens.
I was grateful that while there is friendship (and hints of particular people probably liking each other) romance is not really in the book. Like I said, it's hinted around, but it's not the star. THANK YOU! That is so nauseously overdone, and these books show you can have a good story without the romance. Especially when we're talking this young.
Mage and the Magpie: 4.5 stars
The Empty Throne: 4 stars
The Paradise Twin: 3 stars
The Bridge to Nowhere: 4 stars
Magemother series average: 4
I received complimentary ecopies of books 2 & 3 in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Magemother series is a middle grade fantasy written by Austin J. Bailey. The gorgeous cover artwork is eyecatching, and the premise, well, the premise of misfit girl being summoned to another world and uncovering her true past could be either totally lame or really work well. The first book was (and at the time of this publication still is) free, so I figured, what did I have to lose?
The Mage and the Magpie
This book was free on Amazon and had high reviews. Honestly, I usually pick up freebies with high reviews so I can give an honest negative review. Many people seem to think that if they like a book, it deserves five stars. Five stars, imo, should be reserved for the most excellent, memorable, standout books. Not every single book you read.
Sometimes, though, books deserve the praise. I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, the search was enjoyable, and since we're in an unfamiliar world there are lots of surprises. Some things that I think were supposed to be "reveals" were obvious to me, but others were not.
I haven't quite figured out how I feel about the magic in this series. I think magic is neutral and you use it for good or bad, like you would a car, and it seems like the mages and apprentices possess their particular magic. Like a gift. I don't think that the wind mage's apprentice could learn the magic of the metal mage. In this world, magic is either something you have or something you don't. If you have it, but are not a mage or mage apprentice, I'm not sure what you do. That's never addressed in the series.
I liked this book so much that I immediately looked the author up and signed up to receive updates from him. I received Magemother 1.5 as a "thank you."
4.5 stars
The Empty Throne
This is a novella, not a full length novel. It was offered as a "thank you" gift for signing up to receive updates from the author.
It is a very short and quick read, but it is an important link in the story. If you don't read this, there will be things you scratch your head at in later books trying to figure out if missed something.
While I didn't find this short story as compelling as the larger series narrative, I still thought it was important and highlighted the vulnerable side of Tabitha. It also makes the reader think about how they would respond if they had to go through Tabitha's test.
4 stars
The Paradise Twin
Book 2 largely focuses on finding the hidden mages and on Hugo's struggle with Molad. And there's a dragon. Dragon's are always fun, right?
In Hugo you really get that Jekyll and Hyde feel. His struggle is real, and it's easy to empathize with him. The search for the hidden mages was not as compelling, though, and almost became tedious at times. I had guessed part of Chantra's location, Unda's hiding place was obvious to me, but Lignumis' was well done.
In this book that I started feeling like the series was very similar to the Farworld series by J. Scott Savage.* A lot of necessary things happened in this book, but overall is wasn't as compelling as the others in the series. It moved things along, but I didn't feel anyone particularly developed as a character.
3 stars
The Bridge to Nowhere
This book was very interesting - and not entirely happy. There were a couple moments where I was actually surprised at something truly bad/sad happenings. Realism! I like books that have happy endings, but when absolutely everything works out perfectly as planned, it is eye-roll worthy. You see more development in Brinley and Hugo, others hold their own, and there are a couple flat characters. Some "twists" in the book I saw coming, but the intended audience would largely find them unexpected.
The Hugo/Molad struggle continued, and while it certainly felt real at times, there was one point very near the end in a major moment (trying for no spoilers!) where the reaction seemed a little extreme. But I understand why the author wrote it that way.
There is a meeting with the gods of their world, near the end of the book, and it rather felt like a huge aside. I got it - and they had showed up in other books - but the direction they promise really hadn't been there the whole series, so it didn't feel quite genuine. They also appear to be modeled after the Mormon view of God - being God and his wife who live in another world, but sometimes interact with us. The moral underpinnings in what they say are close to what I believe as a Christian, but the framework is wrong. Not everyone will agree, but I thought I'd mention it for those who want to have conversations with their children about that aspect of the book.
The biggest thing for me is one unanswered question that is actually asked in the series - what about the bell Brinley's father heard? That is never explained. I feel that is an oversight, or maybe it was too complicated to work into the book without a huge expansion ... but in that case the question should have been removed from the book. Its one thing for a reader to have questions of their own, it's another for an author to pose a question within the series that never gets answered.
Overall, the book gets 4 stars.
Serial Thoughts
As mentioned in my review of book 1, I'm not sold on how magic works in this world. To be sure, it is a well crafted story, but something seems a tad off, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe its the lack of complete explanation, I don't know.
*To expand on my Farworld comment from book 2's review. The Farworld and Magemother series aren't actually that similar. Just the whole looking for mages (who control the elements) that are hidden was bringing me strong vibes of the looking for the hidden elementals (basically the elements themselves). Also, the cross-world transfer of a main character. But the journeys are drastically different, as are the endings. The Magemother series actually has a more satisfying ending, but as a series I think I prefer Farworld. If you like one of the series, though, I'm pretty sure you'll like the other.
And, to reiterate from my review of book 3, I don't like unanswered questions posed within the story itself (If I missed this someone please point it out to me!). There is also the Mormon-esque deity thing going on that doesn't completely fit with the world that was built.
My biggest complaint for the series as a whole is the age of the our main cast. They're around 12 years old! Everything they do just seems better suited for someone at least an additional 5 years older. It's a little overdone in literature today to have THE FATE OF THE WORLD resting on pre-to-early teens.
I was grateful that while there is friendship (and hints of particular people probably liking each other) romance is not really in the book. Like I said, it's hinted around, but it's not the star. THANK YOU! That is so nauseously overdone, and these books show you can have a good story without the romance. Especially when we're talking this young.
Mage and the Magpie: 4.5 stars
The Empty Throne: 4 stars
The Paradise Twin: 3 stars
The Bridge to Nowhere: 4 stars
Magemother series average: 4
I received complimentary ecopies of books 2 & 3 in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 17, 2018
. I was disappointed. Instead of feeling like cohesive allegory, it felt like a sudden Deus Ex Machina moment at the end. I think a lot of the story elements I was interested in were skipped over or explained away. I'm not against Christian symbolism but it felt disjointed with the very obvious religious twist at the end. Bailey appeared to be attempting to mimic C.S. Lewis without creating the kind of relatable characters that Lewis did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2020
Beautifully Sums Up The Series
The final book of the Magemother series artfully sums up the balance between light and dark, will and willfulness, and the lessons learned from messing up both. The characters that have already grown in your heart blossom by the choices they make, becoming rooted and real in your minds eye. I love the series, and this book polishes it off quite well.
The final book of the Magemother series artfully sums up the balance between light and dark, will and willfulness, and the lessons learned from messing up both. The characters that have already grown in your heart blossom by the choices they make, becoming rooted and real in your minds eye. I love the series, and this book polishes it off quite well.
January 25, 2019
The conclusion of the Magemother series was still as good as the last, throwing some unexpected this in there, and still giving a really good read. Definitely good for kids, nothing too dark. There were also a number of really interesting relics, monuments, and items that were quite unique in this story. Definitely would recommend Austin Bailey.
Read
November 17, 2021The entire Magemother series is fabulous. My 7 and 9 year olds loved the story (read aloud to them, they weren't up to this reading level yet). Even I enjoyed it greatly as an adult. Excellent, creative, fun, age-appropriate for pre-teens, tweens, and early to mature teens. So great, I recommend it to all my teenagers' friends, and to the parents of little kids as well.
August 12, 2017
Fantastic fantasy novel
This is the last in a trilogy of fantasy novels. About a young girl called Brinely. It is a fantastic story that has you hooked right from the start I would recommend this book to 10-14 year olds but if you want to give it a try then do!
This is the last in a trilogy of fantasy novels. About a young girl called Brinely. It is a fantastic story that has you hooked right from the start I would recommend this book to 10-14 year olds but if you want to give it a try then do!
December 20, 2017
I loved the saga of Magemother, it's all very magical and interesting. What you find in the books is all very creative and surprising. You can't wait to buy the next one, in fact every time I finished a book I wanted to buy the next one. It's all about what we can't expect from the world.
December 27, 2017
This was an awesome trilogy I think. I loved the characters and the love, respect, and loyalty shown to one another. The lesson that the mage of light and dark had to endure to survive was enlightening. I thought it taught a rather good moral lesson as well.
July 11, 2017
great
it was really really really really great. i enjoyed the series very much. I recommend these books very highly. they are great
it was really really really really great. i enjoyed the series very much. I recommend these books very highly. they are great
August 16, 2017
I loved this book. I want more. This
Can't be the end.
Can't be the end.
November 1, 2017
Loved the series!
May 18, 2018
Una historia mágica cuyos entrañables personajes permanecerán por siempre en tu corazón
August 27, 2018
More than a mother,More than a Friend.
Although this series of books is intended for the teenage market, it is a really great,fun capturing, fast passed wonderbook
Although this series of books is intended for the teenage market, it is a really great,fun capturing, fast passed wonderbook
October 12, 2023
Not a wonderful series. The story drags, sand I feel like the whole "light and dark" solution is very confusing.
January 10, 2024
stunning
Thrilling conclusion to the adventures of Brinley, the mages, and Aberdeen! Reminiscent of Tolkien, an amazing fantasy tale full of adventure and the power of choice.
Thrilling conclusion to the adventures of Brinley, the mages, and Aberdeen! Reminiscent of Tolkien, an amazing fantasy tale full of adventure and the power of choice.
December 24, 2016
Have I mentioned how much I love Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure books?
They do such a good job of introducing Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, and Humanities to young people - or to anyone of any age, depending on who reads this amazing series.
This particular book has many POVs to illustrate how differently things effect certain individuals: pre-teens, young adults, adult-adults and elderly, which is even better.
I can say, the kids in this series has matured and experienced more self growth then majority of leader characters from YA books. And that has to say something.
Other Fantasy books that are not Middle Grade like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games also bring up topics of 'Entering a New World and Trying to Assimilate/Survive As An Outsider/Newcomer'.
When you are outsider, you have to understand the rules of the world you have stepped into. This Middle Grade genre really has taken my attention lately as a favorite. I'm finding no fault with it so far.
I personally was concerned with the characters in this series.
I cringed when they got stuck in between a rock and a hard place.
I teared up when something particularly sad happened to them.
I laughed at their jokes, whimpered when they were hurt and cheered when they made logical, and mature decisions.
I've seen them grown and am happy with their final transformations and am a little sad - just a little - that this is so the end but am glad of how it all wrapped up.
Bravo, Austin J. Bailey, Bravo.
They do such a good job of introducing Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, and Humanities to young people - or to anyone of any age, depending on who reads this amazing series.
This particular book has many POVs to illustrate how differently things effect certain individuals: pre-teens, young adults, adult-adults and elderly, which is even better.
I can say, the kids in this series has matured and experienced more self growth then majority of leader characters from YA books. And that has to say something.
Other Fantasy books that are not Middle Grade like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games also bring up topics of 'Entering a New World and Trying to Assimilate/Survive As An Outsider/Newcomer'.
When you are outsider, you have to understand the rules of the world you have stepped into. This Middle Grade genre really has taken my attention lately as a favorite. I'm finding no fault with it so far.
I personally was concerned with the characters in this series.
I cringed when they got stuck in between a rock and a hard place.
I teared up when something particularly sad happened to them.
I laughed at their jokes, whimpered when they were hurt and cheered when they made logical, and mature decisions.
I've seen them grown and am happy with their final transformations and am a little sad - just a little - that this is so the end but am glad of how it all wrapped up.
Bravo, Austin J. Bailey, Bravo.
August 18, 2016
As the description suggests, this last book in the Magemother series is full of “danger and death, loyalty and friendship.”
Much more is learned about the major players – especially Brinley, Tabitha, Hugo, Cannon, as well as the mages – in this installment of the work. There is a shocking betrayal, some unexpected support, and lots of other activity to keep things moving along toward the final confrontation.
The slight religious overtures in this volume appear rather at odds with the rest of the narrative. They just didn’t really seem to mesh as well as the author probably would have liked.
The writing was very good, drawing me along more and more into the story, to the extent that I never wanted to stop reading this book until I had finished the entire thing.
The ending was quite definitive; good enough to be considered a "happy" ending, but with enough sad parts to make it believable. Although the author has stated this is his last work set in Aberdeen, there were lots of unexplored opportunities left open for possible future visits, or at least fertile ground for the imaginings of the reader.
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Much more is learned about the major players – especially Brinley, Tabitha, Hugo, Cannon, as well as the mages – in this installment of the work. There is a shocking betrayal, some unexpected support, and lots of other activity to keep things moving along toward the final confrontation.
The slight religious overtures in this volume appear rather at odds with the rest of the narrative. They just didn’t really seem to mesh as well as the author probably would have liked.
The writing was very good, drawing me along more and more into the story, to the extent that I never wanted to stop reading this book until I had finished the entire thing.
The ending was quite definitive; good enough to be considered a "happy" ending, but with enough sad parts to make it believable. Although the author has stated this is his last work set in Aberdeen, there were lots of unexplored opportunities left open for possible future visits, or at least fertile ground for the imaginings of the reader.
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2016
Epic fantasy slightly reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia
This final book in the 3 1/2 book Magemother series includes an extended discussion of the balance between darkness and light. This book should be read after reading the other three books in the series including the novella The Empty Throne which fits between books one and two.
Some things were predictable, but there were some unexpected surprises.
This final book in the 3 1/2 book Magemother series includes an extended discussion of the balance between darkness and light. This book should be read after reading the other three books in the series including the novella The Empty Throne which fits between books one and two.
Some things were predictable, but there were some unexpected surprises.
September 18, 2016
Children of all ages
Best read in a long time.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this to my children.
Can't wait for the final book to be finished.
Best read in a long time.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this to my children.
Can't wait for the final book to be finished.
April 20, 2017
The story was enjoyable. everything still felt a bit too oversimplified, but I liked it overall
April 22, 2017
This book and series are amazing!!! You can't help but love the characters and storyline. There were a few heart wrenching moments, but the ending was everything you could hope for.
May 3, 2017
Loved reading this very magical and fascinating series where the main characters are children who show such a sense of adventure and are fearless! Loved seeing Brinley evolve from a simple fourteen year old living on earth to the magemother, feeling and completely shouldering the responsibility with such love for her mages. Hugo had a difficult character to grow into and adapt to but i think he did his best with such difficult odds against him particularly getting through the trickery of Shael. I loved Tabitha and her utter allegiance to Brinley. The mages where great with all their different roles and characteristics however i had a problem with the very sexist title of one of the chapters whereby Hugo is said to scream like a girl, this is such a stereotyped image of girls i would be angry to see any daughter of mine read such a title and i was also disappointed when the fight which was taking place at a magical level throughout the books between light and dark is turned into a God issue. These Gods return to the world and take over and Hugo gives up his free will and decides to do what they want!! Such a disappointing ending in my opinion!! Just when everyone was doing so well and they fought so hard the final credit goes to the Gods!!
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June 7, 2018These books are one of the best series I have read in many, many years. I love the relationship between Brinley and Hugo. Tabitha is such a delightful character. The rest of the mages have their own roles to play in the stories and each compliments all the others.
Brinley's role as the Magemother makes such perfect sense as you begin to understand her role and what she means to the mages and they to her.
I do believe that this series, although way too short, will be one of my most favourite stories of all time and I highly recommend it to all. Doesn't matter your age, only that you have a deep love for books.
Brinley's role as the Magemother makes such perfect sense as you begin to understand her role and what she means to the mages and they to her.
I do believe that this series, although way too short, will be one of my most favourite stories of all time and I highly recommend it to all. Doesn't matter your age, only that you have a deep love for books.
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