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Shadow Magic #3
Burning Magic
In Book 3, when Lily, aka the "witch queen" and bat-rider extraordinaire Thorn travel to Sultanate of Fire, things go terribly wrong. Instead of celebrating a reunion with their old friend K'leef, they are thrust into royal murder, an epic quest, and a deadly battle for the throne. While investigating the murder, Lily learns shocking truths about her life that could destroy all she has achieved. Yet, among the ruins of her old life, she has the opportunity to become someone greater . . . and more terrifying. Thorn and the magnificent bat, Hades, join the timid K'leef and the idiotic Gabriel Solar in a quest to find a phoenix. These fire birds are the key to saving the sultanate, but they nest within the Shardlands. The boys must defeat not only the monsters of that magical wilderness, but also rivals eager to claim the throne for themselves. Rivals that include a renegade from House Shadow . . . Chilling surprises, ghostly encounters, and belly laughs are just some of the treats in store for readers of this burning-hot desert adventure.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2018
27 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Khan
7 books250 followersWrites a bit about goth princesses, outlaws and giant bats. And zombies.
Lives in London but would rather live in a castle and is a lot less scary in real life than his photo would suggest.
Lives in London but would rather live in a castle and is a lot less scary in real life than his photo would suggest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 17, 2018
4.5 stars.
It can’t actually end there, right? RIGHT?
Apparently, according to my husband, it does.
Even though I could have totally read more about these characters and their escapades, I’ve gotta admire the way Joshua Khan wrote his conclusion to this series.
It can’t actually end there, right? RIGHT?
Apparently, according to my husband, it does.
Even though I could have totally read more about these characters and their escapades, I’ve gotta admire the way Joshua Khan wrote his conclusion to this series.
May 18, 2018
I know I've already said this in my reviews for the first two book in this series but I am absolutely obsessed with the way Khan creates worlds, it's just absolutely incredible. I adore how each country is rich in history, culture, and magic. In Burning Magic we leave Gehenna and venture to the Sultanate of Fire, where murder, mystery, and quests take place. It was great reuniting with K'Leef and learning more about his home and family. I loved the adventures they went on and how they managed to come up with creative ways to deal with all of the obstacles in their way. I have to remind myself of how young these characters are (does this mean I'm getting old?!) because they are so brave and smart, I wanna be them when I grow up!
For some reason I really thought that this series was going to be 3 books long, so I was surprised and delighted that there was a mini cliffhanger. I am looking forward to learning more about the 6 Princes.....AND hopefully visiting different countries!
For some reason I really thought that this series was going to be 3 books long, so I was surprised and delighted that there was a mini cliffhanger. I am looking forward to learning more about the 6 Princes.....AND hopefully visiting different countries!
January 7, 2019
Trilogia terminata a tarallucci e vino, con un finale super aperto, tanto che manco dichiarerei la saga conclusa.
Molta azione, nuovi pezzi di world building - sempre benaccetti - ma un sacco di situazioni risolte un po' troppo alla svelta, un po' per caso, un po' per fortuna, secondo percorsi abbastanza prevedibili.
Peccato, avrei preferito che la storia intera si concentrasse su Geenna e che l'evoluzione di Lily Shadow portasse a qualcosa di concreto. Invece, nulla di fatto.
Molta azione, nuovi pezzi di world building - sempre benaccetti - ma un sacco di situazioni risolte un po' troppo alla svelta, un po' per caso, un po' per fortuna, secondo percorsi abbastanza prevedibili.
Peccato, avrei preferito che la storia intera si concentrasse su Geenna e che l'evoluzione di Lily Shadow portasse a qualcosa di concreto. Invece, nulla di fatto.
August 13, 2021
Qué pena tener que despedirme ya de esta gran historia. Es de esas que me da pena que no conozca más gente porque resultan de lo más emocionantes y bonitas, llenas de acción, fantasía y personajes a los que hay que querer.
August 22, 2021
Ay, pero qué fantasía... todavía me sigue alucinando que haya gente que no le dé una oportunidad a las historias más juveniles porque piensa que son "para niños", pero no saben lo que se están perdiendo, y me da mucha pena que no les den una oportunidad. En fin, podéis imaginar lo mucho que lo he disfrutado.
Me he encontrado con una historia llena de aventura, de magia, de oscuridad, por supuesto, porque no debemos olvidar que el campo de Lily es la muerte, con lo que conlleva zombies y demás, pero resultan de lo más entretenidos y graciosos (en general), de traición, y secretos, y por supuesto, llena de giros argumentales que me han dejado loquísima. Además, el misterio de la muerte del hermano de K'leef, los secretos sobre la Historia del mundo, los problemas sociales y la lucha de las mujeres para hacer magia... es que ha sido fascinante.
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
Me he encontrado con una historia llena de aventura, de magia, de oscuridad, por supuesto, porque no debemos olvidar que el campo de Lily es la muerte, con lo que conlleva zombies y demás, pero resultan de lo más entretenidos y graciosos (en general), de traición, y secretos, y por supuesto, llena de giros argumentales que me han dejado loquísima. Además, el misterio de la muerte del hermano de K'leef, los secretos sobre la Historia del mundo, los problemas sociales y la lucha de las mujeres para hacer magia... es que ha sido fascinante.
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
January 18, 2021
I absolutely loved this series! The characters and various settings and locations throughout all three books were written so well, and the storyline always kept you guessing and excited to see more from your favorite characters, even the villains were fascinating! I would LOVE to see more from these characters hopefully :))
July 28, 2021
I read this for the #readingrush to earn the badge for reading a book you meant to read last year. I read the first two books in this series summer going into 6th grade. I got Burning Magic the day after it came out. I found out that it was going to be the final book in the series and put off reading it. I did not remember what happened in the 2nd book so the 1st 50 pages I was playing catch up. Besides that this book was fantastic. This book series is so amazing and deserves more love. I was reading on #goodreads that there wasn’t even supposed to be a 3rd book. The author stated that if the sales on this book were good then he would continue the series. Since there is no word of a 4th, I guess the book didn’t do as well as they hoped. I feel like this series would do better as a YA novel than middle grade. Many people turn away from series because they are middle grade. There are so many elements of this book that would do better in YA. I love these books so much and they are such an amazing read!
February 26, 2019
4.5
Sono legittimamente incazzata.
Con me stessa.
E con Joshua Khan.
No, questa volta non esagero, dato che il motivo è abbastanza semplice.
Ero convintissima, fin nel profondo, che questa fosse la classica serie per ragazzi da 5-6 volumi. E, invece, Goodreads è venuto a dirmi che questa trilogia è conclusa. Così!
Io non l’accetto!
Ci sono ancora troppo domande senza risposta e sono ancora iper sicura che Thorn sia un diretto discendente del principe Cernunnos. Per non parlare di tutta la storia che c’è dietro ai Sei Principi e alla reale causa della distruzione del vecchio mondo! Insomma, capisco il finale aperto, ma non un cazzo di aeroporto.
Ok, ora giuro che mi calmo.
Burning Magic si distingue dai suoi predecessori perché non è ambientato a Geenna. Nossignori, sto giro si va al Sultanato, dove verrà presto incoronato un nuovo Sultano. Rivedremo ovviamente il caro K’leef e faremo la conoscenza dei suoi fratelli e sorelle, nel bene e nel male, perché non tutta la casa Geniis è colma di buone intenzioni. E infatti…
Qualcosa durante l’incoronazione andrà storto.
Ma chi si stupisce, dato che Lilith ha ormai la stessa fama della signora Fletcher?
Thorn, come sempre il miglior personaggio e il bifolco che tutti sottovalutano ma amano, si vedrà coinvolto in intrighi di corte (strano), capricci dei nobili (ancora più strano) e missioni suicide per salvare il mondo (anche questo stranissimo). Non solo dovrà fare i conti con la nostalgia di casa, i suoi sentimenti per Lily e il destino del suo amico, ma per la prima volta avrà problemi a tirare con l’arco.
Eresia!
Come se non bastasse, verrà assoldato da K’leef per accompagnarlo in una missione per nulla facile: trovare una fenice e impedire così che uno dei suoi fratelli maggiori (il più cattivo e subdolo) salga sul trono al suo posto. Ma le difficoltà termineranno qui? Ovvio che no, dato che con loro ci sarà anche Gabriel.
Sì, ricordate quel tipetto osceno e incapace di fare qualsiasi cosa?
Tuttavia, grazie a lui conosceremo Merriq, uno dei tanti bastardi di Merrik, che avrà fin troppo poco spazio nella narrazione.
Lily sarà lasciata al palazzo, dove non sarà per nulla al sicuro.
Da quando è diventata la Regina Strega, tutte le donne dei regni stanno iniziando a insorgere per ottenere il posto che meritano nella soffocante società patriarcale e le sorelle di K’leef non sono da meno. Ma c’è una piccola differenza: se gli uomini hanno difficoltà a usare la magia e si pensa che essa stia scomparendo a poco a poco, ciò non vale per il gentil sesso, che è di gran lunga più potente. Motivo per cui è sempre stato temuto. Senza contare che, grazie a una narratrice, si scoprirà una versione ben diversa della leggenda dei Sei Principi rispetto a quella raccontata nelle corti. Perché gli eredi non erano Sei, ma Sette.
Eh, sì… c’era anche una sorella.
La vera erede.
Che è finita massacrata.
Allegria!
Anyway, le strade di Thorn, Lily, Ade e compagnia s’incroceranno di nuovo. E *rullo di tamburi* ricomparirà pure Pan!
Ecco, questa non me l’aspettavo.
Il viaggio dei nostri giovani eroi e regnanti sarà costellato da problemi, belve feroci e piani sgangherati. Grazie alla magnifica narrazione e al world building, Khan è riuscito a creare una serie favolosa e appagante, capace di appassionare anche il lettore più riluttante fino alla fine. E, difatti, la caccia alla fenice è stata la parte più spettacolare all’interno del romanzo.
E sì, storco comunque il naso per il finale.
Non posso farne a meno.
Non solo perché è molto velocizzato e semplificato (tutti perdonati, tutti felici), ma perché ci sono moltissime questioni ancora in sospeso.
Io spero che il signor Khan si decida a riprendere in mano questa serie, prima o poi, e dare un degno finale alle due colombelle in amore.
Ma, a parte questo, è stata una lettura fantastica.
Sono legittimamente incazzata.
Con me stessa.
E con Joshua Khan.
No, questa volta non esagero, dato che il motivo è abbastanza semplice.
Ero convintissima, fin nel profondo, che questa fosse la classica serie per ragazzi da 5-6 volumi. E, invece, Goodreads è venuto a dirmi che questa trilogia è conclusa. Così!
Io non l’accetto!
Ci sono ancora troppo domande senza risposta e sono ancora iper sicura che Thorn sia un diretto discendente del principe Cernunnos. Per non parlare di tutta la storia che c’è dietro ai Sei Principi e alla reale causa della distruzione del vecchio mondo! Insomma, capisco il finale aperto, ma non un cazzo di aeroporto.
Ok, ora giuro che mi calmo.
Burning Magic si distingue dai suoi predecessori perché non è ambientato a Geenna. Nossignori, sto giro si va al Sultanato, dove verrà presto incoronato un nuovo Sultano. Rivedremo ovviamente il caro K’leef e faremo la conoscenza dei suoi fratelli e sorelle, nel bene e nel male, perché non tutta la casa Geniis è colma di buone intenzioni. E infatti…
Qualcosa durante l’incoronazione andrà storto.
Ma chi si stupisce, dato che Lilith ha ormai la stessa fama della signora Fletcher?
Thorn, come sempre il miglior personaggio e il bifolco che tutti sottovalutano ma amano, si vedrà coinvolto in intrighi di corte (strano), capricci dei nobili (ancora più strano) e missioni suicide per salvare il mondo (anche questo stranissimo). Non solo dovrà fare i conti con la nostalgia di casa, i suoi sentimenti per Lily e il destino del suo amico, ma per la prima volta avrà problemi a tirare con l’arco.
Eresia!
Come se non bastasse, verrà assoldato da K’leef per accompagnarlo in una missione per nulla facile: trovare una fenice e impedire così che uno dei suoi fratelli maggiori (il più cattivo e subdolo) salga sul trono al suo posto. Ma le difficoltà termineranno qui? Ovvio che no, dato che con loro ci sarà anche Gabriel.
Sì, ricordate quel tipetto osceno e incapace di fare qualsiasi cosa?
Tuttavia, grazie a lui conosceremo Merriq, uno dei tanti bastardi di Merrik, che avrà fin troppo poco spazio nella narrazione.
Lily sarà lasciata al palazzo, dove non sarà per nulla al sicuro.
Da quando è diventata la Regina Strega, tutte le donne dei regni stanno iniziando a insorgere per ottenere il posto che meritano nella soffocante società patriarcale e le sorelle di K’leef non sono da meno. Ma c’è una piccola differenza: se gli uomini hanno difficoltà a usare la magia e si pensa che essa stia scomparendo a poco a poco, ciò non vale per il gentil sesso, che è di gran lunga più potente. Motivo per cui è sempre stato temuto. Senza contare che, grazie a una narratrice, si scoprirà una versione ben diversa della leggenda dei Sei Principi rispetto a quella raccontata nelle corti. Perché gli eredi non erano Sei, ma Sette.
Eh, sì… c’era anche una sorella.
La vera erede.
Che è finita massacrata.
Allegria!
Anyway, le strade di Thorn, Lily, Ade e compagnia s’incroceranno di nuovo. E *rullo di tamburi* ricomparirà pure Pan!
Ecco, questa non me l’aspettavo.
Il viaggio dei nostri giovani eroi e regnanti sarà costellato da problemi, belve feroci e piani sgangherati. Grazie alla magnifica narrazione e al world building, Khan è riuscito a creare una serie favolosa e appagante, capace di appassionare anche il lettore più riluttante fino alla fine. E, difatti, la caccia alla fenice è stata la parte più spettacolare all’interno del romanzo.
E sì, storco comunque il naso per il finale.
Non posso farne a meno.
Non solo perché è molto velocizzato e semplificato (tutti perdonati, tutti felici), ma perché ci sono moltissime questioni ancora in sospeso.
Io spero che il signor Khan si decida a riprendere in mano questa serie, prima o poi, e dare un degno finale alle due colombelle in amore.
Ma, a parte questo, è stata una lettura fantastica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
My name is K'leef, and my life has been turned upside down. People from all the different kingdoms came to town for my brother's coronation as the new sultan, but somehow his magic failed and he died. My good friend Thorn complicated matters, as usual, by freeing some prisoners and destroying one of our most sacred landmarks. He's from House Shadow and doesn't understand our ways. I've now been forced to challenge my older brother Jambiya to become the new sultan. I must venture into the Shardlands and be the first to return with a new phoenix. I'm thankful to have Thorn and Hades, his huge bat, as we enter this land of deadly creatures and ancient magic. Unfortunately, something terrible has happened to Lily Shadow that may lead to our doom.
The series began with the 2016 Cybils Award winner Shadow Magic, and you'll need to read the previous books first. As usual, most of the action followed Thorn, since he created much of the conflict or found his way into the middle of it. As Lily said, he didn't always have the smartest plans, but he had great bravery. He didn't have magic like Lily and K'Leef, but he had a special bond with Hades and a remarkable talent with the bow and arrow. He was a righteous character and didn't let any rules or laws stop him from helping those in need of help. Lily's magic was dark, and you seldom see positive characters who communicate with the dead and control shadows. However, Lily's name struck fear into most characters, but she was forced into a more minor role due to a devious character. Throughout the series, Thorn and Lily have become close friends, and this book hinted at a more emotional connection. They had trouble expressing their feelings to each other, so their unspoken affection will continue into the next book. I highly recommend you read this series; you won't be disappointed!
The series began with the 2016 Cybils Award winner Shadow Magic, and you'll need to read the previous books first. As usual, most of the action followed Thorn, since he created much of the conflict or found his way into the middle of it. As Lily said, he didn't always have the smartest plans, but he had great bravery. He didn't have magic like Lily and K'Leef, but he had a special bond with Hades and a remarkable talent with the bow and arrow. He was a righteous character and didn't let any rules or laws stop him from helping those in need of help. Lily's magic was dark, and you seldom see positive characters who communicate with the dead and control shadows. However, Lily's name struck fear into most characters, but she was forced into a more minor role due to a devious character. Throughout the series, Thorn and Lily have become close friends, and this book hinted at a more emotional connection. They had trouble expressing their feelings to each other, so their unspoken affection will continue into the next book. I highly recommend you read this series; you won't be disappointed!
April 13, 2021
Después de todos los peligros a los que tuvieron que plantar cara Thorn y Lily, en Magia Ígnea se enfrentarán a un nuevo reino con una magia peligrosa y un misterioso asesinato que les llevará a formar alianzas inesperadas y realizar una búsqueda para salvar su propio reino.
Con esta premisa el autor da por finalizada la trilogía de Magia Sombría con ilustraciones muy bonitas en blanco y negro y un buen puñado de aventuras.
El mundo que ha creado Khan está dividido en reinos muy diferentes con sus propias características, magias y ecosistemas, con elementos que llamaran la atención de distintos tipos ds lectores.
No te pierdas el último viaje de Lily Sombra y Thorn en su aventura más peligrosa junto a amigos y enemigos hasta los rincones más lejanos y oscuros de su mundo en esta épica conclusión.
Con esta premisa el autor da por finalizada la trilogía de Magia Sombría con ilustraciones muy bonitas en blanco y negro y un buen puñado de aventuras.
El mundo que ha creado Khan está dividido en reinos muy diferentes con sus propias características, magias y ecosistemas, con elementos que llamaran la atención de distintos tipos ds lectores.
No te pierdas el último viaje de Lily Sombra y Thorn en su aventura más peligrosa junto a amigos y enemigos hasta los rincones más lejanos y oscuros de su mundo en esta épica conclusión.
May 3, 2018
When Lilith Shadow and Thorn meet up with K'leef in his Sultanate of Fire for the coronation of his brother, they find themselves drawn into a perilous quest and a murder mystery that could bring not only the kingdom crumbling down, but the fate of every other kingdom, as well! Khan brings this masterfully detailed trilogy to a close with exciting adventure and gorgeous illustrations that will please fans of all ages. Tag along with Lily, Thorn and their friends and enemies as they reach out into the farthest - and darkest - corners of the wilderness in this epic finale that will shock and make your jaw drop!
August 29, 2019
the best of the series
August 10, 2019
I've said this before in my previous two reviews in this series, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this world and the characters that inhabit it. Joshua Khan has written one of the best YA trilogies I've ever read, and really do hope that he eventually writes more about the adventures of Thorn, Lily, and K'leef. But, if he does not, I applaud him for writing these books, and allowing readers to enter this strangely unique, wonderfully-filled world that I fell in love with when I read the first book.
Khan's worldbuilding is fantastic, but what is a world without characters to inhabit it? Thorn, Lily, and K'leef are wonderful characters to read about, and their growth throughout these three books, especially Thorn and Lily, were excellent. They struggle, and learn how to overcome their weaknesses by never giving up on what they believe in, which is each other.
I cannot praise this series enough because, with all the dull middle-grade YA fantasy series out there, Joshua Khan has written a distinct story with a fascinating world, or worlds, that is far above so many others of it's genre.
This, in my opinion, is the best of the three, and if he decides not to write anymore in this series, I'm glad with the way he ended it. It feels like a natural ending for a fantastic series, but leaves enough open if he decides to venture back into this world. This is without question one of the best YA fantasy series I've ever read, and cannot wait to see what other works Joshua Khan has in store for his readers.
Khan's worldbuilding is fantastic, but what is a world without characters to inhabit it? Thorn, Lily, and K'leef are wonderful characters to read about, and their growth throughout these three books, especially Thorn and Lily, were excellent. They struggle, and learn how to overcome their weaknesses by never giving up on what they believe in, which is each other.
I cannot praise this series enough because, with all the dull middle-grade YA fantasy series out there, Joshua Khan has written a distinct story with a fascinating world, or worlds, that is far above so many others of it's genre.
This, in my opinion, is the best of the three, and if he decides not to write anymore in this series, I'm glad with the way he ended it. It feels like a natural ending for a fantastic series, but leaves enough open if he decides to venture back into this world. This is without question one of the best YA fantasy series I've ever read, and cannot wait to see what other works Joshua Khan has in store for his readers.
January 9, 2022
ᴮᵘᵗ ⁿᵃᵐᵉˢ ʰᵃᵛᵉ ᵖᵒʷᵉʳ...
"ᴵ ᵃᵐ ᴸⁱˡⁱᵗʰ ᴴᵉᶜᵃᵗᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵒʷ!" ᴸⁱˡʸ ᶜʳⁱᵉᵈ. "ᵃⁿᵈ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ⁱˢ ᵃ ⁿᵃᵐᵉ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃˡˡ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ʷᵉˡˡ! ᴵ ᵃᵐ ᵃ ᶜʰⁱˡᵈ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵍʳᵉᵃᵗ ᴾʳⁱⁿᶜᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵒʷ, ʸᵒᵘʳ ˡᵒʳᵈ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵐᵃˢᵗᵉʳ! ᴴⁱˢ ᵇˡᵒᵒᵈ ʳᵘⁿˢ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰᵉˢᵉ ᵛᵉⁱⁿˢ!"
"ʸᵒᵘ ᵃʳᵉ ᶜʳᵉᵃᵗᵘʳᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵏⁿᵉˢˢ, ᶜʳᵉᵃᵗᵘʳᵉˢ ˢᵖⁱˡˡᵉᵈ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ᵗʰᵉ ᵀʷⁱˡⁱᵍʰᵗ, ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵖˡᵃᶜᵉ ᵇᵉᵗʷᵉᵉⁿ ˡⁱᶠᵉ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵈᵉᵃᵗʰ. ᴸᵒᵒᵏ ᵇᵃᶜᵏ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵃˢᵏ ᵃᵇᵒᵘᵗ ᵐᵉ ⁻ ᴵ ᵃᵐ ʷᵉˡˡ ᵏⁿᵒʷⁿ. ᴳᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᵖⁱᵗ, ᵃⁿᵈ ʸᵒᵘ ʷⁱˡˡ ʰᵉᵃʳ ᵐʸ ⁿᵃᵐᵉ ʷʰⁱˢᵖᵉʳᵉᵈ ᵇʸ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈᵘᵏᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ʰᵉˡˡ!"
ˢʰᵉ ˢᵗᵒᵒᵈ ᵘᵖ ˢᵗʳᵃⁱᵍʰᵗᵉʳ, ᵈᵉᶠʸⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉᵐ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖᵉᶜᵗᵉʳˢ ʷʰᵒ ᶠᵉᵃʳ ᵐᵉ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ᶻᵒᵐᵇⁱᵉˢ ʷʰᵒ ˢᵉʳᵛᵉ ᵐᵉ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᶜᵃˢᵗˡᵉ ᴳˡᵒᵒᵐ, ʷʰᵒ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᶠʳⁱᵉⁿᵈˢ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈʳᵉᵃᵈ ᵐᵒⁿˢᵗᵉʳˢ, ʷʰᵒ ᶠᵒˡˡᵒʷ ᵃᵗ ᵐʸ ʰᵉᵉˡˢ."
ᴸⁱˡʸ ᵍˡᵃʳᵉᵈ ᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖⁱʳⁱᵗˢ. "ᴳᵒ ᵃˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉᵐ ʷʰᵃᵗ ᴵ ᵈᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵒˢᵉ ʷʰᵒ ᵈᵉᶠʸ ᵐʸ ʷⁱˡˡ!“
I rest my case.
This is, of course, a gigantic (like Hades the giant bat!) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
I will follow the adventures of Lily and Thorn even into the unknown.
Book 3 presents:
1. Lily and Thorn travel to the Sultanate of Fire where they are reunited with their good friend K'leef, and Gabriel (who seems to always appear like a stubborn pimple)
2. A coronation gone wrong and a quest for a mythical creature to secure the throne is afoot
3. A great revelation about the Six Princes unfolds Lily's destiny
4. Thorn, a loyal friend through thick and the unknown
My words may not be as powerful as Rick Riordan's but let me also tell you this, "I defy you not to love this story.". 😉
"ᴵ ᵃᵐ ᴸⁱˡⁱᵗʰ ᴴᵉᶜᵃᵗᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵒʷ!" ᴸⁱˡʸ ᶜʳⁱᵉᵈ. "ᵃⁿᵈ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ⁱˢ ᵃ ⁿᵃᵐᵉ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃˡˡ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ʷᵉˡˡ! ᴵ ᵃᵐ ᵃ ᶜʰⁱˡᵈ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵍʳᵉᵃᵗ ᴾʳⁱⁿᶜᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵒʷ, ʸᵒᵘʳ ˡᵒʳᵈ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵐᵃˢᵗᵉʳ! ᴴⁱˢ ᵇˡᵒᵒᵈ ʳᵘⁿˢ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰᵉˢᵉ ᵛᵉⁱⁿˢ!"
"ʸᵒᵘ ᵃʳᵉ ᶜʳᵉᵃᵗᵘʳᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵏⁿᵉˢˢ, ᶜʳᵉᵃᵗᵘʳᵉˢ ˢᵖⁱˡˡᵉᵈ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ᵗʰᵉ ᵀʷⁱˡⁱᵍʰᵗ, ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵖˡᵃᶜᵉ ᵇᵉᵗʷᵉᵉⁿ ˡⁱᶠᵉ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵈᵉᵃᵗʰ. ᴸᵒᵒᵏ ᵇᵃᶜᵏ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵃˢᵏ ᵃᵇᵒᵘᵗ ᵐᵉ ⁻ ᴵ ᵃᵐ ʷᵉˡˡ ᵏⁿᵒʷⁿ. ᴳᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᵖⁱᵗ, ᵃⁿᵈ ʸᵒᵘ ʷⁱˡˡ ʰᵉᵃʳ ᵐʸ ⁿᵃᵐᵉ ʷʰⁱˢᵖᵉʳᵉᵈ ᵇʸ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈᵘᵏᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ʰᵉˡˡ!"
ˢʰᵉ ˢᵗᵒᵒᵈ ᵘᵖ ˢᵗʳᵃⁱᵍʰᵗᵉʳ, ᵈᵉᶠʸⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉᵐ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖᵉᶜᵗᵉʳˢ ʷʰᵒ ᶠᵉᵃʳ ᵐᵉ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ᶻᵒᵐᵇⁱᵉˢ ʷʰᵒ ˢᵉʳᵛᵉ ᵐᵉ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ˢʰᵃᵈᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᶜᵃˢᵗˡᵉ ᴳˡᵒᵒᵐ, ʷʰᵒ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᶠʳⁱᵉⁿᵈˢ. ᴬˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈʳᵉᵃᵈ ᵐᵒⁿˢᵗᵉʳˢ, ʷʰᵒ ᶠᵒˡˡᵒʷ ᵃᵗ ᵐʸ ʰᵉᵉˡˢ."
ᴸⁱˡʸ ᵍˡᵃʳᵉᵈ ᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖⁱʳⁱᵗˢ. "ᴳᵒ ᵃˢᵏ ᵗʰᵉᵐ ʷʰᵃᵗ ᴵ ᵈᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵒˢᵉ ʷʰᵒ ᵈᵉᶠʸ ᵐʸ ʷⁱˡˡ!“
I rest my case.
This is, of course, a gigantic (like Hades the giant bat!) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
I will follow the adventures of Lily and Thorn even into the unknown.
Book 3 presents:
1. Lily and Thorn travel to the Sultanate of Fire where they are reunited with their good friend K'leef, and Gabriel (who seems to always appear like a stubborn pimple)
2. A coronation gone wrong and a quest for a mythical creature to secure the throne is afoot
3. A great revelation about the Six Princes unfolds Lily's destiny
4. Thorn, a loyal friend through thick and the unknown
My words may not be as powerful as Rick Riordan's but let me also tell you this, "I defy you not to love this story.". 😉
May 15, 2019
I love this series and I was so looking forward to Book 4 because I cannot believe that it will just end like this. The author has said that he actually has the plot for it but unless the sales pick up, there won’t be a fourth book! 😢 However, he said that months ago so hopefully, that is not the case anymore? 🙏🏻
May 24, 2018
I so enjoy the worlds that Khan's has created in the Shadow Magic series. Gehenna will forever be my favorite for its darkness, home to Castle Gloom, the assortment of zombies and ghosts, and one of the most adorable ghost puppies I've ever seen. How can you not love a character like Lily, "the ruler of Gehenna, descendant of the Prince of Darkness, the mistress of nightmares, the troll friend, the witch queen, whose very name is feared by the seven dukes of hell." Each book highlights different types of magic, how the Twilight that Lily describes as "holding regret and longing" is this mysterious in-between realm. And now we have K'leef's home. The imagery Khan creates with descriptions like this one, "Radiant light beamed from the twin dragons' eyes, and smoke rippled from their nostrils and partially parted jaws. The evening sun cast red light over their golden scales and the silver wings curled close to their sinewy tails and hind claws, poised to launch into the clouds." The ways that the magical system's and cultures may be different, but there are still rules that govern each of them that were similar. The humorous moments, like when Lily comments about how amusing it is that "the rule of law is women who are caught performing magic face death by fire, and here she was in a city of fire."
I also really love Lily and Thorn. Lily is the ruler of her kingdom and has all these rules imposed on her, but above all, she cares for her people and wants to protect her kingdom. Where Lily might have protocols to follow, Thorn isn't inhibited in that way. Being a squire doesn't stand in his way from saying and doing what he wants. I love his loyalty to Lily and sarcasm but most of all will miss their adventures together and friendship. I can't forget Hades the bat, Thorn's friend and most definitely not his pet. I very much liked that it was the three of them for the final moments of the story, in my version Custard is tucked under Lily's arm too. I remember Khan saying somewhere that the best sort of ending is one that leaves you wanting more or something to that effect. Despite the wonderful way that things ended and the beautiful acknowledgment at the back of the book, I can't help being a bit sad, but also hopeful for more books from Khan in the future.
I also really love Lily and Thorn. Lily is the ruler of her kingdom and has all these rules imposed on her, but above all, she cares for her people and wants to protect her kingdom. Where Lily might have protocols to follow, Thorn isn't inhibited in that way. Being a squire doesn't stand in his way from saying and doing what he wants. I love his loyalty to Lily and sarcasm but most of all will miss their adventures together and friendship. I can't forget Hades the bat, Thorn's friend and most definitely not his pet. I very much liked that it was the three of them for the final moments of the story, in my version Custard is tucked under Lily's arm too. I remember Khan saying somewhere that the best sort of ending is one that leaves you wanting more or something to that effect. Despite the wonderful way that things ended and the beautiful acknowledgment at the back of the book, I can't help being a bit sad, but also hopeful for more books from Khan in the future.
September 17, 2022
4⭐️
Decir adiós no es fácil. Y menos a una trilogía que me dio tan buenos momentos.
Thorn y Lily deben enfrentarse a nuevos enemigos en el reino del sultanato de fuego. Reencontrarse con su amigo K'leef y ver que su magia está mejorando. Lily, al ser mujer y hechicera debe enfrentarse al temor de los demás pero también a un mundo que no admite mujeres poderosas. El heredero al trono de Djim muere ¿Qué pasó realmente? ¿La corona de fuego no lo quiso o alguien le hizo daña?
Así que ahora deben pasar una prueba de fuego para ser le próximo sultán pues un hermano de K'leef quiere el trono pero al llegar él sería peor para las mujeres: es conocido por matar a mujeres hechiceras.
Así que Thorn y Lily no les queda más remedio que ayudarlo. Pero, hay un secreto: las hermanas de K'leef son hechiceras y han aprendido muy bien. Pues ellas conocen la leyenda de que los 6 príncipes tenían una hermana: una hechicera y más poderosa que ellos por lo cual, en su afán por ser quienes mandaban, la traicionaron y escondieron su historia; de ahí la ley que prohíbe a las mujeres practicar magia.
¿Por qué tanto miedo a las mujeres hechiceras?
Y creo que no hay tanto diferencia con el mundo actual, pues siempre se nos juzga cuando somos mejores que los hombres.
Hay un debate interesante entre Thor (que es un campesino) y Lily y K'leef (príncipes de sus reinos) mientras que estos últimos se les ha instruido para admirar lo que hicieron los 6 príncipes, Thorn piensa que su ambición es la que acabó con el mundo... nada alejado de la realidad.
En la historia siempre están pasando cosas, descubriendo secretos y nuevas historias: todo esto hace que se lea rápido. Aunque personalmente no quería decirles adiós.
Creo que el final da para un 4 libro que espero con ansias 😍🙊
Decir adiós no es fácil. Y menos a una trilogía que me dio tan buenos momentos.
Thorn y Lily deben enfrentarse a nuevos enemigos en el reino del sultanato de fuego. Reencontrarse con su amigo K'leef y ver que su magia está mejorando. Lily, al ser mujer y hechicera debe enfrentarse al temor de los demás pero también a un mundo que no admite mujeres poderosas. El heredero al trono de Djim muere ¿Qué pasó realmente? ¿La corona de fuego no lo quiso o alguien le hizo daña?
Así que ahora deben pasar una prueba de fuego para ser le próximo sultán pues un hermano de K'leef quiere el trono pero al llegar él sería peor para las mujeres: es conocido por matar a mujeres hechiceras.
Así que Thorn y Lily no les queda más remedio que ayudarlo. Pero, hay un secreto: las hermanas de K'leef son hechiceras y han aprendido muy bien. Pues ellas conocen la leyenda de que los 6 príncipes tenían una hermana: una hechicera y más poderosa que ellos por lo cual, en su afán por ser quienes mandaban, la traicionaron y escondieron su historia; de ahí la ley que prohíbe a las mujeres practicar magia.
¿Por qué tanto miedo a las mujeres hechiceras?
Y creo que no hay tanto diferencia con el mundo actual, pues siempre se nos juzga cuando somos mejores que los hombres.
Hay un debate interesante entre Thor (que es un campesino) y Lily y K'leef (príncipes de sus reinos) mientras que estos últimos se les ha instruido para admirar lo que hicieron los 6 príncipes, Thorn piensa que su ambición es la que acabó con el mundo... nada alejado de la realidad.
En la historia siempre están pasando cosas, descubriendo secretos y nuevas historias: todo esto hace que se lea rápido. Aunque personalmente no quería decirles adiós.
Creo que el final da para un 4 libro que espero con ansias 😍🙊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
4.5 stars
This was a very interesting way to end the trilogy and it's not what I was expecting. And yet it makes total sense. This book brings them from Gehenna to the Sultanate of Fire where K'leef's family is in chaos as one of his brothers is killed. Without revealing any spoilers, there are others who make a return, although I was definitely expecting one of them. Lilith, Thorn, and K'leef are young teenagers who have been thrust into leadership roles that many adults wouldn't do half as well. I love how each of them has grown into their roles and I also love the friendship that has strengthened with the three of them. I also like how potential romance is suggested, but not resolved because again, these are young teenagers. There were many threads that were resolved in interesting ways, and while the ending is somewhat open-ended, I guess it leaves room for future series in this world. I, for one, would love to read more adventures of these young people. I can definitely recommend this series to children and adults alike. I ended up reading all three of them in three days.
This was a very interesting way to end the trilogy and it's not what I was expecting. And yet it makes total sense. This book brings them from Gehenna to the Sultanate of Fire where K'leef's family is in chaos as one of his brothers is killed. Without revealing any spoilers, there are others who make a return, although I was definitely expecting one of them. Lilith, Thorn, and K'leef are young teenagers who have been thrust into leadership roles that many adults wouldn't do half as well. I love how each of them has grown into their roles and I also love the friendship that has strengthened with the three of them. I also like how potential romance is suggested, but not resolved because again, these are young teenagers. There were many threads that were resolved in interesting ways, and while the ending is somewhat open-ended, I guess it leaves room for future series in this world. I, for one, would love to read more adventures of these young people. I can definitely recommend this series to children and adults alike. I ended up reading all three of them in three days.
April 8, 2022
“Some of my best friends are monsters” Thorn
I can’t fathom the idea of never knowing another story from Lily, Thorn OR Hades. I never thought it would hurt this much to say goodbye to them but they’ve become my dearest friends.. Their courageous adventures have been seared into my heart. Every time I see a bat, a bow, some arrows or even a shadow in the dark, I shall smile & remember the legendary people (and creature!) behind these 🖤
I can’t fathom the idea of never knowing another story from Lily, Thorn OR Hades. I never thought it would hurt this much to say goodbye to them but they’ve become my dearest friends.. Their courageous adventures have been seared into my heart. Every time I see a bat, a bow, some arrows or even a shadow in the dark, I shall smile & remember the legendary people (and creature!) behind these 🖤
June 25, 2022
final de la historia de Lily y Thorn!! me ha gustado mucho esta historia!! Lily y sus poderes nigromantes , Thorn el campesino y su murcielago mascota Hades!! grandes personajes y una gran aventura llena de magia!!
January 27, 2022
COMO Q ESTE ES EL FINAL QUEEEE
July 30, 2024
Excellent fantasy series
July 17, 2018
I love this series!
August 6, 2018
I NEED MORE! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT IS OVER! *sobs*
August 13, 2019
Non saprei cosa dire. Mi è piaciuto molto, lo trovo forse il migliore della trilogia. Finalmente ho rivisto K'leff e conoscere di più la sua storia, la sua casa e la sua famiglia mi ha davvero incuriosito e scaldato il cuore, sicuramente il mio personaggio preferito della trilogia. Mi è dispiaciuto moltissimo per lui per la morte del fratello Sa'if, personaggio che, anche se solo introdotto in questo libro mi è piaciuto molto, che però K'leff ha onorato vincendo la sfida con Jambiya.
La storia, che dire, sempre carina, veloce e scorrevole. Mi è piaciuta molto l'avventura che i nostri eroi hanno dovuto affrontare, specialmente l'ultima parte. Lily sempre forte e determinata, sempre in prima linea se si tratta di aiutare chi ama, che siano amici o famigliari, una cosa che ho trovato davvero bella; Thorn, che dire, lui e i racconti di suo nonno sono sempre i migliori. La sua amicizia con Ade è spettacolare. Mi è dispiaciuto che non sia riuscito a dire a Liky ciò che prova, ma di sicuro avrà l'occasione perfetta in futuro. Personaggio che invece mi ha fatto storcere il naso è stato Pan, forse bisognava caratterizzarlo di più in questo libro, così forse si poteva capire appieno il gesto che ha fatto per Lily ovvero il suo sacrificio per salvarla. Un secondo personaggio che penso manchi di caratterizzazione è Gabriel, all'inizio dell'avventura quando è stato scelto da K'leff per andare a trovare una fenice, pensavo che l'avremmo conosciuto di più, cosa che un po' è successa ma non tanto come me lo aspettavo.
Il finale molto aperto, che lascia spazio ad altre avventure e storie. Mi è dispiaciuto che non si sia parlato dell'incoronazione e di come finisce la storia di Ameera e delle altre sorelle. Peccato mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere della festa che si sarebbe svolta per il nuovo Sultano K'leff, perché sicuramente se ne sarebbe svolta una.
Il libro prende le sue belle 🌟🌟🌟🌟,5 .
Mi aspetto altro da questo autore e da questa storia, perché ha delle potenzialità, spero vengano prese al volo.
La storia, che dire, sempre carina, veloce e scorrevole. Mi è piaciuta molto l'avventura che i nostri eroi hanno dovuto affrontare, specialmente l'ultima parte. Lily sempre forte e determinata, sempre in prima linea se si tratta di aiutare chi ama, che siano amici o famigliari, una cosa che ho trovato davvero bella; Thorn, che dire, lui e i racconti di suo nonno sono sempre i migliori. La sua amicizia con Ade è spettacolare. Mi è dispiaciuto che non sia riuscito a dire a Liky ciò che prova, ma di sicuro avrà l'occasione perfetta in futuro. Personaggio che invece mi ha fatto storcere il naso è stato Pan, forse bisognava caratterizzarlo di più in questo libro, così forse si poteva capire appieno il gesto che ha fatto per Lily ovvero il suo sacrificio per salvarla. Un secondo personaggio che penso manchi di caratterizzazione è Gabriel, all'inizio dell'avventura quando è stato scelto da K'leff per andare a trovare una fenice, pensavo che l'avremmo conosciuto di più, cosa che un po' è successa ma non tanto come me lo aspettavo.
Il finale molto aperto, che lascia spazio ad altre avventure e storie. Mi è dispiaciuto che non si sia parlato dell'incoronazione e di come finisce la storia di Ameera e delle altre sorelle. Peccato mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere della festa che si sarebbe svolta per il nuovo Sultano K'leff, perché sicuramente se ne sarebbe svolta una.
Il libro prende le sue belle 🌟🌟🌟🌟,5 .
Mi aspetto altro da questo autore e da questa storia, perché ha delle potenzialità, spero vengano prese al volo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
The final book in the series...but it ended in a most "no closure" way so I can't see how there won't be further Thorn & Lady Shadow books! Either way, I enjoyed this book as much as the first two although it seemed there may have been more gore/descriptive destruction of humans in this one.
April 25, 2018
This series is fantastic. The third book in the trilogy finds Lily (Lady Shadow) and Thorn (son of the forest) traveling to visit their friend Kaleef, brother of the soon-to-be anointed Sultan. But when the Sultan is murdered, and Thorn gets into trouble freeing women accused of witchcraft, Kaleef announces he will enter a contest to become Sultan.
This sends Lily, Thorn and Kaleef out into the desert where the founding sorcerers came from to test their skills, strengthen their friendship and discover the history behind the divided kingdoms.
Highly recommended.
This sends Lily, Thorn and Kaleef out into the desert where the founding sorcerers came from to test their skills, strengthen their friendship and discover the history behind the divided kingdoms.
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2018
Disney has created a magical world for fantasy lovers to get lost in, and three cheers for the release of the 3rd book in this series. The tale continues and will continue to engage and enthrall fans of Shadow Magic! Thanks for sending us an ARC for review, Disney!
April 14, 2018
3.5 might be a more honest rating of this. It is never pleasant to have the agenda overrun the story.
August 3, 2018
When last we saw the young and gothic Queen Lilith Shadow and her outlaw best friend Thorn, they were doing their best to protect the country of Gehenna from a lethal army of trolls, all while attempting to control the droves of undead that were insistent upon rejoining society (falling off limbs, and all). Scorned by her subjects for doing the unthinkable - being a female who wove her own magic - Lily had an exhausting season. One problem on top of another, ending with dramatically solved mysteries resulting in a few very surprising and devastating consequences. The least of which was her Uncle Pan.
Lily is in desperate need of a change of scenery while she settles into her new circumstances and attempts (again) to solidify herself as Queen of Gehenna. What better way to shake things up than an epic journey across the seas to the Sultanate of Fire - a place that is about as far away from Castle Gloom and its monotony as she can get. The desert empire is home to one of her best friends, the fire-wielding and charmingly adorable K'leef. Once one of her potential marital suitors, K'leef has transitioned into the role of doting confidante, taking the pressure off of his and Lily's relationship and allowing things to grow stronger between them organically. It's a situation that suits the young queen, especially as the relationship between she and Thorn is so volatile and complicated. Anxious to put bad times behind her and create some long-lasting memories full of bright fun and shiny new experiences, Lily descends the ship after months at sea and steps into the land of sand and fire-magic.
But instead of easily sliding into a beautiful reunion with their old friend, Lily and her companion Thorn find themselves stepping instead into a veritable pit full of sand vipers. With the death of their ruler leaving an absence on the throne, K'leef's family has begun rallying around one of their own to take up the place as the new Sultan - on the surface. Beneath the facade of bonded family and unfaltering loyalty, dissension in the ranks is brewing thicker than a potion in an old witch's well-seasoned cauldron. No matter how careful and diplomatic Lily tries to be with her footing, she continues to land herself in hotter water than she ever imagined possible, and she's having a lot of trouble figuring out how to navigate herself to fairer seas.
And then the unspeakable happens - a shocking murder. When the gentle sibling making the accession to the throne is violently killed by a cleverly wielded bit of magic, K'leef's family helplessly watches as the Sultanate is thrown into chaos and terror. As K'leef is forced into making some hard decisions about who will (and who should) settle on the throne, he finds himself sent out on a quest of epic proportions - one laced and threaded with the promise of sheer doom. With unlikely allies Thorn and Gabriel Solar at his side, the young man is sure to either succeed spectacularly . . . or to fail with devastating consequences. The contentious three are on the hunt for a phoenix, a revered bird that only resides in the treacherous Shardlands, a place wrought with hidden dangers and vicious beasts alike. With deceit and deception at every turn, K'Leef has no idea if he will leave the nightmarish Shardlands with his life intact, let alone in possession of the legendary firebird that will bring order and balance to his beloved household and land of his people.
Left behind at the family castle in the Sultanate to investigate the murder, Lily is dealing with her own worries and dangers behind the scenes. Her magic is changing into something she can barely control, and she has no where to turn for answers to her myriad of questions. With every almond-shaped eye upon her in this foreign place, Lily must maintain an air of rigidity and stability, but she's beginning to crack. When she finds herself betrayed by someone she once thought a friend, Lily's need of unraveling her magical mysteries become dire. Will she be able to regain her foothold as the Queen of Shadows without crossing that line into terrible and terrifying? Or will her life become forfeit to a cunning master of deceit?
I have been on pins and needles waiting for the third installment of Joshua Khan's Shadow Magic series. The first two were spellbinding and indeed so magical that I had no trouble devouring them within hours of bringing them home. An engaging cast of versatile and empowering characters, mystical and endearing settings all over the map, gritty and dark humor laced with just the tiniest of romantic intrigue - I have been hooked since that first page of Dream Magic. Khan is a master at weaving a world that is relatable to a variety of ages; spinning his own web of originality with a cunning and cleverness that is becoming rare in the fantasy world. The flaws in each character work to humanize them in a way that brings the reader closer onto their stage and story, and its done so effortlessly that turning the pages requires no degree of work - it is instead, a pleasure.
It is a difficult task sometimes, to engage the mid-grade reader. That particular generation seems very caught up in the right here - right now aspect of living, and books just simply "take too long to get to the point" (as is my own personal experiences). With classics like Harry Potter and Narnia becoming dusty on shelves as a DVD is popped into the player, this age bracket tends to take the easy way out. But there are a few books that move so quickly as to retain the attention of the reader, all while making the young reader feel as though they are witnessing something that lies just on the cusp of dangerous territory, thus making it all the more desirable - this series is one of those set of novels. The setting is dark and gloomy, as the name of the castle intones, and the overall theme of death is drawn in both a literal and humorous sense. Real issues are tackled with an abundance of realism and emotional weight, checking off so many of my personal requirements for a meaty and complete fantasy novel. And there are plenty of zombies.
I can't give Burning Magic more than 5 stars, but in my opinion, it deserves every star in the sky. I have been so enamored with this series, and I was devastated to read the ending - not because it was bad, but because it was over. I am holding out hope for more books in the series, and I hope that this perfect novel receives the accolades and marketing that it so justly deserves. I recommend this series to readers ages 10+.
It truly has been a magical ride.
Lily is in desperate need of a change of scenery while she settles into her new circumstances and attempts (again) to solidify herself as Queen of Gehenna. What better way to shake things up than an epic journey across the seas to the Sultanate of Fire - a place that is about as far away from Castle Gloom and its monotony as she can get. The desert empire is home to one of her best friends, the fire-wielding and charmingly adorable K'leef. Once one of her potential marital suitors, K'leef has transitioned into the role of doting confidante, taking the pressure off of his and Lily's relationship and allowing things to grow stronger between them organically. It's a situation that suits the young queen, especially as the relationship between she and Thorn is so volatile and complicated. Anxious to put bad times behind her and create some long-lasting memories full of bright fun and shiny new experiences, Lily descends the ship after months at sea and steps into the land of sand and fire-magic.
But instead of easily sliding into a beautiful reunion with their old friend, Lily and her companion Thorn find themselves stepping instead into a veritable pit full of sand vipers. With the death of their ruler leaving an absence on the throne, K'leef's family has begun rallying around one of their own to take up the place as the new Sultan - on the surface. Beneath the facade of bonded family and unfaltering loyalty, dissension in the ranks is brewing thicker than a potion in an old witch's well-seasoned cauldron. No matter how careful and diplomatic Lily tries to be with her footing, she continues to land herself in hotter water than she ever imagined possible, and she's having a lot of trouble figuring out how to navigate herself to fairer seas.
And then the unspeakable happens - a shocking murder. When the gentle sibling making the accession to the throne is violently killed by a cleverly wielded bit of magic, K'leef's family helplessly watches as the Sultanate is thrown into chaos and terror. As K'leef is forced into making some hard decisions about who will (and who should) settle on the throne, he finds himself sent out on a quest of epic proportions - one laced and threaded with the promise of sheer doom. With unlikely allies Thorn and Gabriel Solar at his side, the young man is sure to either succeed spectacularly . . . or to fail with devastating consequences. The contentious three are on the hunt for a phoenix, a revered bird that only resides in the treacherous Shardlands, a place wrought with hidden dangers and vicious beasts alike. With deceit and deception at every turn, K'Leef has no idea if he will leave the nightmarish Shardlands with his life intact, let alone in possession of the legendary firebird that will bring order and balance to his beloved household and land of his people.
Left behind at the family castle in the Sultanate to investigate the murder, Lily is dealing with her own worries and dangers behind the scenes. Her magic is changing into something she can barely control, and she has no where to turn for answers to her myriad of questions. With every almond-shaped eye upon her in this foreign place, Lily must maintain an air of rigidity and stability, but she's beginning to crack. When she finds herself betrayed by someone she once thought a friend, Lily's need of unraveling her magical mysteries become dire. Will she be able to regain her foothold as the Queen of Shadows without crossing that line into terrible and terrifying? Or will her life become forfeit to a cunning master of deceit?
I have been on pins and needles waiting for the third installment of Joshua Khan's Shadow Magic series. The first two were spellbinding and indeed so magical that I had no trouble devouring them within hours of bringing them home. An engaging cast of versatile and empowering characters, mystical and endearing settings all over the map, gritty and dark humor laced with just the tiniest of romantic intrigue - I have been hooked since that first page of Dream Magic. Khan is a master at weaving a world that is relatable to a variety of ages; spinning his own web of originality with a cunning and cleverness that is becoming rare in the fantasy world. The flaws in each character work to humanize them in a way that brings the reader closer onto their stage and story, and its done so effortlessly that turning the pages requires no degree of work - it is instead, a pleasure.
It is a difficult task sometimes, to engage the mid-grade reader. That particular generation seems very caught up in the right here - right now aspect of living, and books just simply "take too long to get to the point" (as is my own personal experiences). With classics like Harry Potter and Narnia becoming dusty on shelves as a DVD is popped into the player, this age bracket tends to take the easy way out. But there are a few books that move so quickly as to retain the attention of the reader, all while making the young reader feel as though they are witnessing something that lies just on the cusp of dangerous territory, thus making it all the more desirable - this series is one of those set of novels. The setting is dark and gloomy, as the name of the castle intones, and the overall theme of death is drawn in both a literal and humorous sense. Real issues are tackled with an abundance of realism and emotional weight, checking off so many of my personal requirements for a meaty and complete fantasy novel. And there are plenty of zombies.
I can't give Burning Magic more than 5 stars, but in my opinion, it deserves every star in the sky. I have been so enamored with this series, and I was devastated to read the ending - not because it was bad, but because it was over. I am holding out hope for more books in the series, and I hope that this perfect novel receives the accolades and marketing that it so justly deserves. I recommend this series to readers ages 10+.
It truly has been a magical ride.
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