What do you think?
Rate this book
Boston Magic Academies #2
Blood of the Mage
At the academy, everyone's playing a little dirty...
Up until a few weeks ago, the only dirt I dished at the Twyst Academy of Magecraft came from scrubbing its floors. Now I’ve learned that deep within these hallowed halls, sinister secrets hide everywhere.
I try to focus on my new job as janitor-turned-war mage, helping my team of four super-hot college wizards win an insanely intense magic competition, but it isn’t easy.
Especially since I’ve barely come to terms with falling for Connor, the most carefree mage in our group…only to develop a mind-blowing crush on Luke, the biggest, scariest mage I’ve ever met. Which, um, is complicated.
And when Luke is nearly killed to keep the explosive truth about his past hidden, something fierce and deadly rages to life inside me. Because I’ve got secrets, too…
Note: This is a medium burn, New Adult Why Choose paranormal academy romance, and book 2 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series. >
Up until a few weeks ago, the only dirt I dished at the Twyst Academy of Magecraft came from scrubbing its floors. Now I’ve learned that deep within these hallowed halls, sinister secrets hide everywhere.
I try to focus on my new job as janitor-turned-war mage, helping my team of four super-hot college wizards win an insanely intense magic competition, but it isn’t easy.
Especially since I’ve barely come to terms with falling for Connor, the most carefree mage in our group…only to develop a mind-blowing crush on Luke, the biggest, scariest mage I’ve ever met. Which, um, is complicated.
And when Luke is nearly killed to keep the explosive truth about his past hidden, something fierce and deadly rages to life inside me. Because I’ve got secrets, too…
Note: This is a medium burn, New Adult Why Choose paranormal academy romance, and book 2 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series. >
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2020
1491 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 9, 2020
*Source* Author
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Blood of the Mage is the second installment in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy series. After 6 years of working at Twyst Academy of Magecraft as a custodian and solving unsolvable equations for fun, 23-year old Maddigan Pierce's whole world has been expanded thanks to a chance encounter with Connor Warin and his friends. Maddie has since learned that she's something that isn't supposed to exist, a War Mage. Maddie joined with the Mage Runners team which includes Connor, Rafe Twyst, Marcus Winter and Luke Broadham.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/202...
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Blood of the Mage is the second installment in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy series. After 6 years of working at Twyst Academy of Magecraft as a custodian and solving unsolvable equations for fun, 23-year old Maddigan Pierce's whole world has been expanded thanks to a chance encounter with Connor Warin and his friends. Maddie has since learned that she's something that isn't supposed to exist, a War Mage. Maddie joined with the Mage Runners team which includes Connor, Rafe Twyst, Marcus Winter and Luke Broadham.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/202...
March 14, 2020
What the what?
Ok, so I am hooked and invested in these games..... but I still don’t really know what the heck is going on. On the plus side, neither do the characters, but eh? The games are a virtual reality sort of deal, until they are not, not really dangerous, until they are, and not slowed to be tampered with, until... they are. Setting a trend here? It’s messed up, mixed up, yet still fascinating enough to read.
Ok, so I am hooked and invested in these games..... but I still don’t really know what the heck is going on. On the plus side, neither do the characters, but eh? The games are a virtual reality sort of deal, until they are not, not really dangerous, until they are, and not slowed to be tampered with, until... they are. Setting a trend here? It’s messed up, mixed up, yet still fascinating enough to read.
May 8, 2020
I need more!
I cant wait to jump straight in to book 3! I need to know what happens next and I need to learn more about the other guys! This series has turned out way better than I thought it would!
I cant wait to jump straight in to book 3! I need to know what happens next and I need to learn more about the other guys! This series has turned out way better than I thought it would!
March 10, 2020
I really like this overall series, but I'm still struggling with the feeling that pieces of the story are missing. The development of her relationship with Luke just didn't work for me; it felt like chapters were missed to fully explain how it develops. Luke is against having a relationship - dead set against it - at the beginning of the book, but he seems to accept it very quickly and easily later in the story. I need to see more of the development of these relationships, because they just feel rushed.
March 25, 2020
And it just keeps getting better! Book 1, Touch of the Mage, brought us our characters in all their glory. Maddigan, our heroine, a janitor, up until now, when she discovers she's actually a war mage and is recruited into the Mage Runners team. Connor, her boyfriend, the first of the team to catch her eye and the first for her to fall for, head over heels. Luke, big, strong, quiet Luke who would do anything to protect them all, Maddigan in particular. Marcus, the math/scientist brain of the group, seemingly disconnected from the emotional world around him. And Rafe Twyst (yes that Twyst!), mister bad boy with attitude to spare, and bossiness that seems inbred. Mostly, though, we learned about Maddigan and her newly discovered powers, the group she becomes a part of, and her and Connor and how they came together. Oh, and the Mage Trials, can't forget the Mage Trials, the culmination of all the years at the Academy, and what the team desperately wants to win.
In book 2, we go more in-depth with Luke. This big, sweet, teddy bear of a lug with zero self-confidence who loves Maddigan so completely, yet is so sure she could never love him. After all, she was Connor's first, and, well, look at him. Luke's a lug, with a nasty scar on his face, and he's so big everyone is afraid of him. So, why would Maddigan look twice at him? Well, because he's this big, sweet, teddy bear of a guy with a heart so big it just blows her away, that's why!
In this book, we see some of the adventures these two get into, and they are some strange ones indeed. Neither of them is entirely sure what is going on, but the "dimension" of the Mage Trials seems to be going a bit wonky, and we get to see some weird sides to it in this book. We also learn more about Luke, who is a bit deeper than we originally thought in book 1. He's such a treat. And way more dangerous than we realized. Size may not be everything, but boy it sure helps! (ok, gonna leave that one alone! LOL!)
There's such an unusual approach to love in these books. The age-old question is it possible to love more than one person at a time, is explored. And the direction it goes I think will speak to the hearts of a lot of people out there. This isn't RH. It's more a tale of how the heart is so big it has room for many. And not all at once, so definitely not RH as is described in other books.
Maddigan is a complicated character, more so than you'd realize at first blush. She had a lot of odd things happen to her growing up, and she had a hard life, so the idea of a group of people, regardless of their gender, actually loving her is a tough thing for her to accept. Whereas the guys, well, for the most part, they're pretty sure of themselves...up until you get to Luke. Zip self-confidence in this one. And so much fun to watch as he fumbles his way through. Now, that's not to say he's completely a bumble, cause, nope, he's definitely not!
So, as the Mage Trials progress and things keep getting weirder around the school, Luke and Maddigan get to discover more about each other, and the discovery process has been a treat to read. Each new thing we learn about Luke proves he's deeper than we thought and makes him much more powerful than we realized as well. I do believe he could end up being my personal fave.
This series is turning out to be one of the best Academy series I've read because it's so very unusual. I'm completely enjoying the way there's a little bit of everything in it. Not just concentrating on powers, not just leaning on romance, and definitely not just sticking with a school only background. It's so much more. And, after all that? It's so much fun!
Excellently done, DD Chance (I will never be one of the ones who gives away who you really are!) Excellent series indeed!
In book 2, we go more in-depth with Luke. This big, sweet, teddy bear of a lug with zero self-confidence who loves Maddigan so completely, yet is so sure she could never love him. After all, she was Connor's first, and, well, look at him. Luke's a lug, with a nasty scar on his face, and he's so big everyone is afraid of him. So, why would Maddigan look twice at him? Well, because he's this big, sweet, teddy bear of a guy with a heart so big it just blows her away, that's why!
In this book, we see some of the adventures these two get into, and they are some strange ones indeed. Neither of them is entirely sure what is going on, but the "dimension" of the Mage Trials seems to be going a bit wonky, and we get to see some weird sides to it in this book. We also learn more about Luke, who is a bit deeper than we originally thought in book 1. He's such a treat. And way more dangerous than we realized. Size may not be everything, but boy it sure helps! (ok, gonna leave that one alone! LOL!)
There's such an unusual approach to love in these books. The age-old question is it possible to love more than one person at a time, is explored. And the direction it goes I think will speak to the hearts of a lot of people out there. This isn't RH. It's more a tale of how the heart is so big it has room for many. And not all at once, so definitely not RH as is described in other books.
Maddigan is a complicated character, more so than you'd realize at first blush. She had a lot of odd things happen to her growing up, and she had a hard life, so the idea of a group of people, regardless of their gender, actually loving her is a tough thing for her to accept. Whereas the guys, well, for the most part, they're pretty sure of themselves...up until you get to Luke. Zip self-confidence in this one. And so much fun to watch as he fumbles his way through. Now, that's not to say he's completely a bumble, cause, nope, he's definitely not!
So, as the Mage Trials progress and things keep getting weirder around the school, Luke and Maddigan get to discover more about each other, and the discovery process has been a treat to read. Each new thing we learn about Luke proves he's deeper than we thought and makes him much more powerful than we realized as well. I do believe he could end up being my personal fave.
This series is turning out to be one of the best Academy series I've read because it's so very unusual. I'm completely enjoying the way there's a little bit of everything in it. Not just concentrating on powers, not just leaning on romance, and definitely not just sticking with a school only background. It's so much more. And, after all that? It's so much fun!
Excellently done, DD Chance (I will never be one of the ones who gives away who you really are!) Excellent series indeed!
March 14, 2020
Great book!
Definitely an interesting story. I love the academy-trials theme and adding in a war mage as cool as Maddigan is awesome. Really fresh and fun story. Looking
Forward to reading more!
Definitely an interesting story. I love the academy-trials theme and adding in a war mage as cool as Maddigan is awesome. Really fresh and fun story. Looking
Forward to reading more!
June 26, 2022
I read this book as part of a buddy read (best person to have a buddy read with as well)
What I liked about this book was you was thrown into the action right at the beginning. The back story has already been set up for you in the first book so the author could jump right in. It was great exploring Luke’s story.
What didn’t do it for me I’m afraid is the overly descriptive parts that were hard getting through and on occasion confused me. This could be personal taste though but I found those bits hard.
I did absolutely enjoy this book and plan on reading the rest of the series, however this would not be a re read for me.
What I liked about this book was you was thrown into the action right at the beginning. The back story has already been set up for you in the first book so the author could jump right in. It was great exploring Luke’s story.
What didn’t do it for me I’m afraid is the overly descriptive parts that were hard getting through and on occasion confused me. This could be personal taste though but I found those bits hard.
I did absolutely enjoy this book and plan on reading the rest of the series, however this would not be a re read for me.
December 30, 2021
I remain firmly undecided on this series
I still don’t know how I feel about this series one way or the other. I do have a few small pet peeves.
We still have no answers to absolutely anything. Seriously, I feel like they should at least try to ration out some answers for us…but no. Apparently the entire story is going to be a complete mystery until the end.
How are all these students not dead from sleep deprivation? From what I can tell they get pulled into the trials, fight, come out and talk, then they are pulled back into the other world again. Repeat. From what I can tell it’s been at least a week since they’ve slept. No wonder they keep blacking out.
It seems Maddigan bonds with a different boy each book, which is fine…However, the other guys are hardly mentioned at all during someone else’s book. This book belonged to Luke. Conner, who she bonded to previously was barely mentioned. This could have been handled better. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
I’m not trusting anyone at the Academy anymore besides Professor Anderson. They are all shady as shit. Old and nefarious previous winners. Sweet old lady’s being killed by alumni. The advisors have a serious hidden agenda. The outside Mage Trial company seems hella shady.
At this point I think everyone in the Mage Trials world is real, not fake people. The outside mage trial people are keeping them in metaphorical chains and forcing them to accommodate the Mage Trials. I bet the Fallen King wouldn’t bow to the trials so The Twelve helped the Dire Queen kill the old king with the expectations that she would stay out of it all. This is all a guess, I could be wrong. We still have no idea what’s happening.
I still don’t know how I feel about this series one way or the other. I do have a few small pet peeves.
We still have no answers to absolutely anything. Seriously, I feel like they should at least try to ration out some answers for us…but no. Apparently the entire story is going to be a complete mystery until the end.
How are all these students not dead from sleep deprivation? From what I can tell they get pulled into the trials, fight, come out and talk, then they are pulled back into the other world again. Repeat. From what I can tell it’s been at least a week since they’ve slept. No wonder they keep blacking out.
It seems Maddigan bonds with a different boy each book, which is fine…However, the other guys are hardly mentioned at all during someone else’s book. This book belonged to Luke. Conner, who she bonded to previously was barely mentioned. This could have been handled better. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
I’m not trusting anyone at the Academy anymore besides Professor Anderson. They are all shady as shit. Old and nefarious previous winners. Sweet old lady’s being killed by alumni. The advisors have a serious hidden agenda. The outside Mage Trial company seems hella shady.
At this point I think everyone in the Mage Trials world is real, not fake people. The outside mage trial people are keeping them in metaphorical chains and forcing them to accommodate the Mage Trials. I bet the Fallen King wouldn’t bow to the trials so The Twelve helped the Dire Queen kill the old king with the expectations that she would stay out of it all. This is all a guess, I could be wrong. We still have no idea what’s happening.
March 9, 2020
The Twyst Academy Series by D.D. Chance featuring Maddigan Pierce a young woman that after having been working for over five years at the renowned Twyst Academy of Magecraft, discovers her own magical abilities. The expected Tetralogy devote a book each to the four elements and the boys that master them. The first book on the series (“Touch of the Mage”) centered on the relationship between Connor Waring, who can wield fire and Maddigan, as all four boys and Maddigan entered the Magic Trials.
This second installment “Blood of the Mage” explores the blossoming attraction between Maddigan and Luke Broadham, whose powers are associated with the earth element. There is a lot more about Luke than what you’d expected! Previously, in the first book, Luke appeared as an easy going almost plain guy, in “Blood of the Mage” we have the opportunity to learn about Luke past and realize that Luke is indeed a much complex character.
Meanwhile the plot about the Magic Trials continues, a great part of the book takes place into the Borderlands, the place where the Trials are held. The reappearance of The Twelve, the only that remained into the Borderlands for years, and the presence of the Red Team offer non-stop action throughout the story, without disregarding the romantic plot.
This series have been labelled as a RH, in fact this is a little misleading, it is a book about the relationship between four guys and a girl, about attraction and friendship and about how to become the person you were always mean to be. The romance is slow burning and real, Maddigan possess a very special kind of humor that will immediately pull under her spell.
The next book will deal in detail with Markus Winter, and I, for one 😊, cannot wait for it.
The writing on this book is excellent, and the ability of the author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched. D.D. Chance (but this or any other penname 😉) is at the very top of the scale in UF.
This second installment “Blood of the Mage” explores the blossoming attraction between Maddigan and Luke Broadham, whose powers are associated with the earth element. There is a lot more about Luke than what you’d expected! Previously, in the first book, Luke appeared as an easy going almost plain guy, in “Blood of the Mage” we have the opportunity to learn about Luke past and realize that Luke is indeed a much complex character.
Meanwhile the plot about the Magic Trials continues, a great part of the book takes place into the Borderlands, the place where the Trials are held. The reappearance of The Twelve, the only that remained into the Borderlands for years, and the presence of the Red Team offer non-stop action throughout the story, without disregarding the romantic plot.
This series have been labelled as a RH, in fact this is a little misleading, it is a book about the relationship between four guys and a girl, about attraction and friendship and about how to become the person you were always mean to be. The romance is slow burning and real, Maddigan possess a very special kind of humor that will immediately pull under her spell.
The next book will deal in detail with Markus Winter, and I, for one 😊, cannot wait for it.
The writing on this book is excellent, and the ability of the author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched. D.D. Chance (but this or any other penname 😉) is at the very top of the scale in UF.
April 28, 2021
Trials talk bores me but I love the guys and Madds
I think I can say with all honestly that I could give two licks about the virtual magical whatever world that is the Trials. I am here for the slow burn between the four guys and Maddigan and that’s really it LOL That being said, it’s unfortunate for me because at least half of the book is about talking, breathing, seeing, fighting in, living everything that are the Trials. I’m not sure if it’s the dialogue, but I just can’t get into it. I don’t care. I tried following along but they talk SO MUCH that eventually I feel like I’m in a lecture hall and the only thing keeping me awake are the small hot tension looks and touches between the students sitting in front of me. Liked that? So did it surprisingly lmao
I think if you’re into magical worlds you’d really enjoy them talking to death about it. I only have so much patience so I think I dislike that they don’t get to the point. Which isn’t the book’s fault if they’re already rolling with that kind of stance. And this said it was a slow burn, so... I thought the slow aspect would be in regards to the romance between Maddigan and the guys, but it already feels like the slow bit is gonna be about the Trials and then if there’s time to reflect on anything else, it’s her feelings towards the guys. She already knows how she feels about the first two, so yeah it totally felt like she was just occupied, and THEN thought of the guys, and had time to talk about it. I thought a slow burn was more.... getting to know them. Which means spending a lot of time with them and that wasn’t the impression I got. She fought with them and hung out with them but otherwise, I felt like I was reading a lot about trial technicalities and politics and god do I. Hate. Politics.
Overall, I’m hooked on the guys and Mads. I think the trials mystery is pretentious and the people connected are total bollocks, but I’m sticking for the Mage Runners (oh goodness the name though).
I think I can say with all honestly that I could give two licks about the virtual magical whatever world that is the Trials. I am here for the slow burn between the four guys and Maddigan and that’s really it LOL That being said, it’s unfortunate for me because at least half of the book is about talking, breathing, seeing, fighting in, living everything that are the Trials. I’m not sure if it’s the dialogue, but I just can’t get into it. I don’t care. I tried following along but they talk SO MUCH that eventually I feel like I’m in a lecture hall and the only thing keeping me awake are the small hot tension looks and touches between the students sitting in front of me. Liked that? So did it surprisingly lmao
I think if you’re into magical worlds you’d really enjoy them talking to death about it. I only have so much patience so I think I dislike that they don’t get to the point. Which isn’t the book’s fault if they’re already rolling with that kind of stance. And this said it was a slow burn, so... I thought the slow aspect would be in regards to the romance between Maddigan and the guys, but it already feels like the slow bit is gonna be about the Trials and then if there’s time to reflect on anything else, it’s her feelings towards the guys. She already knows how she feels about the first two, so yeah it totally felt like she was just occupied, and THEN thought of the guys, and had time to talk about it. I thought a slow burn was more.... getting to know them. Which means spending a lot of time with them and that wasn’t the impression I got. She fought with them and hung out with them but otherwise, I felt like I was reading a lot about trial technicalities and politics and god do I. Hate. Politics.
Overall, I’m hooked on the guys and Mads. I think the trials mystery is pretentious and the people connected are total bollocks, but I’m sticking for the Mage Runners (oh goodness the name though).
February 20, 2024
fricken good
It kept me interested from the beginning. I did find it slow in some spots, I wished also that there was more multiple point of view than the prologue. She does a few cringy reactions, a bit of a hot head but she also goes along with their mysterious slip up mentions of the warrior mage bond that no one wants to explain. She doesn’t clue in to ask more questions either when she is usually brimmed with them. I did enjoy getting to see Luke open up. We got to learn more of his past and I’m starting to get the idea that this isn’t a game at all. This is another world that they are being dropped. Surprise, Luke hears of a connection between him and the land in the trials. It helps them when they really needed it on their way to the key. I found the transition between Luke putting space between them to him letting go was a bit rushed and didn’t feel natural. There was no discussion really as to why he felt the way he did. It was like he was ashamed of himself. The prologue was perfect and awful at the same time. We got the perfect glimpse of his thoughts but we never got to hear them again. It made me want to get to know him more. The female lead character needs to remember what she’s been told. Not to react, watch, listen, and learn. She’s been told this several times yet becomes whiney whenever a new task is put before them. I do enjoy her character, she’s smart, funny, caring, loyal, determined and outwardly beautiful even though she doesn’t beleive it herself. She seems like the perfect fit for them all. I wish it was a bit speedier in the romance department. Seems last book was dedicated to Connor, this one to Lukas, next is Marcus and then the last will be Rafe. Great story, lots of world building, lots of foreshadow, and I love how it all interconnects in the end.
It kept me interested from the beginning. I did find it slow in some spots, I wished also that there was more multiple point of view than the prologue. She does a few cringy reactions, a bit of a hot head but she also goes along with their mysterious slip up mentions of the warrior mage bond that no one wants to explain. She doesn’t clue in to ask more questions either when she is usually brimmed with them. I did enjoy getting to see Luke open up. We got to learn more of his past and I’m starting to get the idea that this isn’t a game at all. This is another world that they are being dropped. Surprise, Luke hears of a connection between him and the land in the trials. It helps them when they really needed it on their way to the key. I found the transition between Luke putting space between them to him letting go was a bit rushed and didn’t feel natural. There was no discussion really as to why he felt the way he did. It was like he was ashamed of himself. The prologue was perfect and awful at the same time. We got the perfect glimpse of his thoughts but we never got to hear them again. It made me want to get to know him more. The female lead character needs to remember what she’s been told. Not to react, watch, listen, and learn. She’s been told this several times yet becomes whiney whenever a new task is put before them. I do enjoy her character, she’s smart, funny, caring, loyal, determined and outwardly beautiful even though she doesn’t beleive it herself. She seems like the perfect fit for them all. I wish it was a bit speedier in the romance department. Seems last book was dedicated to Connor, this one to Lukas, next is Marcus and then the last will be Rafe. Great story, lots of world building, lots of foreshadow, and I love how it all interconnects in the end.
September 10, 2021
Blood of the Mage
Summary
In Blood of the Mage, we continue our story with Maddigan Pierce as a student at Twyst Academy with this second book in the series.
Maddigan, war mage, and her 4 male mages, Connor, Luke, Marcus, and Rafe, continue their journey through the Mage Trials.
This particular story is focused on the connection between Maddigan and Luke as they journey together on a separate adventure through the Borderlands within the same reality as the Mage Trials.
Review
Similar to the first book, this one is written at a fast pace. The story progresses quickly and the chapters are better organized than the first. I thoroughly enjoyed this story much more than the first book.
I like Luke's character more than I did Connor's in the first installment. I was able to connect more with Luke and his story, as well as see the romance building with Maddigan. Maddigan's connection with Connor seemed to bloom out of nowhere, whereas with Luke they have a shared history.
The story and world building of the Mage Trials definitely were stronger in this book. Maddigan is still as confused as we are as to why this Mage Trials world exists and what the bigger picture is, but everything is starting to make some sense.
Recommendation
If you enjoy fast paced stories and a little romance, then I'd recommend.
Summary
In Blood of the Mage, we continue our story with Maddigan Pierce as a student at Twyst Academy with this second book in the series.
Maddigan, war mage, and her 4 male mages, Connor, Luke, Marcus, and Rafe, continue their journey through the Mage Trials.
This particular story is focused on the connection between Maddigan and Luke as they journey together on a separate adventure through the Borderlands within the same reality as the Mage Trials.
Review
Similar to the first book, this one is written at a fast pace. The story progresses quickly and the chapters are better organized than the first. I thoroughly enjoyed this story much more than the first book.
I like Luke's character more than I did Connor's in the first installment. I was able to connect more with Luke and his story, as well as see the romance building with Maddigan. Maddigan's connection with Connor seemed to bloom out of nowhere, whereas with Luke they have a shared history.
The story and world building of the Mage Trials definitely were stronger in this book. Maddigan is still as confused as we are as to why this Mage Trials world exists and what the bigger picture is, but everything is starting to make some sense.
Recommendation
If you enjoy fast paced stories and a little romance, then I'd recommend.
April 2, 2024
Mages/RH/Multiple PoV/Academy
SYNOPSIS (of Complete Series): The FC was an orphan who worked as a janitor at a magic academy in order to save money to get into a top university. It is then discovered by one of the MCs that she is very clever and is, in fact, a rare War Mage. She is then offered a sponsorship so that she can join the MCs team when they participate in the Mage trials and help them win. The series covers the corruption of the Mage trials and the various stages that the Mage Runner team must complete. There is a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There are a few sex scenes but they are more isolated to one or two per book. They were not particularly hot and other than one, quite vanilla
The story is unique but I found it overly confusing and the plot had too many gaps. I felt that the author had tried to come up with something different and deep but the result was that it was too clever and just became confusing and, in some parts, didn’t make sense.
Whilst each of the MCs was different and worked well together I felt there was insufficient building of the FC/MC relationships and insufficient background development. The focus was all on the Mage trials and the different individuals involved in running them and it just didn’t work for me. There was too little world building generally. The MCs all seemed to be more interested in what the FC could do for them and bring to them rather than on actually liking or getting to know her as an individual. The FC herself just acted like her whole raison d’etre was to support the MCs and save them even if it was to her detriment. That didn’t work for me and certainly didn’t paint the portrait of a romantic, loving relationship.
There were gaps and inconsistencies through the story for example, Gallagher tells the FC that “they” helped put the Dire Queen on the throne so they know the timeline but it’s unclear how that works with the fact the Twelve did their trials 39years prior?? Also, if there’s an agency that runs the trials then how does anyone die or get hurt? The agency is supposed to be independent so why are the trials worse for the Mage Runners?There’s conflict in the description of how the trials works and all the different agencies involved is confusing.
There’s some angst and lots of tribulations with the Mage trials but none of it felt particularly thrilling or engaging. The ending itself was a bit odd and I didn’t fully understand what was happening. There was no full explanation of the borderlands and what had happened there or of why the twins were stranded and exactly what a war mage was or did. I just felt dissatisfied.
Ultimately I made it through the series as I kept hoping that things would improve and the story become more engaging. Unfortunately it didn’t for me.
SYNOPSIS (of Complete Series): The FC was an orphan who worked as a janitor at a magic academy in order to save money to get into a top university. It is then discovered by one of the MCs that she is very clever and is, in fact, a rare War Mage. She is then offered a sponsorship so that she can join the MCs team when they participate in the Mage trials and help them win. The series covers the corruption of the Mage trials and the various stages that the Mage Runner team must complete. There is a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There are a few sex scenes but they are more isolated to one or two per book. They were not particularly hot and other than one, quite vanilla
The story is unique but I found it overly confusing and the plot had too many gaps. I felt that the author had tried to come up with something different and deep but the result was that it was too clever and just became confusing and, in some parts, didn’t make sense.
Whilst each of the MCs was different and worked well together I felt there was insufficient building of the FC/MC relationships and insufficient background development. The focus was all on the Mage trials and the different individuals involved in running them and it just didn’t work for me. There was too little world building generally. The MCs all seemed to be more interested in what the FC could do for them and bring to them rather than on actually liking or getting to know her as an individual. The FC herself just acted like her whole raison d’etre was to support the MCs and save them even if it was to her detriment. That didn’t work for me and certainly didn’t paint the portrait of a romantic, loving relationship.
There were gaps and inconsistencies through the story for example, Gallagher tells the FC that “they” helped put the Dire Queen on the throne so they know the timeline but it’s unclear how that works with the fact the Twelve did their trials 39years prior?? Also, if there’s an agency that runs the trials then how does anyone die or get hurt? The agency is supposed to be independent so why are the trials worse for the Mage Runners?There’s conflict in the description of how the trials works and all the different agencies involved is confusing.
There’s some angst and lots of tribulations with the Mage trials but none of it felt particularly thrilling or engaging. The ending itself was a bit odd and I didn’t fully understand what was happening. There was no full explanation of the borderlands and what had happened there or of why the twins were stranded and exactly what a war mage was or did. I just felt dissatisfied.
Ultimately I made it through the series as I kept hoping that things would improve and the story become more engaging. Unfortunately it didn’t for me.
May 28, 2020
After reading book 1 I wasnt sure about this series. It was kinda convoluted. However, I read this one and it was much better! Each book is about her bond with each of the guys. There is a little repeating which I was concerned about. I really liked Luke our big soft giant. His story is very interesting and still unfolding. They go on quite a few adventures. Some things that still bother me about the story is there isn't a whole lot of the school in it. Like going to classes and learning what she is and just basically about magic she doesnt know. It's an academy book so I wanted a little more of the academy itself but there's too much other things going on for that to happen. The fact that if they win the game and graduate they dont get anything out of it other than a power boost to their magic and perhaps becoming really rich and things go easier for them. I get the draw for some but I'd honestly want more from life than that. I guess I was expecting something more fulfilling and bigger accomplishment or something. I also think Maddie is thinking along the same lines because when she found that out in book 1 she wasnt all that impressed. Anyways, I liked this one better and look forward to reading Marcus. I have a feeling he's a bit of a dominant personality if you get my meaning.
July 27, 2020
4 Ours To Finish Stars
Blood of the Mage is the second installment in the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
I thought the story was simply frustrating through the course of the last book. But with this degree of mind fuckery, especially in regards to Luke and Maddigan’s origin stories is the real obstacle. There’s still a sizable amount unknown in regards to Connor, Marcus, and Rafe. I can just sense around the bend more secrets incoming.
The Mage Trials are some seriously confusing and twisted and outright outlandish circumstances. There’s this utter lack of information; their origin, the death toll, who and how many have all won, the challenges, the magic, the agency behind the summons. Question after question unanswered. And not only do the students accept this utter deficit of knowledge, but the faculty as well. ‘This is just the way it’s always been’. You hold a super difficult and possibly deadly magic competition in an alternate reality you don’t understand and somehow you think it’s acceptable to fly by the seat of your pants? Ridiculous.
Even through the discrepancies in logic I truly enjoyed this book. Mainly following along the convoluted path that is Luke’s portion of this story. Experiencing his evolution solely through this one book. I still hope to learn more. But thankfully, unlike Connor, there was true depth and personality.
Blood of the Mage is the second installment in the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
I thought the story was simply frustrating through the course of the last book. But with this degree of mind fuckery, especially in regards to Luke and Maddigan’s origin stories is the real obstacle. There’s still a sizable amount unknown in regards to Connor, Marcus, and Rafe. I can just sense around the bend more secrets incoming.
The Mage Trials are some seriously confusing and twisted and outright outlandish circumstances. There’s this utter lack of information; their origin, the death toll, who and how many have all won, the challenges, the magic, the agency behind the summons. Question after question unanswered. And not only do the students accept this utter deficit of knowledge, but the faculty as well. ‘This is just the way it’s always been’. You hold a super difficult and possibly deadly magic competition in an alternate reality you don’t understand and somehow you think it’s acceptable to fly by the seat of your pants? Ridiculous.
Even through the discrepancies in logic I truly enjoyed this book. Mainly following along the convoluted path that is Luke’s portion of this story. Experiencing his evolution solely through this one book. I still hope to learn more. But thankfully, unlike Connor, there was true depth and personality.
August 2, 2020
Book 2 was actually a bit better than Book 1
Although it's starting to turn into quite the mindfuck where you're never quite sure what's real and whats not and everyone just blindly stumbling around without a clue as to where to go or what to do about 95% of the time.
At the same time its becoming even more of an odd amalgamation of every popular fantasy book, game, movie out there.
It also feels like Connor lost out a bit. I mean in this book we got a full on and very involved with the present back story for Luke and from the sounds of it we'll get similar stories for Marcus and Rafe in Books 3+4. Whereas Connor barely got any backstory at all, apart from his uncle. I'm guessing its mostly due to Book 1 being focused on introducing Maddigan, the academy and this new world, etc. Still it was noticed.
I guess, just one of the many things that feel unbalanced or straight up make no sense.
The title/label "Academy" feels misleading, as they never attend any classes, they don't study or research or anything of the sort. The Mage Runners, The Mage Trails or The Mage Games - where the odds are never in your favor would have been way more appropriate
Although it's starting to turn into quite the mindfuck where you're never quite sure what's real and whats not and everyone just blindly stumbling around without a clue as to where to go or what to do about 95% of the time.
At the same time its becoming even more of an odd amalgamation of every popular fantasy book, game, movie out there.
It also feels like Connor lost out a bit. I mean in this book we got a full on and very involved with the present back story for Luke and from the sounds of it we'll get similar stories for Marcus and Rafe in Books 3+4. Whereas Connor barely got any backstory at all, apart from his uncle. I'm guessing its mostly due to Book 1 being focused on introducing Maddigan, the academy and this new world, etc. Still it was noticed.
I guess, just one of the many things that feel unbalanced or straight up make no sense.
The title/label "Academy" feels misleading, as they never attend any classes, they don't study or research or anything of the sort. The Mage Runners, The Mage Trails or The Mage Games - where the odds are never in your favor would have been way more appropriate
March 9, 2020
Maddigan's adventures in the Twyst Academy continue in this action-packed story where Maddigan and Luke explore the Borderlands and Luke's heritage. With the aid of Luke's "broken" VR Goggles, and their improving combat skills, Maddigan and Luke get to see the hidden side of the Games.
I really enjoyed this yarn. I liked getting to know more about Maddigan and Luke, and watching their chemistry. I like that Maddigan is exploring her role as War Mage which is becoming less and less like a job and more like a way of life. I like seeing how Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe interact and support each other.
I really love learning more about the Academy, and the machinations of the leaders. I also like learning more about Maddigan's parole officer, and what he brings to the table. This tale may have taken place mostly off campus, but it was deep in the heart of Academy politics. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!
I really enjoyed this yarn. I liked getting to know more about Maddigan and Luke, and watching their chemistry. I like that Maddigan is exploring her role as War Mage which is becoming less and less like a job and more like a way of life. I like seeing how Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe interact and support each other.
I really love learning more about the Academy, and the machinations of the leaders. I also like learning more about Maddigan's parole officer, and what he brings to the table. This tale may have taken place mostly off campus, but it was deep in the heart of Academy politics. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!
March 12, 2020
I loved Blood of the Mage! In book 2 we learn more about Luke and he is even more than I expected. In the first book, Maddigan joined the Mage Runners as their War Mage. Her relationship with Connor grew and while she had joined the team, she didn't complete a bond with them. While the mystery remained regarding how a War Mage was found outside of the trials, she has started to acclimate to her new world as a Twyst Academy student. Now she is taking time with Luke to learn how to fight and she is finding it difficult to accept she has feelings for him as well. In book two, she and Luke find themselves in a new situation that answers some questions but brings to light even more than they could imagine asking.
This book was a great followup and left me impatiently waiting for the third! If you have not started this new series, I strongly recommend!
I received this as a preview copy for an honest review and loved every second of it.
This book was a great followup and left me impatiently waiting for the third! If you have not started this new series, I strongly recommend!
I received this as a preview copy for an honest review and loved every second of it.
September 29, 2024
DNF @22%
The whole reason I continued to the second book was to hopefully get answers to some of the questions I had in book one. However, it was clear early on that things were just decided off-screen for the reader. The implications of what it means to be a war mage were discussed somewhere between books 1 and 2, away from the reader. I don't like that one bit; it seems lazy and takes me out of the story so fast. There was an opportunity for character growth, feelings, angst, and all kinds of stuff, and the author just decided they didn't want to write that, leaving the readers to just accept that decision.
Also, this series either should have had proper smut or fade-to-black because what we were given was honestly really cringe and bad. I couldn't keep reading if that was what I had to endure every time the FMC hooked up with someone. I'd probably have liked the book more if there was no smut at all, the idea and premise of the story was solid.
The whole reason I continued to the second book was to hopefully get answers to some of the questions I had in book one. However, it was clear early on that things were just decided off-screen for the reader. The implications of what it means to be a war mage were discussed somewhere between books 1 and 2, away from the reader. I don't like that one bit; it seems lazy and takes me out of the story so fast. There was an opportunity for character growth, feelings, angst, and all kinds of stuff, and the author just decided they didn't want to write that, leaving the readers to just accept that decision.
Also, this series either should have had proper smut or fade-to-black because what we were given was honestly really cringe and bad. I couldn't keep reading if that was what I had to endure every time the FMC hooked up with someone. I'd probably have liked the book more if there was no smut at all, the idea and premise of the story was solid.
August 16, 2020
Its good
The story is genuinely good. There are parts with waaay to much going on and I feel like I am a yo yo going every which way and I think okay , I’m going to put the book down it’s beginning to be too much . Then there is an unexpected sweet and tender moment when maddigan bonds with one of the guys and I’m sucked back in to the story to see how it pans out. The storyline is good but a little hectic , coordinated chaos you could say. That being said it sometimes proves to be to much stimuli in a given moment and I’m like losing track of what the heck is going on. I’m truly stuck between do I want to read the next book since I already made it this far or should I call it quits.
The story is genuinely good. There are parts with waaay to much going on and I feel like I am a yo yo going every which way and I think okay , I’m going to put the book down it’s beginning to be too much . Then there is an unexpected sweet and tender moment when maddigan bonds with one of the guys and I’m sucked back in to the story to see how it pans out. The storyline is good but a little hectic , coordinated chaos you could say. That being said it sometimes proves to be to much stimuli in a given moment and I’m like losing track of what the heck is going on. I’m truly stuck between do I want to read the next book since I already made it this far or should I call it quits.
February 7, 2021
This was a good-ish read. I had really high hopes for it but it just wasn't quite the series I was expecting. Why? The balance of plot/thoughts/dialogue/narration/sex/character development was just really off. I like descriptions and knowing what our characters are thinking, but there was just so much said that some of it was redundant. I'm also disappointed that with this trying to be a medium-burn, that it acted more like a slow burn with one 2 sex scenes per book and only with that said books main boy focus.
I do like the overall idea about the mage trials and balancing magic once again in both worlds and even the plot twist with our parole officer, but I just wish there was more to the relationship dynamics.
I do like the overall idea about the mage trials and balancing magic once again in both worlds and even the plot twist with our parole officer, but I just wish there was more to the relationship dynamics.
June 13, 2020
I really want to like this book, but it feel so muddied. She over describes everything and the guys...all. The. Time. Like we get...they’re hot. And they work out. You don’t have to tell us every 5 pages. The romance part just feels forced. I think it would have been better if there was one guy and their relationship grew each book. As it is she “bonds” aka bangs a different dude in each book. It feels forced and rushed. I totally skim over that. They’ve known each other a hot minute and boom...they love and trust each other. I get this is just fantasy and I should just roll with it, but I don’t think it too much to ask for a good romance with a good story. It’s all kind of cringey.
November 10, 2021
Senior Citizens
Honestly, it’s like these books were written by an algorithm comprised entirely of pop culture and memes.
The first book had moments of amusement parsing what source material the author had stolen to cobble together this patchwork “story”. However, this book is a second verse that is, if possible, even less interesting than the first. I particularly liked the bit where everyone over 23 is derogatorily referred to as “boomers”, as in baby boomers, the generation born in the immediate aftermath of WWII - although here the author uses it as a universal ageist short-hand.
Honestly, it’s like these books were written by an algorithm comprised entirely of pop culture and memes.
The first book had moments of amusement parsing what source material the author had stolen to cobble together this patchwork “story”. However, this book is a second verse that is, if possible, even less interesting than the first. I particularly liked the bit where everyone over 23 is derogatorily referred to as “boomers”, as in baby boomers, the generation born in the immediate aftermath of WWII - although here the author uses it as a universal ageist short-hand.
March 10, 2020
An action-packed read!
Maddigan must not only survive but also pass the tests faced by her and her teammates in the Mage Trials. More is at stake than they realize. Each trial they face forges them into a stronger team as they come to trust and connect deeper with each other.
This is an action-packed continuation of the first book of this series, “Touch of the Mage”. You can read Book 2 as a standalone although it would be best to read the series in sequence. I eagerly await the next book.
Maddigan must not only survive but also pass the tests faced by her and her teammates in the Mage Trials. More is at stake than they realize. Each trial they face forges them into a stronger team as they come to trust and connect deeper with each other.
This is an action-packed continuation of the first book of this series, “Touch of the Mage”. You can read Book 2 as a standalone although it would be best to read the series in sequence. I eagerly await the next book.
March 11, 2020
I wholeheartedly recommend this book! It was a great read which I could not put down. This is the second book in the series and we learn more about Madigan and Luke with an abundance of action and some page turning twists. The interactions between the characters are beautifully written and the imagery is engaging and really takes you into their world. The author is especially good at creating intriguing characters and developing their story through each book in the series. So happy that the next installment is only a few weeks away!
March 12, 2020
I really enjoyed Blood of the Mage and was caught up in the story as quickly as the team keep falling into the mage trials. The characters continue to develop, along with the intrigue and mystery surrounding what is really going on with the mage trials. This book is focused on Maddigan, who continues to grow in her power and self-belief, and Luke, who has a fascinating story! There is plenty of drama, friendship, romance and a great mystery that gets more and more intriguing as it goes along. It's a hard book to put down and I can't wait for the next one!
March 26, 2020
I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to learning more about the characters. This time Luke is a focus as we get more time with Maddigan and the guys.
Maddigan and Luke are both learning more about each other and about their abilities. The secrets are being revealed slowly but surely. I love the bond that has formed and is already very strong. He really cares so deeply. The next books focus on the other men in her life and I am eager to read them too.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Maddigan and Luke are both learning more about each other and about their abilities. The secrets are being revealed slowly but surely. I love the bond that has formed and is already very strong. He really cares so deeply. The next books focus on the other men in her life and I am eager to read them too.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
April 7, 2020
The second installment of this series left me with a blown mind... It expanded into depths and twists of fantasy and gravity I did not see coming and I loved it! I have never read a more creative and original mixture of modern and ancient fantasy, intrigue, romance and the relatable angst of young adult sexuality. The author goes places I would never have guessed and surprised me multiple times.
I highly recommend this story if you'd like a break from the tired genres that keep to traditional, limited ideas.
I highly recommend this story if you'd like a break from the tired genres that keep to traditional, limited ideas.
dnf
April 8, 2020Book One Review:
It was okay. I needed an escape from reality and it served its purpose.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
---------
Book Two Review:
I read the first, so I downloaded this one, but I only got 10% in before I decided to DNF it.
When I was reading the first, I really needed an escape from reality, and I was reading a lot, but my reality has improved and so my reading requirements have adjusted accordingly. As such, I'll pass on future books by this author.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
It was okay. I needed an escape from reality and it served its purpose.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
---------
Book Two Review:
I read the first, so I downloaded this one, but I only got 10% in before I decided to DNF it.
When I was reading the first, I really needed an escape from reality, and I was reading a lot, but my reality has improved and so my reading requirements have adjusted accordingly. As such, I'll pass on future books by this author.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
May 7, 2020
Exciting adventure
I was on the edge the entire book. This book is mostly Luke and Madigan and how their stories open up and come together. Luke's storyline is incredible. There is definitely more than meets the eye to the Mage trials. Things are going horribly wrong and it seems everything is coming apart. The Mage Runners, Madigan, Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe are coming into their own as a team and bonding. Loving the series so far. Told mostly from Madigan's POV. Must be read in order.
I was on the edge the entire book. This book is mostly Luke and Madigan and how their stories open up and come together. Luke's storyline is incredible. There is definitely more than meets the eye to the Mage trials. Things are going horribly wrong and it seems everything is coming apart. The Mage Runners, Madigan, Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe are coming into their own as a team and bonding. Loving the series so far. Told mostly from Madigan's POV. Must be read in order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews