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Boston Magic Academies #4
Soul of the Mage
Cleaning up the academy just got…personal.
Up to now, my life has been kind of a fairy tale—the down-on-her-luck janitor turned war mage, tapped to help four super-hot college wizards win a magic competition, while they become my very own Prince Charmings.
Except now, as our final and deadliest challenge looms, I’m supposed to bond with the last mage of the group, Rafe. And he’s nothing like I expect.
With the barest smile, he seduces me. With the softest touch, he electrifies me. From our very first kiss, he opens me to a haunting, forsaken power that binds me to him, body and soul.
Even worse, I know—know—that Rafe is hiding a terrible secret. One that threatens to shatter him into a million pieces…or shatter me instead. But I haven’t come this far to lose this gorgeous, tortured wizard to his twisted magic. I haven’t come this far to lose any of them.
So Bring. It. On.
Note: This is a slow burn, New Adult paranormal academy romance, and book 4 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series
Up to now, my life has been kind of a fairy tale—the down-on-her-luck janitor turned war mage, tapped to help four super-hot college wizards win a magic competition, while they become my very own Prince Charmings.
Except now, as our final and deadliest challenge looms, I’m supposed to bond with the last mage of the group, Rafe. And he’s nothing like I expect.
With the barest smile, he seduces me. With the softest touch, he electrifies me. From our very first kiss, he opens me to a haunting, forsaken power that binds me to him, body and soul.
Even worse, I know—know—that Rafe is hiding a terrible secret. One that threatens to shatter him into a million pieces…or shatter me instead. But I haven’t come this far to lose this gorgeous, tortured wizard to his twisted magic. I haven’t come this far to lose any of them.
So Bring. It. On.
Note: This is a slow burn, New Adult paranormal academy romance, and book 4 of 4 in the Twyst Academy series
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
630 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 4, 2020
*Source* Author
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Soul of the Mage is the fourth and final chapter in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy series. So far, readers have met protagonist Maddigan Pierce who for 6 years, was employed at Twyst Academy as a janitor while also solving some difficult assignments by professors like Dr. Anderson. But, after being caught, and learning that she was a War Mage that is not supposed to exist outside of the Mage Trials, Maddie has become part of team Mage Runners. It gives them a powerful advantage.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* New Adult / Paranormal / Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Soul of the Mage is the fourth and final chapter in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy series. So far, readers have met protagonist Maddigan Pierce who for 6 years, was employed at Twyst Academy as a janitor while also solving some difficult assignments by professors like Dr. Anderson. But, after being caught, and learning that she was a War Mage that is not supposed to exist outside of the Mage Trials, Maddie has become part of team Mage Runners. It gives them a powerful advantage.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 27, 2021
The tornado that is Twyst Academy is about to touch down!
I hate when series end. It's like saying goodbye to good friends, knowing the only way you'll be able to revisit them is through a diary or a photo album. It's the saddest thing ever. And this group? Maddigan, Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe? I will miss each and every one! Yes, even Rafe! (Little bit of playing favorites here, I like Marcus best!)
This last book is basically Rafe's book, but it's also so much more than that. It brings the whole purpose of the Twyst Academy to a culmination that is as intense as it is unexpected. Which would be why you're not getting any details from me. But I will say that Rafe lives up to his reputation as it was built in the other 3 books. He's not the sweet, magnetic Connor who can make anyone feel like they're special with just a smile. He's not big and physically powerful nor is he in any way shy as is our Luke. He is also nothing like our mind-mender Marcus, who sees inside you and knows every feeling you have, and treats each one like a treasure. No, Rafe is a whole different type of mage.
There is powerful magic in Rafe; magic that knows Maddigan. Rafe's upbringing is very different from the rest. He appears privileged. After all, his name is Twyst. And that should bring him knowledge the others don't have. That should give him an "in" they don't have. And it most certainly should give him confidence they don't possess. It should. But does it?
Rafe and Maddigan, between the two of them, discover things about Twyst Academy that perhaps they shouldn't have discovered. They certainly stick their noses where they don't belong. But, then, think about the two of them and it's not hard to guess that they would cause trouble. The Mage Trials will never be the same. But, then, there always was a reason for the 5 of them to come together as they did. And the trouble they cause is nothing short of monumental, and that's all I'm going to say on that subject.
This was such a fun Academy series, such an exciting one, such a tight, well-written one, that knowing that it is done just breaks my heart. The best I can do at this point is hope for more from the amazing...uh...DD Chance?
Excellently Done, DD Chance, Excellently Done Indeed! Couldn't have been better and I can't wait for more! So, here's hoping you've got more in you! Just loved this series! (Yeah yeah, I'll stop gushing now. But, well, she's worth a gush or two!)
I hate when series end. It's like saying goodbye to good friends, knowing the only way you'll be able to revisit them is through a diary or a photo album. It's the saddest thing ever. And this group? Maddigan, Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe? I will miss each and every one! Yes, even Rafe! (Little bit of playing favorites here, I like Marcus best!)
This last book is basically Rafe's book, but it's also so much more than that. It brings the whole purpose of the Twyst Academy to a culmination that is as intense as it is unexpected. Which would be why you're not getting any details from me. But I will say that Rafe lives up to his reputation as it was built in the other 3 books. He's not the sweet, magnetic Connor who can make anyone feel like they're special with just a smile. He's not big and physically powerful nor is he in any way shy as is our Luke. He is also nothing like our mind-mender Marcus, who sees inside you and knows every feeling you have, and treats each one like a treasure. No, Rafe is a whole different type of mage.
There is powerful magic in Rafe; magic that knows Maddigan. Rafe's upbringing is very different from the rest. He appears privileged. After all, his name is Twyst. And that should bring him knowledge the others don't have. That should give him an "in" they don't have. And it most certainly should give him confidence they don't possess. It should. But does it?
Rafe and Maddigan, between the two of them, discover things about Twyst Academy that perhaps they shouldn't have discovered. They certainly stick their noses where they don't belong. But, then, think about the two of them and it's not hard to guess that they would cause trouble. The Mage Trials will never be the same. But, then, there always was a reason for the 5 of them to come together as they did. And the trouble they cause is nothing short of monumental, and that's all I'm going to say on that subject.
This was such a fun Academy series, such an exciting one, such a tight, well-written one, that knowing that it is done just breaks my heart. The best I can do at this point is hope for more from the amazing...uh...DD Chance?
Excellently Done, DD Chance, Excellently Done Indeed! Couldn't have been better and I can't wait for more! So, here's hoping you've got more in you! Just loved this series! (Yeah yeah, I'll stop gushing now. But, well, she's worth a gush or two!)
August 14, 2020
I liked the story behind this. It felt more like a YA except for the heavy sex scenes. This put me off a bit because when I read YA I expect one thing. If I'm reading romance, particularly spicy paranormal romance, I expect something else so the series never quite jelled.
I did, however, find it interesting enough to finish the series and for those who don't find the juxtaposition of genres odd, it's a fun story.
I did, however, find it interesting enough to finish the series and for those who don't find the juxtaposition of genres odd, it's a fun story.
May 1, 2020
Rafe and Maddigan are the last to bond in this RH group. He has a deadly future in store for her, but love conquers all. In the epic conclusion of the mage trials, the battle becomes more as the shadow men are revealed, the agency is unveiled, and we get our HEA. This was a great series with lots of mystery and magic.
May 5, 2020
And finally… we get to know Rafe Twyst 😊
“Soul of the Mage” the fourth and final installment to the “Twyst Academy Series” by D.D. Chance is even better than its predecessors, not only is the pace faster, the action more intense, the plot even more complex, but it also follows closely Rafe Twyst who wears his twisted reputation (pun very much intended) like a coat of arms, and has eluded every attend to lighten his mood since the very beginning. Rafe has a secret, so deep and dangerous that it has the capability to destroy not only himself but also Maddie. All the more concerning, as we know by now, that Rafe and Maddie have to bond, if the group of mages (Maddie and the four boys: Connor, Luke, Markus and Rafe himself) are to stand a chance to wining the Trials.
As the reach the final and most challenging of the rooms, Rafe’s secret becomes a liability that he can hardly afford if they all want not only to win but merely survive the ordeal.
Maddie and Rafe’s chemistry has been lurking in the shadows since the very beginning and as they finally reach the point of leaning into it, the outcome does not disappoint.
Maddie who has been continually growing in power and confidence through the trials, will be the one to lead the group to the final battle and cement their relationship.
The book is a fabulous reading, with a good constructed storyline that flows effortless across all four installments of the series; wonderful crafted and multifaceted characters, Maddie is a caring, strong, witty, funny MC, while each of the boys shine through his very specific characteristic features, without outshining each other. The reader will – of course – pick a favorite, but this is due to personal choice not to the quality of the writing. The Academy world itself and all the trials, are depicted in such a way, that makes them perfectly distinguishable from the many and various “academy-themed” works so in vogue at the moment.
The ability of this author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched and the writing stile as always excellent. D.D. Chance is undoubtedly a the very top of the UF scale.
A fully satisfactory conclusion to which has been one of the best releases not only of Academy themed books but of urban fantasy in general.
“Soul of the Mage” the fourth and final installment to the “Twyst Academy Series” by D.D. Chance is even better than its predecessors, not only is the pace faster, the action more intense, the plot even more complex, but it also follows closely Rafe Twyst who wears his twisted reputation (pun very much intended) like a coat of arms, and has eluded every attend to lighten his mood since the very beginning. Rafe has a secret, so deep and dangerous that it has the capability to destroy not only himself but also Maddie. All the more concerning, as we know by now, that Rafe and Maddie have to bond, if the group of mages (Maddie and the four boys: Connor, Luke, Markus and Rafe himself) are to stand a chance to wining the Trials.
As the reach the final and most challenging of the rooms, Rafe’s secret becomes a liability that he can hardly afford if they all want not only to win but merely survive the ordeal.
Maddie and Rafe’s chemistry has been lurking in the shadows since the very beginning and as they finally reach the point of leaning into it, the outcome does not disappoint.
Maddie who has been continually growing in power and confidence through the trials, will be the one to lead the group to the final battle and cement their relationship.
The book is a fabulous reading, with a good constructed storyline that flows effortless across all four installments of the series; wonderful crafted and multifaceted characters, Maddie is a caring, strong, witty, funny MC, while each of the boys shine through his very specific characteristic features, without outshining each other. The reader will – of course – pick a favorite, but this is due to personal choice not to the quality of the writing. The Academy world itself and all the trials, are depicted in such a way, that makes them perfectly distinguishable from the many and various “academy-themed” works so in vogue at the moment.
The ability of this author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched and the writing stile as always excellent. D.D. Chance is undoubtedly a the very top of the UF scale.
A fully satisfactory conclusion to which has been one of the best releases not only of Academy themed books but of urban fantasy in general.
May 5, 2020
This is the fourth and final instalment of the Twyst Academy series and what an exciting read! Set in Boston on the grounds of a prestigious academy for mages, it has all you would expect from this genre and indeed this author. Epic battles, hot and steamy scenes, redemption and growth.
This was impossible to put down, there is so much action packed into this book. The story lines woven in the first three all lead us to the final battle here with nothing left unanswered.
Throughout the series the characters have grown, the main character learns to trust in herself, her powers and her team. In this book we learn about Rafe, who’s been the most enigmatic of the group so far. I've really enjoyed the way we have gotten to learn about each of the main characters in these books and what’s great about this author is that she doesn’t leave the secondary characters out, they are colourful and interesting and really add to the story. If you haven't read this series, then I would highly recommend you do.
This was impossible to put down, there is so much action packed into this book. The story lines woven in the first three all lead us to the final battle here with nothing left unanswered.
Throughout the series the characters have grown, the main character learns to trust in herself, her powers and her team. In this book we learn about Rafe, who’s been the most enigmatic of the group so far. I've really enjoyed the way we have gotten to learn about each of the main characters in these books and what’s great about this author is that she doesn’t leave the secondary characters out, they are colourful and interesting and really add to the story. If you haven't read this series, then I would highly recommend you do.
May 4, 2020
This is the last in the Twyst Academy series, wrapping up the twisted tale of magic, politics and power grabs, combined with a heart-warming RH story about janitor-turned-mage Maddigan and the hot guys in the Mage Runners team.
I've been devouring this series and honestly wondered how DD was going to manage to get in Rafe's story with Maddigan, wrap up the Mage Trials, and resolve everything that has been going on in just one book, but she does it admirably.
The mysteries surrounding the Mage Trials continue to get more complex, Rafe has his own hidden torment going on, Maddigan is haunted by the curse, and the threats both within and outside the game bring danger. The tension remains high throughout the story, right to the very end, when finally the truth comes out and we get the HEA.
The Twyst Academy series needs to be read in order.
Don't start this book just before bed if you have to get up early! I got so caught up in the story that 'reading to the end of the chapter' ended up being to the end of the book.
I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book.
I've been devouring this series and honestly wondered how DD was going to manage to get in Rafe's story with Maddigan, wrap up the Mage Trials, and resolve everything that has been going on in just one book, but she does it admirably.
The mysteries surrounding the Mage Trials continue to get more complex, Rafe has his own hidden torment going on, Maddigan is haunted by the curse, and the threats both within and outside the game bring danger. The tension remains high throughout the story, right to the very end, when finally the truth comes out and we get the HEA.
The Twyst Academy series needs to be read in order.
Don't start this book just before bed if you have to get up early! I got so caught up in the story that 'reading to the end of the chapter' ended up being to the end of the book.
I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book.
May 5, 2020
I’ve really enjoyed this series of books and I’m sorry to see the end. Each of the mage have been interesting characters and Rafe is no exception. Once again there is a little bit of spice in the story, and epic battles. I hope this series continues in one from or another because I still want to know what happens next!
May 5, 2020
What an epic ending to an amazing series! Maddigan and her 4 mages at Twyst Academy move into the 4th and final level of the Mage Trials. Betrayals, prophecies revealed, secrets uncovered and a world saved! Non stop action with so many twists your head will spin! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
May 5, 2020
What an explosive finale to a fabulous 4 book series! Quite often the end book in a series doesn't match the fun, intrigue and breath-taking storyline that has gone before! Not in this case! A fitting and entirely joyous continuation of this twysting plot. Loved it.
May 5, 2020
This is the fourth book in Twyst Academy book series. There are many twists and turns in this book. So many players with their own agendas. Will Maddigan and her team get through this maze of deceit? Will their bond hold true? This is a wild ride and a must read!
May 5, 2020
This book series is absolutely fantastic and this book is just another example of its brilliance. Full of action and edge of your seat writing that keeps you glued to the book from page to page. I love the characters in this series and it is hard not to be entranced by them. A must-read book.
May 5, 2020
What a conclusion to the Series!! Twysts (haha), turns, and all the Magic! I didn't see some of the plot twists that jumped out at us. I am sad to see the end, can't wait for what comes next!!
December 22, 2020
I didn't read the rest of the series so this review is on this book totally independent of the series. That being said, there were times where background information would have helped an other times were I can tell it wouldn't.
***SPOILERS***
I find most MCs to be annoying and Maddigan was no different. There's a whole list of problems, the biggest for me being how obsessed she was with self sacrifice. She starts off with: "I don’t care about myself. I care about them.” and ends with somehow thinking she has to sacrifice herself so the guys can live. But when someone in the trials makes a point to tell her, "We wanted to warn you about what was coming...You have to understand that. The Mage Trials needs you—all of you!” and "We’ll wait for you on the other side—remember—all of you—” and Maddigan doesn't give this a second thought. "But I would fulfill the sacrifice." When it comes down to it, she still chooses self sacrifice when it wasn't even needed.
The concept of this book is interesting, however, it seems to pull from numerous other books and movies. You got the obvious "Good Will Hunting" that I didn't need the other 3 books to see. Then there's Harry Potter and Maze Runner vibes. It also kind of reminds me of tis litrpg I read, where the MC can go in and out of the game at will (that was a pretty good book btw).
I know that there are so many books that it's hard to be completely original, but some references/ copy-and-paste pieces are really blatant (ex: "Mage Runners"). This book also has such strong YA vibes that it feels a little weird/ forced as a romance. Then there's this: "More to the point, I now knew each of these guys intimately. Physically. And the weirdest part about that…was that it didn’t feel weird at all. I was going to need some serious therapy when all this was said and done." Not exactly what you'd expect from book 4 of a reverse harem. Another time Rafe asks if she would like the whole group of guys together and implies an orgy and she acts horrified. Again not something you'd usually see in a RH.
There were a few things that kind of just grind my gears. I did the whole 4 years of college thing and for them to say, "I knew how college worked, especially this class. All that mattered was that you passed the final exam. There was no class participation score, and the professor couldn’t care less whether you showed up or not. Those who did were doubtless Goody Two-shoes and the kind of people who took everything way too seriously." is just completely wrong about 99% of the classes I took. It bothers me a lot that this is the message the author wants to spread about college. Oh wait! This isn't a YA and hopefully readers are adults who have formed their own opinion about college. Lol I really forgot this isn't a YA while writing this, but this comment about college really bothered me. Idk maybe not-Hogwarts is different.
This quote: "...his magic cradling my heart somehow, knowing that it was on the verge of breaking. Not with sadness, though. Not anymore. But with more love than I ever thought it possible to hold." Umm...ok.
I was also annoyed that this book starts with Rafe's POV and then never was again. The entire rest of the book is Maddigan's POV. Again, I don't know of that's how the rest of the series is, but I feel like that took away from the potential. It would've made some scenes a lot less confusing if they were through Rafe's POV. There are some things that Maddigan just knows and it feels like a leap in logic how she knows it.
I wanted to give this 2 stars because I really didn't enjoy it. Instead, I gave it 3 stars since I didn't read the other books and want to give it the benefit of the doubt.
***SPOILERS***
I find most MCs to be annoying and Maddigan was no different. There's a whole list of problems, the biggest for me being how obsessed she was with self sacrifice. She starts off with: "I don’t care about myself. I care about them.” and ends with somehow thinking she has to sacrifice herself so the guys can live. But when someone in the trials makes a point to tell her, "We wanted to warn you about what was coming...You have to understand that. The Mage Trials needs you—all of you!” and "We’ll wait for you on the other side—remember—all of you—” and Maddigan doesn't give this a second thought. "But I would fulfill the sacrifice." When it comes down to it, she still chooses self sacrifice when it wasn't even needed.
The concept of this book is interesting, however, it seems to pull from numerous other books and movies. You got the obvious "Good Will Hunting" that I didn't need the other 3 books to see. Then there's Harry Potter and Maze Runner vibes. It also kind of reminds me of tis litrpg I read, where the MC can go in and out of the game at will (that was a pretty good book btw).
I know that there are so many books that it's hard to be completely original, but some references/ copy-and-paste pieces are really blatant (ex: "Mage Runners"). This book also has such strong YA vibes that it feels a little weird/ forced as a romance. Then there's this: "More to the point, I now knew each of these guys intimately. Physically. And the weirdest part about that…was that it didn’t feel weird at all. I was going to need some serious therapy when all this was said and done." Not exactly what you'd expect from book 4 of a reverse harem. Another time Rafe asks if she would like the whole group of guys together and implies an orgy and she acts horrified. Again not something you'd usually see in a RH.
There were a few things that kind of just grind my gears. I did the whole 4 years of college thing and for them to say, "I knew how college worked, especially this class. All that mattered was that you passed the final exam. There was no class participation score, and the professor couldn’t care less whether you showed up or not. Those who did were doubtless Goody Two-shoes and the kind of people who took everything way too seriously." is just completely wrong about 99% of the classes I took. It bothers me a lot that this is the message the author wants to spread about college. Oh wait! This isn't a YA and hopefully readers are adults who have formed their own opinion about college. Lol I really forgot this isn't a YA while writing this, but this comment about college really bothered me. Idk maybe not-Hogwarts is different.
This quote: "...his magic cradling my heart somehow, knowing that it was on the verge of breaking. Not with sadness, though. Not anymore. But with more love than I ever thought it possible to hold." Umm...ok.
I was also annoyed that this book starts with Rafe's POV and then never was again. The entire rest of the book is Maddigan's POV. Again, I don't know of that's how the rest of the series is, but I feel like that took away from the potential. It would've made some scenes a lot less confusing if they were through Rafe's POV. There are some things that Maddigan just knows and it feels like a leap in logic how she knows it.
I wanted to give this 2 stars because I really didn't enjoy it. Instead, I gave it 3 stars since I didn't read the other books and want to give it the benefit of the doubt.
October 16, 2020
Series review - not great
So it was difficult to review this series as individual books because they were so interdependent. Now that I’ve completed the series, this review is for the entire work.
First I’ll say that the writing itself was decent enough that I made it through four books. The initial concept and nod to Goodwill Hunting got me interested, so that was good. And I liked that that there was a mystery that carried throughout the series.
But beyond that I’ll say that I didn’t love it. I didn’t love the characters or the overall storyline or the mystery itself honestly. I found the “alternate reality “ style of this extremely confusing and it felt like there were too many different groups and concepts. I mean you have the main 5 characters and their relationship, the students and their competing teams, the professors, the advisory panel, the agency, the twelve, the red team, the queen, weird monsters who aren’t monsters, the consulate, etc. By the end I basically just wanted it to be over. It felt like author should have simplified things. It felt unnecessarily chaotic for the reader. I understand that the author wanted to keep the suspense and keep the reader guessing, but probably not to the point that we don’t actually care anymore.
Ultimately I wouldn’t recommend this series, but I think I would try the author again to see if they have more focused stories. I saw a lot of good potential but it felt overstuffed.
So it was difficult to review this series as individual books because they were so interdependent. Now that I’ve completed the series, this review is for the entire work.
First I’ll say that the writing itself was decent enough that I made it through four books. The initial concept and nod to Goodwill Hunting got me interested, so that was good. And I liked that that there was a mystery that carried throughout the series.
But beyond that I’ll say that I didn’t love it. I didn’t love the characters or the overall storyline or the mystery itself honestly. I found the “alternate reality “ style of this extremely confusing and it felt like there were too many different groups and concepts. I mean you have the main 5 characters and their relationship, the students and their competing teams, the professors, the advisory panel, the agency, the twelve, the red team, the queen, weird monsters who aren’t monsters, the consulate, etc. By the end I basically just wanted it to be over. It felt like author should have simplified things. It felt unnecessarily chaotic for the reader. I understand that the author wanted to keep the suspense and keep the reader guessing, but probably not to the point that we don’t actually care anymore.
Ultimately I wouldn’t recommend this series, but I think I would try the author again to see if they have more focused stories. I saw a lot of good potential but it felt overstuffed.
June 1, 2020
This is definitely the clean up book in more ways than one. Its the last of the series. Its the last mage she must bond with. Its everything wrapped up that we wondered about. Some things I didnt see coming or if I did not in the way it ended up being. All the guys have developed nicely throughout the series and Maddie definitely has. She's changed so much and I love that. I think perhaps Rafe was the most important and I'm glad he was saved for last. It makes sooo much sense in how he acted in other books especially towards her and I was sad for him. He ended up being the catalyst...he was very major to her. He knew what he might have to do from way before any of the guys knew who she was. He agonized over it. Not to mention the things that were done to him as a child. Ugh. These guys fought hard and Cynthia who was such a witch at the beginning grew on me and her character grew a little too. Dont get me wrong she's still a witch but ya know I understand her more and I think with everything she went through in this series which was a lot kinda changed her perspective. I was very pleased by the series and the end. Now, I would have liked to have more of an ending at least in reguards to what their future looks like more in depth but thats ok. I liked it and I cant wait to see what Ms. Chance does next. I'm definitely a fan.
July 27, 2020
5 Get Us Out Stars
Soul of the Mage is the fourth and final installment into the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
Pure perfection. Chance wrapped this book up with a bow. Jam packed with action, intrigue, romance, and betrayal. Surprise after surprise presented itself. Along with lots smack downs.
Is it just me or did the intensity increase in order of relationship claimed? Was it simply because of their bonds stacking? Irrevocably binding them all tighter, inseparable? Rafe definitely outshone the other guys. Struggling through the whole book, with this eery personality change, fighting his ‘purpose’ and ever growing love. Yep, I lurve him.
I long suspected Morrow’s involvement in some manner, given his referral that initiated Maddigan into the magical world. Right where she needed to be. Now, I won’t spoil his part in everything, but he’s awesome.
Finally discovering the origin of the shadow creatures stalking Maddigan throughout her adolescence and more recently, was an eye opener. Also, Mr. Quill is adorable and I want to adopt him.
Soul of the Mage is the fourth and final installment into the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
Pure perfection. Chance wrapped this book up with a bow. Jam packed with action, intrigue, romance, and betrayal. Surprise after surprise presented itself. Along with lots smack downs.
Is it just me or did the intensity increase in order of relationship claimed? Was it simply because of their bonds stacking? Irrevocably binding them all tighter, inseparable? Rafe definitely outshone the other guys. Struggling through the whole book, with this eery personality change, fighting his ‘purpose’ and ever growing love. Yep, I lurve him.
I long suspected Morrow’s involvement in some manner, given his referral that initiated Maddigan into the magical world. Right where she needed to be. Now, I won’t spoil his part in everything, but he’s awesome.
Finally discovering the origin of the shadow creatures stalking Maddigan throughout her adolescence and more recently, was an eye opener. Also, Mr. Quill is adorable and I want to adopt him.
September 22, 2020
2.5 stars
It was a bit jumbled all together, especially at the end, but it was interesting. I really thought there would be more to how Maddigan came to be. I also thought the RA was a part of the agency. I mean, she was everywhere...
One thing that got weird was everyone saying “You dare!” when they were about to let someone catch hands. It would make sense for one or maybe two people to say it, but it felt like four or five at least.
Oh! Also, how is it that the whole thing with Luke not being who he thought he was his whole life not a bigger deal? He literally should be sitting on a throne and fixing his kingdom, but we don’t get to see any of how he deals with that?
AND! Rafe’s parents are MIA??? I want to know them. I want to see them react to finding out what was done to their son.
It was a bit jumbled all together, especially at the end, but it was interesting. I really thought there would be more to how Maddigan came to be. I also thought the RA was a part of the agency. I mean, she was everywhere...
One thing that got weird was everyone saying “You dare!” when they were about to let someone catch hands. It would make sense for one or maybe two people to say it, but it felt like four or five at least.
Oh! Also, how is it that the whole thing with Luke not being who he thought he was his whole life not a bigger deal? He literally should be sitting on a throne and fixing his kingdom, but we don’t get to see any of how he deals with that?
AND! Rafe’s parents are MIA??? I want to know them. I want to see them react to finding out what was done to their son.
April 29, 2021
The idea of their love was nice
I’m not sure what to think about this. I loved Conner and the others (mainly Conner cause he seemed the most wholesome though Marcus has his sexy kinks but then there’s Luke with his pitbull persona and Rafe with his... Rafeness). I don’t know. It’s been a trying experience but I kept going hoping to read about the romance I got when I read the first book. But even then, it felt a little rushed and explained. I should’ve realized the book would end the same way it’s been during the hole series: all about the trials lol my assumptions about them were correct and I’m a little bummed there wasn’t more romance. Companionships, sure. Trial politics, yup. Flat out romance not tied directly to the trials? Eehhh.
Overall, I probably should’ve just dropped this, but I wasn’t ready to tell them bye so soon.
I’m not sure what to think about this. I loved Conner and the others (mainly Conner cause he seemed the most wholesome though Marcus has his sexy kinks but then there’s Luke with his pitbull persona and Rafe with his... Rafeness). I don’t know. It’s been a trying experience but I kept going hoping to read about the romance I got when I read the first book. But even then, it felt a little rushed and explained. I should’ve realized the book would end the same way it’s been during the hole series: all about the trials lol my assumptions about them were correct and I’m a little bummed there wasn’t more romance. Companionships, sure. Trial politics, yup. Flat out romance not tied directly to the trials? Eehhh.
Overall, I probably should’ve just dropped this, but I wasn’t ready to tell them bye so soon.
July 1, 2021
This was a decent book and the grammar and punctuation editing was quite good. However, there were discrepancies, continuity errors and the whole series was just too cryptic for me. I hate when authors give little hints but never really explain anything. There were so many times when Maddigan said something along the line of "there was something there I should understand" but then the author never goes back and explains it. Then, when the author did explain something it was usually confusing. I feel like a person has to read the books then go back and read them again to fully understand what is going on. The books weren't good enough and I wasn't curious enough to go back and reread the series. The ending, while tying up several threads, still left many questions. It also ended rather abruptly. The team won the Trials and that's it. It ends before they even graduate.
May 5, 2020
In the fourth (and final) book for the Mage Runners, it is Maddigan and Rafe that is the primary focus. We learn more about Rafe and the history of Twyst Academy and the team is discovering more than they could have imagined when it comes to the Mage Trials, the creators, and the characters we have read about the entire series.
I truly felt satisfied by the end of the book, and I definitely hope that there will be more stories like this coming from this author. I received an advanced reader copy to review, and once I started reading I couldn't stop! One of the benefits of being at home right now is that I didn't feel guilty about just reading all day once! I thought it was an amazing end and definitely recommend this series.
I truly felt satisfied by the end of the book, and I definitely hope that there will be more stories like this coming from this author. I received an advanced reader copy to review, and once I started reading I couldn't stop! One of the benefits of being at home right now is that I didn't feel guilty about just reading all day once! I thought it was an amazing end and definitely recommend this series.
July 22, 2020
Thank God it’s over.
It was okay, but I found the ending a bit too upbeat and cheesy for my liking. After all the scrabbling to succeed in the trials and dethrone the bad guys from their positions of power that they exploited for personal gain, the ending had everything fall into place without any hiccups. I still didn’t like all the characters, and we really don’t get to know them much despite seeing them open up - marginally - to each other.
I will say that I did like the action and the trial aspect of the series, and the investigation of the anomalies they encountered which put them onto the much larger corruption thread. Happy I read this, even happier that I didn’t have to pay for it though 😉
3 stars ⭐️
It was okay, but I found the ending a bit too upbeat and cheesy for my liking. After all the scrabbling to succeed in the trials and dethrone the bad guys from their positions of power that they exploited for personal gain, the ending had everything fall into place without any hiccups. I still didn’t like all the characters, and we really don’t get to know them much despite seeing them open up - marginally - to each other.
I will say that I did like the action and the trial aspect of the series, and the investigation of the anomalies they encountered which put them onto the much larger corruption thread. Happy I read this, even happier that I didn’t have to pay for it though 😉
3 stars ⭐️
August 3, 2020
Well, it's done. Finally. Though for about 80+% of this final installment it was pretty much same old story, as far as answers and resolutions were concerned and I was seriously beginning to wonder how she was ever gonna resolve everything with so little time/ space left. Apparently by turning the last couple of chapters into a major info/answers and solutions dump. Mind you, not everything was answered or resolved... more like the minute the final battle was over it was like and they lived happily ever after and who cares about the rest of it...
While some of the fantasy, mystery stuff was intriguing enough.
The RH factor didnt really work for me. It felt more like 4 separate love stories, one for each of the books with no overlap and no coming together as an actual harem so to speak..
While some of the fantasy, mystery stuff was intriguing enough.
The RH factor didnt really work for me. It felt more like 4 separate love stories, one for each of the books with no overlap and no coming together as an actual harem so to speak..
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.
August 28, 2020
Not a typical RH
Having now finished all 4 in this series my initial rating of 3 is now 3.5. Book 4 answers the mystery and ties up the lose ends throughout. This is definitely not a typical RH. There is limited sex and only one on one. The magical portion of this series is slightly unique. If you like mystery more than the action between the sheets, this would fit the bill. I still believe the first 3 books needs a more cohesive storyline but overall the mystery kept me engaged in wanting to continue reading. If you want more heat and to be completely drawn into the story try Erin Flynn's Artemis University. I highly recommend that series for a university RH.
Having now finished all 4 in this series my initial rating of 3 is now 3.5. Book 4 answers the mystery and ties up the lose ends throughout. This is definitely not a typical RH. There is limited sex and only one on one. The magical portion of this series is slightly unique. If you like mystery more than the action between the sheets, this would fit the bill. I still believe the first 3 books needs a more cohesive storyline but overall the mystery kept me engaged in wanting to continue reading. If you want more heat and to be completely drawn into the story try Erin Flynn's Artemis University. I highly recommend that series for a university RH.
February 28, 2021
Skip to the end!
All I wanted to do was skip to the end. But I powered through. And that is four hours of my life I cannot get back. I could not focus on this story. Once again, a story that could have been combined with earlier books and in doing so would gave enhanced the storyline. The author DRASTICALLY missed the Mark on showing any kind of spark between Rafe and Maddigan. She just said there was one and did not support it with her writing. And she continued the theme of Maddigan ignoring the other boys except Rafe in this book but she’s allegedly with all of them. This felt juvenile like it came from Wattpad and was written by a teenager.
All I wanted to do was skip to the end. But I powered through. And that is four hours of my life I cannot get back. I could not focus on this story. Once again, a story that could have been combined with earlier books and in doing so would gave enhanced the storyline. The author DRASTICALLY missed the Mark on showing any kind of spark between Rafe and Maddigan. She just said there was one and did not support it with her writing. And she continued the theme of Maddigan ignoring the other boys except Rafe in this book but she’s allegedly with all of them. This felt juvenile like it came from Wattpad and was written by a teenager.
September 11, 2021
This is a review for all four books... spoilers
This series is pretty good. It kept my interest and it’s own momentum going until the end (which I appreciated). I would recommend this to those who enjoy RH and magic odyssey type stories.
Three things I wish were different would be 1- more depth to the story. 2- more showing and not telling (especially for Maddigan’s relationships) and 3- more than superficial knowledge of the guys. 3.5- and treating the relationships like a checklist. One down. Three to go. And once that person has “bonded,” they hardly ever get mentioned again in a scenario that isn’t the Trials.
This series is pretty good. It kept my interest and it’s own momentum going until the end (which I appreciated). I would recommend this to those who enjoy RH and magic odyssey type stories.
Three things I wish were different would be 1- more depth to the story. 2- more showing and not telling (especially for Maddigan’s relationships) and 3- more than superficial knowledge of the guys. 3.5- and treating the relationships like a checklist. One down. Three to go. And once that person has “bonded,” they hardly ever get mentioned again in a scenario that isn’t the Trials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
While I loved the novel, it was amazing. I had a few things that I was concern about and things I wanted to know more about.
1 Where was the birth control/ condoms? She had sex many times and all her guys cummed inside of her and not once did she had pregnancy fears on this or even one of the guys making a spell to protect her when they had sex.
2 That wasn't the ending... I wanted more.
3 Maddigan was well. I thought she should have had a trail and either Magus Terra people were going to take the war mage powers from her and give her seminormal ones.
Overall, this series was amazing and all.
1 Where was the birth control/ condoms? She had sex many times and all her guys cummed inside of her and not once did she had pregnancy fears on this or even one of the guys making a spell to protect her when they had sex.
2 That wasn't the ending... I wanted more.
3 Maddigan was well. I thought she should have had a trail and either Magus Terra people were going to take the war mage powers from her and give her seminormal ones.
Overall, this series was amazing and all.
May 8, 2020
The Mage Trials is coming to the end and Maddigan is truly bonding with Rafe. So many Twysts and turns in this tale it’s like going down a slide at the amusement park; wonderfully fun!
The lines between the realities...unrealities...blur even more making the story flow in unexpected directions. As the Mage Runners power up Maddigan makes choices out of love for the team has her heart. There is still a decidedly adult twyst in the telling that makes the relationships more meaningful.
I want more!
The lines between the realities...unrealities...blur even more making the story flow in unexpected directions. As the Mage Runners power up Maddigan makes choices out of love for the team has her heart. There is still a decidedly adult twyst in the telling that makes the relationships more meaningful.
I want more!
May 10, 2020
This is the 4th book in series and they need to be read in order - I recommend you start now.
In this one is the action starts almost straight away and then doesn't let up until BAM - its the end of the book, and series (or is it? There is, in my opinion plenty of scope for a follow on or even a follow up series).
Maddigan develops into her powers nicely and brings her boys along with her.
Action and Romance and Intrigue all in the right measure. Thanks for another lost day DD(started at breakfast and the next thing i knew i was finishing the book at suppertime) but in was worth it.
In this one is the action starts almost straight away and then doesn't let up until BAM - its the end of the book, and series (or is it? There is, in my opinion plenty of scope for a follow on or even a follow up series).
Maddigan develops into her powers nicely and brings her boys along with her.
Action and Romance and Intrigue all in the right measure. Thanks for another lost day DD(started at breakfast and the next thing i knew i was finishing the book at suppertime) but in was worth it.
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