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The Spoken Mage #5
Power of Pen and Voice
A Spoken Mage companion novel
When a Sekali princess unexpectedly bursts into Elena and Lucas’s betrothal celebrations, Ardann is forced to send a team to investigate her claims of a new enemy. The last thing Saffron expects, or wants, is to be called on to assist. But she can’t risk disgracing her family by refusing to join the expedition.
Julian, on the other hand, leaps at the chance to distinguish himself and gain favour with the Sekalis by helping the princess. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself equally interested in the chance to prove himself to an inconsequential Callinos girl he’s only ever thought of as Finnian’s shadow.
But the further the team goes into the mountains, the more mysteries they uncover. And with their usual defenses and compositions inexplicably failing, Saffron and Julian will have to rely on each other if they’re to defend their kingdom and escape with both their hearts and lives intact.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, intrigue, and romance, then try the Spoken Mage series now!
The Spoken Mage reading order:
Voice of Power
Voice of Command
Voice of Dominion
Voice of Life
Power of Pen and Voice
When a Sekali princess unexpectedly bursts into Elena and Lucas’s betrothal celebrations, Ardann is forced to send a team to investigate her claims of a new enemy. The last thing Saffron expects, or wants, is to be called on to assist. But she can’t risk disgracing her family by refusing to join the expedition.
Julian, on the other hand, leaps at the chance to distinguish himself and gain favour with the Sekalis by helping the princess. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself equally interested in the chance to prove himself to an inconsequential Callinos girl he’s only ever thought of as Finnian’s shadow.
But the further the team goes into the mountains, the more mysteries they uncover. And with their usual defenses and compositions inexplicably failing, Saffron and Julian will have to rely on each other if they’re to defend their kingdom and escape with both their hearts and lives intact.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, intrigue, and romance, then try the Spoken Mage series now!
The Spoken Mage reading order:
Voice of Power
Voice of Command
Voice of Dominion
Voice of Life
Power of Pen and Voice
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2020
600 people are currently reading
1370 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,740 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
February 23, 2022
Eeep! I adored this book! I wasn't sure what it would be like having a book in this series that wasn't focused on Elena, but I shouldn't have worried! This book is just as good, and I read it in a single day! Saffron and Julian are such an adorable couple, and this book has a lot of twists and turns that expand both the world of this series and the magic system. After reading this book, I REALLY can't wait for the Hidden Mage series that picks up with the next generation!
Re-read update: I listened to the audiobook version, and this was just as fun the second time around!
Re-read update: I listened to the audiobook version, and this was just as fun the second time around!
March 22, 2023
This was an amazing book! I loved getting to see things from Saffron and Julian's perspectives, and finding answers about the energy mages!(I should not have read the Hidden Mage before this book- this is a part of the Spoken Mage series!) Also, Elena is awesome. This book just helps prove that. XD
The story took some unexpected turns, but the characters' relationships were the best! The last three chapters were pure awesome, and the epilogue! It helped truly tie up Elena and Lucas' story, as sad as I am to leave it. Overall, this is a great last book in the Spoken Mage series I'd recommend for 11+!
The story took some unexpected turns, but the characters' relationships were the best! The last three chapters were pure awesome, and the epilogue! It helped truly tie up Elena and Lucas' story, as sad as I am to leave it. Overall, this is a great last book in the Spoken Mage series I'd recommend for 11+!
November 11, 2020
It's been a while since I've read a Melanie Cellier book. I really have no idea what it is with this author, because I have all her books and I love all her books and yet it always takes a while before I pick up the newest book in my collection to actually read it. However, today the second book in the spin-off series has been delivered at my parents for my birthday, so it was time to start my catch up by reading this companion novel.
And it was quite clear that it has been a while since I've read the rest of the series. It took me some time to remember everything that had happened in the previous books again and to remember the complicated, but interesting, mythology. However, once everything came back I once more enjoyed the story to the fullest. Especially because Cellier is once more adding to the already existing mythology. We discover some really interesting new abilities and that opens loads of new possibilities I'm sure we will explore in the next books!
In the beginning I was a little afraid that this book would mostly turn into a road-trip functioning mostly as a way to bring our two main characters together. However, luckily that was not the case. (I dislike road-trips, don't ask me why...) The story actually has a really nice and interesting plot and all the clues and everything that happens along the way come perfectly together at the very end. And yes, our main characters of course come together too, but in a natural way that never feels forced or moving too fast.
That's mostly because especially Saffron is really growing in this story, and not just because of Julian and the fact that he loves her, but also because she learns to see herself for who she truly is, for what she has to offer, even if she maybe doesn't come from one of the most important mage families. I also really liked spending some time in Julian's head. It was really nice to see him slowly softening and learning that there are things more important than duty.
And after everything new we learned in this book, I'm now really excited about the spin-off!
And it was quite clear that it has been a while since I've read the rest of the series. It took me some time to remember everything that had happened in the previous books again and to remember the complicated, but interesting, mythology. However, once everything came back I once more enjoyed the story to the fullest. Especially because Cellier is once more adding to the already existing mythology. We discover some really interesting new abilities and that opens loads of new possibilities I'm sure we will explore in the next books!
In the beginning I was a little afraid that this book would mostly turn into a road-trip functioning mostly as a way to bring our two main characters together. However, luckily that was not the case. (I dislike road-trips, don't ask me why...) The story actually has a really nice and interesting plot and all the clues and everything that happens along the way come perfectly together at the very end. And yes, our main characters of course come together too, but in a natural way that never feels forced or moving too fast.
That's mostly because especially Saffron is really growing in this story, and not just because of Julian and the fact that he loves her, but also because she learns to see herself for who she truly is, for what she has to offer, even if she maybe doesn't come from one of the most important mage families. I also really liked spending some time in Julian's head. It was really nice to see him slowly softening and learning that there are things more important than duty.
And after everything new we learned in this book, I'm now really excited about the spin-off!
June 19, 2022
Fun return to the Spoken Mage world. Melanie Cellier is always reliable!
September 6, 2020
So this was an adorable companion novel to the Spoken Mage series! Well written, as usual, with awesome characters and quiiiiite a fast romance. I did think it was fast, and that there was a lot (or a bit) of exposition. But...everything was SO interesting...learning new things. Worldbuilding going strong...
I can't wait for the sequel series
I can't wait for the sequel series
September 30, 2020
Not like the rest of the series.
So in this book, the characters went from mild interest straight to in love. Not my fave format. The fighting scenes didn't actually have fighting. They had long pauses while people wrote new spells. It just wasn't on par with the rest of the series. Not as well thought out it felt like. Regardless, I love the characters and am really liking forward to the Hidden Mage series!
So in this book, the characters went from mild interest straight to in love. Not my fave format. The fighting scenes didn't actually have fighting. They had long pauses while people wrote new spells. It just wasn't on par with the rest of the series. Not as well thought out it felt like. Regardless, I love the characters and am really liking forward to the Hidden Mage series!
October 24, 2020
If you have ever felt like this after finishing a book then you would know the allure I speak of....
I'm quite in awe with how far this series has come and how it intends to go much further. Honestly this practice of writing new series in the same world and returning to old beloved kingdoms again has become quite a favourite of mine. Very alluring for all readers I believe as long as the work is up to the standards of the preceding series, of course . For this I very much appreciate the author. Because as of yet I haven't been disappointed by her. Be it the Faily tale series or this Mage series.
While this book wasn't exactly spectacular in any way , I can understand its importance and need given how , I myself ,have been dying to know what happens with Julian and Saffron. ( I confess that at first when their courtship had been suggested in the previous book, I couldn't imagine them together. But now, after having read the book and getting to know the characters personally, I must admit. They are quite a pair ! )
And this was the perfect means to introduce those new powers and set the foundation for what is to be explored in the new Hidden Mage series. A brilliant idea indeed !
I'm quite in awe with how far this series has come and how it intends to go much further. Honestly this practice of writing new series in the same world and returning to old beloved kingdoms again has become quite a favourite of mine. Very alluring for all readers I believe as long as the work is up to the standards of the preceding series, of course . For this I very much appreciate the author. Because as of yet I haven't been disappointed by her. Be it the Faily tale series or this Mage series.
While this book wasn't exactly spectacular in any way , I can understand its importance and need given how , I myself ,have been dying to know what happens with Julian and Saffron. ( I confess that at first when their courtship had been suggested in the previous book, I couldn't imagine them together. But now, after having read the book and getting to know the characters personally, I must admit. They are quite a pair ! )
And this was the perfect means to introduce those new powers and set the foundation for what is to be explored in the new Hidden Mage series. A brilliant idea indeed !
January 12, 2021
So satisfying to have a continuation of the Spoken Mage story with adjacent characters and other perspectives!!
October 8, 2021
Review to come!
October 15, 2023
*happy sighs*
July 16, 2021
At first I didn’t know how I would feel about this book. It was strange to think Elena would play a key role. However, I enjoyed the whole thing! It’s crazy how everything seemed to connect at the end! This series is incredible and I cannot wait to read the series about Elena’s daughter!
November 30, 2020
The other books in this series I listened to on audio, and it took me a bit to adjust to reading this one visually. Once I got into it I really enjoyed it though! Very sweet by the time you get to the ending.
Similarly low content to the rest of the series--tense adventure, some violence and even death, but not graphic. A couple of kissing scenes.
Similarly low content to the rest of the series--tense adventure, some violence and even death, but not graphic. A couple of kissing scenes.
March 15, 2023
Fun spin off of the Spoken Mage world. This book focuses on Julian and Saffron and was a fun, clean read. I needed some brain candy after studying.
September 9, 2020
This is a very solid 3 star read. It honestly wasn't necessary for the Spoken Mage series, but it also was fun to revisit the characters and get some POVs from characters we usually don't read from. The epilogue was super sweet too, liked seeing a happy ending for all of our characters.
This story is really more for world building expansion, adding a third couple to the mix for reasons, and that's about it. Nothing high stakes in here, everything plays out as you'd expect. Saffron and Julian's romance felt like insta lovey but by the end it was sweet. they just fell in love a little too quick for my liking, where as Lucas and Elena's romance was a great slow burn over four books. But these two only got one book, so it was a bit rushed.
The Sekali Princess was such an epic addition to the cast. I really enjoyed her character and I hope to see more of her. I really liked the unification of all the kingdoms too, it was nice to see after everything our characters went through, how their efforts have played out and effected the kingdom for the better. and it will be even cooler to see Elena's daughter in the Hidden Mage series, which is what I assume this book was written for: to setup some more lore for that series, and to establish Julian and Saffron as a couple, and introduce the Tarxi as a race.
So, like I said, a solid 3 star read. Very light and cute, and a quick one to read through if you like this series. Nothing high stakes in this though. While there is action, it plays out as you'd expect. Don't expect any crazy plot twists or a super in depth romance, but it ticks all the boxes for a fluffy read that I enjoy. Nice to revisit characters I enjoy as well, so all in all solid read.
This story is really more for world building expansion, adding a third couple to the mix for reasons, and that's about it. Nothing high stakes in here, everything plays out as you'd expect. Saffron and Julian's romance felt like insta lovey but by the end it was sweet. they just fell in love a little too quick for my liking, where as Lucas and Elena's romance was a great slow burn over four books. But these two only got one book, so it was a bit rushed.
The Sekali Princess was such an epic addition to the cast. I really enjoyed her character and I hope to see more of her. I really liked the unification of all the kingdoms too, it was nice to see after everything our characters went through, how their efforts have played out and effected the kingdom for the better. and it will be even cooler to see Elena's daughter in the Hidden Mage series, which is what I assume this book was written for: to setup some more lore for that series, and to establish Julian and Saffron as a couple, and introduce the Tarxi as a race.
So, like I said, a solid 3 star read. Very light and cute, and a quick one to read through if you like this series. Nothing high stakes in this though. While there is action, it plays out as you'd expect. Don't expect any crazy plot twists or a super in depth romance, but it ticks all the boxes for a fluffy read that I enjoy. Nice to revisit characters I enjoy as well, so all in all solid read.
December 27, 2020
I liked this. It was a nice companion book to the Spoken Mage quartet that added to the world and told a sweet romantic story, albeit one with a very rushed ending. Not the ending to the novel. The danger gets taken care of and the politics get as resolved as politics ever get. But the romance went from that sweet, “ooh I think he/she might like me, or maybe not;and hmmm, maybe I like him/her too, but yikes I’m feeling exposed and vulnerable and not quite sure” place to full out declarations of love and marriage proposals, and I sort of feel like I missed some stages most people usually go through in the middle. Also the epilogue is Elena and her wedding, which is fine for anyone who’s read Spoken Mage first, but is probably really weird for anyone reading this as a stand-alone. Actually the magic system and limitations of this world are strange enough that this whole book might be tough for someone reading it as a standalone, so the epilogue probably doesn’t matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
Revisiting Old Friends
It was so wonderful to revisit this world, and it truly felt like revisiting old friends. I enjoyed the glimpse at how Elena and Lucas are doing. I also really enjoyed getting to see more of Saffron and getting to know Julian, as we didn't get to know him as well in the initial books. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives, because it gave me a chance to see the story from the viewpoint of the different characters. I didn't find it confusing in the least. This was a wonderful follow-up and companion novel. I look forward to the next series.
It was so wonderful to revisit this world, and it truly felt like revisiting old friends. I enjoyed the glimpse at how Elena and Lucas are doing. I also really enjoyed getting to see more of Saffron and getting to know Julian, as we didn't get to know him as well in the initial books. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives, because it gave me a chance to see the story from the viewpoint of the different characters. I didn't find it confusing in the least. This was a wonderful follow-up and companion novel. I look forward to the next series.
September 17, 2020
Melanie Cellier once again did not disappoint!
The only thing I would have wanted to see different was the relationship develop a little bit more. Saffron and Julian went from realizing their attraction to each other to being in love without enough development, in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed the story and recommend the book to fans of the series.
The only thing I would have wanted to see different was the relationship develop a little bit more. Saffron and Julian went from realizing their attraction to each other to being in love without enough development, in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed the story and recommend the book to fans of the series.
August 9, 2024
This book really surprised me. In a good way. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it not being in Elena's point of view but I ended up loving Saffron and Julian. Saffron was a great, relatable character and she was just so sweet. She and Julian are SO cute! The whole book was amazing and if you are hesitant at all to read this, don't be. I think this book is well worth the read!
May 29, 2025
Following the intense events of *Voice of Life*, Isla’s mastery over her voice magic has reached unprecedented heights, but new challenges arise as she discovers the legendary **Pen of Power**, an ancient artifact said to bind the power of voice magic to the written word, amplifying her abilities beyond anything imagined.
---
#### Isla’s New Power and Responsibilities:
* The Pen allows Isla not just to command and heal but to **write magic** that affects reality, creating lasting effects and binding spells.
* This magic is both a gift and a burden—every word written carries weight, and misuse can have devastating consequences.
* Isla must learn to control the Pen’s power, guided by ancient texts and cryptic mentors.
---
#### Political Turmoil and Enemies:
* Rival factions seek the Pen for themselves, hoping to use it to overthrow Isla and seize the throne.
* A shadowy cabal reveals itself, connected to the dark forces that have haunted Isla’s family for generations.
* The queen’s condition continues to weigh on the kingdom’s stability.
---
#### Allies and Conflicts:
* Isla’s bond with the prince strengthens, but tensions arise as the risks of the Pen’s power threaten their safety.
* New allies join her cause, including scholars and voice mages who have long sought the Pen.
* Betrayal strikes unexpectedly from within Isla’s inner circle, forcing her to confront harsh realities about trust.
---
#### Major Plot Developments:
* Isla embarks on a quest to fully unlock the Pen’s potential, visiting forgotten libraries and ancient magical sites.
* She battles internal doubts and external enemies who challenge her resolve.
* The Pen allows her to rewrite some truths, but at a cost that forces her to choose between personal desire and the greater good.
---
#### Climax:
* A fierce confrontation occurs where Isla uses the Pen’s combined voice and written magic to outmaneuver her enemies.
* The power struggle culminates in a showdown that tests Isla’s leadership and compassion.
* Isla makes a sacrifice that changes her relationship with magic and solidifies her place as a ruler and protector.
---
#### Resolution:
* The kingdom begins a new era under Isla’s guidance, with hope for peace but an awareness of ongoing threats.
* Isla’s journey with voice magic and the Pen is far from over, setting the stage for future challenges.
* The story closes on a note of cautious optimism, with Isla embracing her role and the legacy she must uphold.
---
### Themes:
* The duality of spoken and written word as magical forces.
* The burden of power and the sacrifices leadership demands.
* Trust, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.
* Destiny, choice, and the forging of a new legacy.
---
#### Isla’s New Power and Responsibilities:
* The Pen allows Isla not just to command and heal but to **write magic** that affects reality, creating lasting effects and binding spells.
* This magic is both a gift and a burden—every word written carries weight, and misuse can have devastating consequences.
* Isla must learn to control the Pen’s power, guided by ancient texts and cryptic mentors.
---
#### Political Turmoil and Enemies:
* Rival factions seek the Pen for themselves, hoping to use it to overthrow Isla and seize the throne.
* A shadowy cabal reveals itself, connected to the dark forces that have haunted Isla’s family for generations.
* The queen’s condition continues to weigh on the kingdom’s stability.
---
#### Allies and Conflicts:
* Isla’s bond with the prince strengthens, but tensions arise as the risks of the Pen’s power threaten their safety.
* New allies join her cause, including scholars and voice mages who have long sought the Pen.
* Betrayal strikes unexpectedly from within Isla’s inner circle, forcing her to confront harsh realities about trust.
---
#### Major Plot Developments:
* Isla embarks on a quest to fully unlock the Pen’s potential, visiting forgotten libraries and ancient magical sites.
* She battles internal doubts and external enemies who challenge her resolve.
* The Pen allows her to rewrite some truths, but at a cost that forces her to choose between personal desire and the greater good.
---
#### Climax:
* A fierce confrontation occurs where Isla uses the Pen’s combined voice and written magic to outmaneuver her enemies.
* The power struggle culminates in a showdown that tests Isla’s leadership and compassion.
* Isla makes a sacrifice that changes her relationship with magic and solidifies her place as a ruler and protector.
---
#### Resolution:
* The kingdom begins a new era under Isla’s guidance, with hope for peace but an awareness of ongoing threats.
* Isla’s journey with voice magic and the Pen is far from over, setting the stage for future challenges.
* The story closes on a note of cautious optimism, with Isla embracing her role and the legacy she must uphold.
---
### Themes:
* The duality of spoken and written word as magical forces.
* The burden of power and the sacrifices leadership demands.
* Trust, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.
* Destiny, choice, and the forging of a new legacy.
July 11, 2024
4.5 star rounded up. I love reading this universe, but I have a small complaint about this one. I listened to the audiobook version, and Shiromi Arserio is an excellent narrator, but whoever did the production asked her to read both Saffron and Julian's POVs. I would have preferred to have a make narrator for Julian's parts.
Anyway, the book starts with a Sekali princess being attacked by a group of strangers. The princess asks for the Ardannian royal family's help to identify the strangers. The royal family agrees to send a group, but the crown prince Lucas and his fiance Elena is too valuable to send on such a mision, right before their wedding. So, another team is formed with Elena's brother Jasper, the librarian Jocasta and others.
Two of the members of the group are Saffron, a less powerful mage who wishes to become a grower, and Finnian's cousin, and Julian, Elena's adoptive brother. They are attracted to each other at first side, and during the assingment they fall in love. At first, they can't name their feelings and believe that there is no way they can be together because they belong to vastly different families. So, they try to fight with their feelings, but in the end, they make an adorable and excellent couple. They were lovely together.
SPOILERS AHEAD
This book also added some new elements to the Mage World. The group who attacked the Sekali princess was a group of mages who called themselves "Energy Mages". The mages we read about so far, Elena, Lucas and the rest were "Power Mages". Energy mages can manipulate enegy, similer to Declan, one of the Kallorwegian rebels from the previous book. But, different from Declan and his mother, who used the last of her power to create a composition for Elena's parents so that Jasper and Elena would be born, energy mages can replenish their power after composing.
This was such an interesting addition, and the energy mages began living in Sekali at the end of the book, which makes me think that this wasn't the last time we saw them.
Also, Jasper turned out to be an energy mage.
The book ended with an epilogue from Elena's POV, which was the perfect ending, if you ask me. When Elena ran to Julian and Saffron's help, we got to learn that she can fly, in addition to rest of her impressive abilities. In the epilogue, she told us that Julian and Saffron as well as Finnian and Coralee have already got married. The epilogue was Lucas and Elena's wedding, and it was so sweet.
The next series "Hidden Mage" will tell the story of the next generation with Elena and Lucas's daughter as the heroine, and I am so excited to read those books, as well.
Anyway, the book starts with a Sekali princess being attacked by a group of strangers. The princess asks for the Ardannian royal family's help to identify the strangers. The royal family agrees to send a group, but the crown prince Lucas and his fiance Elena is too valuable to send on such a mision, right before their wedding. So, another team is formed with Elena's brother Jasper, the librarian Jocasta and others.
Two of the members of the group are Saffron, a less powerful mage who wishes to become a grower, and Finnian's cousin, and Julian, Elena's adoptive brother. They are attracted to each other at first side, and during the assingment they fall in love. At first, they can't name their feelings and believe that there is no way they can be together because they belong to vastly different families. So, they try to fight with their feelings, but in the end, they make an adorable and excellent couple. They were lovely together.
SPOILERS AHEAD
This book also added some new elements to the Mage World. The group who attacked the Sekali princess was a group of mages who called themselves "Energy Mages". The mages we read about so far, Elena, Lucas and the rest were "Power Mages". Energy mages can manipulate enegy, similer to Declan, one of the Kallorwegian rebels from the previous book. But, different from Declan and his mother, who used the last of her power to create a composition for Elena's parents so that Jasper and Elena would be born, energy mages can replenish their power after composing.
This was such an interesting addition, and the energy mages began living in Sekali at the end of the book, which makes me think that this wasn't the last time we saw them.
Also, Jasper turned out to be an energy mage.
The book ended with an epilogue from Elena's POV, which was the perfect ending, if you ask me. When Elena ran to Julian and Saffron's help, we got to learn that she can fly, in addition to rest of her impressive abilities. In the epilogue, she told us that Julian and Saffron as well as Finnian and Coralee have already got married. The epilogue was Lucas and Elena's wedding, and it was so sweet.
The next series "Hidden Mage" will tell the story of the next generation with Elena and Lucas's daughter as the heroine, and I am so excited to read those books, as well.
March 22, 2021
3.5
Reader thoughts: I didn't like it as well as Elena's pov books. I also realized I had never paid much attention to Saffron. She seems unremarkable, even after a book that was half in her pov. She's very sweet and is always trying to think about others. Still, I didn't get a clear sense of her personality (other than being repeatedly told she faints at the sight of blood, but the reader never got to see that).
Julian
Overall, the book was a bit short. We had one trip into the mountains to find some bandits who have unusual control over energy. I did like learning more about their abilities and wish that aspect had been explored further.
Elena's new ability
Writer thoughts: How can an author return to a world after writing a 4-book series in it and wrapping up that series? Here's how Cellier returned but still made it fresh.
1, new pov characters.
2, readers get to see the implementation of the changes from the series (commoners can read!)
3, a new tribe with new magic powers is discovered, changing the way the world works even further.
This keeps the world from feeling stagnant and old to interest readers to come back. I'm intrigued to find out how Cellier crafter her next series in this world, the one about Elena's daughter.
Reader thoughts: I didn't like it as well as Elena's pov books. I also realized I had never paid much attention to Saffron. She seems unremarkable, even after a book that was half in her pov. She's very sweet and is always trying to think about others. Still, I didn't get a clear sense of her personality (other than being repeatedly told she faints at the sight of blood, but the reader never got to see that).
Julian
Overall, the book was a bit short. We had one trip into the mountains to find some bandits who have unusual control over energy. I did like learning more about their abilities and wish that aspect had been explored further.
Elena's new ability
Writer thoughts: How can an author return to a world after writing a 4-book series in it and wrapping up that series? Here's how Cellier returned but still made it fresh.
1, new pov characters.
2, readers get to see the implementation of the changes from the series (commoners can read!)
3, a new tribe with new magic powers is discovered, changing the way the world works even further.
This keeps the world from feeling stagnant and old to interest readers to come back. I'm intrigued to find out how Cellier crafter her next series in this world, the one about Elena's daughter.
October 14, 2022
Finally Given The Ending The Series Needed
Supposedly not part of the series, but rather a "companion novel." I'm assuming this is because it focuses on two other characters from the previous books, plus a whole lot more of new, or newer, characters. It's quite easy to become confused over all the characters involved and mentioned in this one, all from the previous 4 books of the series. I guess that's why it was titled as a "companion novel." Either way you choose to label it, it still provides a completion to the series, which was slightly lacking in book 4.
The ending finally involves the wedding of the 2 main, which I feel should've been handled in the end of book 4. Especially since the entire affair of whether or not these 2 would end up together was repeated constantly in at least 3 out of 4 of the books.
I struggled more with the POV changing every chapter, and found I was unable to stop in the middle of a chapter. If I did, I had to go back to the beginning page of the chapter to see who's POV was currently in the telling. This lead to a large amount of frustration at times.
The fact there's also new characters introduced to keep track of too, adds to the jumbled confusion in this "companion novel."
Overall it was a decent series, and I feel this one did provide the conclusion necessary to close up the series.
Because it was dragged out through 5 books, I'm giving it a final rating of 3 stars.
As a side note, Cellier mentions she wrote this after an extended serious illness. May she continue to heal and be blessed from above.
Supposedly not part of the series, but rather a "companion novel." I'm assuming this is because it focuses on two other characters from the previous books, plus a whole lot more of new, or newer, characters. It's quite easy to become confused over all the characters involved and mentioned in this one, all from the previous 4 books of the series. I guess that's why it was titled as a "companion novel." Either way you choose to label it, it still provides a completion to the series, which was slightly lacking in book 4.
The ending finally involves the wedding of the 2 main, which I feel should've been handled in the end of book 4. Especially since the entire affair of whether or not these 2 would end up together was repeated constantly in at least 3 out of 4 of the books.
I struggled more with the POV changing every chapter, and found I was unable to stop in the middle of a chapter. If I did, I had to go back to the beginning page of the chapter to see who's POV was currently in the telling. This lead to a large amount of frustration at times.
The fact there's also new characters introduced to keep track of too, adds to the jumbled confusion in this "companion novel."
Overall it was a decent series, and I feel this one did provide the conclusion necessary to close up the series.
Because it was dragged out through 5 books, I'm giving it a final rating of 3 stars.
As a side note, Cellier mentions she wrote this after an extended serious illness. May she continue to heal and be blessed from above.
March 3, 2021
3.5 stars
I read the first 4 books in this series and alternated between reading and listening to them on Audible. When I finished the 4th book, there was not an Audio version yet of this book, so I took a break. I was on the Audible website one day and saw that book 5 was now out on audio so I gladly downloaded it and was eager to continue the story.
This book, while still being a part of the Spoken Mage series is actually a kind of outlier. The story arc with Elena is set to the sidelines and the focus turns to Saffron and Julian's budding relationship. Well, to be honest, the focus is a team sent into the mountains to try to find a group of attackers who ambushed the Princess' group and killed everyone but the Princess and Jasper. But it was really Saffron and Julian's story.
Was this story as good as the Spoken Mage series? Not really. But, it was a fun and quick read/listen. It gave us one more look into the world of Elena and Lucas and we got to see a bit more of the characters that we've come to know and like and/or not like. I alternated between listening and reading and didn't have any issues with the narration.
I read the first 4 books in this series and alternated between reading and listening to them on Audible. When I finished the 4th book, there was not an Audio version yet of this book, so I took a break. I was on the Audible website one day and saw that book 5 was now out on audio so I gladly downloaded it and was eager to continue the story.
This book, while still being a part of the Spoken Mage series is actually a kind of outlier. The story arc with Elena is set to the sidelines and the focus turns to Saffron and Julian's budding relationship. Well, to be honest, the focus is a team sent into the mountains to try to find a group of attackers who ambushed the Princess' group and killed everyone but the Princess and Jasper. But it was really Saffron and Julian's story.
Was this story as good as the Spoken Mage series? Not really. But, it was a fun and quick read/listen. It gave us one more look into the world of Elena and Lucas and we got to see a bit more of the characters that we've come to know and like and/or not like. I alternated between listening and reading and didn't have any issues with the narration.
April 2, 2022
The book itself was good- the characters and plot were interesting.
My issue was with the love story- the infatuation felt a bit rush and juvenile and made me roll my eyes a few times..
Also I had an issue when a few times the characters, in the middle of action- a fight or a run- just stopped and talked about what happened to them or how they feel, it tempered with the tempo of the story and broke the immersion of it.
Elaborating on ny first issue- I know those books (and i guess the overall style of this author) are for young readers, but the romance was too conservative in my opinion- there are longing and a bit of kisses (lips on lips only) and then jumping straight to love declaration and proposal of marriage.. 😖
This style may have been understandable during most of the series, as Elena and Lucas relationship was slow burn and forbidden and secret, but the relationship in this book didn't have that aspect, so it just felt a bit wrong..
My issue was with the love story- the infatuation felt a bit rush and juvenile and made me roll my eyes a few times..
Also I had an issue when a few times the characters, in the middle of action- a fight or a run- just stopped and talked about what happened to them or how they feel, it tempered with the tempo of the story and broke the immersion of it.
Elaborating on ny first issue- I know those books (and i guess the overall style of this author) are for young readers, but the romance was too conservative in my opinion- there are longing and a bit of kisses (lips on lips only) and then jumping straight to love declaration and proposal of marriage.. 😖
This style may have been understandable during most of the series, as Elena and Lucas relationship was slow burn and forbidden and secret, but the relationship in this book didn't have that aspect, so it just felt a bit wrong..
March 11, 2024
This book didn’t bore me and kept me interested. I love that it’s about the same characters, but the main characters we actually get to know them, and their personalities better. We get to see their families and see their thoughts.
The main characters definitely fell in love rather quick, but it was cute. When you have that many near death experiences I guess you decide quicker if you’re going to choose to love someone.
I do feel like the storyline was kind of similar (a random group of people trying to take over). A group of people that were not supposed to exist, etc.
I believe I would reread this entire series. I do feel like the series had some plot holes in the sense of the energy versus the writing and the explosions and who can write and who is a mage etc. etc..
I was hoping Elena would figure out how to write, but I guess she doesn’t need to
The main characters definitely fell in love rather quick, but it was cute. When you have that many near death experiences I guess you decide quicker if you’re going to choose to love someone.
I do feel like the storyline was kind of similar (a random group of people trying to take over). A group of people that were not supposed to exist, etc.
I believe I would reread this entire series. I do feel like the series had some plot holes in the sense of the energy versus the writing and the explosions and who can write and who is a mage etc. etc..
I was hoping Elena would figure out how to write, but I guess she doesn’t need to
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
I love this series!
Two characters that were in the background of the first three books come to the fore in this book - Saffron and Julian.
Julian comes from a powerful mage family, Saffron from a more minor one, but her uncle is quite powerful - and Saffron is friends with the woman who is to be princess when she marries Lucas. But she feels insignificant, to insignificant for Julian to love. When Julian and Saffron are part of a delegation to find out who these strangers are who are invading their land with very strange powers, Julian finds that it doesn't really matter who Saffron's people are, he likes who she is, someone he never imagined she would be when they knew each other in school.
This is a clean read.
Two characters that were in the background of the first three books come to the fore in this book - Saffron and Julian.
Julian comes from a powerful mage family, Saffron from a more minor one, but her uncle is quite powerful - and Saffron is friends with the woman who is to be princess when she marries Lucas. But she feels insignificant, to insignificant for Julian to love. When Julian and Saffron are part of a delegation to find out who these strangers are who are invading their land with very strange powers, Julian finds that it doesn't really matter who Saffron's people are, he likes who she is, someone he never imagined she would be when they knew each other in school.
This is a clean read.
September 6, 2020
Saffron & Julian
**This book is best read AFTER finishing the spoken mage series**
Parents Guide: a handful of kisses. No swearing (some characters reported to "curse" but that's the extent), no sex no alcohol/drugs. I'd have no problems giving this book to a young reader interested in this series.
Spoiler free: I enjoyed the dual perspectives. It was nice to know what was in Julian and Saffron's mind and their thought processes. I like both characters more for it.
I was a little mind blown with the power/energy abilities development. Shook up the world for me a little like the existence of the deathly hallows Harry Potter.
Overall, two thumbs up. I love the spoken mage world and will be rereading the series while I wait for the next books!
**This book is best read AFTER finishing the spoken mage series**
Parents Guide: a handful of kisses. No swearing (some characters reported to "curse" but that's the extent), no sex no alcohol/drugs. I'd have no problems giving this book to a young reader interested in this series.
Spoiler free: I enjoyed the dual perspectives. It was nice to know what was in Julian and Saffron's mind and their thought processes. I like both characters more for it.
I was a little mind blown with the power/energy abilities development. Shook up the world for me a little like the existence of the deathly hallows Harry Potter.
Overall, two thumbs up. I love the spoken mage world and will be rereading the series while I wait for the next books!
October 5, 2020
Odd pacing, but a fun companion novel
It was a fun read. Julian and Saffron’s realization of their feelings and subsequent engagement was a bit rushed. It could be that I just don’t remember much about either of them from the previous books. I DID think of Saffron as Finnian’s shadow and Julian as the older brother who wasn’t around. Developing the characters in a side novel was a great idea, but I’d have to reread parts of The Spoken Mage series to see how well they knew each other before and how much the timing makes sense. Jasper (Elena’s real brother)’s new ability was a nice touch. Always thought he had to be more than just super smart.
Other than the rushed betrothal timing, I liked the alternating perspectives.
It was a fun read. Julian and Saffron’s realization of their feelings and subsequent engagement was a bit rushed. It could be that I just don’t remember much about either of them from the previous books. I DID think of Saffron as Finnian’s shadow and Julian as the older brother who wasn’t around. Developing the characters in a side novel was a great idea, but I’d have to reread parts of The Spoken Mage series to see how well they knew each other before and how much the timing makes sense. Jasper (Elena’s real brother)’s new ability was a nice touch. Always thought he had to be more than just super smart.
Other than the rushed betrothal timing, I liked the alternating perspectives.
April 21, 2022
This book makes me so happy! Not only does it connect all the final dots (I read the hidden mage series before I read the spoken mage and this series) but it also follows along Julian who I definitely wanted to see more of after only having one book with him and loving his witty exchanges with Elena. I definitely think this book does a great job of setting the stage for the hidden mage series and exploring their universe more than the spoken mage series did. I will say it’s a little Romeo and Juliet quick in the romance department but it was a fun quick extra piece of the world I enjoyed in the 8 other books so it made me happy enough and that epilogue wraps everything up so nicely which is my favorite!! (I hate not having conclusion)
July 20, 2021
This is not a Cinderella retelling though the bare bones of this story sound like it. This is nothing so insipid as a Disney fairy tale. This is the story of a young minor noblewoman tossed willy nilly into the affairs of her betters and rising up to the challenge of diplomacy under severely adverse circumstances and in doing so, falling in love with a noble son far above her touch. Saffron certainly did not expect Julian to return her interest, but I can see that she and he are an excellent match. I applaud Elena for discerning that although I really don't think she can take credit for it.
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