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The Starsea Cycle #1
The Mages of Starsea
A mage's fate is worse than death...
Lucian dreams of a new life outside the cesspool of Earth. Unfortunately, his wish comes true when the government identifies him as a mage.
No one knows why the mages are being born. No one knows why their powers lead to madness and death in a terrifying disease known as "the fraying". The only solution is to quarantine the mages in academies.
When Lucian is exiled from Earth, he must travel to the distant world of Volsung to receive training. During the long passage, he meets a mysterious mage. She prophesies Lucian is marked by the Manifold, the reality that is the source of all magic. It is a destiny that requires Lucian to master abilities he never imagined he possessed.
But that’s the last thing Lucian wants. He faces a terrible choice. To accept his new reality as a mage. Or, to try and outrun destiny...
Lucian dreams of a new life outside the cesspool of Earth. Unfortunately, his wish comes true when the government identifies him as a mage.
No one knows why the mages are being born. No one knows why their powers lead to madness and death in a terrifying disease known as "the fraying". The only solution is to quarantine the mages in academies.
When Lucian is exiled from Earth, he must travel to the distant world of Volsung to receive training. During the long passage, he meets a mysterious mage. She prophesies Lucian is marked by the Manifold, the reality that is the source of all magic. It is a destiny that requires Lucian to master abilities he never imagined he possessed.
But that’s the last thing Lucian wants. He faces a terrible choice. To accept his new reality as a mage. Or, to try and outrun destiny...
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2021
506 people are currently reading
1293 people want to read
About the author
Kyle West
53 books217 followersI'm Kyle West, author of the Wasteland Chronicles, Xenoworld Saga, Starsea Cycle, and more. I try to write books with lots of action and crazy twists to keep you turning the pages. Every book of mine can be categorized as "science fantasy," blending elements from both genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 21, 2022
The MC and his background was unique and interesting. But, the plot was very thin, simply hardships thrown at him between laborious exposition of the magic system. For me, the denouement was more of a coin-throw instead of an exciting/satisfying resolution of dramatic tension.
May 9, 2021
This novel had the feeling of being only an introduction. The author sets up the background, the basic storyline and creates a character that has the feel of a young Anakin Skywalker, then he drops us off at an isolated academy and leaves us with lots of unanswered questions. That is fine as that encourages to me to read the next in the series, but in general, the characters feel a bit shallow. I hope that the author will add more depth to them in subsequent books.
July 25, 2021
It sucks to be a mage
You'd think the power to bend reality but it's complicated. Makes are treated more like they're carrying the plague and need to be sent off the leper colonies. Is that true? It's complicated.
Lucian tests positive as a mage. For a guy who always felt like an outsider, this makes things even more difficult. The only option is to go away to an academy for mages. It's expensive but the alternative might be death.
During his travels, Lucian meets another prospective student named Emma. There's even an unexpected new option available to him but Lucian is more confused than ever. No matter what choice he makes it seems like it might be the wrong one.
This is Lucian's journey, and it might turn out to be a battle between good and evil. Or, perhaps good being the enemy of the great. Lucian got an unexpected lesson in magic and it seems to be influencing everything he does.
On the world building side of things, we've but a star spanning civilization that was only possible by finding ruins of the ancient Builders and the gates that allow them to cross the stars in the blink of an eye. The discovery of the gates happened around the same time as the first mages appeared. There are also the deadly Swarmers, the only alien race humanity has encountered. Could there be a link between Builders, mages and Swarmers? If so, how does Lucian fit in?
Lots of things to learn and be next book is the place to find some answers.
You'd think the power to bend reality but it's complicated. Makes are treated more like they're carrying the plague and need to be sent off the leper colonies. Is that true? It's complicated.
Lucian tests positive as a mage. For a guy who always felt like an outsider, this makes things even more difficult. The only option is to go away to an academy for mages. It's expensive but the alternative might be death.
During his travels, Lucian meets another prospective student named Emma. There's even an unexpected new option available to him but Lucian is more confused than ever. No matter what choice he makes it seems like it might be the wrong one.
This is Lucian's journey, and it might turn out to be a battle between good and evil. Or, perhaps good being the enemy of the great. Lucian got an unexpected lesson in magic and it seems to be influencing everything he does.
On the world building side of things, we've but a star spanning civilization that was only possible by finding ruins of the ancient Builders and the gates that allow them to cross the stars in the blink of an eye. The discovery of the gates happened around the same time as the first mages appeared. There are also the deadly Swarmers, the only alien race humanity has encountered. Could there be a link between Builders, mages and Swarmers? If so, how does Lucian fit in?
Lots of things to learn and be next book is the place to find some answers.
January 25, 2021
The magnificent first book in an exciting new series. A very different and exciting world-building background filled with a different kind of magic and fear and hatred for those that have it. Those that are afflicted with this magic must be separated from the rest of humanity and sent to a world that is more water than land and be trained to control their magic or go mad and die a terrible death. The story is about one them, a young man who's long journey through space is filled with danger from the "normal" humans who fear them, some surprises, as well as a young woman on the way to the same future. Pick up this sci-fi, fantasy book and go on the journey with them.
January 4, 2025
300 pages of poorly written dialogue and nothing interesting happening. flat characters and zero hook. I'm gonna keep reading the series, but first impressions are BAD
January 14, 2023
Update/Warning if you plan on reading this: I finished this book and had enough notes to type up a full review intended to go more in depth than the following. Summarily it is a 2-star YA read with a lot of shallow, trope-y problems (also it hasn't been proofread properly), but despite all the above I was still finding myself *enjoying* it enough that I *wanted* to finish it and was prepped to go straight to book 2 and continue the story.
Of course, books like this are not structured to be standalone, it is a Kindle Unlimited book series and I know how to recognize the kind of book that is just the "setup" for a story that's probably going to have lots of training arcs and contrived problems in it.
In the words of another reviewer: It's a "bait and switch"-- *unlike* most serial novels of this style on KU, only the first book actually *is* on KU. So, we end scene on the first part of a very slow moving episodic setup story that ends on a semi-cliffhanger and...get asked to pay $7. This is the first time I've ever encountered an author doing this, though I'm sure they aren't the only author doing this, and it's certainly not de rigeur.
I had planned to actually rate this story at 3 stars even though critically it's at best a ~2 star story, just because it managed to engage me a lot and because I really *liked* the author's voice despite flaws in the writing. Up to the point I'm speaking of, reading this story made me feel fairly warm towards the author, like they were a long lost uncle telling me a very corny yet riveting story that they were making up by the fireside.
I did have positive comments I planned on leaving here alongside critique, too. But the author's practice of unexpectedly paywalling the rest of the story made me feel very betrayed and left a sour taste in my mouth.
**UPDATE 2** I double checked the listing for this book. Turns out that it is *not* a KU book, despite every other book series that is click- or recommendation- adjacent being a full KU series. Instead it is permanently priced to buy at $0.00. I still consider this very deceptive, as the yellow 'buy' button on Amazon is not very legible to read, and when you take out a book with KU you 'buy' it for $0.00. So the only differences between the buttons are "Buy for Kindle for $0.00" and "Buy for Kindle Unlimited for $0.00" or something like that.
I missed it, the other reviewer who also mentioned this, missed it. And like I said, I did not go into this expecting a full story because I know how series like this are structured, but I go into them with the assumption that if it's KU i can 'abandon or complete' at any point.
So, most of what I said about it still stands, if anything masquerading your book as easily mistakable for a KU series is just as bad as putting part one on KU and not the others.
(Old update on this book from when I was 50% through it below spoiler text, contains no actual spoilers.)
Of course, books like this are not structured to be standalone, it is a Kindle Unlimited book series and I know how to recognize the kind of book that is just the "setup" for a story that's probably going to have lots of training arcs and contrived problems in it.
In the words of another reviewer: It's a "bait and switch"-- *unlike* most serial novels of this style on KU, only the first book actually *is* on KU. So, we end scene on the first part of a very slow moving episodic setup story that ends on a semi-cliffhanger and...get asked to pay $7. This is the first time I've ever encountered an author doing this, though I'm sure they aren't the only author doing this, and it's certainly not de rigeur.
I had planned to actually rate this story at 3 stars even though critically it's at best a ~2 star story, just because it managed to engage me a lot and because I really *liked* the author's voice despite flaws in the writing. Up to the point I'm speaking of, reading this story made me feel fairly warm towards the author, like they were a long lost uncle telling me a very corny yet riveting story that they were making up by the fireside.
I did have positive comments I planned on leaving here alongside critique, too. But the author's practice of unexpectedly paywalling the rest of the story made me feel very betrayed and left a sour taste in my mouth.
**UPDATE 2** I double checked the listing for this book. Turns out that it is *not* a KU book, despite every other book series that is click- or recommendation- adjacent being a full KU series. Instead it is permanently priced to buy at $0.00. I still consider this very deceptive, as the yellow 'buy' button on Amazon is not very legible to read, and when you take out a book with KU you 'buy' it for $0.00. So the only differences between the buttons are "Buy for Kindle for $0.00" and "Buy for Kindle Unlimited for $0.00" or something like that.
I missed it, the other reviewer who also mentioned this, missed it. And like I said, I did not go into this expecting a full story because I know how series like this are structured, but I go into them with the assumption that if it's KU i can 'abandon or complete' at any point.
So, most of what I said about it still stands, if anything masquerading your book as easily mistakable for a KU series is just as bad as putting part one on KU and not the others.
(Old update on this book from when I was 50% through it below spoiler text, contains no actual spoilers.)
March 14, 2024
3 and a half stars, rounded down. This book was interesting, and planted a lot of different seeds that I’m excited to see grow into a full series. However, the writing was inconsistent at times. Moments felt rushed, and some objects didn’t get fleshed out as much as I would have liked. All in all, this entire book felt like a prologue. It has potential, and I will read the second book, but the first book took a push to get through. It helped that it was free on Kindle.
January 15, 2023
Good book! Was pleasantly surprised by it considering it was a free app selection. Figured I’d read it when I didn’t have access to a paperback and made the right call. Really well written with great world building and interesting characters. I like the premise of the mages and the universe wide tale with the science tidbits thrown in. I think it could have been longer for sure—I wanted more at times. I dunno more of what and I see there are 8 books but I guess I wanted more time on the ship and more of an opening to Volsung. Either way it’s a fine tale and I look forward to reading the others. Unfortunately I’d rather read the paperbacks which are…expensive. A cheaper box set might be nice to have as I really dislike reading on an app. Might have to just give in one of these days.
March 27, 2023
2.5-ish. I think I'll read more in the series, but at the moment I'm not recommending it or anything.
I think it's a fun setup with an interesting main character but a lot of things feel too simple. And I really wish it had more description in general because it's hard to really picture. It'll give a few paragraphs of description when you enter a new area but beyond that, it's pretty sparse. Same with characters. But I can see, I don't know, potential.
I think it's a fun setup with an interesting main character but a lot of things feel too simple. And I really wish it had more description in general because it's hard to really picture. It'll give a few paragraphs of description when you enter a new area but beyond that, it's pretty sparse. Same with characters. But I can see, I don't know, potential.
September 22, 2022
This book sets up for the series, which is fabulous! Yes, it starts out a bit slow, and yes, the main character isn't very mature, but he's young and has room to grow. Give him time to grow up a bit and you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat and cheering him on. Seeing how he starts off is important to understanding who he is and who he becomes in the future. It gives the character depth and makes him more relatable. This book starts his journey, and gives context to the events in later books.
If you want instant gratification and a quick superficial read, then you probably shouldn't pick an 8 book epic drama/action series like this to read. For those of us who want more, this is where to start. You'll love it. I just finished book 7 and am impatiently waiting for book 8.
If you want instant gratification and a quick superficial read, then you probably shouldn't pick an 8 book epic drama/action series like this to read. For those of us who want more, this is where to start. You'll love it. I just finished book 7 and am impatiently waiting for book 8.
August 19, 2021
The story started slow and had a reasonable finish So, decent book I gave it 4 stars. However, I am a Kindle Unlimited member and while the first book is free to that the remainder are not and must be purchased. For me this is a deal breaker on a series that I would have gone for one more book. I CONSIDER THIS SIMILAR TO THE RETAIL "BAIT AND SWITCH" TACTIC. I will be calling Amazon to complain for sure this morning.
David.
David.
Read
November 16, 2021Slow
Several times I put the book down because it moved so incredibly slowly. About halfway through the book I was so bored i scrolled through 11 pages to find the same characters discussing the same topic in the same location . I scrolled again and found no change. I gave up and went to the last 4 pages. It's as of the writer was going for word count. I love the idea of the book.
Several times I put the book down because it moved so incredibly slowly. About halfway through the book I was so bored i scrolled through 11 pages to find the same characters discussing the same topic in the same location . I scrolled again and found no change. I gave up and went to the last 4 pages. It's as of the writer was going for word count. I love the idea of the book.
June 26, 2023
It was a quick read and engaging enough to keep me interested throughout, but the whole plot seemed very thin. There was no real antagonistic threat. There was very little conflict. The character development was relatively shallow and one-dimensional. I finished the book feeling like like I had read a very long prologue. It wasn't bad, and honestly I will probably continue to read more of the series. It just doesn't stand alone as a good read.
April 4, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable
I whipped through this novel in a few sittings. It was very hard to put down and do something else. Absolutely loved the premise of a kind of Harry Potter in deep space.
I whipped through this novel in a few sittings. It was very hard to put down and do something else. Absolutely loved the premise of a kind of Harry Potter in deep space.
June 8, 2023
Lucian Abrantes was labeled a Mage, which was a death sentence. He was to learn what it meant to be a Mage, and probably somewhere along the line, he would become frayed. That is what they called it when the human body could no longer take the forces needed to manipulate reality and do things normally out of reality. The body would become toxic and start to deteriorate, and then the mind, which is where the Mage would become dangerous to themselves and others around them. That is pretty much how the Mage War ended. Lucian knew this was a death sentence. His only hope was to get to one of the Mage Academies and get accepted by one. Learn how to use magic and hopefully have a long life. If not, he would be sent to the planet Psyche where all the Mages from the war were sent, and once you entered the atmosphere, you never left. He needed to get into an Academy as fast as possible, so his mom booked him passage to Volsung, where the closest Academy is, while she returns to the fleet to worry about a possible third Swarmer war.
This book is a detailed series starter. So much information that it starts a little slow, giving it an excellent foundation to build upon in the future. The physical world-building is post-apocalyptic-like in that it has been recovered from, somewhat for some people. The ambiance feels real. The character interaction feels genuine.
This edition of this space opera takes in its epic storyline and gives it a setting of science fiction mixed in with some fantasy and add some sprinkles of action & adventure, and you have this read. I give it five stars out of five stars.
This book is a detailed series starter. So much information that it starts a little slow, giving it an excellent foundation to build upon in the future. The physical world-building is post-apocalyptic-like in that it has been recovered from, somewhat for some people. The ambiance feels real. The character interaction feels genuine.
This edition of this space opera takes in its epic storyline and gives it a setting of science fiction mixed in with some fantasy and add some sprinkles of action & adventure, and you have this read. I give it five stars out of five stars.
Read
April 1, 2025*i review with words, not stars*
I needed a new book and found this one. I had no idea it was a YA book and after finishing it, I can see that maybe it was indeed YA.
Do you recall in Harry Potter when they crossed the UK for the entire book? Everything was about making it to the next step and the struggle along the way? Yeah... we got that. And yes, it's magic.
Poor Lucien just wanted an adventure, a step outside his gritty reality on Earth. But he is uncovered as a secret mage, so secret that he himself didn't know. What's a mage, you wouldn't ask because you already know. However, you wouldn't be entirely correct. Mages are bombs waiting to blow. If they don't master the manifold or the stream or the hokey pokey, they go batty and start spewing acid phlegm all over the timeline. Okay, not really. But their future isn't great.
AND, because that's not enough, none of the civilized planets will allow them. Thus, the testing which outed poor Lucien. So Lucien is on a very expensive journey to an extremely far away planet where this elite academy that doesn't USE magic, or electricity, exists. And his mother is military and heading the other direction.
OF COURSE, Lucien runs into a rather attractive young lady in route....who is also a mage, heading to the academy. And THEN there is the weird old lady mage. Oh! Did I mention that like 1 in a bazillion people become a mage? So 3 on the same boat? Wild.
There are bullies, and cryptic messages, and choices, and a budding romance, and bad guys who steal luggage... all part of the adventure.
In the end, they get to the academy. And the saga begins.
I needed a new book and found this one. I had no idea it was a YA book and after finishing it, I can see that maybe it was indeed YA.
Do you recall in Harry Potter when they crossed the UK for the entire book? Everything was about making it to the next step and the struggle along the way? Yeah... we got that. And yes, it's magic.
Poor Lucien just wanted an adventure, a step outside his gritty reality on Earth. But he is uncovered as a secret mage, so secret that he himself didn't know. What's a mage, you wouldn't ask because you already know. However, you wouldn't be entirely correct. Mages are bombs waiting to blow. If they don't master the manifold or the stream or the hokey pokey, they go batty and start spewing acid phlegm all over the timeline. Okay, not really. But their future isn't great.
AND, because that's not enough, none of the civilized planets will allow them. Thus, the testing which outed poor Lucien. So Lucien is on a very expensive journey to an extremely far away planet where this elite academy that doesn't USE magic, or electricity, exists. And his mother is military and heading the other direction.
OF COURSE, Lucien runs into a rather attractive young lady in route....who is also a mage, heading to the academy. And THEN there is the weird old lady mage. Oh! Did I mention that like 1 in a bazillion people become a mage? So 3 on the same boat? Wild.
There are bullies, and cryptic messages, and choices, and a budding romance, and bad guys who steal luggage... all part of the adventure.
In the end, they get to the academy. And the saga begins.
January 9, 2024
This is a nice, standard, Fantasy book on top of a sci-fi setting. You get a taste of magic, a taste of a lost youth looking to make his way in the world, and some mysterious subplots happening in the background.
This is exactly the sort of book I would write if I had the mental fortitude to write a book - a slow, methodical setup, extensive, possibly unnecessary explanation, with an interesting concept.
The main characters aren't particularly relatable or interesting. The side characters are flat. Many parts are overly explained, and the story is just pretty slow-paced. The entire first book is like a slow introduction to the rest of the series (I assume). It's all just set up. Normally I love some good setup, but the setup just went on and on, and there didn't feel like there were any appreciable acts or story arcs in this particular book itself. It mostly felt flat the whole way. Flat isn't the right word, it felt constant - like no ups and downs, just the same level of "Oh dang my life is spiraling" the whole time.
I feel bad writing this review - if I were to write a book, this is exactly how my book would turn out, except mine would probably be worse. I want to write something, as I want to remember how I felt about this book, but I kind of wish I could choose to make the reviews just personal notes that only my Goodreads friends and I could see rather than a public review. The author probably worked hard on this book. I wouldn't have the thick skin an author needs to have to publish to the public.
This is exactly the sort of book I would write if I had the mental fortitude to write a book - a slow, methodical setup, extensive, possibly unnecessary explanation, with an interesting concept.
The main characters aren't particularly relatable or interesting. The side characters are flat. Many parts are overly explained, and the story is just pretty slow-paced. The entire first book is like a slow introduction to the rest of the series (I assume). It's all just set up. Normally I love some good setup, but the setup just went on and on, and there didn't feel like there were any appreciable acts or story arcs in this particular book itself. It mostly felt flat the whole way. Flat isn't the right word, it felt constant - like no ups and downs, just the same level of "Oh dang my life is spiraling" the whole time.
I feel bad writing this review - if I were to write a book, this is exactly how my book would turn out, except mine would probably be worse. I want to write something, as I want to remember how I felt about this book, but I kind of wish I could choose to make the reviews just personal notes that only my Goodreads friends and I could see rather than a public review. The author probably worked hard on this book. I wouldn't have the thick skin an author needs to have to publish to the public.
February 18, 2024
An intriguing world to get lost in
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great way to get lost at the end of a busy day (for 3 days). Then I was upset...because I ran out of book.
World building was good, stuff was explained clearly in a timely manner. I never felt like it was an info dump or too expository, just a natural description with some background "why" thrown in.
Characters are believable and likable (except maybe the transport Talent - she's a bit judgy for me). None are perfect, so there's progression through this story and room to grow throughout the series. Great introduction to the potential "villain" here too. I LIKE her! I understand her side. This is going to get emotionally complicated for me going forward...and I look forward to it!
There's some star-crossed love going on - literally. Because most of the story takes place in space. Personally, I think they're being too hard on themselves...but they're young and facing some serious life changes. They're under pressure and afraid of making mistakes. (I'm secretly rooting for them...or maybe not so secretly now...oh well!)
Do I recommend it? Yes. If you like science fiction with a YA element, go for it. If you like dystopian futures with space travel and magic, I'd say pick it up and give it a go.
I gave four stars because there were a few bits my editor eye caught. Every book has a typo or two in it, even with great editing. But there was a word usage thing that bugged me when it came up :-( so I felt in fairness, I couldn't give the fifth star.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great way to get lost at the end of a busy day (for 3 days). Then I was upset...because I ran out of book.
World building was good, stuff was explained clearly in a timely manner. I never felt like it was an info dump or too expository, just a natural description with some background "why" thrown in.
Characters are believable and likable (except maybe the transport Talent - she's a bit judgy for me). None are perfect, so there's progression through this story and room to grow throughout the series. Great introduction to the potential "villain" here too. I LIKE her! I understand her side. This is going to get emotionally complicated for me going forward...and I look forward to it!
There's some star-crossed love going on - literally. Because most of the story takes place in space. Personally, I think they're being too hard on themselves...but they're young and facing some serious life changes. They're under pressure and afraid of making mistakes. (I'm secretly rooting for them...or maybe not so secretly now...oh well!)
Do I recommend it? Yes. If you like science fiction with a YA element, go for it. If you like dystopian futures with space travel and magic, I'd say pick it up and give it a go.
I gave four stars because there were a few bits my editor eye caught. Every book has a typo or two in it, even with great editing. But there was a word usage thing that bugged me when it came up :-( so I felt in fairness, I couldn't give the fifth star.
August 9, 2025
Okay, a decent read.
As I write this, I’m trying to decide whether to pick up book two and continue along. The story isn‘t bad, and it’s not badly written, it’s just that it’s not new.
Earth of the future, while bleak for the run-of-the-mill folk who keep the corporations running, is pretty sweet for those who are wealthy. Lucian lives in a pretty rundown section of Miami, and as we open the book, he’s been ordered to a medical lab for follow-up testing due to results of a scan for latent magical tendencies.
Earth has had a war over magical abilities … and the mages lost. Having capitulated, it’s standard for everyone to be scanned every year to determine what to do with the deviants who have magic. There are options .. make them ‘disappear,’ or send them off to be trained to contain themself off-planet at a university. Fortunately for Lucian, this is the option for him.
Most of the book happens aboard the vessel carrying to the University. Aboard are two other mages, one of whom becomes a friend, one a rogue mage who offers to teach him and whom has an interesting take of the war and what Lucian could be, potentially, which is more than he could be at the university. He turns down the protégée offer and goes on to the university.
That’s it. That’s the plot. There’s a saw-something-like-it-coming twist at the end.
- Characters were okay, nothing wrong there
- World-building was good
- Pacing was a bit slow
- Writing style was serviceable, no real highs or lows
- Plot has been done often
As I write this, I’m trying to decide whether to pick up book two and continue along. The story isn‘t bad, and it’s not badly written, it’s just that it’s not new.
Earth of the future, while bleak for the run-of-the-mill folk who keep the corporations running, is pretty sweet for those who are wealthy. Lucian lives in a pretty rundown section of Miami, and as we open the book, he’s been ordered to a medical lab for follow-up testing due to results of a scan for latent magical tendencies.
Earth has had a war over magical abilities … and the mages lost. Having capitulated, it’s standard for everyone to be scanned every year to determine what to do with the deviants who have magic. There are options .. make them ‘disappear,’ or send them off to be trained to contain themself off-planet at a university. Fortunately for Lucian, this is the option for him.
Most of the book happens aboard the vessel carrying to the University. Aboard are two other mages, one of whom becomes a friend, one a rogue mage who offers to teach him and whom has an interesting take of the war and what Lucian could be, potentially, which is more than he could be at the university. He turns down the protégée offer and goes on to the university.
That’s it. That’s the plot. There’s a saw-something-like-it-coming twist at the end.
- Characters were okay, nothing wrong there
- World-building was good
- Pacing was a bit slow
- Writing style was serviceable, no real highs or lows
- Plot has been done often
August 10, 2021
This is the first book in the: Mages of Stardew Book Series .
This was a good start to a new young adult/paranormal/futuristic urban fantasy . The main protagonist is a young man who became of circumstances had to raise himself while his mother serves in the military . It is the future so humanity has made contact unfortunately the Aliens are hostile war like beings who has a on and off war with humanity for last fifteen years . Although the Alien are not only thing that humanity has to worry about certain humans have started to develope magical abilities . And of course humanity wants to use these new Mages to help fight the war against the Aliens . Clashing ideologies between the humans in power and mage's spark the Mage wars in which both sides do terrible things in the fight to beat the other . Eventually the Mages loose and the remaining mage's are put on and isolated world were the work with the league /power's to be to hunt down any mage that doesn't comform to the league's whim . Plus the Mages fight with the league against the Aliens but still they are treated with hate and suspicion they have very little rights . And this is the world that our protagonist are born into . this book is about two young Adults Lucian born on earth and Emma born on a fringe world to rich parents . Lucian and Emma are total opposite but they manage to forge and meaningful friendship as both embark on the rode to becoming mage's .
This was a good start to a new young adult/paranormal/futuristic urban fantasy . The main protagonist is a young man who became of circumstances had to raise himself while his mother serves in the military . It is the future so humanity has made contact unfortunately the Aliens are hostile war like beings who has a on and off war with humanity for last fifteen years . Although the Alien are not only thing that humanity has to worry about certain humans have started to develope magical abilities . And of course humanity wants to use these new Mages to help fight the war against the Aliens . Clashing ideologies between the humans in power and mage's spark the Mage wars in which both sides do terrible things in the fight to beat the other . Eventually the Mages loose and the remaining mage's are put on and isolated world were the work with the league /power's to be to hunt down any mage that doesn't comform to the league's whim . Plus the Mages fight with the league against the Aliens but still they are treated with hate and suspicion they have very little rights . And this is the world that our protagonist are born into . this book is about two young Adults Lucian born on earth and Emma born on a fringe world to rich parents . Lucian and Emma are total opposite but they manage to forge and meaningful friendship as both embark on the rode to becoming mage's .
August 28, 2023
As someone who has already read to book 8 and is coming back to leave my reviews, this series is in my top 3 for best sci-fi fantasies. Must read
Now for this book itself, it had me hooked from the first 20 pages. I like painting pictures in my head while reading of the overarching story and this book gives me all the parts that let me realize I'm looking at a masterpiece in the making. It drops some teasers that you only see realized 4 or 5 or even 6 books in.
After reading up till book 8 and coming to reread the series I realize that although some might say this book is a bit slow and the main character is a bit childish, he matures according to the challenges he faces and as we all know slow and steady wins the race. The slower development (albeit not too slow) allows you to grow with the character and setup and sturdy foundation for one of the best series I've ever read.
Now for this book itself, it had me hooked from the first 20 pages. I like painting pictures in my head while reading of the overarching story and this book gives me all the parts that let me realize I'm looking at a masterpiece in the making. It drops some teasers that you only see realized 4 or 5 or even 6 books in.
After reading up till book 8 and coming to reread the series I realize that although some might say this book is a bit slow and the main character is a bit childish, he matures according to the challenges he faces and as we all know slow and steady wins the race. The slower development (albeit not too slow) allows you to grow with the character and setup and sturdy foundation for one of the best series I've ever read.
September 27, 2025
Reluctant hero. Misguided youth. An intricately woven bit of world-building.
And the best I could give it was a "3." Why? There were enough spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that it kept kicking me out of the tale. The protagonist was stated to be 20 Earth-years old but had the decision-making acumen of a 13 or 14 year old.
There were so many forces pushing and pulling that the main character could hardly be considered to be a character so much as a glass ball rolling helplessly along in the surf - waiting to crash up against rocks instead of sand.
In spite of the faults, though, I'm tempted to continue on to book 2 in the series. There is enough to the universe West has built that the universe itself seems compelling. Will I be able to stomach the reluctant hero being tossed about helplessly in the sea of life though?
And the best I could give it was a "3." Why? There were enough spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that it kept kicking me out of the tale. The protagonist was stated to be 20 Earth-years old but had the decision-making acumen of a 13 or 14 year old.
There were so many forces pushing and pulling that the main character could hardly be considered to be a character so much as a glass ball rolling helplessly along in the surf - waiting to crash up against rocks instead of sand.
In spite of the faults, though, I'm tempted to continue on to book 2 in the series. There is enough to the universe West has built that the universe itself seems compelling. Will I be able to stomach the reluctant hero being tossed about helplessly in the sea of life though?
October 7, 2025
This is a 4.5 star read for me but I rounded up for Goodreads because I feel this has a great deal of potential.
A great beginning to the series. We are whisked away into a futuristic world where magic is looked down upon after a war, 50 years prior. Our MC is just finding out he has magic and trying to get to the academy to learn to control and suppress his abilities before he loses control. I found this first installment to the series to be well developed and I am intrigued to start the next book. If you are interested in ready a new space-opera series with magic and religious and political strife, then pick up a copy of The Mages of Starsea by Kyle West.
A great beginning to the series. We are whisked away into a futuristic world where magic is looked down upon after a war, 50 years prior. Our MC is just finding out he has magic and trying to get to the academy to learn to control and suppress his abilities before he loses control. I found this first installment to the series to be well developed and I am intrigued to start the next book. If you are interested in ready a new space-opera series with magic and religious and political strife, then pick up a copy of The Mages of Starsea by Kyle West.
February 11, 2023
The storyline was intriguing - it was set in space, but about a young mage discovering his gift and being sent away for training at an academy. This was almost like a cross between science fiction and fantasy, so I was excited to explore the book. Unfortunately the book was mostly an introduction for the rest of the series. I did not become invested enough in the characters to buy the rest of the series. I did not have the urge to stay up late to read a little longer. If I read the entire series, I might have a different opinion of this first book.
January 30, 2024
Decided to pick his 8 book series up on sale from his website. Hoping I wasn't be suckered into a good deal with inflated ratings.
Luckily that hasn't been the case. I just purchased the series earlier this month and I've already started book 6.
Its a unique take on magic and a young mans journey of playing his part in this exciting tale.
My understanding is that book 9 is coming out soon and book 10 is slated to come out a little later this year. I'm ecstatic, consider myself lucky that I keep finding great deals on epic stories to keep me entertained on my long drives every day.
Luckily that hasn't been the case. I just purchased the series earlier this month and I've already started book 6.
Its a unique take on magic and a young mans journey of playing his part in this exciting tale.
My understanding is that book 9 is coming out soon and book 10 is slated to come out a little later this year. I'm ecstatic, consider myself lucky that I keep finding great deals on epic stories to keep me entertained on my long drives every day.
October 22, 2024
I really tried to give this a fair shot even tho it was a free audiobook but the plot fell flat. Nothing happened? There was no build up, no trials or real challenges. I would guess this is YA. The world has a lot of potential tho! It’s a rly cool mix between sci fi & fantasy but this story felt like a prequel to the real story lol like the Assassin’s Blade to Throne of Glass but with farrr less action. The book ended right when it seemed like it was getting to the good part, which does kind of make me want to continue the series but I doubt I will.
September 24, 2025
This is a well-read and well-known series, so I won't try to provide a synopsis. I'll share any thoughts I have as I read it.
Nice start, giving us the main character’s name and location right off the bat. (I hate when they don’t). Lucian Abrantes in Miami, Sol. I also like the beautiful map at the beginning, which I enjoy seeing.
First problem: I’m extremely claustrophobic. Reading about Lucian’s testing and ship quarters was very difficult.
Fave scenes: Lucian running from the LHA building, meeting the white haired woman, 2078 NYC, and Emma’s seizure.
Nice start, giving us the main character’s name and location right off the bat. (I hate when they don’t). Lucian Abrantes in Miami, Sol. I also like the beautiful map at the beginning, which I enjoy seeing.
First problem: I’m extremely claustrophobic. Reading about Lucian’s testing and ship quarters was very difficult.
Fave scenes: Lucian running from the LHA building, meeting the white haired woman, 2078 NYC, and Emma’s seizure.
May 2, 2021
Disappointing
Not sure about this book, too much angst, tendency to lecture and I found it an unsatisfactory read. Not sure if it would be worthwhile to continue to find out what happens and that in itself says much. So I will not be following on the tale. I would rather re-read another favourite than carry on being annoyed. Just a personal feeling, not my cup of tea I just don't really want to know what happens not invested in the characters.😪
Not sure about this book, too much angst, tendency to lecture and I found it an unsatisfactory read. Not sure if it would be worthwhile to continue to find out what happens and that in itself says much. So I will not be following on the tale. I would rather re-read another favourite than carry on being annoyed. Just a personal feeling, not my cup of tea I just don't really want to know what happens not invested in the characters.😪
November 20, 2023
I would have loved to give this story more stars due to the intriguing story line. It was the only reason I finished, but I already know I won't be reading the rest of the series. I do understand that the author was trying to set the story for the rest of the series, but I found it lacking. The author often repeated himself. The MC doubted himself way too much to the point it was annoying. And, very little seemed to happen in the story.
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