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Arcturus Academy #5
Source Fire
I thought things would get easier after my oath to the mafia don of Venice was fulfilled, but they've only gotten worse.
My ex-boyfriend is in a coma. The greatest threat the magi have ever faced has neutralized 71% of our species and is hell-bent on 100%. No one knows where he'll strike next, except maybe the enemy-turned-ally whom I have no choice but to trust. My new love interest has asked for an impossible favour and there's still no sign of Janet, the woman who was kidnapped on our watch. Our forces are hanging by a thread, and the mysterious orbs have yet to prove useful.
We are out-gunned, out-matched, and we've been out-maneuvered. I'll admit things look bad. But I still have a few cards left to play in this battle to save the remaining magi, now I just need to find the guts to play them.
Arcturus Academy is an action-adventure series of five books by a USA Today and Amazon best-selling author. Saxony is a strong female heroine swept into a world of dizzying plot twists, sweet romance and intriguing mythology, all woven against a backdrop of elemental magic.
My ex-boyfriend is in a coma. The greatest threat the magi have ever faced has neutralized 71% of our species and is hell-bent on 100%. No one knows where he'll strike next, except maybe the enemy-turned-ally whom I have no choice but to trust. My new love interest has asked for an impossible favour and there's still no sign of Janet, the woman who was kidnapped on our watch. Our forces are hanging by a thread, and the mysterious orbs have yet to prove useful.
We are out-gunned, out-matched, and we've been out-maneuvered. I'll admit things look bad. But I still have a few cards left to play in this battle to save the remaining magi, now I just need to find the guts to play them.
Arcturus Academy is an action-adventure series of five books by a USA Today and Amazon best-selling author. Saxony is a strong female heroine swept into a world of dizzying plot twists, sweet romance and intriguing mythology, all woven against a backdrop of elemental magic.
- GenresFantasyMagicYoung Adult
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
122 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Knorr
63 books691 followersA.L. Knorr is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning Canadian conjurer of clean fantasy for teens and the young at heart. Her stories blend elemental magic, epic adventure, fierce female leads, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter (without needing to hide the book from your grandma).
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 17, 2022
Meh conclusion to the series, the best part was Targa and Georgie coming in.
This book felt so slow, a lot of doing nothing, one of the most tolerable characters was Ryan when it came to the characters, I found Saxony whiny at times and Tomio just meh.
I felt like this should have been a fast-paced novel but it was a lot slower then I expected.
This book felt so slow, a lot of doing nothing, one of the most tolerable characters was Ryan when it came to the characters, I found Saxony whiny at times and Tomio just meh.
I felt like this should have been a fast-paced novel but it was a lot slower then I expected.
March 30, 2024
Kind of a depressing ending after everything you go through to get to book 5
June 15, 2021
This has been such a great series and boy does this final book does it justice or what! Once again I found myself lost in this incredible world and the incredible journey taken so far and what a journey it has been! It’s an action packed read filled with twists and turns, magic, suspense and some shocking surprises I definitely did not see coming. It’s been one hell of a ride and the conclusion is simply epic. I have loved the characters especially Saxony and have loved watching them grow and their relationships develop and if you haven’t read this series then you are seriously missing out!
June 12, 2021
A.L. Knorr is back with the latest installment of her superb Young Adult fantasy series, Arcturus Academy, and wow is Source Fire (Book 5) a powerfully wonderful tale. The lead here, Saxony, is just the kind of strong kick-a$$ heroine that I love, and while she is up against huge odds that seem pretty insurmountable for her (and the remaining magi), how she deals with all of this makes for a heck of a tale with wonderful (and really unexpected) twists and turns, a great elemental magic system and neat mythology. Once again a perfectly written plot with action, thrills and, yes, romance. This was a total pleasure to read, and is easy to highly recommend.
June 13, 2021
I have adored Ms Knorr's books from the moment I picked up Born of Water. She is a fantastically consistent writer that creates vivid worlds with wonderful characters that the reader falls in love with. The Arcturus Academy series is a genius addition to this world she has created. Source Fire is such a great ending for this arc. It did not end how I hoped or thought it would. It was so much better. Makes me want to start at the beginning and read it all again.
June 28, 2021
This has to be the best book in the series! This page turner might also be the best book I've ever laid my hands on! Not only was the plot amazingly crafted, it was thoroughly well written with epic detail. No boring gaps and just enough conflict.
During the read, I was happy to see Saxony's old friends again. Saxony's friendship with Targa and Georgie never ceases to amaze me. Their reunion made me fall in love with the book even more.
Furthermore, A.L. Knorr did a fantastic job at describing the scenes in vivid detail. Everything including the visuals was just out of this world! I even stopped to read some parts again just to get another taste of the author's splendid writing. I certainly was not expecting all the plot twists and I absolutely loved the way it ended. It was not too abrupt and I was satisfied with the outcome.
Unfortunately, I was sad that Arcturus Academy had to come to an end. I've grown attached to all the characters, especially Saxony, but I hope to see her again in the author's future books!
5/5 Highly recommend this series. :)
During the read, I was happy to see Saxony's old friends again. Saxony's friendship with Targa and Georgie never ceases to amaze me. Their reunion made me fall in love with the book even more.
Furthermore, A.L. Knorr did a fantastic job at describing the scenes in vivid detail. Everything including the visuals was just out of this world! I even stopped to read some parts again just to get another taste of the author's splendid writing. I certainly was not expecting all the plot twists and I absolutely loved the way it ended. It was not too abrupt and I was satisfied with the outcome.
Unfortunately, I was sad that Arcturus Academy had to come to an end. I've grown attached to all the characters, especially Saxony, but I hope to see her again in the author's future books!
5/5 Highly recommend this series. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
On the edge of my seat with this one, what an ending!! No Spoilers.
Parents: PG13- this is acceptable for 16+
Language: pg-13
Violence: PG13 - normal to genre, mage fights but not overly graphic
Sexual content: PG13 - Mostly the kissing verity in this book but there is one bedroom scene with enough details to warn
These should be read in order, but at least book 4 before this one. This one was really hard to put down as the fast pace continues but intensifies for the finale. Really a fantastic series and highly recommend for fantasy lovers -- just know that it really does have enough content to warn for at least a 16+ reader.
Narrator: well executed differentiations, accents and overall acting was great
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: PG13- this is acceptable for 16+
Language: pg-13
Violence: PG13 - normal to genre, mage fights but not overly graphic
Sexual content: PG13 - Mostly the kissing verity in this book but there is one bedroom scene with enough details to warn
These should be read in order, but at least book 4 before this one. This one was really hard to put down as the fast pace continues but intensifies for the finale. Really a fantastic series and highly recommend for fantasy lovers -- just know that it really does have enough content to warn for at least a 16+ reader.
Narrator: well executed differentiations, accents and overall acting was great
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 19, 2021
Firecracker
A really good series. I read all five books in two days. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a really good young adult fantasy read.
A really good series. I read all five books in two days. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a really good young adult fantasy read.
June 3, 2021
Another excellent book by Ms Knorr. I love her writing skills. I am confident that when I sit down to relax with a book of hers that I won’t get hit in the gut by one of those nasty typos. I want to recognize and give kudos to her editorial team for that as they are usually the unsung heroes. Ms Knorr never ceases to amaze me with every book of hers that I read. Her prose are very well paced and smothe as silk. Her characters are friends of mine. I was pleased to see friends of Saxony’s from another series, although it’s not necessary to have read it in order to understand what was going on. Furthermore, Ms Knorr has a fantabulously vivid imagination! Her descriptions of landscapes and other scenery were breathtaking and easy for me to visualize. Also, she describes how burn Mages go through some of their feelings and what transpires. It is totally believable and allowed me to sympathize and almost feel what they were going through. In this book, the Mages were attempting to capture and put a stop to the evil Nero who has found a way to snuff out the mages’ abilities. Once it is gone they can never get it back. Their lives have been stolen for it is devastating to them. It is painful and debilitating to them. Their goals were always to help not only the mage community but also humanity in general. Now it is up to a handful of mage leaders and the more competent students of Arcturus Academy. They were brilliant. Particularly, the ending was breathtaking! All the action was very clearly visualized and amazing. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves an excellent elemental story.
February 10, 2023
There were moments when my disbelief would break through. Not enough was explained about the different fire colors. Why would collecting a color give the villain a new power? It didn't give the other fire magi powers different from their fiery brethren. I read this through a second time after waiting some weeks because I thought I had missed something. I listen to the audiobooks, so it's possible info went in one ear and out the other, but no, that wasn't the case. The series needed a bigger villain than previous books, so it got it, but it felt a bit contrived.
There were other details that were added that could've been expanded on, but weren't, probably to save time and keep the fast pace. But letting them kind of drift to the background was disappointing.
Ryan definitely deserved worse than what he received. The disappearance of the adults most of the time was like a hole in the narrative because they've always been present before. And Saxony became pretty whiney.
I mention these things because it takes a lot to break me away from a story and those did it. It sounds as if I hated it, but I really REALLY didn't. I loved it! Despite all of those things, I didn't want to stop listening and had difficulty stopping to do my own work. It's been an amazing series and I've loved it from beginning to end.
There were other details that were added that could've been expanded on, but weren't, probably to save time and keep the fast pace. But letting them kind of drift to the background was disappointing.
Ryan definitely deserved worse than what he received. The disappearance of the adults most of the time was like a hole in the narrative because they've always been present before. And Saxony became pretty whiney.
I mention these things because it takes a lot to break me away from a story and those did it. It sounds as if I hated it, but I really REALLY didn't. I loved it! Despite all of those things, I didn't want to stop listening and had difficulty stopping to do my own work. It's been an amazing series and I've loved it from beginning to end.
June 9, 2021
I can't believe it's over. This was just amazing. I am flabbergasted. The whole series was stupendous but this final book just blew me away. The visuals were so breathtaking. A.L. Knorr does a tremendous amount of research for her books and it really shows in her writing. I didn't want it to end. That is how good this book was. All of Abby's books are fabulous and honestly it is hard to pick a favorite series, but right now, this has been my favorite. I cannot recommend Abby's books more. Every single book has been a five star read for me. She does not disappoint. I can only hope that we are able to go back and check on some of these characters again and see where they are in a few years. As Abby does bring characters who are connected in to her other series I am sure I won't be disappointed and will find out what else happens to the characters I love so much.
June 5, 2021
The eagerness of reading the final book contrasts with the feeling of leaving behind os beloved characters and stories. Differently from her friends series, Saxony has hers extended and definetely it was a gift of A. L. Knorr to her readers. Among many things, she genuinely surprised us all in the end and I let your heads go through what that could be. All the while, she never disappointed her readers, bringing as usual all the best of her writing: the originality of the narrative, incredible settings duly surveyed beforehand, historical events that sounds almost real, and above all passionate characters - from the bad to the good ones. I think it’s time to revisit the girls stories and have the rollercoaster all over again. Why don’t you join us? This is a worthy trip to have.
August 25, 2023
What an epic ending to a fantastic series. Another new author for me that has left me speechless. I will definately be reading more of her books. Interesting characters with a wide variety of personalities and takents. A superior villian that didn't show himself until the last 2 books and what a villian he was.
Mages were still loosing their fire and bassel and the students couldn't figure out how it was happening. Gage's fire was taken by brutal force and almost killed him. Saxony and his friends vowed to get the responsible person no matter what. Ryan came back to help but I did not trust him at all. He has done nothing but lie and cause turmoil. As the crew learned more about how it was happening, they embarked on a very dangerous journey to find the truth. In the end there was a couple new characters who definately helped a lot in an epic battle. This is now one of my all time favorite series. A perfect read for any fantasy lover .
Mages were still loosing their fire and bassel and the students couldn't figure out how it was happening. Gage's fire was taken by brutal force and almost killed him. Saxony and his friends vowed to get the responsible person no matter what. Ryan came back to help but I did not trust him at all. He has done nothing but lie and cause turmoil. As the crew learned more about how it was happening, they embarked on a very dangerous journey to find the truth. In the end there was a couple new characters who definately helped a lot in an epic battle. This is now one of my all time favorite series. A perfect read for any fantasy lover .
September 2, 2025
I was super into this story. The character story arc, the character development, the world building. It was super fun and well-written with great characters and potential. And then... This amazing, strong, powerful female character that was built up for five books wasn't even the one to bring down the bad guy. A side character who we barely saw, did it. Team work, I get it. But our heroine not ending up the heroine... Just a character who philosophies and gives us a long monologue at the end to "make sense" of everything..and then fire magic still being snuffed out at the end of everything anyways (with minimal exceptions), SO DISAPPOINTED and anti-climactic. I can't shake off the unsatisfied feeling at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
The Arcturus Academy series has been a joy to read. What started with five friends in The Elemental series has become a wonderful journey into the lives of these friends after high school. Saxony's story at the Arcturus Academy took some wonderful twists and turns, many unexpected. I really couldn't put the books down, reading before work, during lunch, and before bed. I was completely enthralled. A.L. Knorr introduced new and exciting characters as well as bringing in some of our Elemental friends. When I complete a series I am always sad to close the book on my friends lives. However Ms. Knorr has artfully woven the lives of her characters into each new series. She's a genius!
February 2, 2023
pros and cons
I absolutely love this authors descriptive capabilities! There’s some cliché sayings out there that are soo overused, so I really appreciate this authors ability to come up with new ways of describing things.
My only complaint on this series is that the main character jumps around a lot on who they’re dating. Like, you think things were going great with the guy from Italy and suddenly he’s just gone. No more communication. Then she’s dating my favorite character and for whatever reason she dumps him for some new character that we know nothing about and who I thought had no chemistry with.
I absolutely love this authors descriptive capabilities! There’s some cliché sayings out there that are soo overused, so I really appreciate this authors ability to come up with new ways of describing things.
My only complaint on this series is that the main character jumps around a lot on who they’re dating. Like, you think things were going great with the guy from Italy and suddenly he’s just gone. No more communication. Then she’s dating my favorite character and for whatever reason she dumps him for some new character that we know nothing about and who I thought had no chemistry with.
February 15, 2023
What an ending!
So different to what I was expecting, and I liked that about this story.
Sax is just strong enough for me to relate to as a character she’s not overly a sfc but her power is strong but her as a person isn’t overly so. I feel like I could relate to her thoughts.
I was left wondering this whole series what would happen with sax and the three main men In the series.
I havnt listened to the first series about all the female friends but I don’t think this is overly needed to follow the storyline. In this one we do meet both the siren and and half fae again:
Im happy I got to experience this series and I did enjoy the narration. Female narrator I believe is Canadian.
So different to what I was expecting, and I liked that about this story.
Sax is just strong enough for me to relate to as a character she’s not overly a sfc but her power is strong but her as a person isn’t overly so. I feel like I could relate to her thoughts.
I was left wondering this whole series what would happen with sax and the three main men In the series.
I havnt listened to the first series about all the female friends but I don’t think this is overly needed to follow the storyline. In this one we do meet both the siren and and half fae again:
Im happy I got to experience this series and I did enjoy the narration. Female narrator I believe is Canadian.
May 1, 2024
This book had so much promise but the delivery was underwhelming.Why would Knorr drop the ball on the very thing she is good at?Cause the detailed explanations of mythology I expected from her are in this book,so does the source of the fire mages.Its just underwhelming after teasing from five books ago.Granted the book never lost its trappings, but when all mages loss their powers leaving just Saxony and her boyfriend,it felt anticlimactic. We got to see Targa and Georgiana which was cool.Overally this felt rushed.And I swear Iam gonna throttle the next author who talks about the world but ignores Africa like it is a realm of darkness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
YOU MUST READ THIS AUTHORS WORK!
I rarely leave reviews but I have so much to say that is overwhelming positive that I can't even begin so I'm only going to say that if you enjoy the genre of fantasy, young adult, books in series, anything about fae, mage/magi, mermaid, siren, elemental, and want excellent quality work written by the most talented of authors I've enjoyed then you are in for a treat! I highly recommend you start at the very beginning of the books, you won't be disappointed :) keep up the good work Abby !!!
I rarely leave reviews but I have so much to say that is overwhelming positive that I can't even begin so I'm only going to say that if you enjoy the genre of fantasy, young adult, books in series, anything about fae, mage/magi, mermaid, siren, elemental, and want excellent quality work written by the most talented of authors I've enjoyed then you are in for a treat! I highly recommend you start at the very beginning of the books, you won't be disappointed :) keep up the good work Abby !!!
January 27, 2022
A Good ending for Saxony's story
In this last book, it's a race to beat Nero to the location of the late two orbs and discover how the Magi's fires are being extinguished.
I appreciated the intrigue and the world hopping that occurred. I did want to have Janet around for more than what amounted to a cameo appearance.
I also liked that the author included the mental health aspect of what it might mean for individuals to lose a significant part of how they defined themselves.
In this last book, it's a race to beat Nero to the location of the late two orbs and discover how the Magi's fires are being extinguished.
I appreciated the intrigue and the world hopping that occurred. I did want to have Janet around for more than what amounted to a cameo appearance.
I also liked that the author included the mental health aspect of what it might mean for individuals to lose a significant part of how they defined themselves.
May 31, 2022
Source Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy (Arcturus Academy Book 5)
❤️🔥❤️❤️🔥❤️ This was the best series ever and I was so happy that the girls worked together to destroy the evil monster at the end… Targa is pregnant with Twins, and only a few were gifted the fire..
Now I need just one more book on the girls and their loves, like 10-15 years down the road… but I don’t want to wait to long for that book .. HINT .. HINT.. DEFINITELY recommend this book and all of her series that go along with these beautiful fine ladies!!!
❤️🔥❤️❤️🔥❤️ This was the best series ever and I was so happy that the girls worked together to destroy the evil monster at the end… Targa is pregnant with Twins, and only a few were gifted the fire..
Now I need just one more book on the girls and their loves, like 10-15 years down the road… but I don’t want to wait to long for that book .. HINT .. HINT.. DEFINITELY recommend this book and all of her series that go along with these beautiful fine ladies!!!
January 10, 2023
Loved this series
I am working my way through this entire collection! I have loved every book so far! If you enjoy magic or your just looking for an easy read, I highly recommend this series. While it is written for an YA genre, don't let this deter you, I am a middle aged mom of three! I found the series refreshing and the characters feel like friends , sticking with you when the story ends. I love finding a new author who keeps me hooked and wanting to devour the next book immediately!
I am working my way through this entire collection! I have loved every book so far! If you enjoy magic or your just looking for an easy read, I highly recommend this series. While it is written for an YA genre, don't let this deter you, I am a middle aged mom of three! I found the series refreshing and the characters feel like friends , sticking with you when the story ends. I love finding a new author who keeps me hooked and wanting to devour the next book immediately!
July 30, 2023
This installment was a lot more slow-paced than the previous 4 books. I semi-enjoyed the characters and some of their banter and the slight mystery aspect, but wasn’t on the edge of my seat.
I think this series could’ve been done in 3 books as each one was a bit slower than the previous, and it didn’t end on the exciting note that it started on. But overall, good writing and character development.
3 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
5 stars on all fronts: performance, production, sound-quality, voice, etc.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I think this series could’ve been done in 3 books as each one was a bit slower than the previous, and it didn’t end on the exciting note that it started on. But overall, good writing and character development.
3 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
5 stars on all fronts: performance, production, sound-quality, voice, etc.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
June 10, 2021
WOW, buckle up princess, your in for a ride. The tension and intrigue during this fight to solve the mystery of fire theft and the end game of the villain will keep you sitting for hours and reading till the wee small hours. The detail and emotion will take you away from this Covid madness into a fantasy world this author excels at. While it is sad to finish a series I am sure another series will start soon, I look forward to it.
Recommended.
Recommended.
November 15, 2021
Love It! 😍
The entire series was delicious! With each broken got better and better! I believe this is the first series I have ever read where I had no idea where the author was going. As with all of her other books, series, that I’ve read and enjoyed every word, this particular series was probably the most exhilarating! Going on to her next series, I hope she never stops writing!
The entire series was delicious! With each broken got better and better! I believe this is the first series I have ever read where I had no idea where the author was going. As with all of her other books, series, that I’ve read and enjoyed every word, this particular series was probably the most exhilarating! Going on to her next series, I hope she never stops writing!
February 20, 2023
Saxony is by far my favorite character in the elemental series and I am so thrilled that Georgie and Targa joined in on this last adventure of the series as well. This book flew by and I am sad there will be no more in this arc of the elemental installments. Nero was a aggravating villain and Ryan....ugh. I will miss my friends at Arcturus and can't wait to see what else comes from the elemental series...I mean come on earth destroying all girls together again - LETS GO!
January 7, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
The tying up of this series must have been difficult as the previous episodes have all had their own background stories, to lead up to their final end to a world that seems to have been real and relates to some of the knowledge about our forefathers.
Having a tale that flites from country to country does engross the reader that much more, as each site visited is a new adventure added.
The tying up of this series must have been difficult as the previous episodes have all had their own background stories, to lead up to their final end to a world that seems to have been real and relates to some of the knowledge about our forefathers.
Having a tale that flites from country to country does engross the reader that much more, as each site visited is a new adventure added.
February 19, 2025
Well done! It was great to see Targa and Georji again! The conclusion left me feeling kind of bittersweet, and I can't help but wish that Nero's demise had returned the fire to the snuffed mages, especially Basil. After Gage lost his fire, I was afraid for Tomio the rest of the story, hoping that wasn't a setup so that Saxony and Gage could be together without the "fire getting in the way". It was heartening though that Dante and Ryan eventually received their justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
I've read this entire series, and never in a million years saw this ending coming. If you haven't read the first four books, do! A.L. Knorr wraps this series up beautifully but also unexpectedly. The book is action packed, and brings Saxony, Georgie, and Targa back together for an epic battle. I'm so sad this series is over! ~ Psalm 37:11
November 10, 2021
Can they really defeat the villain?
As the kids try to end Nero, Saxony has some help from her friends.
I had a hard time keeping up with the plot at time, I was able to finish it as Saxony's friends come to the rescue.
It you love super heroes and good fantasy then you'll enjoy this series.
As the kids try to end Nero, Saxony has some help from her friends.
I had a hard time keeping up with the plot at time, I was able to finish it as Saxony's friends come to the rescue.
It you love super heroes and good fantasy then you'll enjoy this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews