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Charm Wars #1
Charm Wars
Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic, where the noblesse possess massive political and magical power and destroy anyone who threatens the noblesse way of life—especially the commoners.
Rill Larkin, the son of a commoner blacksmith, has high ambitions. To be a mage, join the exalted ranks of the ruling noblesse, and establish his own noblesse family. Defying both the system and his family, Rill becomes the apprentice of Deuth Estati, a powerful archmage. But appearances deceive. As training progresses, Rill learns of decades-long secrets and manipulations that threaten his dream. And Deuth might not be as benevolent as Rill thought.
Alyse Dejune despises magic, even if she does belong to one of the oldest and most powerful noblesse families in Caldon. The deceits and treacheries of noblesse life and the loveless marriage alliances among the noblesse families disgust her. Her family however has high that she fulfill her role as a noblesse girl by marrying Troy Estati, an arrogant, selfish noblesse boy she does not love. And Alyse harbors a secret—the potential to become one of the most powerful mages in generations and wield forbidden magic—that, if revealed, could mean her death.
In this deadly game of ever-shifting alliances, where the state wages perpetual war against an ancient enemy, Rill and Alyse are thrown together in a land where magic is failing. And as greedy noblesse families raid surrounding family compounds for powerful charms, Rill and Alyse are left standing at a terrible crossroads.
Rill Larkin, the son of a commoner blacksmith, has high ambitions. To be a mage, join the exalted ranks of the ruling noblesse, and establish his own noblesse family. Defying both the system and his family, Rill becomes the apprentice of Deuth Estati, a powerful archmage. But appearances deceive. As training progresses, Rill learns of decades-long secrets and manipulations that threaten his dream. And Deuth might not be as benevolent as Rill thought.
Alyse Dejune despises magic, even if she does belong to one of the oldest and most powerful noblesse families in Caldon. The deceits and treacheries of noblesse life and the loveless marriage alliances among the noblesse families disgust her. Her family however has high that she fulfill her role as a noblesse girl by marrying Troy Estati, an arrogant, selfish noblesse boy she does not love. And Alyse harbors a secret—the potential to become one of the most powerful mages in generations and wield forbidden magic—that, if revealed, could mean her death.
In this deadly game of ever-shifting alliances, where the state wages perpetual war against an ancient enemy, Rill and Alyse are thrown together in a land where magic is failing. And as greedy noblesse families raid surrounding family compounds for powerful charms, Rill and Alyse are left standing at a terrible crossroads.
466 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2021
14 people are currently reading
1770 people want to read
About the author
Dan Lutts
6 books119 followersDan Lutts has been an avid book lover all his life. He began reading fantasy fiction in high school and even tried his hand at writing a couple of fantasy short stories. Writing has always been in his blood, though. He has worked as a freelance writer, a technical writer, and also taught technical writing at the college level. Dan especially loves YA fantasy and decided to try his hand at it. His Charm Wars Series was the result.
Dan lives in rural Maine with his wife Lisa and their two cats, Lillie and Mattie. When he’s not working or writing, Dan can be found reading, making and shooting medieval arrows at targets with his longbow, and playing with Lillie and Mattie.
Dan lives in rural Maine with his wife Lisa and their two cats, Lillie and Mattie. When he’s not working or writing, Dan can be found reading, making and shooting medieval arrows at targets with his longbow, and playing with Lillie and Mattie.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 29, 2023
CHARM WARS was a nice little gem that I bought myself for Christmas, and I was glad I did. This book would appeal to a wide audience. There is a little something for everyone.
This story is about a magical land where countries have been locked in war for centuries. In the kingdom of our persons of interest, women hold the power as head of the families. Grandmother or Great-grandmother is the most powerful one in the family and her word is law. Disobedience is punishment by banishment. Yet it is the males who receive the greatest honor, especially as captains of war. I guess women are literally the power behind the throne and let the vain males feel important with titles. Gee, where have I seen this before? It sounds familiar. Anyway, battles are fought on land and sea with swords as well as magical fireballs. At the core of their magic are powerful charms that enable one to harness the energy needed. Spells and potions are employed too, as are arrows and daggers.
Being as women held the power, it was a little strange to always read 'she' when clearly a male was referred to. Their goddesses were mentioned in blessings as well as curses.
In this book there are two main characters. One is the daughter of a powerful family who is ordered to marry the jerk son of another family to form an alliance. She is trying to figure a way out of this. This young lady is studying magic to become a 'healer.' Her bodyguard, known as a 'backwatcher,' is about her age. Backwatchers usually don't use magic but rather depend on the blade to protect the person in their care. The other main character is a young male from a poor family who has aspirations to become so proficient in magic that he can gain titles and form his own dynasty. His best friend is his backwatcher.
There are fights and double-crosses, and revelations that can upset the balance of power. Families resort to cloak and dagger to steal charms from each other.
There is brilliant world building here and if one is confused, one can refer to the map or the list of characters thoughtfully provided in the front by the map. A sneak preview is provided to wet your appetite for the next book, but I am skipping that. I don't need that bait to want to look for the next book as I am hooked already.
At over 460 pages it was long but worth every penny.
Great job, Dan Lutts!
This story is about a magical land where countries have been locked in war for centuries. In the kingdom of our persons of interest, women hold the power as head of the families. Grandmother or Great-grandmother is the most powerful one in the family and her word is law. Disobedience is punishment by banishment. Yet it is the males who receive the greatest honor, especially as captains of war. I guess women are literally the power behind the throne and let the vain males feel important with titles. Gee, where have I seen this before? It sounds familiar. Anyway, battles are fought on land and sea with swords as well as magical fireballs. At the core of their magic are powerful charms that enable one to harness the energy needed. Spells and potions are employed too, as are arrows and daggers.
Being as women held the power, it was a little strange to always read 'she' when clearly a male was referred to. Their goddesses were mentioned in blessings as well as curses.
In this book there are two main characters. One is the daughter of a powerful family who is ordered to marry the jerk son of another family to form an alliance. She is trying to figure a way out of this. This young lady is studying magic to become a 'healer.' Her bodyguard, known as a 'backwatcher,' is about her age. Backwatchers usually don't use magic but rather depend on the blade to protect the person in their care. The other main character is a young male from a poor family who has aspirations to become so proficient in magic that he can gain titles and form his own dynasty. His best friend is his backwatcher.
There are fights and double-crosses, and revelations that can upset the balance of power. Families resort to cloak and dagger to steal charms from each other.
There is brilliant world building here and if one is confused, one can refer to the map or the list of characters thoughtfully provided in the front by the map. A sneak preview is provided to wet your appetite for the next book, but I am skipping that. I don't need that bait to want to look for the next book as I am hooked already.
At over 460 pages it was long but worth every penny.
Great job, Dan Lutts!
August 21, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Charm Wars was interesting. Not necessarily in a bad way because I definitely enjoyed reading this. It just felt like something was missing and I'm not exactly sure what that something is. At least right now I don't. Maybe one day it will pop into my head and that will be the light bulb moment I've been looking for. For now, we will just go with its a good book with potential for the series to be better.
After meeting Rill and Alyse, I couldn't really say anything bad about them. They were likable to a point and if I had to pick a favorite, well, I might pick Alyse. Maybe? Again, not sure because I didn't really hate or dislike anything about them. They do go through a lot and I'm hoping for more action in the next book.
In the end, it was an okay book, but I definitely want more magic and action in the next one.
Charm Wars was interesting. Not necessarily in a bad way because I definitely enjoyed reading this. It just felt like something was missing and I'm not exactly sure what that something is. At least right now I don't. Maybe one day it will pop into my head and that will be the light bulb moment I've been looking for. For now, we will just go with its a good book with potential for the series to be better.
After meeting Rill and Alyse, I couldn't really say anything bad about them. They were likable to a point and if I had to pick a favorite, well, I might pick Alyse. Maybe? Again, not sure because I didn't really hate or dislike anything about them. They do go through a lot and I'm hoping for more action in the next book.
In the end, it was an okay book, but I definitely want more magic and action in the next one.
November 5, 2021
I love reading fantasy stories. This book is almost 500 pages long. Once I started reading Charm Wars, I forgot how many pages there were. I was reading it very fast and it was SO hard to put down. This is one of those books that you carry everywhere and read every chance you get.
I was hooked when I read the back cover where it said, "Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic". The magic is super cool and easy to follow. There were many unique things that I liked. My favorite characters by far were Alyse Dejune, a member of the most powerful noblesse families in Caldon, and her cousin, Kate, a Back watcher, who protects her. Alyse is strong and determined about who she is and who she wants to be in the future. She does not want to take orders from the family matriarch about who she should marry and when. Kate is one of the most loyal friends I've ever read in a book, next to Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings. Alyse and Kate work well together and always have each other's back.
Rill is the son of a commoner blacksmith who dreams of becoming a mage. He wants to leave the poor and oppressed life behind. Rill is bold, hard-headed, impatient, and impulsive. The only person that's been able to keep Rill kind of under control is his cousin, Jedd. Once big things start to happen for Rill, Jedd becomes more disenchanted with him and how much he has changed. Also, there is so much going on with the political structure of this world, and boy, there are many secrets that were hidden and now are being revealed. Each time one was revealed, there was another gasp from me.
The action is nonstop and the other characters are written so rich and unique. The alliances made among the rich and poor keep changing and you never know who to trust. There are many powerful people in this novel from all walks of life and it's exciting to see when new magical powers are exhibited.
I truly enjoyed this novel and could hardly believe this was Dan Lutt’s first novel. I was so fully immersed in the world of Caldon and I can't wait to go back. The novel did end on a cliffhanger and I need to know when Book 2 will be published. This fantasy novel gets 5-stars from me for being different, fast-paced, and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
I was hooked when I read the back cover where it said, "Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic". The magic is super cool and easy to follow. There were many unique things that I liked. My favorite characters by far were Alyse Dejune, a member of the most powerful noblesse families in Caldon, and her cousin, Kate, a Back watcher, who protects her. Alyse is strong and determined about who she is and who she wants to be in the future. She does not want to take orders from the family matriarch about who she should marry and when. Kate is one of the most loyal friends I've ever read in a book, next to Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings. Alyse and Kate work well together and always have each other's back.
Rill is the son of a commoner blacksmith who dreams of becoming a mage. He wants to leave the poor and oppressed life behind. Rill is bold, hard-headed, impatient, and impulsive. The only person that's been able to keep Rill kind of under control is his cousin, Jedd. Once big things start to happen for Rill, Jedd becomes more disenchanted with him and how much he has changed. Also, there is so much going on with the political structure of this world, and boy, there are many secrets that were hidden and now are being revealed. Each time one was revealed, there was another gasp from me.
The action is nonstop and the other characters are written so rich and unique. The alliances made among the rich and poor keep changing and you never know who to trust. There are many powerful people in this novel from all walks of life and it's exciting to see when new magical powers are exhibited.
I truly enjoyed this novel and could hardly believe this was Dan Lutt’s first novel. I was so fully immersed in the world of Caldon and I can't wait to go back. The novel did end on a cliffhanger and I need to know when Book 2 will be published. This fantasy novel gets 5-stars from me for being different, fast-paced, and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
October 29, 2021
Charm Wars is the first book in the Charm Wars series by Dan Lutts, and it’s one of those books that I can see appealing to many fans of young adult fantasy. It ticks the boxes of so many of the popular tropes in the genre, which will suck many in, yet it is what resulted in me feeling a wee bit disappointed with this one.
On the surface, this was an enjoyable read. There were plenty of moving parts that leave you curious to see how the pieces will come together, eager to see the players develop, and wanting to go deeper into the world. The more I read, however, the more I realised there wasn’t anything that stood out. It was enjoyable, it ticked boxes, yet it did not give anything that felt overly unique. I’m fine with this, but I do feel the book was a bit on the long side considering there wasn’t anything that stood out. Nevertheless, it did make for easy reading.
All in all, Charm Wars is sure to grip those who are looking for a young adult fantasy that offers beloved tropes and concepts.
On the surface, this was an enjoyable read. There were plenty of moving parts that leave you curious to see how the pieces will come together, eager to see the players develop, and wanting to go deeper into the world. The more I read, however, the more I realised there wasn’t anything that stood out. It was enjoyable, it ticked boxes, yet it did not give anything that felt overly unique. I’m fine with this, but I do feel the book was a bit on the long side considering there wasn’t anything that stood out. Nevertheless, it did make for easy reading.
All in all, Charm Wars is sure to grip those who are looking for a young adult fantasy that offers beloved tropes and concepts.
November 6, 2021
This is the first book in the charm wars series and it is definitely a great book to get you hooked on it! It has everything you'd look for in a young adult fantasy fiction book , now even though this book is just short of 500 pages because the book flows through the storyline it doesn't feel like you have read alot until you look and realise you have.
In this book we meet Rill Larkin and Alyse Dejune , I think I preferred Alyse she drew me in more too her but they are both good characters to read . When the world throws them together they make a great time. This is a medium paced book that has lots of different things going on to keep you going back for more .For a first novel it is extremely well written , full of magic , fantasy, great characters , a setting that is painted in your mind and a storyline that keeps too it all through the book. I definitely need the second book in this series!
In this book we meet Rill Larkin and Alyse Dejune , I think I preferred Alyse she drew me in more too her but they are both good characters to read . When the world throws them together they make a great time. This is a medium paced book that has lots of different things going on to keep you going back for more .For a first novel it is extremely well written , full of magic , fantasy, great characters , a setting that is painted in your mind and a storyline that keeps too it all through the book. I definitely need the second book in this series!
July 27, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Charm Wars in exchange for an honest review.
Not to make it sound like every story has to be groundbreakingly unique (sometimes you just want something fun and tropey to become obsessed with, okay?), but Charms War is a pretty generic YA read. Which again, isn't necessarily a bad thing but I feel like when your page count is nearing 500 pages, something a bit more unique has to be brought to the table.
That being said, this isn't bad. My only real complaint is that the POVs could have sounded a bit more distinctive. I just don't think this story will be sticking with me enough to warrant it's length.
Not to make it sound like every story has to be groundbreakingly unique (sometimes you just want something fun and tropey to become obsessed with, okay?), but Charms War is a pretty generic YA read. Which again, isn't necessarily a bad thing but I feel like when your page count is nearing 500 pages, something a bit more unique has to be brought to the table.
That being said, this isn't bad. My only real complaint is that the POVs could have sounded a bit more distinctive. I just don't think this story will be sticking with me enough to warrant it's length.
December 1, 2022
This book packs one HELL of a punch to your emotions. So, saddle up yall, we’re going to Caldon.
Rill Larkin, 15 years old and hell on wheels. He is VAIN. I mean really vain. He has his head in the clouds. He’s absolutely obsessed with becoming a mage. He has to become one on Name Day; there’s no way he won’t be named. He’s also obsessed with becoming a noblesse and no matter how hard his parents try the boy stays in trouble and drags his poor cousin Jedd in with him. Jedd is a sweet boy and constantly tries to push Rill the right way. Rill’s obsession and fascination with being a mage gets them into some hot water early on. (I will go ahead and warn you. Rill is going to get on your last nerves, he’s going to make you want to scream, make you question everything he does and how he acts but you will also want to root for him later on. I started calling him my favorite irritant throughout the story.) Back to the hot water, Jedd pleads with Rill, they don’t have to go searching for a cave, they don’t need to face the cougar that might wait and could pounce anytime but stubborn Rill won’t listen. After making it through almost dying they discover some sarcophagi in the cave. Rill, ever the fascinated one, refuses to leave well enough alone, hopefully they dont die this time.
Alyse Dejune, also 15 years old. A twin. She absolutely despises magic, hates that she can’t be her own woman and is disgusted at the fact that, she may have to marry against her will to keep the family alliance strong. Why did she have to be born first? Stupid family rules, her sister Mora would be more than happy to marry, more than capable to keep the family name and more willing too.Especially since shes so charming when it comes to the boys. The lower the neckline on the dress the better, right Mora? ( Alyse reminds me a lot of Hermione, her strong will and how she would hate herself even more if she did something to get her expelled from the family) But, what else can she do? She doesn’t like how magic runs everything, she hates that marriages are without love and how women cant be their own person. Whatever can the weavers have in store for her? She can’t let her Matriarch down but at the same time she can’t marry a boy who she simply does not love. The only one that she can trust is her Uncle Leoc and her backwatcher Kate. Whatever would she do without Kate? And since Uncle Leoc is always away it seems like Kate is really the only one she can confide in. Oh how she loves Kate.
What neither of them know is there are alot of secrets in Caldon. Secrets that will cause certain death. Secrets so harsh that it will make or break a family. Charm raids, farms being taken from poor families who are barely getting by with daily life. Poor store owners get roughed up because they don’t want to sign a contract giving their company up and even if they do they arent getting half of the profit which is what it should be. When they have to pair up due to circumstances out of their control they realize everything that they’ve heard about the other may not be all true. But how long will that trust last? Who will break it first? If you want to find out, journey into Caldon like I did and may the One Goddess be with you, it’s one hell of a trip.
This book was pure joy to read. I had so many “what the f*” moments and found myself wanting to scream into the void a lot especially with Rill. But, Alyse had some moments like that too. I couldn’t get enough and found that especially towards the end I couldn’t read fast enough. Charm Wars is definitely worth a read and a reread.I give it a rating of 5/5 Stars! I can’t wait to read more.
{I read this one last year when it came out but just getting a chance to share my review on here}
Rill Larkin, 15 years old and hell on wheels. He is VAIN. I mean really vain. He has his head in the clouds. He’s absolutely obsessed with becoming a mage. He has to become one on Name Day; there’s no way he won’t be named. He’s also obsessed with becoming a noblesse and no matter how hard his parents try the boy stays in trouble and drags his poor cousin Jedd in with him. Jedd is a sweet boy and constantly tries to push Rill the right way. Rill’s obsession and fascination with being a mage gets them into some hot water early on. (I will go ahead and warn you. Rill is going to get on your last nerves, he’s going to make you want to scream, make you question everything he does and how he acts but you will also want to root for him later on. I started calling him my favorite irritant throughout the story.) Back to the hot water, Jedd pleads with Rill, they don’t have to go searching for a cave, they don’t need to face the cougar that might wait and could pounce anytime but stubborn Rill won’t listen. After making it through almost dying they discover some sarcophagi in the cave. Rill, ever the fascinated one, refuses to leave well enough alone, hopefully they dont die this time.
Alyse Dejune, also 15 years old. A twin. She absolutely despises magic, hates that she can’t be her own woman and is disgusted at the fact that, she may have to marry against her will to keep the family alliance strong. Why did she have to be born first? Stupid family rules, her sister Mora would be more than happy to marry, more than capable to keep the family name and more willing too.Especially since shes so charming when it comes to the boys. The lower the neckline on the dress the better, right Mora? ( Alyse reminds me a lot of Hermione, her strong will and how she would hate herself even more if she did something to get her expelled from the family) But, what else can she do? She doesn’t like how magic runs everything, she hates that marriages are without love and how women cant be their own person. Whatever can the weavers have in store for her? She can’t let her Matriarch down but at the same time she can’t marry a boy who she simply does not love. The only one that she can trust is her Uncle Leoc and her backwatcher Kate. Whatever would she do without Kate? And since Uncle Leoc is always away it seems like Kate is really the only one she can confide in. Oh how she loves Kate.
What neither of them know is there are alot of secrets in Caldon. Secrets that will cause certain death. Secrets so harsh that it will make or break a family. Charm raids, farms being taken from poor families who are barely getting by with daily life. Poor store owners get roughed up because they don’t want to sign a contract giving their company up and even if they do they arent getting half of the profit which is what it should be. When they have to pair up due to circumstances out of their control they realize everything that they’ve heard about the other may not be all true. But how long will that trust last? Who will break it first? If you want to find out, journey into Caldon like I did and may the One Goddess be with you, it’s one hell of a trip.
This book was pure joy to read. I had so many “what the f*” moments and found myself wanting to scream into the void a lot especially with Rill. But, Alyse had some moments like that too. I couldn’t get enough and found that especially towards the end I couldn’t read fast enough. Charm Wars is definitely worth a read and a reread.I give it a rating of 5/5 Stars! I can’t wait to read more.
{I read this one last year when it came out but just getting a chance to share my review on here}
September 11, 2021
Magic. Religion. Ambition. Intrigue. Betrayal. Secrecy. Family. Rebellion. Classism. Gender issues. War. Action. Compassion . . . and more frame this delightful YA fantasy novel. Driven by a delicate balance between character and plot, Charm Wars is an interesting and often thought-provoking story of two characters and their relationships with friends and family in a tightly structured society at war and thus on the verge of change. Their very different goals seem to be thwarted at every turning, and their reactions to their plights, while sometimes predictable, are never boring.
I particularly appreciated the gender focus, finding the young woman protagonist, Alyse, to be (at least so far) a role model I would have wanted my daughter to read about. Other women characters are also strong and compelling models for young women. I reserve judgment on most of the male characters, however, till the series is complete.
I found the character list and the maps, particularly the latter, to be very helpful in understanding the world Lutts has created, as it is complex and rich.
The writing is very strong--good descriptions abound, and the conversations keep the book and the relationships between/among the characters moving along well.
My only warning for readers: don't read the teaser for the next book, which isn't due out for over a year, or you may spend those months in agony wondering what will happen . . .
I particularly appreciated the gender focus, finding the young woman protagonist, Alyse, to be (at least so far) a role model I would have wanted my daughter to read about. Other women characters are also strong and compelling models for young women. I reserve judgment on most of the male characters, however, till the series is complete.
I found the character list and the maps, particularly the latter, to be very helpful in understanding the world Lutts has created, as it is complex and rich.
The writing is very strong--good descriptions abound, and the conversations keep the book and the relationships between/among the characters moving along well.
My only warning for readers: don't read the teaser for the next book, which isn't due out for over a year, or you may spend those months in agony wondering what will happen . . .
May 20, 2024
Charm Wars by Dan Lutts
468 Pages
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Teens, Young Adult, Magic
Commoners Rill Larkin and his friend Jedd Euland, a backwatcher were looking for a cougar when they stumble into a tomb. Inside are sarcophagus with charms and magic staffs. Rill wants to be a mage more than anything else. He takes a few charms and uses one which starts a fire and becomes uncontrollable. His family then forbids him to attend the Naming Ceremony. Angry, he goes to the magistrate and pleads for intervention.
Alyse and Mora Dejune are twins. They are from one of the oldest and powerful magical noblesse families. Their cousin Kate is a backwatcher. Siema, their grandmother, has betrothed Alyse to Troy Estati to maintain their political alliance. Alyse would rather be expelled than marry Troy.
The story has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. I grew attached to the characters and could not believe the book ended. Now I have to get books two and three to find out what happens next. If you like young adult magical quest stories, you may enjoy reading this book.
468 Pages
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Teens, Young Adult, Magic
Commoners Rill Larkin and his friend Jedd Euland, a backwatcher were looking for a cougar when they stumble into a tomb. Inside are sarcophagus with charms and magic staffs. Rill wants to be a mage more than anything else. He takes a few charms and uses one which starts a fire and becomes uncontrollable. His family then forbids him to attend the Naming Ceremony. Angry, he goes to the magistrate and pleads for intervention.
Alyse and Mora Dejune are twins. They are from one of the oldest and powerful magical noblesse families. Their cousin Kate is a backwatcher. Siema, their grandmother, has betrothed Alyse to Troy Estati to maintain their political alliance. Alyse would rather be expelled than marry Troy.
The story has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. I grew attached to the characters and could not believe the book ended. Now I have to get books two and three to find out what happens next. If you like young adult magical quest stories, you may enjoy reading this book.
November 3, 2025
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
World ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magic System ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a pleasant surprise this book turned out to be. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was actually disappointed when it ended. Haha.
I was engaged with the story, the world was immersive, and I cared about what happened to the characters.
Favourite element: Healing magic ✨, the charms and olden day social structure. I enjoyed seeing the townspeople interact with the noble families, asking for loans, etc.
Most loved character: Alyse, Livia and Jedd. Alyse and Jedd are both strong, moral characters. And Livia spices things up with some sass and fun.
Most hated character: Rill. Right from the beginning he is immature, selfish, defiant, reckless and plain mean. Being unkind to Faith (the dog) was the final straw. I cannot stand him!
Reading note 📝
I think Cato was inspired by 🖤 Professor Snape💚 Right down to the line, "Prepare yourself". Cato is more evil though, imo.
A good YA fantasy.
World ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magic System ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a pleasant surprise this book turned out to be. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was actually disappointed when it ended. Haha.
I was engaged with the story, the world was immersive, and I cared about what happened to the characters.
Favourite element: Healing magic ✨, the charms and olden day social structure. I enjoyed seeing the townspeople interact with the noble families, asking for loans, etc.
Most loved character: Alyse, Livia and Jedd. Alyse and Jedd are both strong, moral characters. And Livia spices things up with some sass and fun.
Most hated character: Rill. Right from the beginning he is immature, selfish, defiant, reckless and plain mean. Being unkind to Faith (the dog) was the final straw. I cannot stand him!
Reading note 📝
I think Cato was inspired by 🖤 Professor Snape💚 Right down to the line, "Prepare yourself". Cato is more evil though, imo.
A good YA fantasy.
March 15, 2022
harm Wars set in the land of Caldon, a world consisting mages, political magical noblesse set to destroy the commoners who may be set on destroying the lives of the noblesse.
The plot and characters are well described giving readers an ability to visually the view and characters. The story pictures on what a magical life of mages could be like as the young adults learn how to perform their magic. Charms help them to be able to create their magic to seek out and steal other charms belonging to other nobelesse. A story full of deceits and treacheries along with loveless marriage alliances among them. A recommended book for teenagers and young adults, I also recommend to anyone who likes to read the Sci Fi and Fantasy genre.
#CharmWars #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
The plot and characters are well described giving readers an ability to visually the view and characters. The story pictures on what a magical life of mages could be like as the young adults learn how to perform their magic. Charms help them to be able to create their magic to seek out and steal other charms belonging to other nobelesse. A story full of deceits and treacheries along with loveless marriage alliances among them. A recommended book for teenagers and young adults, I also recommend to anyone who likes to read the Sci Fi and Fantasy genre.
#CharmWars #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
September 2, 2021
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Overall it was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to the next book in the series. It was a little slow getting started, but once I got through the first chapter it picked up substantially. There are two main characters - Alyse and Rill. Both were well developed, but I thought the author did a particularly good job with Alyse’s character and story.
Like most good fantasy novels, this has a complex and well-developed world. There were definitely hints that something larger is going on that will be explored in later books. It was enough to whet my appetite but not distract from this book.
Like most good fantasy novels, this has a complex and well-developed world. There were definitely hints that something larger is going on that will be explored in later books. It was enough to whet my appetite but not distract from this book.
August 23, 2021
I won this book in a giveaway...it ended without a resolution so I hope there is a second one. The Kindle copy I won had a sneak peek for the next book that ended on a major cliff hanger but no info on release date.
I liked the book for the most part. Some of the language was hard to get used to due to the matriarchal society, religion and season names but the premise of the book is good. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about their world.
I liked the book for the most part. Some of the language was hard to get used to due to the matriarchal society, religion and season names but the premise of the book is good. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about their world.
November 7, 2021
An excellent first novel in a series
Well written with strong characters and a plot with more twists and turns than a mountain road. An interesting variation having the story take place in a matriarchal society. I hope that Dan Lutts is a fast writer because you are left hanging at the end of the trailer for the second book in the series wondering how the predicament will be resolved. I don’t usually read fantasies, but the book was recommended by a good friend and I throughly enjoyed it. I would recommend it to adults as well as young adults.
Well written with strong characters and a plot with more twists and turns than a mountain road. An interesting variation having the story take place in a matriarchal society. I hope that Dan Lutts is a fast writer because you are left hanging at the end of the trailer for the second book in the series wondering how the predicament will be resolved. I don’t usually read fantasies, but the book was recommended by a good friend and I throughly enjoyed it. I would recommend it to adults as well as young adults.
July 9, 2022
False advertisement
Firstly the description didn’t match the material. The majority of the book isn’t even from Her point of view, it’s from some random dudes. Secondly magic had almost nothing to do with this book. Sure it’s referenced as the power base of the families but you see very little actual magic. The story and writing isn’t bad but the book was a let down because it had nothing to do with how it was presented.
Firstly the description didn’t match the material. The majority of the book isn’t even from Her point of view, it’s from some random dudes. Secondly magic had almost nothing to do with this book. Sure it’s referenced as the power base of the families but you see very little actual magic. The story and writing isn’t bad but the book was a let down because it had nothing to do with how it was presented.
November 24, 2021
The story was a little slow in the beginning, while the author introduces the characters, describes the land where it takes places and also defines the social structure of the story. The main characters are two impetuous, coming-of-age teenagers who have clear focus of what they want and don't want as their futures; and they are both willing to go against the system to achieve those futures.
Once the settings are in place and the story proceeds, it moves quickly. The author has woven a thread of mystery with which he teases the reader along until it comes to a head and is eventually revealed. There is also the prerequisite cunning, deceit and betrayal foreshadowed as good is manipulated to the dark side.
I knew this was a Book 1, but I did expect it to have a stopping point and not leave the reader stranded midway through the storytelling. The author provides the first chapter of the next book, but it is not due out until Sept 2022 - a long time to wait for the conclusion.
Although I found the story interesting and would like to know the conclusion of the story, it is somewhat predictable (headstrong teen takes wrong path until female heroine brings him back onto the path of goodness).
From what I have read to this point, I would recommend the book for young teens, but I would also suggest that you wait until after the second book comes out so they can be read consecutively.
Once the settings are in place and the story proceeds, it moves quickly. The author has woven a thread of mystery with which he teases the reader along until it comes to a head and is eventually revealed. There is also the prerequisite cunning, deceit and betrayal foreshadowed as good is manipulated to the dark side.
I knew this was a Book 1, but I did expect it to have a stopping point and not leave the reader stranded midway through the storytelling. The author provides the first chapter of the next book, but it is not due out until Sept 2022 - a long time to wait for the conclusion.
Although I found the story interesting and would like to know the conclusion of the story, it is somewhat predictable (headstrong teen takes wrong path until female heroine brings him back onto the path of goodness).
From what I have read to this point, I would recommend the book for young teens, but I would also suggest that you wait until after the second book comes out so they can be read consecutively.
December 16, 2021
I recently received a copy of Dan Lutts’ “Charm Wars”, in return for an honest review of the book.
“Charm Wars” is a story of ambition, political tyranny, and the spirit of rebellion. The book follows the stories of two very different teenagers in the land of Caldon. Rill Larkin is a commoner who yearns to become a powerful noblesse. Alyse Dejune is a noblesse who wishes she had a simple life, without the responsibilities of political power. Their two stories collide as they rebel against the social classes they were born into.
I particularly like the exquisite world building in this book. Mr.Lutts does an amazing job introducing us to Caldon. Its complex magic system and unique religion are surprisingly easy to understand. You will certainly appreciate the intriguing social structures, and fascinating politics. Not only does this book have an interesting setting, but it also has interesting characters. I really liked Kate, Alyse Dejunes’ “backwatcher”. I loved reading about the relationship between Kate and Alyse. Throughout the book we see how important they are to each other. This bond makes for an interesting and engaging read. It is clear that both of them would be lost without the other.
If you are a big fan of action you might find it hard to get through the first half of this book. The price of good world building and interesting characters is a lengthy introduction. Around midway though the book, the pace changes dramatically. It goes from slow moving character development, to heavy action in the matter of a few chapters. This quick change makes the last half of the book drastically different then the beginning half. It causes some of the most interesting parts of the story to feel short.
Overall, “Charm Wars” is a great introduction to a new fantasy series. I would recommend this book to young adults who are looking for a new book to read in their free time. This book is perfect for those who love magic, and Downton Abbey-esque politics. If you decide to pick up this book I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Happy reading!
“Charm Wars” is a story of ambition, political tyranny, and the spirit of rebellion. The book follows the stories of two very different teenagers in the land of Caldon. Rill Larkin is a commoner who yearns to become a powerful noblesse. Alyse Dejune is a noblesse who wishes she had a simple life, without the responsibilities of political power. Their two stories collide as they rebel against the social classes they were born into.
I particularly like the exquisite world building in this book. Mr.Lutts does an amazing job introducing us to Caldon. Its complex magic system and unique religion are surprisingly easy to understand. You will certainly appreciate the intriguing social structures, and fascinating politics. Not only does this book have an interesting setting, but it also has interesting characters. I really liked Kate, Alyse Dejunes’ “backwatcher”. I loved reading about the relationship between Kate and Alyse. Throughout the book we see how important they are to each other. This bond makes for an interesting and engaging read. It is clear that both of them would be lost without the other.
If you are a big fan of action you might find it hard to get through the first half of this book. The price of good world building and interesting characters is a lengthy introduction. Around midway though the book, the pace changes dramatically. It goes from slow moving character development, to heavy action in the matter of a few chapters. This quick change makes the last half of the book drastically different then the beginning half. It causes some of the most interesting parts of the story to feel short.
Overall, “Charm Wars” is a great introduction to a new fantasy series. I would recommend this book to young adults who are looking for a new book to read in their free time. This book is perfect for those who love magic, and Downton Abbey-esque politics. If you decide to pick up this book I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Happy reading!
January 21, 2022
This was great read! Some parts were strange in the writing and took a little bit of getting use to the wording. The characters were very interesting and sometimes their action was disappointing but you knew that deep down they were good people. Alyse and Rill came from different worlds but they had so much in common. Can hardly wait for their story to continue!
I won this book and this is my honest review. If you like stories about magic, you will like it very much.
I won this book and this is my honest review. If you like stories about magic, you will like it very much.
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