A daring heroine, a magical key And a dark mage waiting to be released
Elin’s parents abandoned her as a baby and she struggles to fit in and find somewhere to belong. Each time she finds a home her wild magic gets out of control and she is forced to leave.
She joins Kamaria, a Crystal Mage trying to prove herself, on a dangerous quest to a mysterious, lost land. On the way they will have to contend with renegade mages, assassins and deadly creatures from legend.
She will discover secrets from her past, but also friendship and romance.
But Elin will need to learn to rein in her dangerous magic or a dark mage could be unleashed into the world. If you enjoy daring heroines, plenty of adventure, mystery, and magic, plus slow-burn romance then you will love this enchanting fantasy!
Try this brand-new YA coming-of-age, epic fantasy series today!
Jane Shand has always been an avid reader of fantasy and mystery and is an author of YA and Cosy Fantasy.
She got hooked on fantasy after reading ‘Lord of the Rings’ at a young age and was determined to write books full of magic and adventure.
Her books always have magic, adventure, and some mystery. They are full of friendship and co-operation as well as danger and enemies. There will be a happy/satisfactory ending and some clean romance. Her books are all set in the same ‘world’ though on different continents and there is a thread/item that ties all the books together.
She lives in Hampshire, England with her family and two cheeky cats who would love to help her write.
A Shimmer of Magic is Book 1 in The Crystal Mages Trilogy by Jane Shand. I thought that book 1 in the trilogy was fabulous. Jane Shand gave the background of Elin and the other characters perfectly as the story unfolded. I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! As the story progressed, Elin ,who was a loner, began to trust Mage Kamaria and Kai and she thought if them as friends. I felt that the ending was strong and left me wanting to read Book 2, A Glint of Blades, now, but I have to wait. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I can't help but love klutzy Erin. She's like a child being taught to ride with a wild stallion as her assigned mount. So much power with few brakes and little knowledge of how to use what she has. But Kamaria is a wise and patient teacher. Erin is a quick learner too. Step 1 in her goal to restore magic to her country's people is now achieved. What stumbling blocks will she encounter on her way to step 2? What will step 2 even be? Where does she go from here? You can bet she'll encounter Dalil on the way. Will she help or impede the journey? You have to read book 2 (and probably 3 as well) for the answer.
The first time I tried to read this book, life got too busy and I had to set it down. I’m glad I came back to it. The characters were diverse and unique, and each of the main characters had enough story to feel real people. They had plenty of challenges to face, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they tackle their next major challenge in book 2. This might be my favourite story I’ve read of hers so far.
Good start to a no doubt epic srries. Elin is on the run, as she starts fires when emotional and several villages have driven out. She runs into a group of mages and rangers, and is talked into joining them, temporarily. As the journey, they become the friends she has seldom had.
You'll be p***** off when you have to put it down.
This is a very interesting rea. Quick one even knows over 300 pages. It went in 2 days. I'm anxious to get to the second book in the trilogy and p***** off. That it didn't offer all 3 at the same time.
I got this book as a feee one and ending up buying the trilogy, which speaks for itself. The story is intriguing and draws you, making you more and more curious. Looking forward to reading the rest
A little stilted at times and I was headed towards "so what" about halfway through but overall not bad. Just not compelling enough to go on to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars. this is a great book, with wonderful characters and a marvellous storyline. very enjoyable and well worth reading if you like action, fantasy, mystery and a small amount of romance.