The Black Mage: First Year and Apprentice Review

The Black Mage is a new Young Adult Fantasy series revolving around the world of Jerar. It is an original and insightful perspective on magic and power. In this world, from a young age, people have the choice of either staying in the traditional route in life or applying to one of the three war schools: The Academy, The Calvary, or the army. The Academy is the most prestigious of them all, as Mages are of high value in their society. 

In this first novel , First Year, we are introduced to Ryiah, an aspiring Combat Mage. With her brother by her side, they begin the tumultuous year trails at the Academy. Not only are there Combat Mages but also Restoration Mages, who deal with healing, and Alchemy Mages that alter and create various potions and weapons. The students' will and magic are pushed beyond limits, friendships are strained and tested, enemies rear their ugly head, and love sprouts. Each student is there  to prove something, most importantly, Prince Darren the Second Heir of the Crown. Darren and Ryiah form a shaky and unlikely friendship, however, everything isn't as it seems. The big question seems to be; does Ryiah have what it takes to become an apprentice? 

Review:4 STARS In terms of story building, Rachel E. Carter gets an A+ as the descriptions felt effortless and the story continued to flow naturally. Rachel builds this beautiful, but harsh world where power and influence are held at high esteem. The vivid imagery takes away any difficulty with the time period and society. The characters were complex, driven, dark, vulnerable, and endearing. I know I have used a lot of adjectives, but trust me, I could have used so much more! It isn't every day you meet a heroine who isn't naturally the best at her field. Ryiah had to WORK for everything she achieved which made her actions even more honourable. The novel showed so much determination, commitment and passion from Ryiah, even if she didn't have the best odds. Yes, she did make mistakes but what was so remarkable is she did learn from them. The supporting cast deserve a round of applause; the banter and rivalry between the characters made it more enjoyable and added some light into an already dark year of study.  The Academy was brutal and harsh but you couldn't help respect and admire what it all stood for. The plot was well placed but it didn't give the reader much time to adjust to the academy, being a reflection on the characters experiences (good technique , hehe). I am so excited to continue on to the second novel and only hope it is as captivating as the first.

In Apprentice, Ryiah has become the unlikely sixth mage of Combat. However, she realises soon that being an apprentice isn't what its cut out to be. She is stuck for four years with a mentor that hates her and Prince Darren, who only continues to confuse and unravel her. The apprentice combines "boarding school" life with the real world. Being a Mage stops being  romanticised  and  idealised when faced with the implications and                  consequences. As rebel groups grow bigger and tensions arise, Ryiah showcases both her strength and intelligence. There is a four year time span where the reader sees the gradual growth of character, maturity and depth. It is very apparent we do not know the true length of her magic. With all the unknowns, Ryiah and the series have no bounds.... 





My Review:4.5 STARS
I know I am idiot for not giving Apprentice 5 stars or more. But something is holding me back. This novel was truly spectacular as it artistically touched of my favourite themes : Magic and power. There was something very uplifting and real about this sequel. The characters were fearless, strong and 'heroic' whilst still remaining vulnerable and impressionable. There was more darkness, more danger, but also more opportunities to prove oneself. I think I am just holding out for the third book for that last star. In my previous review of First Year , I finished by hoping the sequel would live up to the first. What a fool I was for doubting Rachel E. Carter for a second! She got my back and did not disappoint. Her writing in Apprentice might have even surpassed all of my expectations. The reader is thrown back into the realm of Jerar and the apprenticeship begins in full force. If you thought The Academy was tough, you are out of luck. Ryiah and her friends are thrust into the competitive and intense world of magic. Each character is pushed harder both emotionally and physically. Four years of hard work, dedication, mistakes, pain, loss and struggle accumulate to the ascension. There is much more drama and adventure as the characters are thrown into the real world with a war with a rival kingdoms looming. With that said, it's best to go blind with this novel, the surprises and intensity make the novel even more gripping! 

I can't wait for the next one! *squeals*

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Goodbye for now!