"... Enthralling readers with the gritty undertones of magical Joburg..." Nikita Boshoff, author: Finding Magiies and Dragon Child
Synopsis
In a society controlled by the uneasy duality of magic and technology, the government is searching for an answer to the problem of resources.
One main, a spellsmith, accidentally creates the solution to their problem with a spell that has a terrible cost.
Now they hunt him.
General Information
Genre : Young Adult / Dystopian / Fantasy
eBook : Kindle Edition
ASIN : B07N9YV6V3
Publisher : Sera Blue Publishers
Author : N. M. Millen
Triggers: Swearing : Torture
Review
- SPOILER ALERT * SPOILER ALERT * SPOILER ALERT*
This book was provided directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As I've mentioned before, it is refreshing to read about places you actually know and have been to, which is why I have been enjoying reading more and more local authors; but I do have to admit that I absolutely dislike Johannesburg with every fibre of my being... Maybe it's because I was born and raised in Cape Town all my life, but Capetonians rarely thrive in Jo'burg - meh, it is what it is.
The black cube. Created by accident. No one knows what it is, exactly, only that it is a spell and it is dangerous. The Ancestors are angry.
Max - seventeen, confused and scared - is suddenly hunted by everyone, become a fugitive through no fault of his own and is thrust into the lives of Kelsey - street smart and adaptable - and her partner, Dain - rogue magic forger - who are also being hunted; by the big guns, no less. This story follows Max through the streets of dystopian Johannesburg as he tries to make sense of life and struggles to put his trust in Dain and Kelsey. Are they able to help him? They seem hardly able to help themselves...
The magic system in this book is unique, in the way that you can't just wave a wand and things happen, and this story is about the use / misuse of magic.
Magic is gifted to special individuals, called Wielders and Forgers, through the grace and sacrifices of the Ancestors. Because of this, all magic - including sources, products and users, worldwide - is strictly controlled and regulated by the South African Ministry of Magic. And they want the black cube!
Millen has created some diverse characters but the story is a little too short to see any character growth - I do hope this is the start of a series, though, as I'd like to see what happens with certain characters and who they become in the end.
The only problem I had with this book is that it is way too short and sometimes things happen so fast, it's confusing... I do hope the author is planning on writing more.
This story is full of magic driven, adrenaline pumped adventure with a surprise twist at the end; a good, solid read of an afternoon.
Have you read this book? Does it sound like your cup of tea? Do let me know in the comments section below. As always, sharing is caring, so don't be shy in pressing like and share. Until next time...
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