Reviews

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the world, the characters, the magic and the action. Lila and her cohorts are all likable and diverse characters with their own strengths and weaknesses. The tension between Lila and Devon is enough to ensure I'm rooting for a relationship between them in future novels. And finally the dynamics both within the Sinclair Family and between the other Families is extremely interesting. Overall, the book was fun and a quick read, and I can't wait for the next one.

This is the first Jennifer Estep book I have read, so I don't know how similar or different it is from her other works. However, I believe part of the reason I really like this book is because parts of it really reminded me of Ilona Andrews, whose books I love.

bderlath's review against another edition

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5.0

I love how this world is very much a fairy tale, mortal realm with some specific magic traits. The Robin Hood turned knight of the round table adventure.

If fairy tales were era, this world is the modern era. And naturally it’s ruled by the crime bosses. When one family is attacked, leave it to Robin Hood to stand up and fight.

I certainly enjoyed it. Ready for the next one in the trilogy.

mizunotsubasa's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

selinanoelle's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

anka_trini's review against another edition

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3.0

Ich konnte beim Lesen einfach keine Trennungslinie zwischen Mythos Academy ziehen. Ständig dachte ich an Gwen Frost und ihre Abenteuer.
Das liegt vor allem daran, dass sich die Theamtik stark ähnelt. Die Protagonistin ist in beiden Fällen eine Waise, die ihren Vater nie kennengelernt und ihre Mutter beim Kampf zwischen Gut und Böse verloren hat. Sie ist tough und hat die Gabe, die Kräfte anderer umzuwandeln und gegen ihre Gegner einzusetzen. Auch der Schreibstil ähnelt sich sehr.

So konnte ich nicht wirklich in die Geschichte um Lila eintauchen, weil ich ständig nur ständig Parallelen zu Frostkuss habe. Dabei ist die Mythos Academy Reihe eben auch einfach viel spannender und fetziger als Black Blade.

Trotzdem kann ich mir vorstellen, die Reihe irgendwann fortzusetzen, insofern ich günstig an die Folgebände komme.

caffeinatedreviewer's review against another edition

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4.0

Five Caffeinated reasons to drop what you are doing and read Cold Burn of Magic

Our protagonist, Lila Merriweather is a kick-ass, orphaned thief who makes her home in the basement of a library in a town filled with magic. The story takes place in Cloudburst Falls, West Virginia where tourists come from all around to see pixies, Fae and monsters. Rich families who are constantly feuding run the town. Estep brought the world to life in vivid three-D imagery from the troll on the bridge to the pixies preparing meals.

The characters were unique from zany Mo to the cold and manipulative mother of Devon. Lila is a colorful heroine who I quickly warmed up to. Lila is young and has some baggage but she is also street smart and in some ways wise beyond her seventeen years. Fiercely loyal she has several talents. She is content attending high school by day and thieving by night but she unwittingly finds herself involved in protecting one of the “royal” families’ sons after intervening in a deadly fight. A certain grumpy pixie about stole my heart and the attention to detail with this secondary character was amazing.

The story Estep weaves is magical, filled with action and growth for Lila. I would love to see this made into a Disney movie. I can just see the Sinclair mansion on the big screen. Weapons, spider spun jackets and rare talents amped my enjoyment of the world. I have a feeling with the right narrator this would be an amazing listen on audio. Estep weaves in several storylines from the feuding families to Lila’s own past. She satisfied my need to know while leaving room for more details as the story progresses. Villains, a mysterious stranger and betrayal added danger.

While there are hints of a budding romance, Estep did not bog this tale down with unnecessary drama, insta-love or triangles. Instead, she hinted at a slow-burning romance. This added a few swoony moments and left us with the possibility of a future romance. I l found it to be refreshing. The tale wraps up nicely, giving us closure but also an idea of what is to come leaving the reader satisfied.

Others suggest a similarity to Estep’s other series but as a newbie, I cannot say. However I will tell you I found it to be fresh and exciting. I am eager to read the Mythos and Elemental series to explore their similarities. The next Black Blade novel, Dark Heart of Magic is coming in October of 2015 and I for one will be waiting.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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