I was very excited to read this book with a look at the ratings. However I just couldn't get into this book the way I would've liked.

The story is about Ryiah and her brother, Alex, of Jerar, who travel to enroll as First Years in the Academy, a school well known for those with magic, to become Mages with their abilities.

“I would join Combat or die trying..."

Ryiah is a great character! She is really likable and relatable. First year in the Academy is ruthless in it's training for the final test at the year's end to finish their trials. We see her pushed to the brink in her physical training for her chosen faction, Combat. She is dedicated, resiliant and determined to keep her place as first years are forced to admit defeat to their training and resign from the trial. As a lowborn, Ryiah is adament to take a spot for an Apprenticeship. Working extra hard, with unexpected help, she can only hope it will be enough to achieve her dreams.

“He was a prince. He was fickle. He was rude. He was arrogant. I knew better. I was lowborn. He was WRONG. I didn't even like him.”

Prince Darren is the first royal allowed to enroll in a school like the Academy because of the strength of his abilities. Dark, cold, arrogant and intimidating, he proves to be a rival for Ryiah, top of the class with his own little posse. He insults her, deceives her and yet he comes round to helping Ryiah in a way she least expected. Their relationship can be strained with deception and mistrust, but in the end we see he has believed in her all along when she couldn't see it herself.


“Well, I certainly wouldn't give advice to the girl that has tried to get me tossed out of this place not once but twice -oh, and let's not forget your most inglorious moment, when you TRIED TO LIGHT ME ON FIRE.”

There were so many positives about this book; the style of writing was very captive, not dragging at all. The characters were very likable and the story was well developed. There was a great understanding of Ryiah's world and her thoughts and actions seemed justified in her character. I just couldn't get into it which disappoints me so much but I can't exactly fault this book a whole lot as it is very well written.

I liked how Ryiah doesn't fall head over heels for Darren, even in appearance because we soon see his hostility towards her, but even so, she isn't constantly swooning over him or anything. I love how the book was mainly focused on the action in the story of Ryiah's First Year.

Also her best-friend Ella and Alex were enjoyable characters, who I felt rounded the story nicely. It was nice to see them interact not only with Ryiah but also with each other.

A really nice story with a great idea and lovely characters.

“You should never trust a wolf in sheep's clothing. Because the only thing the wolf will ever want to do is break you.”