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The Black Mage #2
Apprentice
She survived a trial year at the Academy of Magic, but that was the easy part�
Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction. When she finishes, she will be a war mage, but in order to do so, she has to survive four years traveling across Jerar, training with a master she hates, her old nemesis, Priscilla, and Prince Darren, her sometimes-rival sometimes� more?
Ry’s new apprenticeship is nothing like what she prepared for. War is on the horizon and her lessons aren’t just for practice anymore.
It’s time to fight.
Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction. When she finishes, she will be a war mage, but in order to do so, she has to survive four years traveling across Jerar, training with a master she hates, her old nemesis, Priscilla, and Prince Darren, her sometimes-rival sometimes� more?
Ry’s new apprenticeship is nothing like what she prepared for. War is on the horizon and her lessons aren’t just for practice anymore.
It’s time to fight.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2015
1,926 people are currently reading
1,197 people want to read
About the author
Rachel E. Carter
8books3,599followersRachel E. Carter is the USA Today bestselling author of The Black Mage, a YA fantasy series about magic, love, and war -with future projects to come. She hoards coffee and has a weakness for villains and Mr. Darcy love interests.
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If you are a blogger/reviewer and would like to be considered for ARCs, sign up: .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,047 reviews
April 27, 2025
This book took everything I loved about the first book, and shot it. Shot it in the goddamn face.
RIP hopes and dreams
Remember Ryiah, the independent character who focused on her goals and training? Now its just love triangle, love triangle, random fight scene, and....love triangle!! *face palm*
~~I hate you! I want you! But don't want to! But i cant stop~~
Flashback to the awe inspiring friendships, bonds and clever relationships from first book. Sequel focused on BREAKING all of those ties.
Except for the next fifity times, but besides that... NEVER!
Another thing that really bugged was there was no real sense of time. Often authors use unique holidays of the kingdom for some world-building and to mark time passing. This book literally just state 'Its been three years' So i was like ok sure, if you say so...
Oh dear christ when will it end?
I mean Ian is the backup plan who doesn't deserve to be one! He was dating Lynn and she STOLE HIM because she decided she shouldn't want Derran. I mean damn girl just chose yourself! at no point is it required to DATE one of them. Back and forth, back and forth.
Apparently not, we still got two more books.
How dare he? After 200 pages of wondering what he really feels, how DARE he finally put all the cards on the table. Seriously rude!
Yeah I don't know either. But hey acknowledging you have a problem is the first step to recovery of the awful personality disease (recent plague has broken out in YA novels everywhere)
Wait didn't we just do this already?
Glad we both know you acted like a total b*tch.
Power of love is bullshit ~ Power of violence and swords is where its at.
I wish you were dead.
The end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Expectations
* Derran and RyL figure your shit out- friends, rivals, or lovers (idc just make up ur mind)
* Ella and Ry start up chaos in Academy ( adventures and figuring out magic together)
* 1st book briefly alluded twins have power together ~Alex and Ry special twin magic stuff ??
* More about mages
* Keep up awesome teachers' personalities
* Life outside the academy,
* Cute guy from the ball to come back
LETS GOOOOOO!!!!
RIP hopes and dreams
Remember Ryiah, the independent character who focused on her goals and training? Now its just love triangle, love triangle, random fight scene, and....love triangle!! *face palm*
“You aren't afraid of making the wrong one, Ry, it's the fact that you want to make the wrong one.�
~~I hate you! I want you! But don't want to! But i cant stop~~
Flashback to the awe inspiring friendships, bonds and clever relationships from first book. Sequel focused on BREAKING all of those ties.
“My victory had come at the cost of a friendship. I swore I would never make the same mistake twice.�
Except for the next fifity times, but besides that... NEVER!
Another thing that really bugged was there was no real sense of time. Often authors use unique holidays of the kingdom for some world-building and to mark time passing. This book literally just state 'Its been three years' So i was like ok sure, if you say so...
“I needed to make a choice now: the cold, distant prince or the laughing friend. And once I chose I needed to fight for it. I would never win the former, and maybe not even the latter� But I could try.�
Oh dear christ when will it end?
I mean Ian is the backup plan who doesn't deserve to be one! He was dating Lynn and she STOLE HIM because she decided she shouldn't want Derran. I mean damn girl just chose yourself! at no point is it required to DATE one of them. Back and forth, back and forth.
“You always do this. You swoop in and ruin my life and then you run away leaving me to pick up the pieces! Haven't you done enough?�
Apparently not, we still got two more books.
“His eyes stayed on my face. "Ryiah. I'm not running away. I'm in lo-" "Don't!" I clapped my hand over his mouth, suddenly afraid. "Don't you dare say it!�
How dare he? After 200 pages of wondering what he really feels, how DARE he finally put all the cards on the table. Seriously rude!
“I didn't know why I was so being so cruel. I didn't know why I continued to draw out the problem when the answer was right in front of me.�
Yeah I don't know either. But hey acknowledging you have a problem is the first step to recovery of the awful personality disease (recent plague has broken out in YA novels everywhere)
“You love Ian, I screamed silently, your heart is not breaking � you do not love the prince.�
Wait didn't we just do this already?
Glad we both know you acted like a total b*tch.
Power of love is bullshit ~ Power of violence and swords is where its at.
“I'm alive?" Though I had spoken the words aloud, they still seemed at odds with my memory. Wasn't I supposed to be dead�
I wish you were dead.
The end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Expectations
* Derran and RyL figure your shit out- friends, rivals, or lovers (idc just make up ur mind)
* Ella and Ry start up chaos in Academy ( adventures and figuring out magic together)
* 1st book briefly alluded twins have power together ~Alex and Ry special twin magic stuff ??
* More about mages
* Keep up awesome teachers' personalities
* Life outside the academy,
* Cute guy from the ball to come back
LETS GOOOOOO!!!!
Read
May 2, 2018SERIES TEASER TRAILER:
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*** PLEASE NOTE: The ebook editions of this series are only available through Amazon, however you can still purchase the paperback/hardcover/audiobook versions at all retailers. If you would like to continue reading the series as ebook, you can purchase the book/s on Amazon and either: 1) install the Kindle app on your e-reader, or 2) EMAIL RACHEL ([email protected]) a copy of your receipt and she’ll send you the ebook edition/s you need for your preferred non-Kindle device (ie iBook, KOBO, Nook reader, etc).
PINTEREST BOARD:
LINKS TO BUY BOOK:
AMAZON:
AUDIBLE:
BOOK DEPOSITORY:
*** PLEASE NOTE: The ebook editions of this series are only available through Amazon, however you can still purchase the paperback/hardcover/audiobook versions at all retailers. If you would like to continue reading the series as ebook, you can purchase the book/s on Amazon and either: 1) install the Kindle app on your e-reader, or 2) EMAIL RACHEL ([email protected]) a copy of your receipt and she’ll send you the ebook edition/s you need for your preferred non-Kindle device (ie iBook, KOBO, Nook reader, etc).
January 4, 2016
Since ŷ doesn't allow us to rate more than 5 stars,then 5 stars it is.But in my heart, deserves all the stars in the sky,and maybe some more.
was a great book,a really pleasant surprise that showed us what a talented writer is.And yet was even better,a shiny gem among the other YA fantasy books that kept me up all night and forced me to eat my feelings because it hurt.It.hurt.so.damn.much.
The second instalment of the Black Mage series follows Ry's apprenticeship in order to become a Combat mage,the physical and emotional trials she has to endure and her evolution from a lowborn girl that was bullied to a powerful,strong woman who despite the hardships proved to everyone her value.Of course there was a certain non-heir that made her life miserable but didn't seem to let her go,and a curly-haired kind boy who was doomed from the start because let's face it,dark and forbidden princes are always more alluring.Plus,it's Darren,duh!
Before I start babbling about the element of romance in this novel I have to praise everything else!I absolutely adored the glimpses we got into the country of Jerar,its structure and the politics and their relationships with their neighbors!I could literally picture the forests,the port,the desert and the rebels in the mines,the battles and the dead,I could smell the salt of the sea and fresh pines and taste the metallic tang of blood,feel the rough walls pressing against my back and my muscles going sore from the training!Everything was so realistic and vivid,I was sucked in the book with such a force that it took me way too long to adjust to real life again!The mock battles were my favorite parts,my stomach dropped to the floor every single time,the surprises and the agony left me breathless and shaking.It was a unique experience!
But that was the easy part...
The relationship between Ry and Darren was a crazy roller-coaster,one moment I was grinning like a fool and the other I felt the sting of betrayal in the core of my being and my eyes watering from grief and frustration!And there is also the matter of the love triangle...I do not like love triangles but I have to admit in this case it was fitting.I didn't always like Ry's decisions towards her love life,but I understood her.There was this frustrating prince her heart craved against all reason,a boy who could never be hers,so she tried to move on.I liked Ian,but like I said,he didn't stand a chance.Not when a single touch from Darren could set Ry on fire,not when he haunted her every thought.
Darren.Darren.Darren.
He also broke mine.I can still hear my heart shattering,and when it was pulled back together it shattered again.Take the solstice ball for example.At first I was so happy,lightheaded and squealing and laughing and then,I gaped in shock and agony and tasted ashes in my mouth.This kept happening and happening,joy and then sorrow,hope and then disappointment,laughter and then tears,love and then hatred.And although during this book you hurt me a lot Rachel,I.forgive.you.
was a great book,a really pleasant surprise that showed us what a talented writer is.And yet was even better,a shiny gem among the other YA fantasy books that kept me up all night and forced me to eat my feelings because it hurt.It.hurt.so.damn.much.
“Someday,Ry,you are going to realize who Darren really is.He’s a prince,and he’s only going to break your heart.�
The second instalment of the Black Mage series follows Ry's apprenticeship in order to become a Combat mage,the physical and emotional trials she has to endure and her evolution from a lowborn girl that was bullied to a powerful,strong woman who despite the hardships proved to everyone her value.Of course there was a certain non-heir that made her life miserable but didn't seem to let her go,and a curly-haired kind boy who was doomed from the start because let's face it,dark and forbidden princes are always more alluring.Plus,it's Darren,duh!
Before I start babbling about the element of romance in this novel I have to praise everything else!I absolutely adored the glimpses we got into the country of Jerar,its structure and the politics and their relationships with their neighbors!I could literally picture the forests,the port,the desert and the rebels in the mines,the battles and the dead,I could smell the salt of the sea and fresh pines and taste the metallic tang of blood,feel the rough walls pressing against my back and my muscles going sore from the training!Everything was so realistic and vivid,I was sucked in the book with such a force that it took me way too long to adjust to real life again!The mock battles were my favorite parts,my stomach dropped to the floor every single time,the surprises and the agony left me breathless and shaking.It was a unique experience!
But that was the easy part...
“We couldn’t be friends.
We couldn’t be enemies.
So what were we?�
The relationship between Ry and Darren was a crazy roller-coaster,one moment I was grinning like a fool and the other I felt the sting of betrayal in the core of my being and my eyes watering from grief and frustration!And there is also the matter of the love triangle...I do not like love triangles but I have to admit in this case it was fitting.I didn't always like Ry's decisions towards her love life,but I understood her.There was this frustrating prince her heart craved against all reason,a boy who could never be hers,so she tried to move on.I liked Ian,but like I said,he didn't stand a chance.Not when a single touch from Darren could set Ry on fire,not when he haunted her every thought.
Darren.Darren.Darren.
“You always do this.You swoop in and ruin my life and then you run away leaving me to pick up the pieces!Haven't you done enough?�
He also broke mine.I can still hear my heart shattering,and when it was pulled back together it shattered again.Take the solstice ball for example.At first I was so happy,lightheaded and squealing and laughing and then,I gaped in shock and agony and tasted ashes in my mouth.This kept happening and happening,joy and then sorrow,hope and then disappointment,laughter and then tears,love and then hatred.And although during this book you hurt me a lot Rachel,I.forgive.you.
October 9, 2015
Oh well, there is no point in hiding it.
The first book was awesome but this one is:
This book has everything in a book I am looking for. It has the perfect dose of every element. No event was underdone; no characterization was over pushed. The scenes elicited so many intense but worthy emotions from me. I laughed, I cried, I mourned, I swooned a lot, I worried so much ,I loved and hated Darren and hated and loved him again! Every character is unforgettable (Ry has now become my next favorite heroine) and the writing was well, it rocked!. How managed to put a touch of so many great series I’ve read (Harry Potter, Divergent, The Selection, Shadow and Bone) in this particular book and yet maintain a definite originality is beyond me. I am absolutely impressed and may I say, I am now your official fan, Rachel!^^
What is more astounding is the way this book teaches its reader in a very subtle and yet most effective manner, important and necessary human values as teamwork (despite the factions), perseverance, patriotism, love, diligence, friendship and even sacrifice. Gosh, I just love this book so much!
Also, how the author implanted the romance and love triangle in a great story of adventure is truly commendable. Nothing about it was annoying.^^ Everything was so well planned out and I enjoyed every page of the book especially the last chapter which made my heart slamming so hard against my chest and clenching my fist so hard as I anticipated the ending. And when came the last few pages of the book, I have no words to describe how I felt so let me just illustrate it. I was like this:
and this�
and this�
Dear friends,do I have to say it?
READ THIS BOOK! READ THIS SERIES!
Ebook of the 1st in series, , is 99 cents all February 2015 on Amazon, B&N, KOBO, Smashwords, & iTunes to celebrate Apprentice's release this month.
August 16, 2016
** 3 "THIS WAS DISAPPOINTING" stars **
I loved the first book sooo much, it nearly kills me now to give this sequel only 3 stars, but I can’t overlook some things that either disappointed or annoyed me ! :(
The world-building and the plot :
Well, I was okay with the first book not having much of a plot and being only about training and character’s development, but I was convinced it was just a way to introduce the series and that things were finally going to take off in book 2, but unfortunately it didn’t happen and I couldn’t find myself enjoying it as much as in the first book. I really wish there had been a real intrigue in this sequel, but what I got was only more training, watching Ryiah and the other characters go through all four years of their apprenticeship : and since the book is not that long and stretches from their second-year to their fifth-year of apprenticeship, it just felt like everything was rushed with a lot of fast-forward and unexplained events, going back and forth between the Academy, the Palace and the regiment they were training with over and over again, without focusing on Ryiah’s struggles and growth as a future mage as much as in the first book. At first it was nice, because there were new sorts of mock battles and all, but then I realized it was going to be the same for each year of the apprenticeship and ultimately, it was just repetitive. We got a glimpse of a possible conflict with another kingdom trying to attack the kingdom the story is set in, but it was not enough developed and not used to its fullest, and it never created an epic, badass or complex intrigue putting the characters in the middle of the action and plotting, and that was really a shame because this series has so much potential. In the end, this second book turned out to be almost solely about the romance, and more precisely about the love triangle between Ryiah, Darren and Ian which I’m afraid I was really not a huge fan of because it felt like the story had become a soap opera with all the drama and angst and it completely overshadowed the fantasy world and plot that we might have gotten !
As for the world-building, there was a bit much more of it than in book 1, but it was still not enough to help me really grasp what kind of world we were in, how it worked, what it really looked like, and what the people as well as the rulers were like. I just wanted more.
The characters :
Oh why, why did you turn out like that Ryiah ? That’s such a shame really, because you were really awesome and I loved you so much in book 1 ! You were strong-willed, smart, entirely focused on training and keeping up with the rest, willing to do anything to realize your dream of becoming a mage ! But it’s like now that you were an apprentice, you suddenly became badass and one of the best out of nowhere when you actually barely made it to the apprenticeship ! It led to you completely stopping focusing on your training and stopping making smart decisions and instead becoming reckless, childish, naïve, insecure and waaaaay too much focused on your love life!! It’s like you became an entirely different character and lost everything that made me love you so much in book 1 ! You’re supposed to be around 20 at the end of this book, but you sounded much younger than in book 1 when you were actually only 15.
As for you Darren, I’m sorry but it felt like you had a split personality in this one ! One minute, you would be cold, distant, sarcastic and cutting, and the next you would become a love struck boy, jealous, overly sweet and romantic and it didn’t really suit you, but then out of the blue, you would once again become your old aloof self. That became quite irritating and like there were 2 different Darrens !
The romance :
Like I said before, I felt like the romance took over the plot and world-building. And I’m so disappointed with the turn the romance took. All of a sudden, we were thrown into a love triangle that felt unnecessary and only led to Ryiah becoming annoying because she couldn’t choose ! It came to the point where the two love interests would fight over Ryiah, and from that moment it became cheesy drama and lost all its subtlety that I had enjoyed so much in the previous book. Ryiah kept going back and forth between the two guys, and I didn’t always like how she handled things, getting a bit self-centered and hurting the two guys with her indecisiveness.
Overall, I still very much enjoyed the book, it was still very entertaining, but the characters lost their personality along the way, the plot and world-building could have been way thicker and the romance became way too teenage-like with too much drama for my liking. I’m now left wondering if I even want to read the rest of the series.
I loved the first book sooo much, it nearly kills me now to give this sequel only 3 stars, but I can’t overlook some things that either disappointed or annoyed me ! :(
The world-building and the plot :
Well, I was okay with the first book not having much of a plot and being only about training and character’s development, but I was convinced it was just a way to introduce the series and that things were finally going to take off in book 2, but unfortunately it didn’t happen and I couldn’t find myself enjoying it as much as in the first book. I really wish there had been a real intrigue in this sequel, but what I got was only more training, watching Ryiah and the other characters go through all four years of their apprenticeship : and since the book is not that long and stretches from their second-year to their fifth-year of apprenticeship, it just felt like everything was rushed with a lot of fast-forward and unexplained events, going back and forth between the Academy, the Palace and the regiment they were training with over and over again, without focusing on Ryiah’s struggles and growth as a future mage as much as in the first book. At first it was nice, because there were new sorts of mock battles and all, but then I realized it was going to be the same for each year of the apprenticeship and ultimately, it was just repetitive. We got a glimpse of a possible conflict with another kingdom trying to attack the kingdom the story is set in, but it was not enough developed and not used to its fullest, and it never created an epic, badass or complex intrigue putting the characters in the middle of the action and plotting, and that was really a shame because this series has so much potential. In the end, this second book turned out to be almost solely about the romance, and more precisely about the love triangle between Ryiah, Darren and Ian which I’m afraid I was really not a huge fan of because it felt like the story had become a soap opera with all the drama and angst and it completely overshadowed the fantasy world and plot that we might have gotten !
As for the world-building, there was a bit much more of it than in book 1, but it was still not enough to help me really grasp what kind of world we were in, how it worked, what it really looked like, and what the people as well as the rulers were like. I just wanted more.
The characters :
Oh why, why did you turn out like that Ryiah ? That’s such a shame really, because you were really awesome and I loved you so much in book 1 ! You were strong-willed, smart, entirely focused on training and keeping up with the rest, willing to do anything to realize your dream of becoming a mage ! But it’s like now that you were an apprentice, you suddenly became badass and one of the best out of nowhere when you actually barely made it to the apprenticeship ! It led to you completely stopping focusing on your training and stopping making smart decisions and instead becoming reckless, childish, naïve, insecure and waaaaay too much focused on your love life!! It’s like you became an entirely different character and lost everything that made me love you so much in book 1 ! You’re supposed to be around 20 at the end of this book, but you sounded much younger than in book 1 when you were actually only 15.
As for you Darren, I’m sorry but it felt like you had a split personality in this one ! One minute, you would be cold, distant, sarcastic and cutting, and the next you would become a love struck boy, jealous, overly sweet and romantic and it didn’t really suit you, but then out of the blue, you would once again become your old aloof self. That became quite irritating and like there were 2 different Darrens !
The romance :
Like I said before, I felt like the romance took over the plot and world-building. And I’m so disappointed with the turn the romance took. All of a sudden, we were thrown into a love triangle that felt unnecessary and only led to Ryiah becoming annoying because she couldn’t choose ! It came to the point where the two love interests would fight over Ryiah, and from that moment it became cheesy drama and lost all its subtlety that I had enjoyed so much in the previous book. Ryiah kept going back and forth between the two guys, and I didn’t always like how she handled things, getting a bit self-centered and hurting the two guys with her indecisiveness.
Overall, I still very much enjoyed the book, it was still very entertaining, but the characters lost their personality along the way, the plot and world-building could have been way thicker and the romance became way too teenage-like with too much drama for my liking. I’m now left wondering if I even want to read the rest of the series.
October 23, 2017
"Magic and romance clash in this epic follow up to First Year."
WOW. This series is just WOW.
I am loving this world, the characters. THE MAGIC. I mean, I've never read a book with 'MAGES' in. AND NOW I WANT TO READ THEM ALL!
Loved this
WOW. This series is just WOW.
I am loving this world, the characters. THE MAGIC. I mean, I've never read a book with 'MAGES' in. AND NOW I WANT TO READ THEM ALL!
Loved this
July 10, 2017
3.5 stars :)
February 22, 2017
First Year Book 1 review
Candidate Book 3 review
Last Stand Book 4 review
4.5
...Well color me flipping surprised.
In all honesty I was expecting to hate this or at least severely dislike it. I've had this for a week or so but dove into other books to actually get in a good mood cause lately I've been a nitpicking bitch. I'll even admit it to myself.
The funny this is...
THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED!
I don't know if I'm the only one but I am one wary girl when it comes to second books in a trilogy oooor third books in a 5 book series. I mean look at -which I can't even bring myself to finish-, , , , , , etc, etc, etc. And those are just off the top of my head, I could keep on going for days. I can seriously count with one hand the exceptions to this rule.
So you can imagine my ridiculously giddy behavior when this turned out to be one of them. You, my dear Apprentice, are the exception to the rule.
Every character I loved was back, the trials were harder and the expectations were greater.
The triangle....ahh the triangle. Now I know a lot of people have problems with them...but I'm not one of thoseI have a shelf called heavenly triangle *shrugs*. I mean triangles do irritate me sometimes, oh dear Lord do they ever Mal/Jeb but in the bigger picture I like them. I'm petty like that. I want my characters to show that other love interest that they're not the last coca cola in the dessert. I thrive on competition. I've actually bought books for that sole reason alone, like , or , to name a few. So to say they're not a pet peeve is an understatement. And here it was glorious. Because they both won a place in my heartmore so Ian.
Better world building, awesome side characters that really played a role, rollercoaster of emotions, hold-on-to-your-seat action, bite-your-nails-and-chew-your-lips tension filled story. I probably got heart palpitations.
This book over shadowed it's predecessor by miles on end.
Oh! And that ending?
(I received this ARC copy by the author in exchange of an honest review)
Candidate Book 3 review
Last Stand Book 4 review
4.5
...Well color me flipping surprised.
In all honesty I was expecting to hate this or at least severely dislike it. I've had this for a week or so but dove into other books to actually get in a good mood cause lately I've been a nitpicking bitch. I'll even admit it to myself.
The funny this is...
THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED!
I don't know if I'm the only one but I am one wary girl when it comes to second books in a trilogy oooor third books in a 5 book series. I mean look at -which I can't even bring myself to finish-, , , , , , etc, etc, etc. And those are just off the top of my head, I could keep on going for days. I can seriously count with one hand the exceptions to this rule.
So you can imagine my ridiculously giddy behavior when this turned out to be one of them. You, my dear Apprentice, are the exception to the rule.
Every character I loved was back, the trials were harder and the expectations were greater.
The triangle....ahh the triangle. Now I know a lot of people have problems with them...but I'm not one of those
Better world building, awesome side characters that really played a role, rollercoaster of emotions, hold-on-to-your-seat action, bite-your-nails-and-chew-your-lips tension filled story. I probably got heart palpitations.
This book over shadowed it's predecessor by miles on end.
Oh! And that ending?
(I received this ARC copy by the author in exchange of an honest review)
May 1, 2020
First Read: June 2017, Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Second Read: February 2020, Rating 3/5 stars
This is the second instalment in the Black Mage series. Ryiah and Alex, twins from a lowborn family, are entering into their second year of training to become magical mages. After the trials accompanying their first year their continued studies promise to be just as full of drama and complications.
I had stated in my review of the first book that I am absolute trash for magical boarding school settings, and this hasn't yet changed. I was initially disappointed to see that a whole three years of their magical education had been packed into this book and I wasn't sure how Carter would be able to adequately recount it all. I was quickly put at ease however, as each year is given enough of a focus without becoming repetitive, and with enough action in each to make them all equally as thrilling.
As with the first book, Ryiah's feelings for a certain aloof prince dominated the book. Whilst I initially enjoyed seeing the progression of their love/hate relationship, certain of the royal attitudes I found hard to reconcile. This meant that I couldn't fully appreciate the ending and didn't wholly enjoy that such large a focus was demanded by his presence.
I found enough other intrigue to distract me, however. Ryiah's growth in both maturation and competency as a mage made for fascinating reading. I found both her petty school dramas and the larger dominating intrigue stimulating and she remained a feisty and focused protagonist despite all this book deigned to throw at her! The way each consecutive twist was implemented into the narrative made the tension grow with each passing page, until the climatic battle that had me reading long into the early morning hours!
Whilst I can't say I adored every element of this book, any of my distaste was purely due to my personal opinions accompanying one character and I am eager to see how Ryiah will continue to astound and intrigue me as her adventures continue outside of the academy.
Second Read: February 2020, Rating 3/5 stars
This is the second instalment in the Black Mage series. Ryiah and Alex, twins from a lowborn family, are entering into their second year of training to become magical mages. After the trials accompanying their first year their continued studies promise to be just as full of drama and complications.
I had stated in my review of the first book that I am absolute trash for magical boarding school settings, and this hasn't yet changed. I was initially disappointed to see that a whole three years of their magical education had been packed into this book and I wasn't sure how Carter would be able to adequately recount it all. I was quickly put at ease however, as each year is given enough of a focus without becoming repetitive, and with enough action in each to make them all equally as thrilling.
As with the first book, Ryiah's feelings for a certain aloof prince dominated the book. Whilst I initially enjoyed seeing the progression of their love/hate relationship, certain of the royal attitudes I found hard to reconcile. This meant that I couldn't fully appreciate the ending and didn't wholly enjoy that such large a focus was demanded by his presence.
I found enough other intrigue to distract me, however. Ryiah's growth in both maturation and competency as a mage made for fascinating reading. I found both her petty school dramas and the larger dominating intrigue stimulating and she remained a feisty and focused protagonist despite all this book deigned to throw at her! The way each consecutive twist was implemented into the narrative made the tension grow with each passing page, until the climatic battle that had me reading long into the early morning hours!
Whilst I can't say I adored every element of this book, any of my distaste was purely due to my personal opinions accompanying one character and I am eager to see how Ryiah will continue to astound and intrigue me as her adventures continue outside of the academy.
August 24, 2017
first read: March 19-21, 2015
first reread: July 3-5, 2015
second reread: February 3-?, 2017
JULY 2015: My feelings have definitely not changed in a negative way towards this book. I loved it the first time around, and I loved it even more on this reread. The world R.E.C. has created is truly beautiful, and I can't be more excited than I already am for book three.
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MARCH 19: I miss having a job........but ONLY because then I could buy the books I wanted when I wanted.......I NEED THIS, but I just talked my husband into buying me a couple and I told him I wouldn't buy anymore for a while..........FML............I have allllll these books to read, but I don't have THIS one, and I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.....If you havent read the first one, do it. do it RIGHT NOW!
MARCH 20: sooooooooooooooooo.........................Im going to read this now, haha. Apparently my husband can just go broke because I can't stop buying books ;) ooooooops.
MARCH 21:
WAIT...wait....it's over????? no! it can't be....go back....I read it too fast!!!!
I freaking loved the first one.....but I FUCKING LOVE THIS ONE!! it was awesome...and heartbreaking...and confusing....and happy and awesome......and amazing....and beautiful...and awesome......did I say awesome? I meant it was AWESOME.
I love Ry. ...I love her personality and although she does stupid things, it's for a good reason and it's written in a way that I can't be irritated with (like SOMEONE.....in another book *insurgent*). And then there is Darren. ..I loved and hated him.....he keeps you wondering until the end what the hell is going on with him....I wanted to slap him.....a lot...and maybe punch him in the throat once or a hundred times.......I want him to be a book boyfriend but idk yet....
....yep, I thought about it...of course he is :)
Rachel, you are awesome!! I'm excited for the 3rd. SO SO SO excited...so if you wanted to just finish it already and release it tomorrow (I'd say today but I figured I'd be nice and understanding...) I'd be okay with that.
first reread: July 3-5, 2015
second reread: February 3-?, 2017
"My dear, each one of us is a hero. The irony, of course, is that most will never receive the title."
JULY 2015: My feelings have definitely not changed in a negative way towards this book. I loved it the first time around, and I loved it even more on this reread. The world R.E.C. has created is truly beautiful, and I can't be more excited than I already am for book three.
-----------
MARCH 20: sooooooooooooooooo.........................Im going to read this now, haha. Apparently my husband can just go broke because I can't stop buying books ;) ooooooops.
MARCH 21:
WAIT...wait....it's over????? no! it can't be....go back....I read it too fast!!!!
I freaking loved the first one.....but I FUCKING LOVE THIS ONE!! it was awesome...and heartbreaking...and confusing....and happy and awesome......and amazing....and beautiful...and awesome......did I say awesome? I meant it was AWESOME.
I love Ry. ...I love her personality and although she does stupid things, it's for a good reason and it's written in a way that I can't be irritated with (like SOMEONE.....in another book *insurgent*). And then there is Darren. ..I loved and hated him.....he keeps you wondering until the end what the hell is going on with him....I wanted to slap him.....a lot...and maybe punch him in the throat once or a hundred times.......I want him to be a book boyfriend but idk yet....
....yep, I thought about it...of course he is :)
Rachel, you are awesome!! I'm excited for the 3rd. SO SO SO excited...so if you wanted to just finish it already and release it tomorrow (I'd say today but I figured I'd be nice and understanding...) I'd be okay with that.
November 19, 2016
3 out of 10
Ревью в моем блоге/This review on my blog
(please use Chrome/Yandex browser or Android/IOS to see the page; otherwise, spoiler-tags I use to make my post compact may not work)
Short-Soundtrack:
Genre: high-fantasy, YA
Stuff: magic, academy, politics, looming war
Fail: plot-structure, romance
POV: 1st person, female
Love-Geometry: hard
Quote-Core:
"We couldn't be friends. We couldn't be enemies. So what were we?"
Nope. This installment didn't change my opinion about the series. I'm still bored and don't get the romance, only now the situation is even worse: we have horrible time-jumps. And I won't tired of repeating myself on this topic! If you want to show readers how everything began but plan to lead your story far in the future in a matter of one book, then start in the future and use flashbacks! That helps not to tear the thread and not to ruin timeline of events and proper characters development. When you do otherwise, you end up with a bunch of bitty scenes, a lot of blank spots, and heroes with stuck personalities. It doesn't feel like a story, it feels like a draft-collection.
So, yes, as you might already notice, Apprentice is all about missing pieces. One book, 300+ pages, and 4 (!) years of MCs' lives. No, you won't learn anything new. Everything will be very repetitive: same ships, same problems, same schemes. A lesson or two, a year competition, a ball, a visit to palace, a lesson or two, a year competition... Yeah, you got it right. 4 circles around the same chain of events. There were good moments during group battles, but even them grew old in the end.
The romance! Oh God, that was painfully stupid and far-stretched. A million break-ups, a million I-love-yous. Darren acted like a self-centered prick and made Ryiah to finish her courting with Ian, Ian had been too patient and sweet for Ryiah and her fickle heart, Ryiah had no brains at all. But the ending made everything even worse! When you get that Darren did hurt Ryiah on purpose, 'cause he "had no choice"and only thus "could reach his goals" and blah-blah-blah, you want to kill this idiotic bastard and to scream "MANIPULATIONS FOR THE PLOT'S SAKE!" at the top of your lungs. He could say Ry about his plans. It were the King and the Crown Prince who mustn't know of Darren's intentions, not Ryiah. So, yeah, that was stupid. unnecessary and bleh. Plus the King was rather lazy. He needed money for the war, but it was his son who found a real good dowry, after all.
Plus cinnamon! Every kiss of Darren tastes like cinnamon. Or pine. Or HOME. So Darren loves to chew cinnamon, needles and... houses. Nice.
Oh, and can we talk about Ry and Darren the Bastard as of main characters? Did you notice that these two are perfect Mary and Marty You-Already-Know-Their-Last-Names? The best of the best of the best! So powerful and smart and WOWOWOWOWOW. And it seems like Darren loves Ryiah only for her special skills. While she loves him back for his... em... muscles, I guess?
I don't know whether I'll finish the third book or not, 'cause at this moment I'm curious only about the older prince. So far he didn't use his evil potential (barks but no bites), so maybe he'll change his tactics and finally goes darken.
The Black Mage (Черный маг):
� Non-Heir (Ненаследный принц) #0.5/4
� First Year (Первогодка) #1/4
� Apprentice (Подмастерье) #2/4
� Candidate (Кандидат) #3/4
� Last Stand (Последний рубеж) #4/4
May 4, 2017
3.5 stars
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to give Carter this: that woman knows how to keep me reading.
The first chapter excluded, I read the entire book in a day and a morning. Even though I had some issues with the book, I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next, if Ryiah finally grew some brain cells (the answer was usually no), if Ryiah and Darren would get together already (also usually no). It’s an engaging story for sure.
So let’s start with the positives.
The world-building
Still one of my favourite things about this series. I love the world that Carter created. I love the Academy. I love the types of magic, the pain casting, the Alchemy, the Restoration. I think it’s a system that’s really well thought out, and it works. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to go to Hogwarts, but� the Academy would be a nice second choice. Actually, scratch that. I don’t want to run until I vomit. But I like the idea.
The battle scenes
Carter knows how to write fight scenes and she does this about every other chapter. I’m not big on fight scenes, but I really liked these. I like how every Combat lesson was something different (and bless Lord Byron with his sexist ways, so annoying yet so funny). I especially loved the mock battles � they reminded me of Capture the Flag, only a tad more lethal.
Derrick
Since this story has a four-year time frame, we meet Ryiah and Alex’s younger brother Derrick more and more often, and he is the cutest. He definitely has his older brother’s charisma combined with Ryiah’s penchant for having a big mouth and it was just lovely.
The forbidden love
Still love the idea of Ryiah and Darren wanting to be together, but they can’t, because Darren is a prince and . I love a friendship where you can insult the other without any consequences, and this is just that.
My main problem with this book was the love triangle. THE LOVE TRIANGLE. Love triangles and I don’t go hand in hand skipping around the country to begin with, but this one was particularly exhausting. Ryiah can’t be with Darren, so she steals someone else’s boyfriend because she knows he likes her too, and tries to make herself believe she’s in love with him instead. Then she goes off kissing Darren again. It’s enough to make anyone seasick.
I love Ryiah and Darren and I totally warmed up to them again towards the end, but while I was cheering them on last time, I could not cheer for them this time. Because Ryiah was cheating and leading another guy on, and I hate that. If you can’t be with the guy you really want, stop stringing some poor guy along and choose to be single instead. I realise teenagers will do stupid things, but there’s stupid and there’s stupid. Ryiah’s actions were the kind of stupid that made me want to chuck frozen eggrolls at her.
It was just all over the place. "I like Darren. Now I like the other guy. Now I like Darren again. Now Darren is ignoring me. So I shall ignore him back! Now he kisses me again." Those guys change their minds more often than I change underwear. The constant back and forth was giving me whiplash, and it really bothered me for a good chunk of the book. Sometimes it felt like all Ryiah did was train for Combat or worry about guys. I think I would’ve liked it more if the romance had just been the forbidden relationship aspect, without the love triangle.
Having said that, I couldn’t help but like the book, because there’s so much to like. There’s a lot going on in this book because it’s got a four-year time span, which was a bit confusing at times, but otherwise worked fairly well. I liked being back with Ella and Alex, loved Ian , Eve , and even Priscilla . And I’m really looking forward to read about Ryiah’s time as a mage .
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to give Carter this: that woman knows how to keep me reading.
The first chapter excluded, I read the entire book in a day and a morning. Even though I had some issues with the book, I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next, if Ryiah finally grew some brain cells (the answer was usually no), if Ryiah and Darren would get together already (also usually no). It’s an engaging story for sure.
So let’s start with the positives.
The world-building
Still one of my favourite things about this series. I love the world that Carter created. I love the Academy. I love the types of magic, the pain casting, the Alchemy, the Restoration. I think it’s a system that’s really well thought out, and it works. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to go to Hogwarts, but� the Academy would be a nice second choice. Actually, scratch that. I don’t want to run until I vomit. But I like the idea.
The battle scenes
Carter knows how to write fight scenes and she does this about every other chapter. I’m not big on fight scenes, but I really liked these. I like how every Combat lesson was something different (and bless Lord Byron with his sexist ways, so annoying yet so funny). I especially loved the mock battles � they reminded me of Capture the Flag, only a tad more lethal.
Derrick
Since this story has a four-year time frame, we meet Ryiah and Alex’s younger brother Derrick more and more often, and he is the cutest. He definitely has his older brother’s charisma combined with Ryiah’s penchant for having a big mouth and it was just lovely.
The forbidden love
Still love the idea of Ryiah and Darren wanting to be together, but they can’t, because Darren is a prince and . I love a friendship where you can insult the other without any consequences, and this is just that.
My main problem with this book was the love triangle. THE LOVE TRIANGLE. Love triangles and I don’t go hand in hand skipping around the country to begin with, but this one was particularly exhausting. Ryiah can’t be with Darren, so she steals someone else’s boyfriend because she knows he likes her too, and tries to make herself believe she’s in love with him instead. Then she goes off kissing Darren again. It’s enough to make anyone seasick.
I love Ryiah and Darren and I totally warmed up to them again towards the end, but while I was cheering them on last time, I could not cheer for them this time. Because Ryiah was cheating and leading another guy on, and I hate that. If you can’t be with the guy you really want, stop stringing some poor guy along and choose to be single instead. I realise teenagers will do stupid things, but there’s stupid and there’s stupid. Ryiah’s actions were the kind of stupid that made me want to chuck frozen eggrolls at her.
It was just all over the place. "I like Darren. Now I like the other guy. Now I like Darren again. Now Darren is ignoring me. So I shall ignore him back! Now he kisses me again." Those guys change their minds more often than I change underwear. The constant back and forth was giving me whiplash, and it really bothered me for a good chunk of the book. Sometimes it felt like all Ryiah did was train for Combat or worry about guys. I think I would’ve liked it more if the romance had just been the forbidden relationship aspect, without the love triangle.
Having said that, I couldn’t help but like the book, because there’s so much to like. There’s a lot going on in this book because it’s got a four-year time span, which was a bit confusing at times, but otherwise worked fairly well. I liked being back with Ella and Alex, loved Ian , Eve , and even Priscilla . And I’m really looking forward to read about Ryiah’s time as a mage .
May 27, 2015
Gosh I feel like the black sheep here. But in my defence I really did want to like this book.
After reading First Year, I was really excited to read Apprentice. My hopes were high! In fact Apprentice started out well but after a few chapters it dwindled down badly.
While unlike First Year, the world building in this book is better, it lacks in all the departments that First Year stood out in viz. Characters, character development, romance and training. Apprentice was half sappy romance and half fast forward unsatisfactorily explained events with a few good action moments sprinkled in between.
I have no clue what hit Riyah in the head. The girl who was strong and determined in the first book turned into a complete blockhead in this one. Half the time she is either pining for Ian or Darren or chossing between Ian or Darren or moping over Ian or Darren or both.
I love a good romance! But I hate it when it takes over the plot unless of course if it's suppose to be a love story-which this isn't- and even then I expect it to be good. The love triangle, I felt was unnecessary. There was no connection between Ian and Riyah, no build up. And in one case when Ian and Lynn are dating and Riyah asks Ian for a dance and tells she wants to be with him we are fast forwarded in time in the next chapter and suddenly they are dating with no explanation about what happened to Lynn.
I understand the author wanted to show the 4 years of Riyah's apprentice life in this book but the way things were rushed was so messy. One second you are reading about Riyah being in her second year and then two chapters later she is halfway through her 3rd year!! No explanation as to what her training rigime is as a third year or what she did after she finished an academic year as an apprentice. Did she go home or stay at the academy or what? And this continues throughout the book. I didn't feel Riyah's growth as a character. Sure with every passing year she gets stronger but the years are fast forwarded and it feels like she hasn't grown at all. Just jumped through time.
The only reason I even rated this book 2 stars was because of the last 20% that seemed a little more organised and where the action took place.
There are many who would and do like this book. I wasn't one of them. I found it was okay-ish. So I am not sure if I will continue with this series.
After reading First Year, I was really excited to read Apprentice. My hopes were high! In fact Apprentice started out well but after a few chapters it dwindled down badly.
While unlike First Year, the world building in this book is better, it lacks in all the departments that First Year stood out in viz. Characters, character development, romance and training. Apprentice was half sappy romance and half fast forward unsatisfactorily explained events with a few good action moments sprinkled in between.
I have no clue what hit Riyah in the head. The girl who was strong and determined in the first book turned into a complete blockhead in this one. Half the time she is either pining for Ian or Darren or chossing between Ian or Darren or moping over Ian or Darren or both.
I love a good romance! But I hate it when it takes over the plot unless of course if it's suppose to be a love story-which this isn't- and even then I expect it to be good. The love triangle, I felt was unnecessary. There was no connection between Ian and Riyah, no build up. And in one case when Ian and Lynn are dating and Riyah asks Ian for a dance and tells she wants to be with him we are fast forwarded in time in the next chapter and suddenly they are dating with no explanation about what happened to Lynn.
I understand the author wanted to show the 4 years of Riyah's apprentice life in this book but the way things were rushed was so messy. One second you are reading about Riyah being in her second year and then two chapters later she is halfway through her 3rd year!! No explanation as to what her training rigime is as a third year or what she did after she finished an academic year as an apprentice. Did she go home or stay at the academy or what? And this continues throughout the book. I didn't feel Riyah's growth as a character. Sure with every passing year she gets stronger but the years are fast forwarded and it feels like she hasn't grown at all. Just jumped through time.
The only reason I even rated this book 2 stars was because of the last 20% that seemed a little more organised and where the action took place.
There are many who would and do like this book. I wasn't one of them. I found it was okay-ish. So I am not sure if I will continue with this series.
August 18, 2019
My 100th book of the year had to be this 🙄.
Took me like 2 months to complete and I read 13 other books in-between smh. A waste
Took me like 2 months to complete and I read 13 other books in-between smh. A waste
September 15, 2015
Magnificent ❤️
June 12, 2015
I finally managed to write this review! While painting the kitchen I finally got a break, lol... Here I go. Hope to write down everything. There's a lot to say!
" Your future, dear Ryah,
has just begun"
Did you like ??? Yes? Well then you're going to love !!!! Didn't like much First year? Well you should read this one! You'll love it or at least like it! Didn't read First Year!? You absolutely have to... not only because it's a really good read but because it gets you to Apprentice!!!
Again I don't feel like writing the plot, you know how First Class ended. Well now we have 4 years of Apprentice in one whole book. I may say that is in fact the only flaw I found in this book... days, weeks, months and years past by too fast. At times I was having a hard time keeping up and remembering that another whole year had past. The mock battles were a great reminder.
� I'll start saying that I love this author's way of writing, she is capable of bringing out so much even in simple phrases. "My magic was a wild stallion raging within, rearing up against its prison of ember..." The graphic content is so precise that we have a beautiful realistic and fantastic vision of what is happening.
� Rachel E. Carter has brought this sequel to a whole new level. First Class was great and really enjoyable but with many flaws. I adored it. But this one? A whole different story. First of all we finally have many answers too all those questions popping up while reading First Class. The world building gets more accurate, but can be even better. Like I said this series has a lot of surprises and this author is going to steel our hearts, well she has already stolen mine and there are still two more books! I would have loved to have a map, just to go clear up my mind every now and then... but I think the one that I've built up is pretty cool as well!
So we have more descriptions, more fighting, woooo I loved the mock battles! What are those? Well you'll need to read this book to find out!!!
� Now let's get to our fav heroine, Ry. She grows day after day. We testimony the growth of her strength, her powers, her determination, her love, her values and her loyalties. I love Ry, I think she can become one of the best kick-ass heroine's. There were some parts that did kind of piss me off, her mind playing with a poor young curly boy... but then I reminded myself, she is in love with somebody she possibly can't love and She is young!!! So I forgave her and got back to loving her even more!
ღᴢ�Alex & Ella ღᴢ�
I already loved them in book one, here I just learned to love them more. Well since it's only Ry's POV we get to live their love story trough her. I must say I would have liked to know more. Here I go... I'd love to read a Novella about their love story ^^ ... Just an idea, lol.
Now let's get to the main reason my heart almost risked a heart attack!
Darren, Ry and Ian.
I've NEVER loved a love triangle as much as this one. It never made me tight my fist and wish that the third guy would mysteriously disappear from the picture. I loved Ian and his sweet way of loving and caring for Ry, but I loved Darren even more, not because he is the bad guy and we tend to love bad guys, because WE ALL KNOW that Darren is everything but bad! He is lovely and his intense and torn love for Ry is just heart breaking, heart melting!!!
"Something I don't regret"
I loved the love part. It just made my heart race and stop, it made me hold on tight to the kindle cus I was scared that their beautiful love would just vanish.
� � This book was great! Loved it, it isn't a cliffhanger but still can't wait for book three. Well I just read we'll have to wait a while but I'm pretty sure the wait will be worth it. Can't wait to get back to Darren, Ry, Alex and Ella. Hope to see Ian again, hopefully happy and in love! ^^
The ending was kind of surprising, I did know that Darren was up to something, that he still loved Ry but ... that ending??? Wow! Just loved it and I finally got to see Priscilla get slapped right on her beautiful face, well metaphorically speaking! And the love speech??? It just left me speechless and dreamy!
"That somehow, this insufferable girl would become the one person I am forever, hopelessly, madly drawn to against my will and possibly even my better judgment."
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April 27, 2015
Review can also be found at
PART 1. “When Words Fail . . . Trust in Lightning� � A Less Than Three Confession by Cee
It’s true that when you come out of a storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.
Ryiah and Darren aren’t the same people.
They’re so much more.
Only the bravest can love� and these two have the courage to love when all odds are against them.
Their love is lightning.
Beautiful.
Captivating.
Powerful.
Dangerous.
Deadly.
A second later there was a bright flash of yellow and a stark white display as lightning crashed in the air above. Only this time it hadn’t come from me.�
“Well done, Darren! What did you use to cast it?�
Darren’s eyes found mine. “Something I don’t regret.�
With his unexpected words, he struck me with lightning. I am 100% sure of it. I am electrified with feels, with love, with hope.
I love lightning. I love rain. I love storms. I love the chaos of their story.
Signed, Cee
PART 2. “When There is a Struggle. . . Trust No One.� � A Hopeless Study by Cee
There are things I like and there are things I don’t like. Then there is “the middle man.�
The Middle Man is the love triangle. I detest love triangles. This book’s love triangle highlights Ry’s theatrics and the reason why I dread a love-shape-anything. However, particularly for Apprentice, the element ended up in the struggle between like and dislike. The drama of the romance did pinch my nerves once in a while and eventually I got tired of the love/hate/push/pull between the three characters, but overall, their romance was a good and sensible touch to the story. It was necessary to show the suffering of the characters, the breaking of friendships, the loss of hopes and dreams, moving on from the past, holding onto a possible future, the good, the bad, how one can go through so much and still be ruled by love at the end of the day. Do you understand what I’m saying? The love triangle actually means something in the book. It has a purpose. It is not solely there to make the heroine loveable and attractive like so many YA books these days. Rachel has truly earned my trust and respect. Not only for how she handles the romance, but for Ry� a strong and ambitious heroine who isn’t always in control of her emotions but sure as hell know what they’re worth� and Darren� a hero who sees worth other than his own.
I like that this book is fast-paced, BUT it is too fast. Four years(?) are jam-packed into 300 pages?! Don’t get me wrong. The book is still awesome. It is action-packed with mock battles and fights with enemies and yet it’s not enough to satisfy and intrigued me. I’m constantly confused about the amount of passing time and the characters� ages. A timeline of some sort at the beginning of every chapter or something would’ve been useful. Believe me, it felt like I read three books in one.
Non-spoil-ish: The ending� it’s possible I’m still in shock. First of all, the character death killed me. Secondly, that thing and that thing and the other thing. OMG. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT. I’M STILL HAPPY ABOUT IT.
I was fighting between rating Apprentice 4 stars or 5 stars and decided on 4.5.
4.5 Lightning Strikes!
I even created a special "lightning rating system" specifically for this series. (I was too lazy to cut the last lightning in half. Sue me.)
Signed, Cee.
PART 1. “When Words Fail . . . Trust in Lightning� � A Less Than Three Confession by Cee
It’s true that when you come out of a storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.
Ryiah and Darren aren’t the same people.
They’re so much more.
Only the bravest can love� and these two have the courage to love when all odds are against them.
Their love is lightning.
Beautiful.
Captivating.
Powerful.
Dangerous.
Deadly.
A second later there was a bright flash of yellow and a stark white display as lightning crashed in the air above. Only this time it hadn’t come from me.�
“Well done, Darren! What did you use to cast it?�
Darren’s eyes found mine. “Something I don’t regret.�
With his unexpected words, he struck me with lightning. I am 100% sure of it. I am electrified with feels, with love, with hope.
I love lightning. I love rain. I love storms. I love the chaos of their story.
Signed, Cee
PART 2. “When There is a Struggle. . . Trust No One.� � A Hopeless Study by Cee
There are things I like and there are things I don’t like. Then there is “the middle man.�
The Middle Man is the love triangle. I detest love triangles. This book’s love triangle highlights Ry’s theatrics and the reason why I dread a love-shape-anything. However, particularly for Apprentice, the element ended up in the struggle between like and dislike. The drama of the romance did pinch my nerves once in a while and eventually I got tired of the love/hate/push/pull between the three characters, but overall, their romance was a good and sensible touch to the story. It was necessary to show the suffering of the characters, the breaking of friendships, the loss of hopes and dreams, moving on from the past, holding onto a possible future, the good, the bad, how one can go through so much and still be ruled by love at the end of the day. Do you understand what I’m saying? The love triangle actually means something in the book. It has a purpose. It is not solely there to make the heroine loveable and attractive like so many YA books these days. Rachel has truly earned my trust and respect. Not only for how she handles the romance, but for Ry� a strong and ambitious heroine who isn’t always in control of her emotions but sure as hell know what they’re worth� and Darren� a hero who sees worth other than his own.
I like that this book is fast-paced, BUT it is too fast. Four years(?) are jam-packed into 300 pages?! Don’t get me wrong. The book is still awesome. It is action-packed with mock battles and fights with enemies and yet it’s not enough to satisfy and intrigued me. I’m constantly confused about the amount of passing time and the characters� ages. A timeline of some sort at the beginning of every chapter or something would’ve been useful. Believe me, it felt like I read three books in one.
Non-spoil-ish: The ending� it’s possible I’m still in shock. First of all, the character death killed me. Secondly, that thing and that thing and the other thing. OMG. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT. I’M STILL HAPPY ABOUT IT.
I was fighting between rating Apprentice 4 stars or 5 stars and decided on 4.5.
4.5 Lightning Strikes!
I even created a special "lightning rating system" specifically for this series. (I was too lazy to cut the last lightning in half. Sue me.)
Signed, Cee.
June 24, 2016
Ok honestly this book had a few things I was a little ???? about, but I really loved it and I'm just going to give it 5 stars because I'm weak and really it's actually amazing regardless.
Ok so I think to lay out what the plot is would be a good start. So basically, this series (not this book) follows a girl named Ryiah and she lives in a world where anyone in any social status in society can go to this magic school and try out. If they get it, they have 1 year sort of "probation period" and if they are good enough, 5 students in each of the 3 magical disciplines are chosen to further on their life in magic. Basically it's about Ryiah and her experiences at the magic school.
As a sequel to the first, I LOVED it. I thought there was great continuity, I spaced my reading of these I think TWO years apart and I absolutely still got sucked right back into this world. I had no problems getting back into who characters were. (I forgot little details like that she had a younger brother, that she had a twin, and who Ian was in the first book) I just loved being back in this world, and honestly as soon as I finished this I jumped right into another fantasy book and kept thinking about this world.
Now, my mini issues (and some things I loved). (beware of spoilers)
First issue: Lynn. More importantly, the fact that there is 0 explanation of how they tell Lynn what's going on. I would have liked that because Ry and Ian felt more "mistress" because we didn't see her get any explanation. Really not a big thing but yeah.
2. I had a lot of issues with the 2 relationships in this. Mostly: how the guys reacted to her. I felt the FEELINGS in this book were SPOT ON. But my issue is she makes them wait 2 months for her answer and they just sit there like lap dogs waiting for her. It seemed a little far fetched to expect Darren to wait, but again I just love these characters so much I didn't care. I also hated Ryiah for a bit because of this but again for whatever reason I just stopped caring.
3. Byron. I hate Snape in Harry Potter because they just hate because they can. No real reasons. But in the end this, once again, was ok and I mean hopefully he's gone for good now so there's that.
But the things I love far outweighed those issues.
Despite my trepidation about the love triangle, I enjoyed it. It was a bit obvious to me that the one who she ends up with was going to be him, but I just loved her getting to experience other things and learn her feelings on her own without being told and wondering if she made the wrong decision.
I also was extremely hesitant about 3 years passing in this book. I thought it would feel unnatural and kind of annoying but it really just felt RIGHT. If it had only been 1 year like I wanted this book would have dragged on. But because Rachel wrote it the way she did it was super action packed, never boring, and just G R E A T.
So yeah overall a really amazing sequel to a really strong first book and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book (please, title, mean what you say. Just please!! But book 4, DONT MEAN WHAT YOU SAY AT ALL).
Ok so I think to lay out what the plot is would be a good start. So basically, this series (not this book) follows a girl named Ryiah and she lives in a world where anyone in any social status in society can go to this magic school and try out. If they get it, they have 1 year sort of "probation period" and if they are good enough, 5 students in each of the 3 magical disciplines are chosen to further on their life in magic. Basically it's about Ryiah and her experiences at the magic school.
As a sequel to the first, I LOVED it. I thought there was great continuity, I spaced my reading of these I think TWO years apart and I absolutely still got sucked right back into this world. I had no problems getting back into who characters were. (I forgot little details like that she had a younger brother, that she had a twin, and who Ian was in the first book) I just loved being back in this world, and honestly as soon as I finished this I jumped right into another fantasy book and kept thinking about this world.
Now, my mini issues (and some things I loved). (beware of spoilers)
First issue: Lynn. More importantly, the fact that there is 0 explanation of how they tell Lynn what's going on. I would have liked that because Ry and Ian felt more "mistress" because we didn't see her get any explanation. Really not a big thing but yeah.
2. I had a lot of issues with the 2 relationships in this. Mostly: how the guys reacted to her. I felt the FEELINGS in this book were SPOT ON. But my issue is she makes them wait 2 months for her answer and they just sit there like lap dogs waiting for her. It seemed a little far fetched to expect Darren to wait, but again I just love these characters so much I didn't care. I also hated Ryiah for a bit because of this but again for whatever reason I just stopped caring.
3. Byron. I hate Snape in Harry Potter because they just hate because they can. No real reasons. But in the end this, once again, was ok and I mean hopefully he's gone for good now so there's that.
But the things I love far outweighed those issues.
Despite my trepidation about the love triangle, I enjoyed it. It was a bit obvious to me that the one who she ends up with was going to be him, but I just loved her getting to experience other things and learn her feelings on her own without being told and wondering if she made the wrong decision.
I also was extremely hesitant about 3 years passing in this book. I thought it would feel unnatural and kind of annoying but it really just felt RIGHT. If it had only been 1 year like I wanted this book would have dragged on. But because Rachel wrote it the way she did it was super action packed, never boring, and just G R E A T.
So yeah overall a really amazing sequel to a really strong first book and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book (please, title, mean what you say. Just please!! But book 4, DONT MEAN WHAT YOU SAY AT ALL).
May 15, 2016
4.5
Well, that was intense!
I plowed through that thing! I was so hooked and in love! With the book and certain people *coughyouknowwhoyouarecough*
Before I get into the specifics, I just wanted to say that this is so worth the read, especially if you've read the first. If you've read the first one, then get on with this one already (I don't know why it took me so long to jump on this installement). If you haven't read the first one.......I don't know what to tell you except GET ON WITH IT!!
Well, that was intense!
I plowed through that thing! I was so hooked and in love! With the book and certain people *coughyouknowwhoyouarecough*
Before I get into the specifics, I just wanted to say that this is so worth the read, especially if you've read the first. If you've read the first one, then get on with this one already (I don't know why it took me so long to jump on this installement). If you haven't read the first one.......I don't know what to tell you except GET ON WITH IT!!
April 15, 2015
And Never Trust a Duck Pictures presents the stages of Natalie as she read this here novel.
The WHAT moments:
The THANK YA LAWD moments:
The I AM QUESTIONING YOU moments:
The DENIAL moments:
The SWEET RELIEF moments:
And then it ended and I was just sort of....numb from it all.
Happy Reading!!!
The WHAT moments:
The THANK YA LAWD moments:
The I AM QUESTIONING YOU moments:
The DENIAL moments:
The SWEET RELIEF moments:
And then it ended and I was just sort of....numb from it all.
Happy Reading!!!
February 12, 2015
***I received the ARC ebook free as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Just give me a second to stop dancing round my room and grinning like a fool� okay, I’ve calmed enough to write this review, though the grin is going nowhere anytime soon!
This book is more than I could have hoped for, with all the awesomeness from the first book there isn’t a doubt in my mind that it deserves all the stars in the sky for a rating. The second it was on my phone, I was reading it and when I had to put it down (school’s annoying like that) I was counting the hours until I could continue. Even walking between classes it was in my hand; thankfully I didn’t crash into any other students or, god forbid, teachers!
What definitely stuck out to me while reading this was the romance. A promised love triangle always puts my guards up, but I found that I loved it just as much as everything else in Apprentice. There was plenty of angst to go around, and rightly so, but I never hated anyone/anything for it. Unlike many, many other series which I won’t go into since they’ll take forever to name�. I actually found myself warring over who was best with Ryiah, and even after a few doubting moments my heart remains with Darren: the brooding un-heir.
However this didn’t distract from everything else going on. And there was lots happening! With a span of 4 years, we see action and character development to the max. The “side characters� like Ella and Alex were engaging, and never truly felt like they weren’t just as important to the story and it’s other characters. The different types of love showcased, between family and friends warmed my heart. This is where the constant grinning came in.
All in all, Apprentice is one of those books which you want to read in one sitting but at the same time you want to make last as long as possible. I went with the former (to be honest my heart demanded I had no choice) and loved every second. The only problem being, I now have to wait 9 months for a sequel. I can be patient� or I can at least try�
My reaction to this book:
Just give me a second to stop dancing round my room and grinning like a fool� okay, I’ve calmed enough to write this review, though the grin is going nowhere anytime soon!
This book is more than I could have hoped for, with all the awesomeness from the first book there isn’t a doubt in my mind that it deserves all the stars in the sky for a rating. The second it was on my phone, I was reading it and when I had to put it down (school’s annoying like that) I was counting the hours until I could continue. Even walking between classes it was in my hand; thankfully I didn’t crash into any other students or, god forbid, teachers!
What definitely stuck out to me while reading this was the romance. A promised love triangle always puts my guards up, but I found that I loved it just as much as everything else in Apprentice. There was plenty of angst to go around, and rightly so, but I never hated anyone/anything for it. Unlike many, many other series which I won’t go into since they’ll take forever to name�. I actually found myself warring over who was best with Ryiah, and even after a few doubting moments my heart remains with Darren: the brooding un-heir.
However this didn’t distract from everything else going on. And there was lots happening! With a span of 4 years, we see action and character development to the max. The “side characters� like Ella and Alex were engaging, and never truly felt like they weren’t just as important to the story and it’s other characters. The different types of love showcased, between family and friends warmed my heart. This is where the constant grinning came in.
All in all, Apprentice is one of those books which you want to read in one sitting but at the same time you want to make last as long as possible. I went with the former (to be honest my heart demanded I had no choice) and loved every second. The only problem being, I now have to wait 9 months for a sequel. I can be patient� or I can at least try�
My reaction to this book:
May 17, 2017
*5 EARTH-SHATTERING STARS*
“People make mistakes all the time � some of us just are in more of a position to leave an impact when we do.�
This book absolutely destroyed me. AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
The one thing I keep asking myself is... Why the hell aren't these books more popular?!?
They include everything I've ever asked for and more: lots of adventure, non-stop action, an intense romance, a kickass heroine... I'm officially hooked! That being said, I'm off to read the next one right this instant!
Review coming soon!
“People make mistakes all the time � some of us just are in more of a position to leave an impact when we do.�
This book absolutely destroyed me. AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
The one thing I keep asking myself is... Why the hell aren't these books more popular?!?
They include everything I've ever asked for and more: lots of adventure, non-stop action, an intense romance, a kickass heroine... I'm officially hooked! That being said, I'm off to read the next one right this instant!
Review coming soon!
July 13, 2018
I have a lot of things that I hated in this book, and a lot of thing that I loved so I'm rounding up the rating to three stars for that.
THINGS I HATED
-The fucking stupid love triangle. I mean, . It wasn't necessary to the story at all.
-I don't know if it is only me, but the story in this book happens in four years, and I feel it was kind of weird. So I don't understand why this is considered a YA series, when at the end of this book the protagonist is like...20 years old. And because it was a huge amount of time in 400 pages, sometimes I had problems trying to understand what year of the apprentice was.
- But it could be just me.
-a LOT of unnecessary angst and trouble and lies. WHY, Darren, why.
THINGS I LOVED
- Darren.
-ALEX AND ELLA RELATIONSHIP. Seriously, those two are adorable and so perfect together, my heart ships them so hard. (And Alex wants to marry Ella, I mean... YES, PLEASE)
Yep, that's me with those two.
- Freaking PRINCE DARREN.
-The magic school is amazing as well, I love all of the training scenes and the mock battles.Why can't I study in a magic school. *sobs*
-DID I MENTION I LOVE DARREN SO MUCH? DARREN, MARRY ME.
-The final scene in the book. I was fangirling so freaking hard . OH MY GOD. the final scene. THE BEST.
THINGS I HATED
-The fucking stupid love triangle. I mean, . It wasn't necessary to the story at all.
-I don't know if it is only me, but the story in this book happens in four years, and I feel it was kind of weird. So I don't understand why this is considered a YA series, when at the end of this book the protagonist is like...20 years old. And because it was a huge amount of time in 400 pages, sometimes I had problems trying to understand what year of the apprentice was.
- But it could be just me.
-a LOT of unnecessary angst and trouble and lies. WHY, Darren, why.
THINGS I LOVED
- Darren.
-ALEX AND ELLA RELATIONSHIP. Seriously, those two are adorable and so perfect together, my heart ships them so hard. (And Alex wants to marry Ella, I mean... YES, PLEASE)
Yep, that's me with those two.
- Freaking PRINCE DARREN.
-The magic school is amazing as well, I love all of the training scenes and the mock battles.
-DID I MENTION I LOVE DARREN SO MUCH? DARREN, MARRY ME.
-The final scene in the book. I was fangirling so freaking hard . OH MY GOD. the final scene. THE BEST.
December 4, 2016
Loved the first book and the beginning of this book, however, book one The First Year was literally about that first year and this book, Apprentice , covered 4 years! Too much time covered in this book, too much happening at such a quick speed that I felt like I lost a lot of important bits and pieces...
I became a little sick of Ryiah pining over the prince who is engaged to Pricilla, (and in hindsight, it's a long engagement for someone of the 'crown') and I also felt for Ian... a lot of this may have been easier to relate to if the timing was a little less harsh on the imagination including the long stagnant relationship between Ella and Alex!
I loved the first book, not so keen on this one and I'm not entirely sure if I'll continue...
March 25, 2015
I'm torn between giving this a 3 or 4 stars
But since the things I love in this book is more than the ones I hate. 4 stars it is.
After reading the second novel I'm still not a fan of the protagonist, she really does annoy me.
But I absolutely love her relationship with Darren. OH HE IS SUCH A SWOON-WORTHY MALE LEAD
Overall I can't say I absolutely love this book, but I do find it extremely intriguing and entertaining.
I honestly can't wait any longer for the next one, is such a long time since I have a book hangover!
But since the things I love in this book is more than the ones I hate. 4 stars it is.
After reading the second novel I'm still not a fan of the protagonist, she really does annoy me.
But I absolutely love her relationship with Darren. OH HE IS SUCH A SWOON-WORTHY MALE LEAD
Overall I can't say I absolutely love this book, but I do find it extremely intriguing and entertaining.
I honestly can't wait any longer for the next one, is such a long time since I have a book hangover!
February 20, 2015
I usually try to wait a day or so after finishing a book before I start writing a review. I like to let it sink in and process a bit before I start forming distinct opinions.
This one couldn't wait.
I always approach second books in a series with a healthy amount of trepidation. Remember Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest? That's why. It's easy to stall out, delay action and use the second book as a bridge to the third book and it's conclusion. Relationships stagnate and there is usually little to no character development.
Apprentice is not like that at all. Every single one of the characters grows. It's a flipping miracle. Rachel Carter has broken the trend and written a solid and praiseworthy second book.
Ryiah has been chosen as the 16th apprentice in a tradition that only chooses 15. The target is on her back to perform and live up to the high expectations of the country and the Black Mage himself. She is tangled in a love triangle that she neither wanted, nor expected. Ryiah also has a jackass for a Master who uses every opportunity available to belittle her. But Ryiah, while she is not made of stone and immune to all of the hatred and pettiness of Master Byron, she learns to accept it and learn from it.
"I'm not that pitiful little girl you bullied last year."
Ryiah is a strong young woman that we can look up to and say "I want to be like her." She learns how to control her magic and becomes one of the best in her year through sheer determination. Comparing to where she was at the beginning of the first book to the end of this one, I could hardly recognize her. Granted, 4 years had passed, but it was astronomical.
But the author didn't just develop one character. Alex, once a terrific flirt, learns that he must change to be better for the woman he loves. Ella shows just how good of a friend she is to both Ryiah and Alex. Everybody deserves a friend like Ella who isn't scared to tell you when you are being irrational or reckless but support and defend you nonetheless.
Ian was the perfect foil to Darren. Where Darren is cold and aloof, Ian is more than willing to display his affection. They are such different characters but the way that they are written shows you how very in love with Ryiah they are. They show off for her and fight for her. Their jealousy over each other is wonderfully played out throughout the book. This is how boys act. It's all posturing and beating their chests.
I may get slaughtered for saying this...but throughout this book, Darren reminded me of Jericho Barrons.
Granted, a younger and much more carefree one, but he was definitely growing up into the strong, silent, menacing type that has everything under control except his own feelings. Some of the action he takes in the book shows that he has a dominant personality that clashes wonderfully with those around him. He acts selfishly outwardly but I never had any doubt of his goodness. It's a case of trying to be the anti-hero while endearing himself to the reader.
“I know exactly who you are.� I took a step forward, and another, until I was standing right in front of him. Then my words turned to ice. “You are the selfish, spineless son of a king who is too afraid to be his own man. You would rather hide behind your status than fight for something that could actually mean something.� There, that felt good. “And it’s a shame, really it is, because, according to you, I was the one true friend you had."
In this book, we get to see battles and world building. I still wish that there was a map included but it felt like this story line inhabited a world with depth and history. It's not just about learning magic. It's about fighting a war and surviving it. We learn more about politics of the country and how the other mages work. There is beautiful prose and the danger becomes very real.
I've figured out why I like these books so much. There's a lot going on for them that are wonderful but I've finally got the reason why this sticks with me so much.
Throughout these books, Ryiah and Ella are never criticized (by someone that matters) for being ambitious and determined women eager to earn their place as mages.
Do you realize how rare that is? Besides Master Byron, nobody ever says that Ryiah or Ella do not deserve to be there because they are women and everybody recognizes that Byron is wrong . They are eager to be judged based on their own merit and do not want to be coddled in any way. I love that. I connect with that and it is my ardent hope that more authors do this. I'm sick and tired of finding books where the girl throws everything away for a guy. That doesn't happen here and that's the reason I am so much of a fan of this series.
Can't wait for the next one!
Review also posted at
July 8, 2018
That...was... AMAZING I WANT TO WRITE A REVIEW BUT I HAVE TO START THE NEXT ONE
Guys... Guys...I'm speechless. I don't even want to write a review for First Year cause I'm afraid I won't do it justice. Rachel Carter is one of the best writers out there. First Year and Apprentice were super fast paced, and usually I hate that in books because I like to know what's happening every moment lol but Rachel just wrote in a way that it worked.
Darren and Ryiah, power couple of the year. Their relationship was complicated but also so deep that I just couldn't process it while I was reading. Darren? *SWOON*
First Year and Apprentice were just amazing books, the writing, the characters, they were a breath of fresh air!
Guys... Guys...I'm speechless. I don't even want to write a review for First Year cause I'm afraid I won't do it justice. Rachel Carter is one of the best writers out there. First Year and Apprentice were super fast paced, and usually I hate that in books because I like to know what's happening every moment lol but Rachel just wrote in a way that it worked.
Darren and Ryiah, power couple of the year. Their relationship was complicated but also so deep that I just couldn't process it while I was reading. Darren? *SWOON*
First Year and Apprentice were just amazing books, the writing, the characters, they were a breath of fresh air!
January 2, 2016
4 STARS FOR "APPRENTICE" BY RACHEL E. CARTER
What's that I hear? Oh, sounds like Darren swooping in and capturing my heart once again!
Seriously, I get really gushy when it comes to these books. It's only two books into a four part series, but I get really excited about its characters and the characters found within it. While sequels usually fall short to its predecessor, Apprentice held its own and was pretty darn great. I got to see more sides to the characters as they continue along in their apprenticeship. Since they've all grown since their first year at the Academy, it was really nice to see the developments made because of their previous experiences. Alex really matured in his approach to a potential relationship with Ella, realizing that he would just have to man up and stop playing the jealousy game if he wants to be with her. It may have worked to push Ella to realize her feelings for him, but it won't prevent pushing her away once she's done so.
I could also tell the subtle changes that Ryiah goes through as the story progresses. It really hit me how far she's come already when she was an important piece in all the mock battle plannings. Whether it was her as an important piece in their plans, or her coming up with the plans themselves, she was putting herself forward with a ton more confidence than she had in the beginning of the series. She's a lot more comfortable and confident with her abilities, even if she still has a lot more work to do to impress her Combat master. And seeing Ryiah's friendship with Darren? Them teaming up instead of always antagonizing each other? Darren admitting that she's been his first ever true friend? Darren growing up and taking responsibility for when he hurts his friends - whether he meant to or not? DARREN COMING TO TERMS WITH HIS FEELINGS FOR RYIAH?
I love Darren so much, y'all. He definitely had those moments in this book where I was like "yikes, don't make me revoke my Darren-fanclub membership" but he shows so much growth! We see him really valuing Ryiah as a friend and individual, not just as a potential girlfriend. And he's so much more open about his friendship with her, too. He knows she can defend herself against Priscilla, but I loved those moments where he'd show his protectiveness and tell Priscilla to back off.
I just really liked those small moments of protectiveness, where he wasn't afraid to claim her as someone important to him. And one of my absolute favourite parts of the whole book was when he took the blame for hurting Ryiah, even if his intentions (well, most of them) were good and battle-focused:
And their chemistry. His endearing cockiness in knowing exactly how she feels about him, even if she's not willing to admit it aloud. Like when Darren casts his lightning by imagining their kiss? And while he was willing to fight for her, I did like that he backed off a bit when she "chose" (and I put that in quotations because I think we all knew her true choice was with Darren) Ian. I loved that Darren was just so open in general to her, that he showed her more of his life back home and introducing her to the people he knew he could trust with their secret.
And while I always knew deep down that Darren would never just give up on their HEA despite the obstacles thrown their way, I cheered Ry on when she said that she would never be Darren's mistress. It was either his heart and attention fully, or nothing. As much as she loved Darren, she wasn't going to live the rest of her life knowing he was married to Priscilla. You go girl!
And while I despise love triangles, and I found it a little odd that both guys were so willing to stick around when there was another guy in the picture, I loved both men involved. Ry and Darren belong together, but even I felt bad for Ian in the end. He was sweet and funny. There was no question why Ry liked him at first. Ry really did end up doing him dirty, being with him when she knew deep down she still loved Darren. While the flip-flopping did bother and irritate me a bit, I understand that it was an important piece to Ry's individual journey and deciding what she wanted for herself and her life. I was worried that Ry would just jump back into it with Ian once Darren broke it off with her, but I was pleasantly surprised to find them coming to a mature decision to acknowledge their mistakes and how they've hurt each other. Let's cross our fingers that they work it out and become friends again. I think they would be really cute as friends only.
I didn't really get a lot of payoff when Ry and Darren got back together in the end, but I'm willing to forgive it since I know we'll get another whole book of them finally being a couple. Thankfully the love triangle issue is over and done with now too. Their feelings for each other are out there. They're solid. Let's just continue with that, please.
(Can you tell I've been burned before with love triangles in YA?)
Other quick thoughts:
- I liked that Darren and Ry's bickering affected the people around them. When Eve was elected because Ry and Darren couldn't stop arguing? Perfect.
- Darren's brother needs to get his karma. I don't like him having to be around Ry, either. He's a gross person.
- Speaking of gross, does anyone other than Alex know how Ry discovered her power?
- Who else did Ry do dirty? Ian's girlfriend. Asking him to dance when she was right there? Not cool, girl, not cool.
- Chapter twelve in Darren's bedroom. Swoon.
- The Ry and Darren shipper in me is screaming, but I did appreciate that Darren was prioritizing his country above his romance with her. It showed maturity, even if it was at the expense of our (and their!) hearts.
- I loved Priscilla and Ry teaming up even if for just a second and to cover their own butts in a mock battle.
"I told you not to trust a wolf," he continued. His words dripped like honeyed venom. "Because it would only ever want to break you." Darren let out a small, harsh laugh. "Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm the wolf, Ryiah. I guess what I really should have told you was to never trust a prince, but that's not quite as memorable."
What's that I hear? Oh, sounds like Darren swooping in and capturing my heart once again!
Seriously, I get really gushy when it comes to these books. It's only two books into a four part series, but I get really excited about its characters and the characters found within it. While sequels usually fall short to its predecessor, Apprentice held its own and was pretty darn great. I got to see more sides to the characters as they continue along in their apprenticeship. Since they've all grown since their first year at the Academy, it was really nice to see the developments made because of their previous experiences. Alex really matured in his approach to a potential relationship with Ella, realizing that he would just have to man up and stop playing the jealousy game if he wants to be with her. It may have worked to push Ella to realize her feelings for him, but it won't prevent pushing her away once she's done so.
I could also tell the subtle changes that Ryiah goes through as the story progresses. It really hit me how far she's come already when she was an important piece in all the mock battle plannings. Whether it was her as an important piece in their plans, or her coming up with the plans themselves, she was putting herself forward with a ton more confidence than she had in the beginning of the series. She's a lot more comfortable and confident with her abilities, even if she still has a lot more work to do to impress her Combat master. And seeing Ryiah's friendship with Darren? Them teaming up instead of always antagonizing each other? Darren admitting that she's been his first ever true friend? Darren growing up and taking responsibility for when he hurts his friends - whether he meant to or not? DARREN COMING TO TERMS WITH HIS FEELINGS FOR RYIAH?
I love Darren so much, y'all. He definitely had those moments in this book where I was like "yikes, don't make me revoke my Darren-fanclub membership" but he shows so much growth! We see him really valuing Ryiah as a friend and individual, not just as a potential girlfriend. And he's so much more open about his friendship with her, too. He knows she can defend herself against Priscilla, but I loved those moments where he'd show his protectiveness and tell Priscilla to back off.
I had the pleasure of seeing the raven-haired beauty turn an unattractive shade of red. "I-I'll tell Byron she attacked me!"
"Priscilla." Darren's patience was growing thin. "If you do I will tell him the truth... We may be betrothed but Ryiah is my friend. I try to stay out of your disagreements, but if you do this I will take her side.
I just really liked those small moments of protectiveness, where he wasn't afraid to claim her as someone important to him. And one of my absolute favourite parts of the whole book was when he took the blame for hurting Ryiah, even if his intentions (well, most of them) were good and battle-focused:
"-And while I know I was right, I still find myself thinking I was wrong. Because of you, Ryiah." His gaze fell away and he was staring at the back of his hands. "I hurt you by hurting him, and for that I'm sorry."
And their chemistry. His endearing cockiness in knowing exactly how she feels about him, even if she's not willing to admit it aloud. Like when Darren casts his lightning by imagining their kiss? And while he was willing to fight for her, I did like that he backed off a bit when she "chose" (and I put that in quotations because I think we all knew her true choice was with Darren) Ian. I loved that Darren was just so open in general to her, that he showed her more of his life back home and introducing her to the people he knew he could trust with their secret.
And while I always knew deep down that Darren would never just give up on their HEA despite the obstacles thrown their way, I cheered Ry on when she said that she would never be Darren's mistress. It was either his heart and attention fully, or nothing. As much as she loved Darren, she wasn't going to live the rest of her life knowing he was married to Priscilla. You go girl!
And while I despise love triangles, and I found it a little odd that both guys were so willing to stick around when there was another guy in the picture, I loved both men involved. Ry and Darren belong together, but even I felt bad for Ian in the end. He was sweet and funny. There was no question why Ry liked him at first. Ry really did end up doing him dirty, being with him when she knew deep down she still loved Darren. While the flip-flopping did bother and irritate me a bit, I understand that it was an important piece to Ry's individual journey and deciding what she wanted for herself and her life. I was worried that Ry would just jump back into it with Ian once Darren broke it off with her, but I was pleasantly surprised to find them coming to a mature decision to acknowledge their mistakes and how they've hurt each other. Let's cross our fingers that they work it out and become friends again. I think they would be really cute as friends only.
I didn't really get a lot of payoff when Ry and Darren got back together in the end, but I'm willing to forgive it since I know we'll get another whole book of them finally being a couple. Thankfully the love triangle issue is over and done with now too. Their feelings for each other are out there. They're solid. Let's just continue with that, please.
(Can you tell I've been burned before with love triangles in YA?)
Other quick thoughts:
- I liked that Darren and Ry's bickering affected the people around them. When Eve was elected because Ry and Darren couldn't stop arguing? Perfect.
- Darren's brother needs to get his karma. I don't like him having to be around Ry, either. He's a gross person.
- Speaking of gross, does anyone other than Alex know how Ry discovered her power?
- Who else did Ry do dirty? Ian's girlfriend. Asking him to dance when she was right there? Not cool, girl, not cool.
- Chapter twelve in Darren's bedroom. Swoon.
- The Ry and Darren shipper in me is screaming, but I did appreciate that Darren was prioritizing his country above his romance with her. It showed maturity, even if it was at the expense of our (and their!) hearts.
- I loved Priscilla and Ry teaming up even if for just a second and to cover their own butts in a mock battle.
February 21, 2015
This book was quite longer than the previous, First Year, and goes through the rest of the characters' training, so that spans about... four years. Damn son. I have to say, despite some elements I liked that First Year didn't have, there's also a lot of stuff that I got really tired of, real quick.
Our main character, Ryiah, is doing pretty well at school. The rigorous course from First Year really prepared her and her friends, so there is less detail on their coursework and the amount of studying and practicing they did. Instead, Rachel E Carter introduces the world the characters live in and its conflicts. I really liked this, considering I'm pretty sure the first book hardly mentioned the place they lived in at all. The majority of the book took place at The Academy so it felt quite secluded.
The characters live in Jerar, which is coming into conflict with one of its neighboring kingdoms, Caltoth. In the book we see a little bit of the Caltoth soldiers, but other than that: nothing. I kind of wish there was a little bit more background on all the countries, including history and culture. Think of your most generic fantasy setting and kingdoms, and there we have Jerar. This is a little disappointing considering you have MAGES fighting with MAGIC and obviously if there's magic then somehow it started and there's definitely drama in that to fill the history books. Alas, the drama we discuss today is for a different situation.
In my eighth grade US History class, there used to be a poster called "Save the drama for your llama." Omg I found it lol.
Anyway, I didn't really understand it years back because why the heck would I own a llama?? After reading this book, that's all I could think about. There was just so much of it - teenage angst and drama. I guess I shouldn't complain much, because there's bound to be drama in YA books dealing with teenagers, but there's just someone who I couldn't stand in the book: Darren.
Is he supposed to be like Jericho Barrons? Honestly, it just felt like he was on his period the whole time. There's this song by Katy Perry that goes a little bit like this:
You're hot and you're cold
"'I want you, Ryiah. Just say the words and I'll do it.'"
You're yes and you're no
"'What do you want me to say, Ryiah? I made a mistake.'"
You're in and you're out
"'I'm in love with you, Ryiah. Nothing is ever going to change that."
You're up and you're down.
'"I never loved you.'"
I don't like it when characters are 70% cold and 30% hot. That was Darren in this book. I don't care how much he had a heart of gold on the inside because actions are what decides things. Granted, his actions in the end were fine and dandy, but still. I'm tired of making excuses for this guy.
Ian, on the other hand, is introduced as a second love interest. He's sweet and much more open than Darren. If Ryiah doesn't want him, I'll happily take him.
In all honesty though, the characters were all great in their own way. Ryiah was great in asserting herself and developing her magic (even with moody lil' bitches like Master Byron). Ella and Alex's relationship get pretty intense, and Alex especially grows to become the man that Ella needs, rather than his flirtatious old self. Ella continues to be a fantastic supporting character that really supports Ryiah, and Priscilla continues to be a fantastic bitch that bitches all the time. More characters are introduced that you love and hate, and some characters come back.
I really appreciate the battle scenes. They're quite detailed, and the author takes us through the planning and steps the characters take to lay out mock battles for training. She thinks of the most minute details and they just go so well with the dangerous setting. Although I would've liked a more thorough history of the world, in my opinion this makes up for it. It isn't every day that an author will be so descriptive in battles, and like I said, I really appreciate it.
Going back to the romance though, the emphasis put on it was just too much for me. At one point, Ryiah had to "choose" between Ian and Darren. Like a Pokemon! She literally says, "I choose you," at least two times in the book. I'm disappointed she thought she had to choose one of the guys and break the heart of the other. You could have chosen NEITHER of them. Problem solved. But no, Ryiah has to make it complicated to herself, even though she's sixteen (or around that age) and could have been better off training rather than crying about boys. At some point, it seemed like if I asked Ryiah "Apprenticeship v. Boys" she probably would have picked boys. It really seemed that way, given the amount of crying and worrying she did for the opposite gender.
Going on to the writing, I feel like the author likes to repeat certain words or phrases. They're kind of like a default. Since book one I've read all about Darren's garnet/fire eyes and Ryiah's traitorous body/mind and Alex being a big flirt. I think we get the point. Other than that, there's something about not using contractions that make the dialogue seem kind of stilted. It's one thing to say, "I am not hungry," and another to say, "I'm not hungry." Granted, all the characters talk that way so I just take it all in and pretend that's how they speak in the book. I'm not sure if Rachel E Carter does it on purpose or that's just the way she writes, because in my personal experience I cannot sound believable if I do not use contractions. Either that or I'm being way formal.
So getting down to the main points, I really liked how the characters remained consistent and strong. At first we are introduced to more of the world, but there's not enough to my liking. For others though, I'm sure it'll be fine. The romance is high angst and high intensity, but although I complained about it I didn't not enjoy reading it. Sometimes I just need some ridiculous angst in my otherwise mundane and stressful life.
I'm giving it a half star lower than the first book because Darren was honestly pissing me off, and too much of Ryiah's time was devoted to thinking about him, in my opinion.
"That, and I was done with my body's traitorous reaction any time the prince looked at me."
You and me both, girl. You and me both.
Rating: 3.5/5
Our main character, Ryiah, is doing pretty well at school. The rigorous course from First Year really prepared her and her friends, so there is less detail on their coursework and the amount of studying and practicing they did. Instead, Rachel E Carter introduces the world the characters live in and its conflicts. I really liked this, considering I'm pretty sure the first book hardly mentioned the place they lived in at all. The majority of the book took place at The Academy so it felt quite secluded.
The characters live in Jerar, which is coming into conflict with one of its neighboring kingdoms, Caltoth. In the book we see a little bit of the Caltoth soldiers, but other than that: nothing. I kind of wish there was a little bit more background on all the countries, including history and culture. Think of your most generic fantasy setting and kingdoms, and there we have Jerar. This is a little disappointing considering you have MAGES fighting with MAGIC and obviously if there's magic then somehow it started and there's definitely drama in that to fill the history books. Alas, the drama we discuss today is for a different situation.
In my eighth grade US History class, there used to be a poster called "Save the drama for your llama." Omg I found it lol.
Anyway, I didn't really understand it years back because why the heck would I own a llama?? After reading this book, that's all I could think about. There was just so much of it - teenage angst and drama. I guess I shouldn't complain much, because there's bound to be drama in YA books dealing with teenagers, but there's just someone who I couldn't stand in the book: Darren.
Is he supposed to be like Jericho Barrons? Honestly, it just felt like he was on his period the whole time. There's this song by Katy Perry that goes a little bit like this:
You're hot and you're cold
"'I want you, Ryiah. Just say the words and I'll do it.'"
You're yes and you're no
"'What do you want me to say, Ryiah? I made a mistake.'"
You're in and you're out
"'I'm in love with you, Ryiah. Nothing is ever going to change that."
You're up and you're down.
'"I never loved you.'"
I don't like it when characters are 70% cold and 30% hot. That was Darren in this book. I don't care how much he had a heart of gold on the inside because actions are what decides things. Granted, his actions in the end were fine and dandy, but still. I'm tired of making excuses for this guy.
Ian, on the other hand, is introduced as a second love interest. He's sweet and much more open than Darren. If Ryiah doesn't want him, I'll happily take him.
In all honesty though, the characters were all great in their own way. Ryiah was great in asserting herself and developing her magic (even with moody lil' bitches like Master Byron). Ella and Alex's relationship get pretty intense, and Alex especially grows to become the man that Ella needs, rather than his flirtatious old self. Ella continues to be a fantastic supporting character that really supports Ryiah, and Priscilla continues to be a fantastic bitch that bitches all the time. More characters are introduced that you love and hate, and some characters come back.
I really appreciate the battle scenes. They're quite detailed, and the author takes us through the planning and steps the characters take to lay out mock battles for training. She thinks of the most minute details and they just go so well with the dangerous setting. Although I would've liked a more thorough history of the world, in my opinion this makes up for it. It isn't every day that an author will be so descriptive in battles, and like I said, I really appreciate it.
Going back to the romance though, the emphasis put on it was just too much for me. At one point, Ryiah had to "choose" between Ian and Darren. Like a Pokemon! She literally says, "I choose you," at least two times in the book. I'm disappointed she thought she had to choose one of the guys and break the heart of the other. You could have chosen NEITHER of them. Problem solved. But no, Ryiah has to make it complicated to herself, even though she's sixteen (or around that age) and could have been better off training rather than crying about boys. At some point, it seemed like if I asked Ryiah "Apprenticeship v. Boys" she probably would have picked boys. It really seemed that way, given the amount of crying and worrying she did for the opposite gender.
Going on to the writing, I feel like the author likes to repeat certain words or phrases. They're kind of like a default. Since book one I've read all about Darren's garnet/fire eyes and Ryiah's traitorous body/mind and Alex being a big flirt. I think we get the point. Other than that, there's something about not using contractions that make the dialogue seem kind of stilted. It's one thing to say, "I am not hungry," and another to say, "I'm not hungry." Granted, all the characters talk that way so I just take it all in and pretend that's how they speak in the book. I'm not sure if Rachel E Carter does it on purpose or that's just the way she writes, because in my personal experience I cannot sound believable if I do not use contractions. Either that or I'm being way formal.
So getting down to the main points, I really liked how the characters remained consistent and strong. At first we are introduced to more of the world, but there's not enough to my liking. For others though, I'm sure it'll be fine. The romance is high angst and high intensity, but although I complained about it I didn't not enjoy reading it. Sometimes I just need some ridiculous angst in my otherwise mundane and stressful life.
I'm giving it a half star lower than the first book because Darren was honestly pissing me off, and too much of Ryiah's time was devoted to thinking about him, in my opinion.
"That, and I was done with my body's traitorous reaction any time the prince looked at me."
You and me both, girl. You and me both.
Rating: 3.5/5
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