Wicked spells, deadly foes, and a dark magic I can’t control…Let the fun begin
All my life I’ve been stuck under my famous mother’s shadow. She’s a powerful mage, level-headed, and respected. Everything I’m not. So when I’m offered the chance to make my mark at the premier academy of magic, who am I to say no?
But on day one I’m partnered with devilishly handsome, … so-infuriating-I-want-to-strangle-him Asher.
Then someone releases a monster that nearly kills me, and my best friend is kidnapped.
Seriously?
Turns out a new baddie is gathering power, someone with insanely powerful magic who’s nursing an intense grudge against me and those I love. Worse, I’ve got never-before-seen magic of my own. Dark magic. Uncontrollable magic
As maddening as Asher is, I’ll have to work with him if I want any chance at finding my best friend and stopping this new threat. But with my dark magic growing stronger by the day, keeping it secret is becoming nearly impossible.
Now it’s a race to see which happens first: I’m captured, Asher and I kill each other, or my own darkness within destroys me…
Shifters, vampires, magic, romance, and twists you won’t see coming. Love snarky heroines, slow-burn romance, and incredible magic? Jump into this fast-paced YA urban fantasy and a paranormal world unlike any you’ve ever imagined…These are urban fantasies you won’t want to put down!
“Intensely captivating! Sean hits this baby out da park with this nerve racking, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell.” —Kaye, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“WOW this is a fast paced , action packed urban fantasy read that once you start you will be glued to your seat and be unable to move, it’s that good!”—Debbie, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Love love love!!!! I can’t wait to read more from this series!” —Crystal, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
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I really enjoyed Sean Fletcher’s Mages of New York series so, when I came across Called by Darkness (New York Academy of Magic Book 1), I figured it was worth trying out. I’m glad I did. This was a fun book. Well written, with a great plot, a superb heroine in Skykar (just the sort of kick-a** gal I love), a perfect supporting cast from Asher, Mia and Colson on down and perfect world-building. Definitely recommended.
A great story, with amazing characters! Teenage drama, powerful parents, intriguing enemies and thrilling storyline!
Magical and interesting world building and a delicious storyline!
Totally worth reading. Following the lives of the young mages as they struggle to control the opponent’s of the academy . Great storyline , brilliant introduction to a new series.
Totally recommended.
I have never read this author before this book, and to be honest I thought I had. Well, I will again after reading this one. I have to be honest that I’m not a big fan of YA, mostly because my two kids are just about the same age, and I have a hard time separating the fiction from the nonfiction. LOL! Anyway, this book is very well-written, and the characters were interesting. I thought the protagonist was a little immature, but she is only 17 (hence why I am not a huge fan of YA). She did get better as the book went on, and I quite enjoyed the book from start to finish. In fact, I am hooked and have to know what happens next. If you love YA, definitely give this one a try; you’ll love it! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This spin-off (or continuation??) of Mage’s apprentice series, is a wonderful coming to age story about Skylar, Asher and their classmates in New York Academy of Magic, their fight against evil and darkness, while learning to work and tolerate each other to succeed. A wonderful start of a new series!! Loved it!
This is a well written book. The characters are enjoyable and well developed. I really enjoyed the storyline and would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW this is a fast paced , action packed urban fantasy read that once you start you will be glued to your seat and be unable to move, it’s that good! Well written you’ve got Shifters, vampires, magic, romance, a sassy and snarky heroine, a swoon worthy hero, twists and turns that will put you in a spin and magic! An truly addictive read that will have you begging for the next book!
(Not only) for fans of the Mages of New York series 🙂
This book is the first in a new spin-off series, so if you liked Mages of New York, and especially Aspen and Lucien, chances are good you will enjoy this tale of their respective offspring as much as I did.
Especially in this first instalment of the series, Skylar reminds me so much of her mother Aspen, it’s sometimes not even funny – except when it is. Asher seems to follow in his father’s flashy footsteps into overachieverdom, but – unlike his dad – he isn’t larger than life. Yet. We’ll see what the rest of the series will bring. 😉
Rounding out our new team of heroes are Mia, Skylar’s best friend and understated bada$$, and Colson, who is so far my favorite of the four, not only because he seems to be a good guy, loyal and kind, and frankly the smartest of the bunch under fire.
Add to that a mysterious, magical villain who is on a vendetta against Skylar’s family, and all bets are off if the world as we know it will be in ruins (again) by the end of the series.
TL;DR: This book provides an excellent setup for the series to come. Looking forward to reading the next book to find out how the story continues!
First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this author is new to me, and I hope it won’t be for long.
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. Skylar is a wild child. She thinks she has to be better than her mother, who’s a living legend. She’s afraid to trust anyone, so she’s always going off half cocked. That is until she’s partnered with Asher. There’s an evil trying to destroy the academy of magic, and it’s connected to Skylar. I look forward to the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
We have suspense, action, mystery and a little more. Skylar and her friends are now part of the upperclassmen and have another 4 years of training. With her trying to live up to be as good as her mother and then being partner up with Asher she is not happy. Then out of the blue there is darkness causing mayhem at the academy and after her. What will she do to keep her friends safe? Can she ever get back to accepting Asher as her partner? Can she ever be come as good as her mother? What does this darkness want with her? I received a free copy for my honest review.
What can I say about this book hmmm….is READ IT helpful?!
Okay, okay…fine…but you should really read it still. This book was an amazing kickstart to a new series and I was hooked on it to almost scary levels! From page one I was intrigued and by page two I just needed more.
I loved sooo much about this story it felt unique and powerful. It started off a little different to the academy books I have read which I really liked. I enjoy very much when I find uniqueness especially in a style of books I read a lot of.
So this book starts off with Skylar already knowing of her abilities…well sorta, there’s things she isn’t aware of, like what powers she really does hold, but she knows of the magical world of magic and magical beings and she’s even been brought up at the New York Magic Academy…but she’s beginning a new path at the Academy one that will be a lot harder. You see there’s so many years they do at the Academy and then they can choose to move on, leave, get jobs etc but then there is the option of staying on for another four years and doing like a Masters. Where they will be taught a lot more advanced stuff and get a different level of training. So here we find the starting of our book, just before the commencement of the Entrance Ceremony.
But in true Skylar fashion she isn’t running on time and turns up late after being at the Beastology stables, feeding some baby dragons, that she kinda wasn’t meant to even be there. As you’ll learn very quickly Skylar isn’t one for rules or being kept in a box. It says it all on page one.
“Naturally, I didn’t let something as silly as a rule stop me.”
I think this should be this girls motto lol. Like seriously it should be.
Once she makes it to the ceremony without too much drama…and is beside her bestie, Mia, who is trying not to laugh at her friends ways. As everything begins moving on as it should, with only an extra ‘Skylar touch’ when she meddles with one of the kids robes to change colours when on stage (you are seriously never going to be bored with her around lol). We then move onto her year and as is the custom for the newbie Masters, they are assigned Partners to which they are to be with for the next upcoming years…and who else does she get paired with? Of course the one person she can’t stand Asher Dunadine. Old time best friend but now categorised under total jerk (according to Skylar).
…and now she’s stuck with him and her best friend, Mia, just got assigned to Asher’s best friend Colson, who btws Mia is majorly crushing on. Sounds like fun times ahead right? For Sure!
Well for us…I don’t think they are too thrilled about this. I’m sure they’ll get over it.
Things get right down to it after this, and we have a magical being called a Manticore that attacks and of course Skylar is right in the thick of it. You see there’s one thing you need to know about this girl. Her mum is kinda a big deal in the magical world. She’s one of the top fighters, being classed as a hero, along with…can you guess? Yep, yep Asher’s dad Lucien who, oh yep is also the Headmaster.
So you see for these two students they have a lot to live up to, in a sense as everyone expects a lot from them. A lot of pressure to not just pass but to be the best. But for Skylar she feels like she’s almost lost in her Mum’s shadow and is trying to break free of that. So sometime, okay most of the time she is pretty reckless. But she puts a lot of pressure on herself and doesn’t really let many get close to her because she feels like she has to do everything on her own. Be the best by herself, with no help. You can kinda picture the struggle Asher is going to have here right? I know I should probably feel a little sorry for the guy but I’m really not lol.
Its not that I’m mean but they are perfect for each other…and there’s strong chemistry so…I totally support it!
These are how the best relationships start right readers? The girl thinks they are jerk and then they learn they aren’t nearly as bad as they thought and the guy realises that the girl isn’t everything she’s showing and then things start getting better. In Sklar and Asher’s case though, they are both pretty stubborn but they work out some of the stuff…there’s still a very longs ways for both of them to go but they make improvements. Some lol.
“You know,” I said nervously, “just because we understand each other a little better doesn’t mean I’m going to stop giving you a hard time.” He smiled. A full, dazzling smile. “I can’t think of anything better.”
A little about the story….a lot really happens. Some really cool stuff I was extremely interested in. Not long into their partnering up – all partners are roomed together, which is important to know. So basically Mia and Skylar share a room and Asher and Colson share but they are grouped together, like in an apartment I guess…anywho, so not long into the year Mia gets kidnapped and Skylar not thinking just dashes off after the person with her friend…leaving behind Colson and Asher. Except she soon learns that the person she is following wants to be followed…and she meets this woman who is set on revenge about something Skylar’s mum did…and they weren’t really after her friend but her.
But from this event, Skylar is worrying that something is inside her. See, she’s hearing this guys voice in her. Which in a magical world is never ever a good sign or any world…but as the story goes on she learns she has a darkness inside her and she is rightfully so terrified of it, when she realises what it is and what it can do.
What it had given me, what it had done…this wasn’t magic. This was monstrous. I stumbled forward, legs weak. “I didn’t…what is this?” I stared at my arms. The smoky darkness was there, but instead of elation I felt only disgust. I’d wanted to kill. I’d thought nothing of the destruction I was causing.
There is a new darkness gathering in New York a power that is seeking revenge and something a little more, and it has its sight on Skylar…and it’s prepared to take everything down that she loves, to get what it wants.
Skylar teams up with her classmates to try and work out who and what this Society is after and why they are after her. But one thing Skylar is keeping very close to her chest…a secret she is afraid could be her undoing, is the darkness inside her. But sometimes darkness is needed to fight darkness and they are going to need everything they have to get through this alive. Except the thing is, whenever she runs off to fight these people, Asher thinks she’s just doing it to get attention to be the best so he’s really not too impressed with her and then they tend to butt heads a lot in an epic way.
I loved so much about this book and I automatically connected to the characters in this story. There were times I was like Skylar you are awesome but maybe pull it back a little and think things through lol…but hey I guess that’s why she was paired with Asher…and he’s more than happy to tell her that. To be the practical side of her brain. See told you…perfect. for. each. other!
Trust Skylar to come to that conclusion haha. Man, I love this chick. Her fight and determination, to see something through…but what I loved the most with this…is that with the friendship of not just Asher but also Colson and Mia we see a growth in all the characters. As they work out how to be as a team. They might not be perfect but together each of their weaknesses is another strength. So that is what makes it perfect.
Be brought into a world where nothing is quite clear, where secrets are being kept and where friendships grow and new relationships develop. This is a story you won’t want to miss. It is engaging and the kind of book you just won’t want to put down.
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Sean Fletcher and if you are in the same boat guys you need to start reading his works now! I know I won’t be just stopping at this book.
Thank you so much, Sean, for the chance to read and review this amazing story. I can’t wait for more, like….seriously…I need more of this!
This is one of those books that will take you completely away from reality and the moment you resurface, you’re just lost and don’t know anything anymore.
Okay, I think I’ve talked your ears clear off by now so I’m gonna leave it at that.
Happy Readings My Nerdy Friends
Skylar has decided to extended her studies, they have a ceremony where they find out who their partners are. Turns out her partner is her former friend Asher. She really didn’t want him as a partner. Then things going crazy, when some one sends a manticore after the students and school. Asher and her get into how she behaved during it.
They have a hard time being partners, she doesn’t even know why their friendship ended. During one of their fights, Skylar is some dark place, she snaps out of it. But not before freaking everyone out
When her friend Mia is taken, She will work with Asher and his friend Colson to get her back. When they find her, Skylar makes a deal with the darkness in her.
Will Skylar be able to fight the darkness, Who is this person after her. Will her and Asher every find a balance.
This was a really good read, the author keeps a smooth pace at the book. Between the push and pull between her and Asher, her self confidence and the danger surrounding them. What will happen to Sky and the others, I will be reading more in this series to see what will happen.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review and opinion
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. This book has plenty of action and suspense. I really enjoyed reading this new series, and love some of the characters from the other series.
If you’ve read the Mages of New York, then you don’t want to miss Sean Fletcher’s new series!!! Skylar, Aspen’s daughter, and Asher, Lucien’s son, are graduating from the New York Academy of Magic and ready to start their advanced studies. They both have huge shoes to fill, what with being the offspring of Aspen and Lucien, and the pressure they feel is palpable throughout the book. Although they were brought up together and used to be thick as thieves, their relationship has dwindled and that’s another issue they have to confront. Do I detect here a budding romance? I certainly hope so!
The book starts with a bang, and leads you on a merry ride of adventure, suspense and intrigue from start to finish. Sean Fletcher continues to expand the unique universe he created in the Mages of New York, while the character development is excellent. Although the narrative is from Skylar’s POV, all characters come to life through her perspective. An excellent first installment in this new series, that I literally inhaled! Not wanting to sound trite, but I really can’t wait for the next book!!!
This is a fantastic read. That grabs you right from the start. Its fast paced and full of adventure. Theres twists and turns. The story building is awesome. And the characters are brought out so well that I felt as I read, I could see the scenes in my minds eye. This is a definite must Read.
Shauna Joesten
Loved it! Action packed just like the rest of his books and definitely doesn’t disappoint! Can’t wait for the next one!
ONE EXPLOSIVE WHIRLWIND!!!
Intensely captivating! Sean hits this baby out da park with this nerve racking, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell. A tightly spinning vortex of vexing circumstances and a bevy of contingent events launch this baby into a tailspin with surprising impacts. The drama, uncertainty, intrigue, danger and suspense keep you riveted on a razors edge. Toss in uncertainty, shenanigans and perplexing situations along with the turmoil and distress and you have one explosive adventure. One thrilling storyline and gripping plot blasts this baby to life flawlessly. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes thrust this baby together smooth as silk. Remarkable job Sean, thanks for sharing this baby with us.