There are exactly one hundred halls of magic to choose from. Ever since our parents were killed I knew exactly which hall was for me.Aurelia “Aurie” Silverthorne is one of the best and brightest to ever apply to the Hundred Halls, the only magical university in the world. To be accepted, she must pass grueling trials that claim the lives of aspirants every year. But more than her desire to … her desire to practice magic is at stake.
Aurie’s little sister has been courting powerful forces in hopes of protecting herself from the beings that killed their parents, but alliances come with complications. As things spiral out of control, and dangerous foes arise at every turn, Aurie knows the only way to protect her sister is to pass the trials—even if it means making a terrible sacrifice.
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It’s like an older female Harry Potter. I enjoyed it enough to get the second book. Good characters and an interesting premise. If you like a magical world it’s a good read.
Fun with sorcery.
This was a great story- I couldn’t put it down, and it kept me guessing until the end. I also liked the fact it ended well and didn’t leave me hanging, even though it’s book #1 in the series. A must-read. Very well written. 🙂
Trials of magic is the first book in The Hundred Halls series. The main characters are two very different sisters, Aurie and Pi … both wonderful, strong, determined young women. This entertaining, fast paced story is told from both sisters perspectives which adds more depth to the characters. Getting into The Hundred Halls magical university is one thing, staying there and staying alive is something quite different. A host of supporting characters move the story along easily and it is easy to keep up with who’s who…working out who’s good, bad or evil is another matter. The author has cleverly combined several different genres to create an interesting, action packed book that I did not want to put down. I definitely recommend this book and cannot wait to read more books in this series.
This book is one of those that sticks with you. I read this sometime last week and I am still thinking about it. I found the world and characters to be really well developed and they keep popping into my mind. The sisters in this book are both incredibly different from one another. Their contrasting personalities make for interesting family dynamics. I can appreciate them both, with their respective personalities. I find that I was more like Aurie when I was younger, and now that I’ve gotten older I am more like Pi.
I found the trials to be incredibly interesting as the author gets creative with the use of magic in them. I read a review where someone compared the trials to Divergent, but personally I think that it is way different than that. I love challenges like that though. I once did an escape room myself, which is the only thing that I have to compare it to in my life, and I loved it. These types of challenges really get you thinking outside of the box and show the individuality of the two sisters.
The second day of the trials had me literally yelling at the book and one of the characters because I was so engrossed and upset with a character’s actions. I really felt for Aurie and the anxieties of the trial had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself completely enthralled and stayed up really late to finish this book.
Aurie and Pi both experience discrimination because they are poor. Imagine bullies who can also perform magic. This discrimination, among other factors makes being an initiate of the different halls akin to the real world experience of hazing pledges at sorority or fraternity houses. I have always dreamed of living in a fantasy world, but high school was hard enough without bullies who wield magic.
Trials of Magic had a really cool plot. It also set up this incredible world with potential of a really cool series. I really admire the plotting and the world building and would also really love to continue reading this series. Thomas K. Carpenter fills a world with ideas that aren’t necessarily original, and creates a novel unlike anything you’ve read. Somehow it remains fresh feeling. I am left stunned and in admiration.
Very entertaining I’m looking forward to book 2
This is about 2 heroines sisters and other than being loyal, innovative , smart, and resourceful they don’t have much in common. They have all the tools to succeed if they can each get past different personal hangups. You watch them grow and unfold even as the plot does
Such a well written fun start to a series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. This is a great example of how to blend magic into a functional modern world. Lots of twist and turns to keep you hooked.
I thought it was a neet idea to take sisters and send them simultaneously through a magical university . Highlighting each strength, weakness, and fears . I could not wait till i found a copy of the next book
Great story with characters that slowly develop and expand.
Love the characters and the story being told. I’ve been thru a couple in the series and looking forward to the next one.
This was well done fantasy series. It could have used more humor, but made up for that lack with unending action. The author never hesitates to send his characters into awful situations.
Quit reading after one or two chapters. Not very interesting.
An enjoyable read, entertaining. I liked the characters, and the magic academy was different, but similar. It reminded me of the different schools in Harry Potter, but with more choices. Have picked up the second in the series to read.
Easy simple read. Was ok
Orphaned twins, full of magic, face the trials involved to become students in their chosen Halls to train their magic. Others in their chosen Halls don’t want them there. Can they succeed?
Very well written with an excellent plot and characters. The story pulls you in until the end, with plenty of action and twists, I couldn’t put it down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and freely give my honest review.