Review of The Rebel Mages by Laurie Forest

Rebel Mages encompasses the two novellas in The Black Witch Chronicles: Wandfasted and Light Mage.

Synopsis of Wandfasted

Twenty years before Elloren Gardner enrolled at the illustrious Verpax University, Erthia was rent asunder during the devastating Realm War. When Tessla Harrow is driven from her home by the fighting, she discovers a depth of power she never knew she had…and an irresistible draw toward Vale Gardner, the son of the most powerful mage her people have ever known—the Black Witch.

Review

I'm having a seriously bad fangirling case. Wandfasted is amazing! I enjoyed it as much as The Black Witch.

Wandfasted tells the story of how Tessla and Vale (Elloren's parents) knew each other. It also shows why Carnissa Gardner became a legend, and believe me you don't want to miss that. With a fast pace and beautiful world-building, this book is simply impossible to put down once you start.

I absolutely loved getting to know Tessla, she's a badass, the kind of MC that I can't get enough of: intelligent, brave, selfless, strong and mature. Vale I had to warm up to, but once you get to know him better he's easy to love. 

Is also quite the experience getting to know the parents of other characters from The Black Witch. You get a lot of: "now I get it".

I completely recommend this book for anyone who knows how to read, and if you don't, here's a good reason.

Synopsis of Light Mage

Before Elloren came to possess the White Wand of myth, the Wand was drawn to another bearer: Sagellyn Gaffney. Sage’s affinity for light magery, a rare skill among Gardnerians, makes her the perfect protector for the one tool that can combat the shadows spreading across Erthia. But in order to keep the Wand safe from the dark forces hunting for it, Sage must abandon everything she once knew and forge a new path for herself…a dangerous course that could lead to either triumph or utter ruin.

Review

Imagine living in a world where people are segregated based on their race. Where religion has been twisted and turned into a weapon, aimed against other's beliefs. Where fear of the unknown leads to hate and cruelty. Where little girls have no right over their own bodies and are forced into marriage. 

Not difficult to do, right?

Sage Gaffney comes from an extremely religious family, even for a Gardnerian. She has been taught that being obedient and following the teachings of the Ancient One will keep her safe. Safe from the demons that want to corrupt her people, safe from the vile men that hurt innocent girls like her. Her bubble shatters when she learns -in the worse way possible- that evil thrives within her own people; hidden behind mountains of lies.

She is thrust into the cruel reality of being shunned by her family, her kind, and all the other races the Gardnerians have hurt. But she is not alone, she finds allies from where she least expects, compassion from those who she thought were evil, patient teaching from the shunned; unconditional love from a man she “should” fear. There is a lot of pain and heartbreak for her, but also a lot of friendship and love. 

Sage is brave, compassionate, kind, and she learns fast. The kind of heroine I can root for easily; she makes mistakes, but learns from them and comes out stronger in the end. 

The love interest, Ciaran, is one of my fave male MCs. He is different from many others, and I loved that. There are a lot of lovable secondary characters, my absolute favorite is Rivyr, I need more of him and his antics. 

A must-read by an author that has quickly become one of my favorite. 

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