My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Author: Melanie Cellier

Format: E-book

Pages: 316

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic

Book Blurb:

Elena may be the only Spoken Mage in history, but she struggles with limitations. Unable to stockpile written workings as her mageborn year mates do, she runs the constant risk of burning out. But when the Armed Forces draw the third years to the front lines of their war, Elena’s strength and flexibility may be necessary to keep them all alive.

As Elena wrestles with how much she will sacrifice for the war, Lucas must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice for her. Faced with a greater threat than even they realize, Elena and Lucas must work together and either fight or be consumed by their enemies.

MY REVIEW

Elena is a Spoken Mage, whereas other mages write a composition of magic on paper and then tear it up in order for the magic to happen, all she needs to do is speak the words. In the first two books Elena is at an academy learning how to harness and expand her powers. Their kingdom, Ardann has been at war with neighboring kingdom, Kallorway. This time Elena and her classmates are sent to the front lines to observe the battle but gets caught in some skirmishes.

One reason I like this series is how the magic is created with the written compositions. It’s different! It would definitely be easier to speak out a command than spend time composing it but the author shows how writing could be beneficial in certain aspects as well.

There was a lot more action in this book now that they are at the front lines. Elena’s best friends are with her and still awesome. I’m glad she has good people around her. The romance has been a clean slow burn throughout three books now. It’s a back and forth thing between Prince Lucas and Elena. But I just wish they would just stay together. The twist in the ending, made me pause hard. It threw me off and made me wonder why that needed to take place. I’m not sure that I like it. I guess we will see how it works out in the next book – but it definitely surprised me!

All the books in this series are quick, easy, fun reads – this one wasn’t my favorite though.