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Ember Academy for Young Witches #1
Basics of Spellcraft
Ancient curses. Blocked memories. And an Academy for young witches that might just hold the answers.
I should have known something was wrong when my weird aunt arrived in town just as I started getting killer headaches.
But how was I supposed to know that it was a sign of repressed magic?
Or that an ancient witch had escaped her tomb and sent demons after me?
Demons who cursed my mother.
I wanted to stay with her, even if she wouldn’t wake, but I was sent to Ember Academy for Young Witches instead. Somewhere the demons hopefully can’t get me.
I need to find a way to lift the curse, but there’s a block on both my magic and memories that everyone is refusing to lift.
A block that might hold the answers as to why an ancient witch is after me in the first place.
If I can figure her out, maybe I can figure out this curse.
My teachers don’t want me digging into it, worried about the danger.
But I don’t care.
My mother was cursed because of me, and I’m not going to rest until she’s safe again.
BASICS OF SPELLCRAFT is the first book in the Ember Academy for Young Witches YA Urban Fantasy Academy series. If you love kick-ass heroines, Sapphic slow-burn romances, and magical boarding schools, you’ll love this latest fast-paced series in L.C. Mawson’s Snowverse.
I should have known something was wrong when my weird aunt arrived in town just as I started getting killer headaches.
But how was I supposed to know that it was a sign of repressed magic?
Or that an ancient witch had escaped her tomb and sent demons after me?
Demons who cursed my mother.
I wanted to stay with her, even if she wouldn’t wake, but I was sent to Ember Academy for Young Witches instead. Somewhere the demons hopefully can’t get me.
I need to find a way to lift the curse, but there’s a block on both my magic and memories that everyone is refusing to lift.
A block that might hold the answers as to why an ancient witch is after me in the first place.
If I can figure her out, maybe I can figure out this curse.
My teachers don’t want me digging into it, worried about the danger.
But I don’t care.
My mother was cursed because of me, and I’m not going to rest until she’s safe again.
BASICS OF SPELLCRAFT is the first book in the Ember Academy for Young Witches YA Urban Fantasy Academy series. If you love kick-ass heroines, Sapphic slow-burn romances, and magical boarding schools, you’ll love this latest fast-paced series in L.C. Mawson’s Snowverse.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
264 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Mawson
99 books246 followersSome say she's an ancient creature of nightmare that was unleashed from beneath the ocean, come to devour the souls of men. Others say that she's a cosmic being from the beyond the stars that has taken corporeal form to learn our ways for some unknown end...
In truth, L.C. Mawson lives in a tower in the middle of a haunted forest, far from civilisation and is definitely not a witch who curses those who trespass upon her land. And she definitely cannot turn into a dragon that flies over cities in the dead of night and whose cries are often mistaken for an approaching storm. Where did you hear that? That's absurd...
The only contact she has with humanity is publishing books every so often, which is definitely just for fun and not part of an ancient contract with a trickster god.
In truth, L.C. Mawson lives in a tower in the middle of a haunted forest, far from civilisation and is definitely not a witch who curses those who trespass upon her land. And she definitely cannot turn into a dragon that flies over cities in the dead of night and whose cries are often mistaken for an approaching storm. Where did you hear that? That's absurd...
The only contact she has with humanity is publishing books every so often, which is definitely just for fun and not part of an ancient contract with a trickster god.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 18, 2020
On the surface, Amy (Amelia) is like every other sixteen-year-olds – albeit with ADHD – yet in a rather short period of time, she finds out that she’s a Witch and also that maybe she’s attracted to other girls. Or at least to one other girl, Natalie, who is part-Witch part-Vampire. And maybe another, Willow, who’s half-Elf. No wonder she’s confused. Then there’s the matter of the curse which put her mother to sleep and no one seems to know how to wake her.
I loved the atmosphere of this book. Since Harry Potter, there’s been a lot of YA books with witches and wizards at school and I often get an impression of déjà-vu, but not here, at least not in a way that bothered me. What I did feel was the intensity, the earnestness and sometimes the ingenuousness of adolescence.
Basics of Spellcraft is my first book by this author. It’s set in her Snowverse, which boasts I don’t know how many books. What that means is that while this particular novel is the first of a new series with a completely open ending (yes, there’s a cliffhanger), there are quite a few others in the same universe, some of which you can get for free on L. C. Mawson’s website. And I’ll definitely check them out.
Because the whole magic thing is new to Amelia, the reader learns all about it with her, which I think makes this book a good one to get into the Snowverse if, like me, you’re only just discovering it. Book two, History of Magic, is available for pre-order already, so if open endings are a problem for you, you’ll need to be patient but not for too long.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the atmosphere of this book. Since Harry Potter, there’s been a lot of YA books with witches and wizards at school and I often get an impression of déjà-vu, but not here, at least not in a way that bothered me. What I did feel was the intensity, the earnestness and sometimes the ingenuousness of adolescence.
Basics of Spellcraft is my first book by this author. It’s set in her Snowverse, which boasts I don’t know how many books. What that means is that while this particular novel is the first of a new series with a completely open ending (yes, there’s a cliffhanger), there are quite a few others in the same universe, some of which you can get for free on L. C. Mawson’s website. And I’ll definitely check them out.
Because the whole magic thing is new to Amelia, the reader learns all about it with her, which I think makes this book a good one to get into the Snowverse if, like me, you’re only just discovering it. Book two, History of Magic, is available for pre-order already, so if open endings are a problem for you, you’ll need to be patient but not for too long.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
A little bit of House of Night, a dash of Harry Potter and a whole lot of its own world mark this book which is obviously first of a series. It is rather more simplistic than the other two but still an entertaining fantasy.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 14, 2020
This was exciting from the very start! I kept yelling, 'NOOO... Ms. M is dodgy' and dang I hate being right. Amelia sure is handling learning that she's a witch and that she's a lady lover pretty well. She's a good kid and I hope things get better for her... but then, where's the fun in that?
January 17, 2020
ONE AWESOME ADVENTURE!!!
Crap on toast! Mawson ups the ante', lowering the boom with this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, block busting bombshell, nailing it down, blowing this little fella into the eye of the storm, throwing this baby into a tailspin with astonishing results. A churning vortex of unexpected events and daunting surprises fuse this gem together seamlessly. Combating the drama, intrigue, danger and soaring suspense as tension spirals, blasting this little fella to life perfectly. Add distress and turmoil, along with perplexing situations, toss in a little fun and you have one thrilling adventure. Blundering through the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of surprising twists and sharp turns, fuses this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Mawson, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Crap on toast! Mawson ups the ante', lowering the boom with this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, block busting bombshell, nailing it down, blowing this little fella into the eye of the storm, throwing this baby into a tailspin with astonishing results. A churning vortex of unexpected events and daunting surprises fuse this gem together seamlessly. Combating the drama, intrigue, danger and soaring suspense as tension spirals, blasting this little fella to life perfectly. Add distress and turmoil, along with perplexing situations, toss in a little fun and you have one thrilling adventure. Blundering through the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of surprising twists and sharp turns, fuses this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Mawson, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
September 9, 2020
Amy is a 16 year old girl who is just trying to navigate life. Her ADHD makes it a little harder and recently Amy has been getting really bad headaches. To top it off, Amy also thinks she might be a lesbian. Amy's headaches are the worst when her Aunt Jess visits, however Aunt Jess has an interesting proposal for Amy- to attend the boarding school that she was recently hired to teach for. Amy's life quickly changes course when her mother is cursed by a demon in an attempt to get to Amy. Amy is whisked away to the Ember Academy for Young Witches where she has to wait for the brain block to lift so she can fully access her powers. While Amy learns about her new reality, she is introduced to all kinds of new beings and the world of magic including a very hot half-witch, half vampire named Natalie and an extremely attractive half-with, half-elf named Willow. Even with all these new distractions, Amy's focus remains on lifting the curse from her mother and she is willing to do anything to get her mother back.
Basics of Spellcraft is a fun adventure in the Ember Academy for Young Witches. I really enjoyed Amy's character and that her ADHD actually helped her to become a better witch. Amy is very relatable, she is headstrong, resilient and constantly changing and growing. I do wish that she thought more about her choices, especially who to trust, but this is typical of that age. Ember Academy was wonderfully created and I loved meeting the many different types of witches and demons. I also enjoyed all of the different classes for witches and learning more of the history of the Snowverse that the story takes place in. I haven't read any of the other stories in the Snowverse, I didn't feel lost while I was reading, but I think some more background information would have been helpful. Typical of a Young Adult book, the focus shifts between Amy gaining knowledge of how to rid her mother of the curse and romance. While I loved that Amy was an LGBT character and that she became more comfortable with herself while at the academy, it seemed that the romances between Natalie and Willow were undeveloped and almost distractions. An exciting ending kept me intrigued and wanting to read more of the series.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Basics of Spellcraft is a fun adventure in the Ember Academy for Young Witches. I really enjoyed Amy's character and that her ADHD actually helped her to become a better witch. Amy is very relatable, she is headstrong, resilient and constantly changing and growing. I do wish that she thought more about her choices, especially who to trust, but this is typical of that age. Ember Academy was wonderfully created and I loved meeting the many different types of witches and demons. I also enjoyed all of the different classes for witches and learning more of the history of the Snowverse that the story takes place in. I haven't read any of the other stories in the Snowverse, I didn't feel lost while I was reading, but I think some more background information would have been helpful. Typical of a Young Adult book, the focus shifts between Amy gaining knowledge of how to rid her mother of the curse and romance. While I loved that Amy was an LGBT character and that she became more comfortable with herself while at the academy, it seemed that the romances between Natalie and Willow were undeveloped and almost distractions. An exciting ending kept me intrigued and wanting to read more of the series.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2020
Our heroine is new to this whole magic thing, but if people say magic is what hurt her family, then she is going to learn to use it to fight back.
This is the start of a new magical academy story and it features a lot of the usual coming of age elements. That being said, I also found the overall storyline and characters to include enough fresh elements that I did not think I was reading the same old thing once again. The story is well written and includes a fast paced plot with lots of surprises, some obvious, some not. I also quite enjoyed the characters in this one, particularly our heroine. She might not understand everything that is going on, but she is willing to learn if it will help her mom. I found the story to be highly enjoyable and look forward to the next book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is the start of a new magical academy story and it features a lot of the usual coming of age elements. That being said, I also found the overall storyline and characters to include enough fresh elements that I did not think I was reading the same old thing once again. The story is well written and includes a fast paced plot with lots of surprises, some obvious, some not. I also quite enjoyed the characters in this one, particularly our heroine. She might not understand everything that is going on, but she is willing to learn if it will help her mom. I found the story to be highly enjoyable and look forward to the next book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
May 19, 2024
2.75
Okay, so this is a story about a girl who after being attacked by demons ends up at a school for witches where she tries to find a cure for her mother. Its a chosen one story with some 'Mary Sue' vibes and a good at all she does kind of main character. The writing is cheesy and I found myself rolling my eyes often but it was still kind of enjoyable. I was debating if I should continue the series and I think I just might give the next book a shot as well and see where it goes from there.
Okay, so this is a story about a girl who after being attacked by demons ends up at a school for witches where she tries to find a cure for her mother. Its a chosen one story with some 'Mary Sue' vibes and a good at all she does kind of main character. The writing is cheesy and I found myself rolling my eyes often but it was still kind of enjoyable. I was debating if I should continue the series and I think I just might give the next book a shot as well and see where it goes from there.
January 16, 2020
Basics of Spellcraft by L.C. Mawson is a wonderful story that I have loved reading. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I loved reading and can not wait for book number two. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic, fantasy and LGBT romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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March 24, 2024DNF. Just really not vibing with the writing style. Going to definitely start being more picky with which RC book boxes I get…
May 6, 2023
On the run from demons, Amy is hidden at the Ember Academy for Young Witches. Now to tell her what she is.
Amelia, aka Amy, has always been different. She suffers from ADHD and her brain processes information at a faster pace than other kids her age. She is trying a new medication, but the side effects are horrific headaches.
One night while out with her parents, cousin, and her Aunt Jessie, they are attacked by demons. Demons that say they want her! They slice her Mom’s throat and curse her mother.
Now she is hiding away at an Academy for witches while her mother lies in a coma. Everyone is keeping secrets from her telling her that she will know that truth one day. Meanwhile, demons and who knows who else is trying to kill her.
Then she sees the girl she kissed at a party last summer. Her name is Natalie and by the way, she is a vampire. I should probably tell you about her friends….
I loved this book! The academy trope is a familiar one to me of late, but this one beats all and I will tell you why.
L.C. Mawson introduces a plethora of characters from almost every area of life in Basics of Spellcraft (Amazon, B082853L1Z, 2019) the first in her “Ember Academy for Young Witches” series. Amy has mental health issues and is just discovering and coming to terms with her sexuality. She is also having to grow up fast within her boundaries to handle new experiences.
The other characters deal with issues that range from transitioning to a girl, sexuality, race (and not just being Asian), autism, parental death, parental abandonment, and bullying. There are consequences that are permanent. Mawson does not take the easy way out of some situations.
Did I forget to mention action, romance, mystery, and magic? (laugh) Mawson gives us the full package in Basics. If this is the introduction to the Academy, then sign me up for more! ✶✶✶✶✶
I received an ARC of this book from Author L.C. Mawson and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Amelia, aka Amy, has always been different. She suffers from ADHD and her brain processes information at a faster pace than other kids her age. She is trying a new medication, but the side effects are horrific headaches.
One night while out with her parents, cousin, and her Aunt Jessie, they are attacked by demons. Demons that say they want her! They slice her Mom’s throat and curse her mother.
Now she is hiding away at an Academy for witches while her mother lies in a coma. Everyone is keeping secrets from her telling her that she will know that truth one day. Meanwhile, demons and who knows who else is trying to kill her.
Then she sees the girl she kissed at a party last summer. Her name is Natalie and by the way, she is a vampire. I should probably tell you about her friends….
I loved this book! The academy trope is a familiar one to me of late, but this one beats all and I will tell you why.
L.C. Mawson introduces a plethora of characters from almost every area of life in Basics of Spellcraft (Amazon, B082853L1Z, 2019) the first in her “Ember Academy for Young Witches” series. Amy has mental health issues and is just discovering and coming to terms with her sexuality. She is also having to grow up fast within her boundaries to handle new experiences.
The other characters deal with issues that range from transitioning to a girl, sexuality, race (and not just being Asian), autism, parental death, parental abandonment, and bullying. There are consequences that are permanent. Mawson does not take the easy way out of some situations.
Did I forget to mention action, romance, mystery, and magic? (laugh) Mawson gives us the full package in Basics. If this is the introduction to the Academy, then sign me up for more! ✶✶✶✶✶
I received an ARC of this book from Author L.C. Mawson and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
August 13, 2021
This book has many faults with it that just kept adding up to the point that I almost stopped reading it when I only had 10% left to go with it. The main character Amy, Amalie, or Lie (The author could not decide what to call her and expected us to figure it out.) was dumb, stupid and very not endearing nor friendly. What friends she does make she uses them and manipulates them. The plot was so freaking obvious and contrived that it was almost painful to keep reading. The final kicker was the lesbianism involved with the plot and main character. It was as if the author woke up one day and said I need to create a book/series were the main character is a closet lesbian and does not know how to deal with it. This will get me more readers and more books sold. It was either the author or the publisher that required that element be in the book and as with the rest of the book it came across as contrived and stiff. Nothing in this book came across as natural nor could you empathize with any of the characters.
I got this book as a free sample and I am glad for that because I will not be paying to read the next book in the series. Not even sure I would read the next book if someone paid me to do so.
I got this book as a free sample and I am glad for that because I will not be paying to read the next book in the series. Not even sure I would read the next book if someone paid me to do so.
December 18, 2019
Amy (Amelia) was born to Human parents but learns through a tragic incident that she is actually a witch just like her aunt and her foster sister who has disappeared. With her mother in a curse-induced coma, Amy enters Ember Academy, a school for witches and other magical beings where her aunt has become a teacher. Determined to learn enough magic to break the curse placed on her mother, Amy is tutored by another teacher. All of this occurs at the same time that Amy is contending with her growing feelings for other girls.
It's not unusual for these YA fantasy books to evoke echoes of Harry Potter (a boarding school for learning magic, schisms and bigotry by "pure bloods," a looming threat) and A Discovery of Witches (placing a block on a powerful young witch). While all of that was expected, and I found the world building interesting, I couldn't quite get to love the book. I never warmed up to Amy and felt more affection for her friends. Plus the author seemed to repeat certain words (Amy nodded at least 100 times) way too often.
It's not unusual for these YA fantasy books to evoke echoes of Harry Potter (a boarding school for learning magic, schisms and bigotry by "pure bloods," a looming threat) and A Discovery of Witches (placing a block on a powerful young witch). While all of that was expected, and I found the world building interesting, I couldn't quite get to love the book. I never warmed up to Amy and felt more affection for her friends. Plus the author seemed to repeat certain words (Amy nodded at least 100 times) way too often.
October 3, 2021
2.5
Parts of it were pretty good, bringing in queer and neurodivergent characters to modify a familiar situation. However,I felt like the MC's naivety was overdone in the middle to the end and the book cuts off on a cliffhanger. Those really don't work for me,as they undermine any satisfaction I could have had with the book. I end up feeling cheated instead.
Parts of it were pretty good, bringing in queer and neurodivergent characters to modify a familiar situation. However,I felt like the MC's naivety was overdone in the middle to the end and the book cuts off on a cliffhanger. Those really don't work for me,as they undermine any satisfaction I could have had with the book. I end up feeling cheated instead.
March 9, 2020
I’m new to the Snowverse group of books but I didn’t have any problem getting into this one because Amelia is just as new to this world and learning about everything for the first time. She’s taken by surprise when she and her family are attacked by demons, learning that magic is real. They manage to escape the demons but her mother is in a coma because of a curse. Now Amelia has to learn how to use magic and help find a way to cure her mother but her magic–and her memories–are blocked for an unknown reason.
She goes to Ember Academy, which is a school for young witches, but many of these witches are from mixed blood. In addition to part humans, there are also witches who are part mermaid, vampire, and elf. It’s interesting to learn how all these magical races interact and their different types of magic. I’m sure there will be much more that is revealed over time.
Amelia has two girls that she’s interested in. Her roommate, Natalie, also likes her back but doesn’t think it’s safe for them to get close because she’s part vampire. There is also Willow, who is a half-elf. I’m not sure who I prefer and which one Amelia will end up with, so I guess it will evolve over the course of the series.
Meanwhile, Amelia is also struggling to manage her ADHD which is portrayed in a realistic way. There is also an autistic character and her portrayal is handled with respect. In addition to the diversity of multiracial and LGBTQ characters, it’s nice to see neurodivergent characters who get to be the heroes instead of quirky sidekicks. Also that this diversity is central to the story and not just extra character traits tacked on or something to easily overcome with magic.
It’s an exciting, fast-paced novel and I’ve already started reading the next book in the series, which keeps up the adventure. I recommend it to fans of F/F romance, witch academies, and diverse characters.
She goes to Ember Academy, which is a school for young witches, but many of these witches are from mixed blood. In addition to part humans, there are also witches who are part mermaid, vampire, and elf. It’s interesting to learn how all these magical races interact and their different types of magic. I’m sure there will be much more that is revealed over time.
Amelia has two girls that she’s interested in. Her roommate, Natalie, also likes her back but doesn’t think it’s safe for them to get close because she’s part vampire. There is also Willow, who is a half-elf. I’m not sure who I prefer and which one Amelia will end up with, so I guess it will evolve over the course of the series.
Meanwhile, Amelia is also struggling to manage her ADHD which is portrayed in a realistic way. There is also an autistic character and her portrayal is handled with respect. In addition to the diversity of multiracial and LGBTQ characters, it’s nice to see neurodivergent characters who get to be the heroes instead of quirky sidekicks. Also that this diversity is central to the story and not just extra character traits tacked on or something to easily overcome with magic.
It’s an exciting, fast-paced novel and I’ve already started reading the next book in the series, which keeps up the adventure. I recommend it to fans of F/F romance, witch academies, and diverse characters.
May 22, 2022
Ce premier tome d’une saga fantasy YA était sympathique et sans prise de tête. Ce n’est pas un roman avec une intrigue ou un univers particulièrement développés mais je cherchais une lecture tranquille, facile, et c’est ce que j’ai obtenu. Le cadre est agréable à découvrir, c’est une école magique et j’ai aimé que les personnages aillent vraiment en cours — ils m’ont permis d’en apprendre davantage sur l’univers et les espèces présentes. Il n’y a pas beaucoup d’action ni de rebondissements, mais ce n’est qu’un premier tome donc je peux passer outre ce manque.
Amelia est un personnage que je n’ai pas particulièrement apprécié, mais qui n’est pas antipathique pour autant. Elle possède des traits de personnalité que je tolère moyennement, mais ce n’est pas un mauvais personnage. Je n’ai pas apprécié la personnalité de Natalie — elle se permet d’être jalouse sans raison et alors qu’elle n’en avait pas le droit, par exemple. Willow est un personnage un peu plus intéressant, et qui m’a plu. Il y a beaucoup de personnages féminins dans ce roman et ça ne m’a pas trop dérangé — généralement c’est comme dans la vraie vie, un large groupe seulement composé de filles peut être infernal.
L’aspect du roman que j’ai le plus apprécié est la romance saphique. Elle se développe lentement, si bien qu’elle débute à peine à la fin du roman. Donc, même si ce n’est pas la lecture de l’année, je pense lire les tomes suivants.
Amelia est un personnage que je n’ai pas particulièrement apprécié, mais qui n’est pas antipathique pour autant. Elle possède des traits de personnalité que je tolère moyennement, mais ce n’est pas un mauvais personnage. Je n’ai pas apprécié la personnalité de Natalie — elle se permet d’être jalouse sans raison et alors qu’elle n’en avait pas le droit, par exemple. Willow est un personnage un peu plus intéressant, et qui m’a plu. Il y a beaucoup de personnages féminins dans ce roman et ça ne m’a pas trop dérangé — généralement c’est comme dans la vraie vie, un large groupe seulement composé de filles peut être infernal.
L’aspect du roman que j’ai le plus apprécié est la romance saphique. Elle se développe lentement, si bien qu’elle débute à peine à la fin du roman. Donc, même si ce n’est pas la lecture de l’année, je pense lire les tomes suivants.
March 17, 2020
Poor Aaron-he didn’t deserve all that happens to him. So many secrets reveals and betrayals in this first book that you are definitely kept on your toes and edge of seat the whole time you are reading.
What makes this different from other witch academy books? We have newbie Amelia who we have no clue what her powers are and with that memory she doesn’t realize is so significant. She has a mom in a curse and will do anything to reverse the curse. Natalie the part witch part vampire and she is a pretty straight shooter. I think there is a wee bit of a romance between her and Amelia but they are fighting it due to Natalie’s vamp nature. Willow who is half elf and she is another love interest to me for Amelia.
You have your cliques and mean girls of course but also the group of friends that worry and care. You have adults that manipulate and those that you wonder and wary about and a academy that is helping kids learn their magic in a safe environment or is it safe?
It interesting how the past blends into the present for Amelia and how this is a slow build. It blends in effortlessly into the story as Amelia is trying to find her way to at school, with her powers and trying to find a way to help her mom. I like how she is constantly learning and does admit her mistakes.
A magic story with a twist that keeps you wanting to know more and wonder what is next.
What makes this different from other witch academy books? We have newbie Amelia who we have no clue what her powers are and with that memory she doesn’t realize is so significant. She has a mom in a curse and will do anything to reverse the curse. Natalie the part witch part vampire and she is a pretty straight shooter. I think there is a wee bit of a romance between her and Amelia but they are fighting it due to Natalie’s vamp nature. Willow who is half elf and she is another love interest to me for Amelia.
You have your cliques and mean girls of course but also the group of friends that worry and care. You have adults that manipulate and those that you wonder and wary about and a academy that is helping kids learn their magic in a safe environment or is it safe?
It interesting how the past blends into the present for Amelia and how this is a slow build. It blends in effortlessly into the story as Amelia is trying to find her way to at school, with her powers and trying to find a way to help her mom. I like how she is constantly learning and does admit her mistakes.
A magic story with a twist that keeps you wanting to know more and wonder what is next.
January 30, 2020
Basics of Spellcraft - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Amy is the young heroine at the (Hogwarts-like),Ember Academy for Young Witches of the title, after a similar struggle to be allowed to go there - in this story, because her parents (like Harry's Aunt and Uncle), refuse to let her get entangled in magic, which they really know nothing about as humans.
Luckily the increasingly violent headaches Amy experiences, plus the influence of her Aunt, a hedge witch and tutor at the Academy, wins the battle of words and the day, so off she goes.
The other witches and beings she meets while at Ember and the relationships that develop between sexes and species and the peculiar events that take place throughout the novel as a result, mean this is not a 'teen fantasy', but for an older readership, due to fairly mature themes, but overall it's well-written, with engaging, interesting characters and a good Book 1/basis for the Ember Academy for Young Witches series, by L.C. Mawson. Why not try it for yourself?
Amy is the young heroine at the (Hogwarts-like),Ember Academy for Young Witches of the title, after a similar struggle to be allowed to go there - in this story, because her parents (like Harry's Aunt and Uncle), refuse to let her get entangled in magic, which they really know nothing about as humans.
Luckily the increasingly violent headaches Amy experiences, plus the influence of her Aunt, a hedge witch and tutor at the Academy, wins the battle of words and the day, so off she goes.
The other witches and beings she meets while at Ember and the relationships that develop between sexes and species and the peculiar events that take place throughout the novel as a result, mean this is not a 'teen fantasy', but for an older readership, due to fairly mature themes, but overall it's well-written, with engaging, interesting characters and a good Book 1/basis for the Ember Academy for Young Witches series, by L.C. Mawson. Why not try it for yourself?
October 4, 2021
Witches, angels, demons and more.
This book was interesting. It has witches and angels and demons and other paranormals, some of them mixed together.
Amelia was born to human parents but she is definitely not human. Her magic did not break through at a normal time-frame due to a memory blocking spell, but when she is attacked by demons and her mother is cursed, she is told the safest place is the Ember Academy.
She is determined to learn everything as quickly as possible in or to save her mother from the curse. She has always been treated like she was different, so she is very insecure about making friends and she tries to deny how she feels about others.
This story is about her discovering who and what she really. She also has to figure out who she can trust and who is trying to use or kill her.
I am likely to continue with this series at some point but can wait till I have more time.
This book was interesting. It has witches and angels and demons and other paranormals, some of them mixed together.
Amelia was born to human parents but she is definitely not human. Her magic did not break through at a normal time-frame due to a memory blocking spell, but when she is attacked by demons and her mother is cursed, she is told the safest place is the Ember Academy.
She is determined to learn everything as quickly as possible in or to save her mother from the curse. She has always been treated like she was different, so she is very insecure about making friends and she tries to deny how she feels about others.
This story is about her discovering who and what she really. She also has to figure out who she can trust and who is trying to use or kill her.
I am likely to continue with this series at some point but can wait till I have more time.
September 30, 2020
Amy is almost a new witch at least that is what they are telling her.
Amy is almost a new witch! That is what her aunt and Dad are telling her after the attach on the family. The demons were trying to get her and cursed her mother instead. Now she has to go to a special school to learn how to become a witch. How to handle the powers when she finally comes into them. Hel she is a barely functioning ADHD when not in books or studying for her black belt. She isn’t good around people, acept her aunt, and cousin. And her aunt will be a teacher at the witch academy.
This is the start of and exciting story of a new life for Am. It has lots of twists and turns and in protecting her the school fails her and she has to save herself and her new friends. Well worth reading and looking forword to more
Amy is almost a new witch! That is what her aunt and Dad are telling her after the attach on the family. The demons were trying to get her and cursed her mother instead. Now she has to go to a special school to learn how to become a witch. How to handle the powers when she finally comes into them. Hel she is a barely functioning ADHD when not in books or studying for her black belt. She isn’t good around people, acept her aunt, and cousin. And her aunt will be a teacher at the witch academy.
This is the start of and exciting story of a new life for Am. It has lots of twists and turns and in protecting her the school fails her and she has to save herself and her new friends. Well worth reading and looking forword to more
January 28, 2020
I love L.C. Mawson’s novels so it’s no surprise that I was delighted to get my hands on Basics of Spellcraft, Book 1 of her new Ember Academy for Young Witches series. This book is, quite simply, a superb urban fantasy that’s also a great academy tale with a neat slow-burn romance, and a great kick-a** heroine (just what I adore). It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. I frankly adore Amy (and there’s even links to Freya Snow, one of my all-time favorite fictional characters (even if she doesn’t make an appearance). The rest of the cast of characters is pretty amazing as well. This book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
February 3, 2020
Amy was a normal 16 year old girl who had ADHD but all of the sudden she finds out she has repressed magic and is sent to the Ember Academy for Young Witches. At almost the same time, she finds out she is attracted to other girls. Her mother was cursed, and she has suppressed memories. She can’t help but dig into the mystery despite the possible danger. This book is very interesting and touches on a lot of issues that are relevant to young adults, and everyone really. The plot is exciting and full of action and it’s an easy book to read. This book is set in L.C. Mawson’s Snowverse so there are many others to read after this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2020
An Academy story with a difference.
As Academy stories go this is by far one of the best I've read. Yes, you have a young witch coming into her powers with disastrous results, hidden secrets new friends discovered and enemy's revelled lots of magic and dark curses but written in such a way that you can suspend disbelief at least while you're reading. The handling of the witch's realisation that she prefers girls to boys is masterfully done a credit to this authors ability to not let it overpower the rest of the story but blend in to the overall plot. Brilliant storylines, Amazing characters all contributing to this great book. Highly recommended a must read, Baz.
As Academy stories go this is by far one of the best I've read. Yes, you have a young witch coming into her powers with disastrous results, hidden secrets new friends discovered and enemy's revelled lots of magic and dark curses but written in such a way that you can suspend disbelief at least while you're reading. The handling of the witch's realisation that she prefers girls to boys is masterfully done a credit to this authors ability to not let it overpower the rest of the story but blend in to the overall plot. Brilliant storylines, Amazing characters all contributing to this great book. Highly recommended a must read, Baz.
April 1, 2022
This book was a nice intro to a series.
What I liked the most about this story was the magic and all the lore surrounding the magical world. It was nice how the author did something different copared to some other YA fantasy stories I've read. However, just like with Mawson's book Love/Hate, I couldn't really connect to the character as much as I would like. Amelia wasn't bad and I totally get why she did some things, she's young and that's how I was too. But there wasn't much depth to the relationships she had with other characters.
The pacing was fine too and I adore how Mawson did the various representation, it's nice to see.
What I liked the most about this story was the magic and all the lore surrounding the magical world. It was nice how the author did something different copared to some other YA fantasy stories I've read. However, just like with Mawson's book Love/Hate, I couldn't really connect to the character as much as I would like. Amelia wasn't bad and I totally get why she did some things, she's young and that's how I was too. But there wasn't much depth to the relationships she had with other characters.
The pacing was fine too and I adore how Mawson did the various representation, it's nice to see.
January 10, 2021
This seems to be yet another Ember Academy book I haven’t reviewed. It’s been about 9 months since I read this so I’m not remembering everything right probably.
Overall, I thought this was a good book for beginners of the Snowverse to get into. It followed Freya’s younger sister Amy and how she discovers that she is a witch and also Angelborn making her one of the most powerful witches of her time and also the political implications of that.
Overall it is a fun magical academy book but with some twists and turns.
Overall, I thought this was a good book for beginners of the Snowverse to get into. It followed Freya’s younger sister Amy and how she discovers that she is a witch and also Angelborn making her one of the most powerful witches of her time and also the political implications of that.
Overall it is a fun magical academy book but with some twists and turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
The cool cover caught my eye, the plot seemed interesting, a magic academy for witches, and it was a free download from Amazon Kindle, so I thought... why not?
But I DNF before the heroine even had a chance to get to school.
I really couldn't like nor care about any of the characters and the abusive relationship the heroine had with her mother grated a bit. Maybe if I'd stuck around I would have discovered why her mother treated her that way, but I had no patience to wait and I had no will to read about a doormat heroine.
But I DNF before the heroine even had a chance to get to school.
I really couldn't like nor care about any of the characters and the abusive relationship the heroine had with her mother grated a bit. Maybe if I'd stuck around I would have discovered why her mother treated her that way, but I had no patience to wait and I had no will to read about a doormat heroine.
October 31, 2021
The opening chapters were very good and I found myself sucked into the story right away. However, after a while, the story lost a little something for me due to some info dumps for worldbuilding and some repetitive internal agonizing by the main character. But hey, what are the teen years if not a time of internal agonizing?! The cast was nicely varied but a little too lightly described to fully engage my interest. The author's writing style was very readable and, overall, worth a read but not sure I'll follow up with the series.
January 24, 2020
Basics of Spellcraft (Ember Academy for Young Witches #1), my sixth enjoyable read from author L.C. Mawson. I own several of her books but had never managed to read one until lately. An intricately and tightly woven story-line made for a page-turning read. Better yet this is the first in a new series. I look forward to Ember Academy for Young Witches #2. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the story and characters were well developed. I loved the characters and their individual personalities and dynamics. The story was excellent. It was action packed and full of twists and turns. It had suspense, intrigue, romance and emotion. I look forward to the next book in this new series!! I’d highly recommend this book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2020
This is the 1st book I’ve read by Mawson and I enjoyed it very much. The universe that it is created from is mentioned but not so heavily that you would need to read the Frey’s Snow series 1st. I like the Ember Academy and the characters that the story revolves around. Amy seems like an interesting young woman and I’m looking forward to book 2 to find out what happens next at the Ember Academy. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC copy for an Honest review.
I received an ARC copy for an Honest review.
June 10, 2020
I had forgotten how intricately plotted the books of L.C. Mawson tend to be. Blessedly I have read some of the Royal Cleaner books and finally had the wisdom to start the Ember Academy series at Book 1 rather than my usual jumping in at a far later point. Knowledge of her other books helps but is not essential. Allow a full day for this PG13 paranormal coming-of-age thriller. I had an ARC which got lost in the TBR mountain and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
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