Noctis Magicae, Book 1
Synopsis: In the hallowed halls of Oxford’s Merlin College, the most talented—and highest born—sons of the Kingdom of Britain are taught the intricacies of magickal theory. But what dazzles can also destroy, as Gray Marshall is about to discover…
Gray’s deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace—and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender’s country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor’s daughter.
Even though she has no talent of her own, Sophie Callender longs to be educated in the lore of magick. Her father has kept her isolated at the estate and forbidden her interest; everyone knows that teaching arcane magickal theory to women is the height of impropriety. But against her father’s wishes, Sophie has studied his ancient volumes on the subject. And in the tall, stammering, yet oddly charming Gray, she finally finds someone who encourages her interest and awakens new ideas and feelings.
Sophie and Gray’s meeting touches off a series of events that begins to unravel secrets about each of them. And after the king’s closest advisor pays the professor a closed-door visit, they begin to wonder if what Gray witnessed in Oxford might be even more sinister than it seemed. They are determined to find out, no matter the cost…
Review: The idea of the book was really intriguing and I am rarely disappointed by the novels of this editor so when I saw the reissue of the series, I took my chance and asked for it. This is also why, moreover, I had high expectations before even starting it.
I was immediately curious about the story, a mixture of fantasy and history that we don’t find a lot in literature. We especially follow two main characters: Gray and Sophie. Gray is a young man who, after a terrible event, ends up working as a pupil for a famous teacher, this is also where he meets with Sophie. Sophie, she is the daughter of the said professor and despite the state of isolation in which she is, she is determined to learn magic whatever her father has decided. They’ll become friends and will start to understand together what is happening and how they can take action regarding the events of the novel.
It was easy to get into the story at first but I confess that once past the first chapter it started to get a little more difficult to hang to the characters or their stories, and I stayed a little behind everything. Although I think the novel will appeal to many readers, I do not think I actually managed to hang on the whole thing.
Silvia
Sorry this one didn’t work, Melliane… I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your next read to be brilliant!
Melliane
thank you!
Tracy Terry
Oh no! I had such high hopes for this one. So sorry that it wasn’t everything it might have been, that you found the characters difficult to hang onto. Still, saves me from adding it to my wish list, I’ll merely add it to my ‘library list’ in the hope that they will be able to get hold of a copy.
Melliane
maybe it will be more for you
Adriyanna Zimmermann
The cover looks amazing and the summary sounds great, sorry it didn’t work for you. I love the whole fantasy and history aspect so I’m thinking I might read this if my library has a copy.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Love the cover of this one so much Melliane, it’s too bad you were never quite able to settle into the story! That’s been happening ot me quite a bit lately. I hope you have better luck with whatever you pick up next:)
Melliane
yeah it’s always a bit complicated
kimbacaffeinate
Such a shame this didn’t captivate you Melliane. The cover is lovely, but I know reviews have been very mixed for this title.
Melliane
I didn’t know before trying it but well I was curious
kindlemom1
It can be so disheartening when the first chapter of a book is the best one. 🙁 Sorry this didn’t quite work out for you.
Melliane
thanks
Ramona
Sounds ambitious. Pity is ran out of steam so early into the story…
Melliane
yeah…
Sarah @ One Curvy Blogger
A mixture of fantasy and history? Cool! Not sure I would be into this book, and I’m sorry it didn’t meet expectations!
blodeuedd
Oh no :/ Too bad
Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons
I’ve never thought of picking up books based on the editor, but it makes since now that you mention it. It is no different than the fact that I pick up books based on narrators.
Sorry this one didn’t work out. Better luck next time.
Melliane
lol I usually love the books I tried by them but well everything can’t work all the time.
Joy // Joyousreads
Sorry this didn’t work out for your, Melliane. Boo.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I remember this book! It didn’t sweep me away either, but I think I did end up liking it more than you 😛 I think it was the slow pacing and the predictability that made it tough for me to get into, but the romance was a nice slow burn. I have the second book so I hope I’ll like it just as much, if not better!
Melliane
I hope you’ll have a good time with it. I’m curious to see your opinion about it
LilyElement
Hope your next read is awesome 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh not good if it struggled after the first chapter. I’m surprised it wasn’t a dnf. I do think I’ll pass on this one.
Carole Rae
Here…have a cookie! *hands over plate of cookies*
Sorry this was a meh.
Lorna
Sorry this was not the book you thought it would be. I hate it when that happens!