The Source of Magic (Academy of Falling Kingdoms #1)

“I can speak to demons. The punishment is death.”

If this tagline doesn’t make you want to immediately pick up this book, then nothing will…

I am incredibly confused by this book, in the best way possible. Quite honestly, a whole lot of nothing happened for the largest part of this book, while so many small things also happened at the same time, things you don’t really pick up on at first, culminating in the final few chapters that changes every single thing! But now I just have more questions, even more given the ending…

There are hints to the larger plot, something just outside my grasp. I’m sure that, when I pick up the second book, there will be a profound ‘ah-hah’ and ‘no way’ moment when I realize what I missed. But I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.

Wynter, our protagonist, is sent on an impossible mission – to infiltrate the Academy, fake that she has magic and steal a book for a client of her uncle. What could go wrong there?

Wynter has so much to learn about the high-class society and how they act. She can come across as a bit naive. As her journey progresses, she misses a lot of hints about the job she is trying to accomplish, and who might be responsible for some of the other problems she is facing.

I am certain the second book will have a faster pace, and a bigger plot. I’m also hoping that we might get some answers to the questions we now have, and I need more on Wynter’s parents…

I loved this book. Wynter, her little brother Brian and friend Sterling lived in the lowest parts of society. Working scavenging for her guardian uncle who was abusive and cruel. Her uncle made a deal with a high society mage. Wynter was to go to the Mage Academy pretending to have magic and stealing for the mage Dorian. If caught she could die and her uncle would punish Brian and Sterling. Following her through her journey is exciting and scary. Plan to read 2nd book The Secret of Magic: Rebels and Spies.

A girl, who spends her time trawling through trash to find riches, is given the opportunity to attend an upper class magic school. The catch: she’ll need to pretend she can do magic, and search for and steal an object her employer needs from that school. Can Wynter pull off this heist without failing her classes or giving herself away?

The plot was pretty interesting, and Wynter’s character and her situation were well developed. The magic and world building were nicely fleshed out too. The romance could’ve been done somewhat better. It felt very YA and awkward. Thankfully, it didn’t play a major part in this book, although I’m sure it’ll be developed further in future books.

It was an enjoyable read. Lots of magic and nice characters.

It may be just me but I found it less easy to get into it than usual. My interest was fully engaged once the mage, Dorian, appears. I think the mages are opaque as to their motives and I fully understand why Wynter finds it hard to know who to trust. They all are playing diplomatic games, apparently changing allegiance as often as their underwear. Politics and power and competitive self interest seem to be the rule. This helps to identify with Wynter’s wariness but, for me, it also made me try to predict how things were in reality.

Love everything in this story from the characters like Wynter to Lucian. I am anxious to read part two for the next part of the story.

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