Blood of the Mage (Twyst Academy Book 2) Kindle Edition

Maddigan's adventures in the Twyst Academy continue in this action-packed story where Maddigan and Luke explore the Borderlands and Luke's heritage. With the aid of Luke's "broken" VR Goggles, and their improving combat skills, Maddigan and Luke get to see the hidden side of the Games.I really enjoyed this yarn. I liked getting to know more about Maddigan and Luke, and watching their chemistry. I like that Maddigan is exploring her role as War Mage which is becoming less and less like a job and more like a way of life. I like seeing how Connor, Luke, Marcus and Rafe interact and support each other. I really love learning more about the Academy, and the machinations of the leaders. I also like learning more about Maddigan's parole officer, and what he brings to the table. This tale may have taken place mostly off campus, but it was deep in the heart of Academy politics. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!

I think I can say with all honestly that I could give two licks about the virtual magical whatever world that is the Trials. I am here for the slow burn between the four guys and Maddigan and that’s really it LOL That being said, it’s unfortunate for me because at least half of the book is about talking, breathing, seeing, fighting in, living everything that are the Trials. I’m not sure if it’s the dialogue, but I just can’t get into it. I don’t care. I tried following along but they talk SO MUCH that eventually I feel like I’m in a lecture hall and the only thing keeping me awake are the small hot tension looks and touches between the students sitting in front of me. Liked that? So did it surprisingly lmaoI think if you’re into magical worlds you’d really enjoy them talking to death about it. I only have so much patience so I think I dislike that they don’t get to the point. Which isn’t the book’s fault if they’re already rolling with that kind of stance. And this said it was a slow burn, so... I thought the slow aspect would be in regards to the romance between Maddigan and the guys, but it already feels like the slow bit is gonna be about the Trials and then if there’s time to reflect on anything else, it’s her feelings towards the guys. She already knows how she feels about the first two, so yeah it totally felt like she was just occupied, and THEN thought of the guys, and had time to talk about it. I thought a slow burn was more.... getting to know them. Which means spending a lot of time with them and that wasn’t the impression I got. She fought with them and hung out with them but otherwise, I felt like I was reading a lot about trial technicalities and politics and god do I. Hate. Politics.Overall, I’m hooked on the guys and Mads. I think the trials mystery is pretentious and the people connected are total bollocks, but I’m sticking for the Mage Runners (oh goodness the name though).

I still don’t know how I feel about this series one way or the other. I do have a few small pet peeves.We still have no answers to absolutely anything. Seriously, I feel like they should at least try to ration out some answers for us…but no. Apparently the entire story is going to be a complete mystery until the end.How are all these students not dead from sleep deprivation? From what I can tell they get pulled into the trials, fight, come out and talk, then they are pulled back into the other world again. Repeat. From what I can tell it’s been at least a week since they’ve slept. No wonder they keep blacking out.It seems Maddigan bonds with a different boy each book, which is fine…However, the other guys are hardly mentioned at all during someone else’s book. This book belonged to Luke. Conner, who she bonded to previously was barely mentioned. This could have been handled better. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.I’m not trusting anyone at the Academy anymore besides Professor Anderson. They are all shady as s$!t. Old and nefarious previous winners. Sweet old lady’s being killed by alumni. The advisors have a serious hidden agenda. The outside Mage Trial company seems hella shady.At this point I think everyone in the Mage Trials world is real, not fake people. The academy is keeping them in metaphorical chains and forcing them to accommodate the Mage Trials. I bet the Fallen King wouldn’t bow to the trials so The Twelve helped the Dire Queen kill the old king with the expectations that she would stay out of it all. This is all a guess, I could be wrong. We still have no idea what’s happening.

Honestly, it’s like these books were written by an algorithm comprised entirely of pop culture and memes.The first book had moments of amusement parsing what source material the author had stolen to cobble together this patchwork “story”. However, this book is a second verse that is, if possible, even less interesting than the first. I particularly liked the bit where everyone over 23 is derogatorily referred to as “boomers”, as in baby boomers, the generation born in the immediate aftermath of WWII - although here the author uses it as a universal ageist short-hand.

A wonderful story with many twists and turns, but all connected somehow through Maddigan Pierce. It is a joy to watch as the five Mages unravel the mysteries and evil plots that surround them by growing ever closer to and relying upon each other as a formidable team. Looking forward to the sequels.

This is an insanely good mystery. Maddigan and Luke have their moment as they are sucked into the mage trials. But all is not as it seems. Mystery surrounds Luke's birth, a strange gift when he turned 21, and only Maddigan can help. While the 5 try to figure out the trials and why they are targeting them, more players converge on the Twyst Academy and the games may not be all they seem. Discounting the RH theme, you have got to read this for the mystery, just wow.

I read through all 4 books in this series back-to-back, no stopping, even though I don’t usually like academy storylines. The characters, especially Maddigan, were interesting and the world building very good. I’m looking forward to more by this author.

I read it all in 1 day! I’m so glad I don’t have to wait forever for the next one.

I stumbled over the first book in the unlimited section and loved it so much that I bought it. Book 2 now was pre ordered, and did not disappoint. It is as catching and fun and exciting as the first. Pre ordered book 3 now. Clearly a new author for my top 5 list.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book! It was a great read which I could not put down. This is the second book in the series and we learn more about Madigan and Luke with an abundance of action and some page turning twists. The interactions between the characters are beautifully written and the imagery is engaging and really takes you into their world. The author is especially good at creating intriguing characters and developing their story through each book in the series. So happy that the next installment is only a few weeks away!