The first book set you up for the rest of the series, in world building. An interesting concept of the 3 different type of person they can be with the magic and the stones.

1.5 stars

I will try [b:The Demon King|6342491|The Demon King (Seven Realms, #1)|Cinda Williams Chima|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1379482652l/6342491._SY75_.jpg|6528619] only because so many reviewers said they loved that book, and didn't like this, so maybe I'll enjoy that. This was painfully bad though, even for early 2000s YA fantasy.

I loved the Seven Realms series of books by [a:Cinda Williams Chima|125308|Cinda Williams Chima|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1291420167p2/125308.jpg], and was certain I'd like this one, too. I was incorrect. While this wasn't a bad book, neither was it my cup of tea, nor was it written with the sophisticated style that contributed to my feelings for the Seven Realms series. This was just frankly, far too juvenile for my tastes and expectations. I have no interest in continuing the series, which (indelicately put) feels like a poor man's Percy Jackson or something.

I do, however, look forward to revisiting the universe I so enjoyed with her latest book, and beginning of a new series, [b:Flamecaster|23253083|Flamecaster (Shattered Realms, #1)|Cinda Williams Chima|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440425181s/23253083.jpg|42795212].

I listened to this as well until the plot really kicked up and I couldn't wait to see how it would end. Very interesting characters and good v. evil plot.

This book started off very slowly. It took me a little bit over half the book to get into the story. Maybe it was just me and the timing wasn’t right. I read about 30% of the book a month ago, but I couldn’t go on because it just bored me to death. So, I put the book on hold, read three other books, and went back to continue the series. It started picking up after that. The characters became more real and I started understanding the story world and the terms used. This book gets four stars because the second half of the book immensely made up for the lackadaisical start. The action-filled scenes were very well-written and the characters were very well-developed. I’d recommend this book to you if you’re willing to push through the lacking beginning and enjoy the rest of the book.

The first half was really boring, the second half was somewhat better, the end was way too predictable and not too smart. Plus the characters didn't have any depth to them.

It wasn't the best book. It wasn't the worst book. It was a nice way to pass time when I wanted to read but not have to work at it at all. I think the way Chima organizes her world is pretty cool. I'll probably finish the series but I won't be in any rush.

This book I read mostly throughout the Booktubeathon and I was hoping to really enjoy it as it was the Booksplosian book of the month, however, unfortunately this book really just didn't live up to so many of the other fantasy books I have read. I know that this is a YA fantasy instead of an adult fantasy and therefore it was never going to be as developed in world-building as many adult fantasies are, however it just wasn't as interesting or exciting as I hoped that it would be considering that.

I feel like this story was an okay one, but there wasn't ever a real attachment with the characters and although I did enjoy learning about the society and the beliefs and systems which controlled the behaviours of Wizards, Enchanters and Warriors, I just felt like the lack of character development meant that I didn't really care too much about what happened to the main character.

This is the story of Jack who was born as a Wizard but transformed into something else as soon as he was born. He is a regular teenager who has lived his whole life in the small town of Trinity with his mother for company and a few friends he's made along the way; Will and Fitch. They are a fun group and they are just trying to get through life the best they can before they grow up, but when Jack's mysterious aunt decides to take them all on an adventure to dig up a grave and magic becomes involved things really start to change for Jack and the life he knew is never going to be the same again.

I would say that if you read little fantasy or if you're not into high or epic fantasy but more magic and urban fantasy then you might like this read, but for me it just wasn't the book I had hoped for and I doubt I will continue with the series as it's just not that interesting to me. It was okay in writing style, just lacked that 'gripping' factor and I never felt a strong urge to find out what was next or anything.