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A review by abby_ace_of_books
The Outcast Mage by Annabel Campbell
4.0
This book reminded me of, like, a hundred different things, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. (I'll include the references below my review because there are so many of them).
The Outcast Mage is a high fantasy novel that takes place in a city of glass with an academy of mages. Like I said before, it reminded me of a dozen other books and movies, and I really liked the vibes. The worldbuilding itself took a little bit to get used to, as the book dumps the reader directly into the world without much explanation. I'm still a little unclear on some aspects of the lore, but I understood what was necessary for most of the plot.
Naila is a mage at the academy, but she has a problem...she can't do magic. With threats of exile looming on the horizon, Naila's only hope is the eccentric wizard Haelius Akana, who also happens to be the most powerful living mage. The plot admittedly takes a while to get into (I wasn't invested until 50%, and I didn't really get invested until about 80%), but the ending feels worth it. None of the plot twists felt extremely crazy to me, but the main one didn't really feel predictable. I'm hoping that the pacing issues will be resolved in book two.
Similar to the plot, it took me a while to get attached to the characters. Naila wasn't super intriguing to me because I primarily read YA fantasy, and she fits in well with the protagonists I typically read about, so she wasn't anything special. I didn't mind Ko'ani, and I look forward to seeing where her arc goes in book two. Entonin took a while to adjust to, but I like him now, and the same goes for Karameth. Also, I just want to say I appreciated the mild romance in this because it's a welcome break from heavy romance. Larinne was the underdog because I didn't like her at first, but she was one of my favorites by the end. Haelius was my favorite character just because I'm basic, and I see a sad man with a tragic backstory but silly tendencies, and I immediately love it. Those are the main main characters, but there are enough other characters that I think a dramatis personae could've been beneficial.
The Outcast Mage is a high fantasy novel perfect for fans of academia, political regulation of magic, and found family vibes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
References:
Skyward Sword - (video game) - I think because of the academy vibes?
Lisa Frankenstein - (movie) - Ko'ani just gives the vibes of Lisa's stepsister
Crown of Bones - (book by A.K. Wilder) - the main character had similar vibes but also, again, magic school
Harry Potter - the evil government reminded me of the Ministry of Magic
A Darker Shade of Magic - (book by V.E. Schwab) - magic collars and elemental affinities
Keeper of the Lost Cities Nightfall - (book by Shannon Messenger) - dome
Shadow and Bone - (book by Leigh Bardugo) - "hollow" magic
The First Binding - (book by R.R. Virdi) - just vibes
The Outcast Mage is a high fantasy novel that takes place in a city of glass with an academy of mages. Like I said before, it reminded me of a dozen other books and movies, and I really liked the vibes. The worldbuilding itself took a little bit to get used to, as the book dumps the reader directly into the world without much explanation. I'm still a little unclear on some aspects of the lore, but I understood what was necessary for most of the plot.
Naila is a mage at the academy, but she has a problem...she can't do magic. With threats of exile looming on the horizon, Naila's only hope is the eccentric wizard Haelius Akana, who also happens to be the most powerful living mage. The plot admittedly takes a while to get into (I wasn't invested until 50%, and I didn't really get invested until about 80%), but the ending feels worth it. None of the plot twists felt extremely crazy to me, but the main one didn't really feel predictable. I'm hoping that the pacing issues will be resolved in book two.
Similar to the plot, it took me a while to get attached to the characters. Naila wasn't super intriguing to me because I primarily read YA fantasy, and she fits in well with the protagonists I typically read about, so she wasn't anything special. I didn't mind Ko'ani, and I look forward to seeing where her arc goes in book two. Entonin took a while to adjust to, but I like him now, and the same goes for Karameth. Also, I just want to say I appreciated the mild romance in this because it's a welcome break from heavy romance. Larinne was the underdog because I didn't like her at first, but she was one of my favorites by the end. Haelius was my favorite character just because I'm basic, and I see a sad man with a tragic backstory but silly tendencies, and I immediately love it. Those are the main main characters, but there are enough other characters that I think a dramatis personae could've been beneficial.
The Outcast Mage is a high fantasy novel perfect for fans of academia, political regulation of magic, and found family vibes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
References:
Skyward Sword - (video game) - I think because of the academy vibes?
Lisa Frankenstein - (movie) - Ko'ani just gives the vibes of Lisa's stepsister
Crown of Bones - (book by A.K. Wilder) - the main character had similar vibes but also, again, magic school
Harry Potter - the evil government reminded me of the Ministry of Magic
A Darker Shade of Magic - (book by V.E. Schwab) - magic collars and elemental affinities
Keeper of the Lost Cities Nightfall - (book by Shannon Messenger) - dome
Shadow and Bone - (book by Leigh Bardugo) - "hollow" magic
The First Binding - (book by R.R. Virdi) - just vibes