Cover Image: Ruthless Magic

Ruthless Magic

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Finn comes from a family of mages that have always been gifted with having strong magical abilities. Finn know that his magic is weak. He is to go to the school of mages only because of his heritage. Those who do not have a history of mages in their background are usually “burned” out of their magic. However , they can challenge it by requesting to take the Exam. If they pass the exam, their schooling is free and they will have a mentor through their schooling. Finn decides that even though he is accepted at the school that he decides instead to take the Exam. . Rocío Lopez has done everything that one can do to be accepted at the school but is declined so she decides to take the Exam. The Exam is several days long and very difficult. Many of those who take it do not pass. Why? What happens to those who don’t pass?

The writer has written a novel about magic but it is not a typical magic story. The world the author has created is amazing and I was totally engrossed with it. There are surprises you don’t expect which at times made me “uncomfortable” for the characters in the novel. I am however completely “hooked” on this series and want to read the next book now! Don’t miss out, read it!

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Ruthless Magic is a new and exciting take on magic mixed with the Hunger Games. In modern America, magic is seen as a way to keep society safe, and teenagers are competing to attend the Confederations Academy to gain respected positions in society. This book is well written and imaginative, with young characters that are relatable and easy to follow. The story is engaging and easily read, and is told from a few POVs which worked very well together. There was action, magic, adventure and romance. And not to mention the cover is pretty stunning! If you’re a fan of Hunger Games like competitions and magic/witches, this book is for you!

Thanks to Megan Crewe, Another World Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and do not represent the author or publisher.

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I have mixed feelings about this book. It started off slow but really started to pick up once the exam began. The author has a great way with characters. Finn and Rocio come from very different places and have vastly different talents but both are compelling in their own ways. They are very likable characters that you want to win. Especially given the corruption and unfairness of the world they live in. Unfortunately it’s a bit simplistic and truly a YA novel. Most YA novels in fantasy seem too dark and twisted to be appropriate for young people but this one reads like a book truly meant for teens. It does have a lot of violence but it seems far more generalized than specific which makes it easier to stomach. There are no haunting deaths like in Hunger Games, which this novel seems to rely on far too much. Unless you have a teen to share the novel with it’s probably best skipped for most adults who would expect more from a novel. For younger audiences this book has very book appropriate romance that stops at a loving kiss or two with only a sweet romance behind it. There are violent deaths but again done in more generalized ways than focused on. There is a lot of bullying which might lead to good discussions. I really enjoyed the two characters but overall the plot was pretty thin and derivative for me.

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Ruthless Magic by Megan Crewe is the 1st in the Conspiracy of Magic series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Spells & Stars Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Series Background:
Magic, although restricted, is now allowed in the world. It is governed by the North American Confederation of Mages (Confed), with a “Circle” of elders who create the rules that all mages must abide by. Children who have magical parents attend the Academy, where their skills are honed. Outsiders with magic skills but who have non-magical or dampened parents (Dulls) are tutored separately. Yearly, the 16-year old Mages from both groups who have not already been chosen to enter the magic college, must compete to win their place, or have their magic “dampened”. Becoming a Champion by winning a place at the college is not easy, for the exam is gruelling, and has resulted in past deaths. Those that survive but do not pass, will have all magic burned out of them.

My Synopsis:
Finn Lockwood is one of the privileged, with automatic enrolment into the college due to his family name, even though his magic is not up to par. Finn, however, thinks this is unfair to others more worthy than himself, and thus declares himself for the exam. His best friend Presha should have been chosen, but was not. She also declares herself for the exam.

Rocío Lopez is gifted. Unfortunately, she is one of the disadvantaged. She has not been attending the Mages Academy, and despite her skills, she was not one of the “chosen”. There is only one way she can get in. Rocío declares herself for the exam.

With almost 60 students attempting to become Champions, and only a limited amount of spots open, everyone will be trying their best. Unfortunately, they have no idea what they are up against, and they start to wonder what they are really being tested for, and if there are some ulterior motives that aren’t being shared. These tests are horrifyingly vicious, and some of the participants embrace the brutality all too easily. Others simply cannot or refuse to participate. Before they are through, these young novices will learn more about magic, and that sometimes it takes ingenuity and courage to solve a problem, and that magic is not enough. They will learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses. They will learn that you can’t always trust your friends, and you can’t always trust the Confed. They will not all survive.

My Opinions:
Although technically a Young Adult series, readers of all ages can enjoy this. It is touted as a cross between Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. I hate when they do that, as it is usually grossly unfair to an author who doesn’t have near the following nor experience for that comparison. Be that as it may….this is worth reading.

The story is told from the perspectives of both Finn and Rocío, providing the reader with better insights into their very different origins. The story also shows the prejudices and discrimination between “old” and “new” magic families. Megan Crewe is a very talented writer, and created a storyline that flows smoothly. It is action-packed, has a wonderful cast of characters, some which endear themselves to the reader very quickly. It is a very fast read, and kept me entertained from beginning to end.

I am looking forward to the next in the series!

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What a rush. This book is a magical mash-up of The Hunger Games and The Mazerunner and is packed full of action, excitement, anticipation, and more. It centres on a group of magical teens who must face a ruthless examination over a period of days in order to survive as champions or face having their magic burned out of them.

This is the first book I've read by Megan Crewe and I know it won't be the last. The writing was flawless, the characters well developed, and action and description superb. It has a little bit of everything in it including a little bit of romance.

The main characters are the group of five that band together to face the exams and help each other survive. We get alternating chapters told from Finn and Rocio's point of view as the group strives to survive the series of exams they are set. The characters don't have any idea what the tests are going to involve and they are all tested to their limits as things heat up.

Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that this book is a real pageturner that will keep you gripped just to find out what the Confed is hiding, what they want from the mages, and what their real intentions are. It was a gripping read that kept me on the edge of my seat fighting alongside Finn and Rocio. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what happens next.

A definite 5 star from me and thanks to NetGalley and Another World Press for the chance to read and review this book.

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Although the book description is highly intriguing, overall, Ruthless Magic was just an okay read for me.  Not that there's anything wrong with this book - it's well-written, has interesting world-building, and likable characters, but nothing really stood out.  Note that I'm in the minority on this opinion - the majority of reviews for this novel have been stellar.  Maybe I was expecting more since it uses heavyweight comp titles like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, and mentions Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, both authors with outstanding fantasy series under their belts.

I like the idea of the magical community feeling an obligation to reveal themselves to the 'dulls' (non-magic folk) and assist with government safety, but something that surprised me is that even though this magic has been around for quite some time, even those in charge don't seem to understand it.  The rules regarding the magic are somewhat unclear.

Again, this isn't a bad book by any means - I'd just hoped for a bit more originality.  If The Hunger Games doused with magic whets your appetite, this is probably a book you'd enjoy. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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The premise of this book intrigued me as did the “Hunger Games meets Harry Potter” description.

Boy, did this book not disappoint. From the beginning, I was hooked! This world of magic is so unlike anything I have ever read and I loved it. The characters were so well written that I actually felt for them as they went through the trials.

I can’t wait for book two! I need more Finn and Rocio in my life!

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This is more of a 3.5 rating but it seemed more fair to round up than down. I didn't get caught up in this story right away. It is kind of a watered down version of Hunger Games meets Harry Potter. Once the book got into the games, it held my attention much better. There was definitely some creativity put into the creation of the games. The characters were likeable and the story does have a nice ending with ample room for a follow up novel. It was a fun and fast read but I doubt it will stay with me for long. I will probably read the sequel if it comes out before I have forgotten. I recommend this novel if you want something light and fun without having to invest much into it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Primero, quiero agradecer a Netgalley y a la editorial que me enviaran una ARC de este libro. Tenía muchas ganas de leer la aproximación de Megan Crewe a este tipo de historias, después de lo diferente que fue la trilogía que publicó Roca Editorial. Y tengo que decir que se nota mucho el avance de su estilo como escritora,a sí como su capacidad para ponerte una historia en la que sabes los pasos que va a dar con bastante seguridad y, sin embargo, consigue sorprenderte y hacer que quieras seguir leyendo hasta llegar al final. Es la primera parte de la trilogía, así que tendré que esperar para el siguiente, y no sabéis las ganas que tengo de cogerlo.

Pero empecemos por el principio, ¿qué es este libro? Pues básicamente es una historia de magia, lucha y valores. Es muy interesante porque lo primero que nos plantea es una sociedad en la que los magos se han descubierto ante los no-magos. Y habla de las tensiones, de la forma en que los no-magos ven con temor a todos los magos. Y no solo eso, se ven también las diferencias de clase entre la magia "antigua" y la magia "nueva". Y es todo maravilloso porque es perfectamente creíble, la tensión de la sociedad, los nuevos métodos de terrorismo, los estados que emplean a los magos como armas, todo se puede ver como una extrapolación de lo que se ve ahora. Por otro lado, los magos tienen métodos para reducir la conexión de otros magos con la magia y un gobierno propio que se mantiene en equilibrio con el gobierno material del país, haciendo concesiones y sirviendo como otro brazo de la sociedad. En serio, creo que una de las cosas que más me han gustado del mundo que nos presenta es su verosimilitud. Y en medio de todo este tinglado, nos ponen en la piel de dos personas con orígenes muy distintos: Finn, un mago un tanto torpe de vieja magia al que su familia le ha conseguido todo lo que ha querido siempre, pero que se siente inútil porque todo se lo dan hecho, y Rocío, una joven de nueva magia de familia inmigrante que solo quiere ser capaz de demostrar su valía con la magia y ayudar a la gente. Por varios motivos, ambos acaban presentándose al examen que decidirá los Campeones de la Confederación de Magos, que es la única forma de seguir con magia completa cuando te rechazan para la universidad. Y en ese examen se conocerán.

Como es bastante obvio, hay una trama romántica entre los dos personajes, que no molesta en absoluto sino que se desarrolla con calma pero sin pausa, dejando claro lo importante que son los sentimientos y la confianza en el otro en una relación. También, lentamente, se van abriendo el uno al otro y muestra una sutileza en la forma en que describe la evolución de la relación que hace que sea un jarro de agua fresca, aunque ya sepas cómo van a acabar. Por otro lado, no está en el foco, sino que simplemente es una parte de la vida de los personajes, mientras que el foco está en sus valores, sus decisiones y la amistad y la confianza que van creciendo entre los distintos participantes en el examen. Todo va a un ritmo bastante acelerado, pero sin dejar de lado la sensación de saber siempre cómo se encuentran los personajes y cómo ven lo que está sucediendo a su alrededor. Además de estos dos personajes principales, tenemos al resto del grupo que sirven como apoyo y que están perfectamente diferenciados. En ellos tenemos diferentes niveles de representación, tanto en orientación sexual, como en raza y en clase social. Todo esto sirve también para que esa verosimilitud con la realidad tenga mucha más fuerza, y se agradece porque no te encuentras clones ni trozos de cartón.

El estilo de Megan ha mejorado mucho y la inclusión de distintas partes de cultura latinoamericana afincada en Estados Unidos suena perfectamente, por lo menos a oídos de un extranjero. También ayuda que las partes que están en castellano sean legibles y comprensibles (no como otras veces que parece que lo hable alguien que solo ha visto el castellano de lejos). Su uso de los tiempos y de los espacios también ha mejorado mucho, lo que hace que toda la historia tenga una cierta tensión. También ayuda que su empleo de zonas del mundo real no impida el reconocimiento de la zona si no has estado nunca. Los diálogos son rápidos, creíbles y con una diferencia en las voces y en las formas de expresarse muy bien llevada. Las escenas violentas quedan a la vista pero al mismo tiempo oculta las que se pasarían del buen gusto, aunque sabes que existen.

En definitiva, se trata de un inicio de trilogía realmente sobresaliente que deberíamos tener en España cuanto antes, porque, sin aportar nada extremadamente novedoso, actualiza los tropos de una forma cuidad y agradable. Sin duda, estaré esperando con ganas la salida del segundo libro. Y ojalá lo traigan a España.

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This book was absolutely amazing. It had a Hunger Games feel to it without the post apocalyptic aspect. In this 16 year old's wait to get a letter to see it they have been accepted into a Magic college. If they don't they can either loss their magic or appeal the Circle's decision by going through an exam. During this exam, the characters discover a dark secret. I really can't wait for the next book to come out.

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Wow! This book would make a magnificent movie! I loved the story from page 1. The characters are believable, colourful and really come to life. The North American Confederation of Magic controls all magic. They choose which 16 year olds will carry on with their training, or be “dampened”, which means essentially, their magical abilities will be taken away. If not “chosen” to carry on training, they can decide to “declare” and enter a competition during which they can be declared a “champion” or be burnt out. Finn is from an old magical family and automatically was chosen to attend the training college, but he decided to “declare” and enter the competition. The other main character, Rocio, is from a poor family and she too declared to enter the competition. The competition is fierce, the action thrilling, the love portion of the story is poignant and I truly loved it! I cannot wait for the next one in the series. I so hope I am lucky enough to be invited to read it!

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In an alternate world where magic is a known fact, Hunger Games takes a special twist.

Rocío and Finn give us a new Katniss and Peeta to root for... only with magical abilities and disparate backgrounds... One from the privileged class and one from the poor end of the working class. One with heretofore untapped magically ability and one with almost no (stable) magical ability.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story once I got into it. I will say that took a chapter or two, but I have also been easily distracted lately. The characters are very likable - and hateable, the world is both familiar and strange. The story is well-written with enough descriptives to make it able to be visualized fairly easily. Overall it is a very good read - a story I would be more than willing to have my teenage children read, and would be interested in reading the rest of the series.

**I was provided with an e-copy of this book by NetGalley in order to provide this review.**

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This adventure is reminiscent of Harry Potter if he went to the Hunger Games. Young mages compete to come champions and to earn their positions at an institute of higher learning. Finn comes from an affluent family with old magic and although he may lack incredible skill, he has integrity seldom seen. He gives up his automatic acceptance because he doesn’t feel that he has earned it. Finn’s friend, who comes from a family of new magic has more skill but was not accepted and must compete for entrance. Finn feels that the selection process is unfair and defies his family to compete. The competition is fierce and character is shown. This story shows excellent character development and the reader wants Finn to succeed because he works so hard for it.

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Ruthless Magic
First of all, let me thank Netgalley and Another World Press/ Spells & Stars Books for the chance to read and review this book: Ruthless Magic.
As always, these thoughts are my own. This review is spoiler-free and no main plot points are revealed.

I give this story 2.75 stars.

Synopsis:

In the contest to keep their magic, the only options may be die... or kill.

Each year, the North American Confederation of Mages assesses every sixteen-year-old novice. Some will be chosen. The rest must undergo a procedure to destroy their magical ability unless they prove themselves in the mysterious and brutal Mages' Exam.

Disadvantaged by her parents' low standing, Rocío Lopez has dedicated herself to expanding her considerable talent to earn a place in the Confederation. Their rejection leaves her reeling—and determined to fight to keep her magic.

Long ashamed of his mediocre abilities, Finn Lockwood knows the Confederation accepted him only because of his prominent family. Declaring for the Exam instead means a chance to confirm his true worth.

Thrown into the testing with little preparation, Rocío and Finn find themselves becoming unlikely allies—and possibly more. But the Exam holds secrets more horrifying than either could have imagined. What are the examiners really testing them for? And as the trials become increasingly vicious, how much are they willing to sacrifice to win?

The first in a new series by USA Today bestselling author Megan Crewe, Ruthless Magic combines the magic of Harry Potter with the ferocity of The Hunger Games alongside a poignant romance. Fans of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, look no further for your next urban fantasy fix!

Wow, that's a pretty low rating, even for me.
This book just... it has great ratings, but... I was bored. Just plain bored. None of the characters felt interesting to me, and it just seemed like a rehash of The Hunger Games plus magic. Which was awesome for the first third or maybe half of the book but I honestly just lost interest.

I think it was me; I was just really bored with this story. I hope you like it, and I'll definitely read more of this author, but I'm not here to read magical fanfics of Hunger Games.

Have you read it? Was I just in a bad mood or something while I was plowing through this story?

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True to pitch, this book does, in fact, read like Hunger Games with a dash of Harry Potter.

It is interesting, engaging and rather quick read. Now I'm not usually much of an urban fantasy fan, but I did quite enjoy this one.

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This new YA novel is inventive, original and engaging! The characters are real and behave with heroism as well as selfishness during their trials along the way. There is a touch of romance, but not enough to put anyone off. If this is the start of a series (and I hope it is!) I will be looking for the next one. The dystopian world set in the New York City area of this story is believable but could have easily been set somewhere else. Thanks to #netgalley for offering #ruthlessmagic to me to read–I loved it and will be recommending it to all my friends!

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An interesting science fiction young adult novel that had me from the cover. I would recommend this new novel to those who like fantasy young adult novels.

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Ruthless Magic is a book of magic and trials revolving around two sixteen year-olds, Finn and Rocio. Finn is a bit of a dud in his family with a rich history of magicians and receives his acceptance letter stating that he has been accepted to the North American Confederation of Mages to continue his magical training. Knowing that he was only chosen because of strings his family pulled for him, Finn rejects the offer. Rocio is deeply talented, and like her brother before her, does not receive a letter. Thus, both Finn and Rocio declare to join the brutal Mages’ Exam--a mysterious, brutal challenge that no one talks about—if they remember it, or survive.

I loved the idea behind this story. It was reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Magicians all rolled into one. However, this also made it seem less original. I don't mind much because I enjoyed these originals so no complaints from me. Ruthless Magic is the first in The Conspiracy of Magic series (?) so hopefully we'll have more soon!

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I received a copy to review from Netgalley and Spells and Stars books.

I read the prequel before picking this up and it did add a little history to the background of the world that this book takes place in. Ruthless Magic occurs years after magic has been unveiled to the magic less society, where in Magic Unleashed those without magic don't know about its existence. The main character in the prequel is not one of the main characters in this novel, but Jonathan is Finn's father. Both novels can be read as standalones, but they both occur in the same world if you want more of Megan Crewe's writing.

Ruthless Magic was in an interesting urban fantasy novel. It is written in first-person and the viewpoint switches between Finn and Rocio. The prejudices that mages face from the non magical people and even from one another based on skin color or if they're "new" or "old" magic feel realistic. In society people judge each other and sometimes this aspect isn't shown in novels with magic. If magic was unveiled to exist I doubt everyone would accept it and this novel captures that sentiment well. The contrasting views from the two characters, one of which was considered "old magic"and the other was considered "new magic", help show the prejudices and the different viewpoints within the magical society.

The plot and pacing were both really good. The story kept moving at a steady pace and the plot kept me interested. The magic enchantments were so creative and cool. The different ways the mages hearkened magic were so neat. It took a little bit for this book to get really exciting, but once it did it was really cool.

I did get confused with who was who because of the point of view alternates, but both characters are written in first-person. Neither character's view has overwhelming personality and that makes first person necessary. I think it would've been less confusing and the same story could've been told if it was written in third person instead. Typically a first person doesn't bother me, and I rarely confuse viewpoints, but in this book there were several times that I did.

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This was a great fast paced book that reminded me of Hunger Games but with magic!! My one critique is I wish it was a hair longer but if there is a second book in the series, I will be reading it!!

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