Cover Image: Ruthless Magic

Ruthless Magic

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Member Reviews

This book was lackluster and not exciting. The storyline and the characters really fell flat. It seemed like there was magic, yet mixed in with modern times, but it didn't quite connect like it should have. It was alright, but didn't have me wanting more. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

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A promising start to a new YA series, Ruthless Magic is very entertaining. I have to borrow a description from my Goodreads friend Debbie, who recommended this book to me: it’s like Harry Potter mixed with The Hunger Games. There is an arena, magic, fights and death, tons of death. Set in a world where “mages” have come out of hiding and declared their intention to use magic to help the world, the Confed determines who can keep their magic and who needs to be “dampered” or “burned out.” Meaning, if you don’t cut it as mage, they will diminish or take away your magic. If you are not chosen by the Confed, you can always “declare” and take a mysterious exam. No one knows what it entails, but it’s known that people die. If you make it, you will be a Champion and get to keep your magic. If you don’t, you are burned out and turned into a “Dull” (ie. muggle). As with everything in life, nothing is fair. Finn comes from an “old magic” family and is chosen, even if he’s not very competent. His friend Prisha is very talented, but is “new magic” and, as such, not chosen. Then, there is Rocio, who lost her brother to the exam and is a better mage than anyone but has not been chosen. It may be that her family is “new blood trash” and has no money. Or maybe she’s too powerful and scares the Confed to death. The rules of this world make sense and are simple enough to grasp. The characters, whether villains, normal kids who go off the rails or red-shirts, are all well-written. But it’s Finn and Rocio through whose eyes we see the story. They are both strong, smart and good. The novel has an ending, but it’s not the end of the story. We need to wait for the next volume to find out what happens next. I can’t wait.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Another World Press!

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I found a new favorite author. I now have to download all her other books! Ruthless Magic is a blend of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. It is a very well written story with suspense and a captivating plot. Each character was interesting and well developed and the world building was exceptionally done. Add this to your list of must-reads. The cover is amazing too, absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC copy which allowed me to find this author and enjoy an incredible story and characters.

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Ruthless Magic is the first installment in author Megan Crewe's Conspiracy of Magic series. The story is actually told in two separate narratives; 16-year old Finn Lockwood, son of the man, Jonathan Lockwood, who helped bring Mage's into the light of day. The second narrative is by 16-year old Rocio Lopez who is a much, much better magician than Finn but doesn't have the same options open to her. While Finn is from a long lineage of mages, Rocio's parents have been Dampered, or, had their magic contained so it's at the barest minimum.

Let me say that I recommend readers pick up Magic Unmasked before you read this story. Magic Unmasked actually takes place 40 years before this story, however, there are several key players in the story, including Jonathan Lockwood, and Raymond Lockwood, who appear in both installments. Magic Unmasked focuses on Jonathan and another character who I won't spoil since there's no point. It was because of Jonathan's action in Unmasked, that have led to the world these characters live in now.

This is a world where old magic, mixes with new magic, mixes with those like Rocio who are extremely talented but are often left out of the elite schools where magic is taught at a higher level. In this world, when you turn 16, you are either chosen for the College of North America Confederation of Mages, or you are Dampered. There is, however, another choice and that is to opt into a brutal contest called the Mage's Exam where only the top survivors are chosen for the College, or other opportunities.

Both Finn, who doesn't believe his family takes him seriously, and Rocio, who spent years at a much less prestigious school in Manhattan, opt into the Mage's Exam along with 54 other candidates from all over the country. Since Finn's best friend Prisha Mathurs is an important secondary character, I will mention that she chooses the Mage's Exam as well. Prisha is what the author calls new money. To become a Champion, Finn, Rocio, & Prisha will have to survive 5 days of testing. 5 days of the most brutal, the most diabolical, the most nerve shattering testing you've read about since, well, The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau.

As a reviewer, we are supposed to tell you who our favorite characters are and why, right? Well, I have to say that I give Rocio the edge since she is utterly impressive, powerful, and really good at magic. Without her magic, she would be just another person on the streets with no future and no expectations. Rocio is also searching for answers to what happened to her brother Javi who disappeared 3 years ago, and has been presumed dead.

Finn is second since he is someone who is trying to prove himself and not be taken for granted because of his name. He isn't at the top of any mage list. He's not even in the middle. He's probably at the bottom which gives certain family members pause to question what they are going to do with him. What makes Finn a really good hero, is that he wants to actually use his magic for good, not unlike his own father in Magic Unmasked. Finn doesn't like that the Confederation has so much power to decide a person's fate, especially when there are those like Rocio and Prisha who are just as talented as those from old money magic families.

I am definitely eager to read the sequel whenever it is planned for release. There are a whole lot of avenues the author has left for herself to explore from both Finn and Rocio's perspectives after the final bell is tallied, and those who survived are named Chaptions, or end up Dampened.

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These teenagers get a letter to go to a magic school and at the end they either go onto university or they get dampered. Basically they get most of their magic taken away if they aren’t good enough. There are muggle born (here they are called dulls) magical kids as well. If you don’t get accepted you can take an exam that’s extremely hard (O.W.L.?) and if you pass you can go to the university if not you get your magic taken away forever. These two best friends one got accepted (only because of who the family is) and one didn’t (muggle born). The one who did decides to take the exam anyway because she knows her friend is better. I reference Harry Potter because this has a lot of similarities and yet it’s completely different. I would love to see how this series continues. I just reviewed Ruthless Magic by Megan Crewe. #RuthlessMagic #NetGalley

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If you read only one book this summer, this should be it.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-book ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

NetGalley advertised this as a cross between Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Hunger Games, so of course I had to request it. Lo and behold, that was pretty accurate.

This is about two characters: Finn and Rocio. They both come from two completely different worlds, but they meet each other through a competition to get into a magical college. If they don't win the competition, they get Dampered (lose their magical abilities).

This was such a breathtaking book - I really didn't expect to fall in love with Ruthless Magic so much. The writing style was beautiful. The plot was intense enough to keep interest without burning me out. The characters were absolutely amazing and developed and beautiful.

There is so much competition, much like Throne of Glass, Hunger Games, Battle Royale, etc. There is more of a group aspect in this book though, which makes it much more interesting. Do they fight for themselves or try to keep the group alive? Morals are questioned, which always makes a book more interesting in my opinion.

Please go read this book!

Release Date: May 30, 2018

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A fast paced story that is a dystopian magic adventure. In this world, mages revealed themselves after 9-11 to assist in nation defence. But each year, some students are picked for college and some are dampered, which removes their abilities. A select few select a second chance Exam to avoid that fate. It is a new class of these mages that the story centers on. Some from mage families and others from new blood, they must find a way to become Champions to save their magic and their lives. I really enjoyed the story. The characters were relatable and i can't wait to read more.

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I can't be the only one that thinks the girl on the cover looks like Megan Markle, right??

This book is like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games all rolled into one, and I liked it.

This world is so complex and detailed and we barely skim the surface of it with this book, those that have magic have a few choices:
1. They can be chosen for the University and keep their magic
2. Rejected from the University and be dampered = only have one tiny facet of their magic left
3. Or they can contest their rejection by agreeing to the "Tournament". To win means to gain everything but to lose means they'll have all their magic burned out. Forever.

No one knows what happens on the island where the Tournament is held, so of course that's where our rag tag group of characters takes us. To compare it to the Hunger Games you can already assume, people die, things get bloody, and there is always a psychopath. Plus, (this is the worst part about reading an ebook) I had no idea I was at the end of the book until I went to turn the page and THERE WAS NOTHING THERE *cries until the sequel is released* That's how much this book completely sucked me in!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Ruthless Magic is the first book in what has all the earmarks of being an action-packed, exciting and fantastic series!
The book is slightly reminiscent of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but in a way which is original and entirely its own.
In a world where, due to safety and defense concerns, magic is now out in the open in the world, but only seemingly for the "elite" of the magic world. The Elder mages in North America decide which mages will be "chosen" at the age of 16 to keep their magical abilities and which will lose their magic. Of the mages who are not chosen, they are either "dampered" of their magic, or can declare themselves willing to take an examination that nobody quite seems to understand the logistics or content of, other than it being dangerous and possibly life threatening.
The book follows a group of teenagers who declare their intent to take the exam, and shows the readers through their eyes exactly what the exam consists of.
Many edge of your seat situations and emotional ties or lack thereof ensue! Who will become Champion!? Who will fail!? Will any alliances be broken?
Highly recommend!

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I was sent this in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish, the characters are fun and exciting, and the books keeps you guessing from the start!

If you enjoyed the huger games you will LOVE this, i found it to be of a similar mind but with magic involved, and to it was brilliant for it!

It’s an easy read, took me just under a day to read the whole thing and I’ve found I’m looking forwards to future editions to see what else the characters will overcome!

This is a fun read, thats relaxing and enjoyable, while pulling you in and making you need to know what will happen in the next chapter.

One of my favourite YA reads so far, I’m looking forwards to seeing what else this Author comes up with!

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This was actually a pleasant surprise in a book, i received and Arc copy of this from Net Galley in exchange for and honest review.
and Truthfully... I was not expecting much from this book if i'm honest, but it really surpass me expectations completely. and is honestly something i really would recommend for any YA lovers.


The story revolves around 2 main characters that couldn't be more different. One comes from a high End historical family of mages, and the other comes from your ordinary run of the mill family who all possess powers but nothing of greatness.


Crewe really has done a great job on character building throughout this book and all the while you feel connected completely to the two main characters .

Both parties have to complete a series of high-risk and Deadly challenges in order to compete for a place as a champion into the prestigious confederation of mages.

The plot is packed with action, and having both perspectives from each character puts a well rounded view on the overall storyline and the society they live in, The Society itself was quite interesting and admittedly crewe has written this well, showcasing the divide and the prejudice behind it in a world where liniage is worth more than skills alone, with small clues and subtle hints on the dark side of all that is wrong in their society and in order to change society perspective both characters must make some challenging moves against the powers that be in order to rebel against what they do not agree with and feel is wrong to challenge the world they live in.

When reading the book you do get a opposite connection to each character. Rocio is a lot sharper and cynical in comparison to Finns smooth talking charisma. most likely due to Rocio's upbringing and things she has had to endure and face in her life, and both characters provide a black/ white comparison to the other. Each making up for what the other lacks.

It does have a very ' Hunger Games' Like feel to the book - in regards to the society and how this is dealt with, with the characters coming to the realization that things are not always as they appear to be, and what they can do to change the world they live in.

As well as some really gripping moments and unexpected twists, the story is powerful and brutal all at the same time, and is definitely something i would 100% read again and i'm genuinely looking forward to any sequels they may be

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Finn has a magical (sorry couldn't resist the pun) ahead of him. He comes from the right family and is expected to follow a certain path, he really doesn't want to follow.

Rocío has spent years practicing and hopes to earn a place at the prestigious College of the North American Confederation of Mages.

The repressive society dictates that novices either have their magic limited 'dampened' or battle through gruelling exams to become champions to attend college. The exams are tough and dark with a definite Hunger Games or Battle Royale ish vibe going on.

I liked Finn, Rocío and Trisha but could have done without certain characters *ahem* Lacey!

The pacing is fast and frantic in parts whilst more balanced in others. It's a perfect blend of drama and action and cute friendships. More please...!

4 Stars in my Sky!

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) for an honest review!

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Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ruthless Magic = The Hunger Games + The Maze Runner with magic!!
If you love The Hunger Games, I would recommend you read this book!
This is an urban fantasy that will keep you at the edge of your seat. It has all these twists that was so unpredictable that I was captured from the start.
I really loved the characters (especially Finn and Rocio) and the plot of this book is actually really great and I had wanted to give it 5 stars.
Finn is the typical hero of the story even though he is not that great with his magic but he has the heart to help those who needs protection and I fell a bit in love with him. Rocio is a great magician but at times I felt a little frustrated with her.
However, there was a point where it just reminded me too much of The Hunger Games that I had to take one star out.
This book is like being on a roller coaster ride with what is going on in the book. You feel with the characters and it felt like I was watching a movie in my head.
Megan Crewe is really a brilliant author and I will try her other books!

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This was a fun beginning to a new dystopian YA series. It was lots of similar elements to Hunger Games and The Testing series, but with the addition of a Harry Potter style magic world as well that give it a unique twist in a well-worn genre.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

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Ruthless magic is a combination of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. Its a great read with lots of action, and magic, and while the end doesn't end with a cliffhanger, i was left with the feeling that i couldn't wait to see what happens to Finn and Rocio next. I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series.

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The Quick Cut: Girl and guy learn to depend on each other while going through a gauntlet of tests to hold onto their magic. Their bond strengthens as they learn the truth about their magic, the exam they're in, and the society's need for them.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Another World Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Finn Lockwood comes from a long line of Mages: people who utilize magic for a number of different purposes. In this society, only mages get to keep their full magic. The way to be a mage is to be accepted by the Confederate after school. If you're rejected, your magic is dampered, or significantly reduced.

The only way to avoid your magic being dampered is to take the exam. The exam is dangerous, mysterious, and if done right - can make you a Champion. If done wrong though: you can have your magic removed at best or die at worst.

Finn's family practically guarantees him a slot as a Mage. However, he was never that great in school and his doubt in believing he's earned his place causes him to opt for the exam.

Rocio is a highly talented student who has no family with Mages (also known as Dull). Although she has all the promise and success in class in the world, she still fails to receive acceptance into the Confederate and chooses to take the exam. How could she give up on magic when it's clear she's so much better than so many others who were accepted? Why is it that the families that have been mages for years are approved no matter their ability?

So when these two characters from totally opposite lives end up in the same group during the exam - you better believe Finn is left enamored and Rocio is looking like a genius to the group. It doesn't take long for the truth to unravel about how the exam isn't about what they were told it is, how those who are Champions don't get the life everyone is lead to believe they are, and the Confederate is keeping the truth from society on a number of items.

This book is absolutely what it appears it is: it's "The Magicians" meets "The Hunger Games". The brutality and survival combined with the magic makes it quite the thrilling read in the beginning. In the beginning being the key term here.

By the time I hit the halfway point, the story started to drag and felt a little repetitive. Rather than driving and feeling vibrant like the start, it didn't excited me anymore and the characters didn't give me a reason to root for them either. Beyond the basic details, you really don't get to know them that well.

Without enough character development and a continuous driving story, this book starts strong and ends slow as a magic meets survival story.

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I'm definitely the odd one out here so you should probably just ignore this review. That said, I probably should've liked RUTHLESS MAGIC.. I just didn't. I'd also like to preface this by saying I requested this title by this author because when I saw her name I mistook her for someone else. So that's pretty much my bad. Whoops? However the plot <b>did</b> sound intriguing anyway.

If you like THE HUNGER GAMES and magic, you'll probably like this. Because it's basically a magical version of said book. Go figure. It even comes complete with a very iconic homage to a scene from the second installment. As far as this series goes, though, I made the effort to read the freebie prequel novella that's available through Crewe's newsletter but I can honestly say.. you don't really need it. a) I wasn't entertained by it, and it actually took me longer to get through the novella than this full length, and b) it doesn't offer up enough additional information to warrant the investment. We learn basically everything in this first installment and as it's set forty years prior, the characters are only anecdotally relevant. Perhaps it'd be more interesting in hindsight? I can't speak to that because obvs.

As for the characters.. I mean.. they are okay? No one really stands out. The romance feels heightened in that 'this happened fast because of danger and proximity' way but almost dialed up to eleven, far beyond what it should, and while there is diversity in one of our leads, and in the variety of diversity offered, unfortunately the lot of them still end up feeling a little generic.

While Crewe does subvert some tropes within her magical quest-y 'overthrow the evil government' fantasy novel, and there's an interesting element to her magic system, overall this didn't feel all that original (see aforementioned comparison in previous paragraph) but the strength of the story might be in where it goes next. When it branches off from the familiar and goes.. possibly into more original directions. I don't know. I have a vague sense of curiosity about it, especially considering how things ended for one character in particular, but depending on the length of this series it might be one I continue only after completion.

Again, feel free to ignore this review. I'm definitely not trending where everyone else is. And in theory there is a lot to love in this world. I'm just not feeling it (yet?).

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The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter in this glorious book about what someone would do to save themselves and others. Multiple POV make it a unique story delving deeper into each person's personal story as well as together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the magic and they way it had to be sung. The fact that society knows about magic and those who are legacies have a shoe in to keep their magic was realistic. I just want to see this world come alive on a big screen!

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I received this book for free from #netgalley and Publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book in a series and if I have to add a great start.

This book alternates between a 2 POV's. It is full of Magic and I can not get enough of magic.

I commend the author on a excellent world building. I highly recommend this book and truly enjoyed it.

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I really enjoyed this book! Some elements had a Hunger Games vibe, with teens competing to survive in games orchestrated by a corrupt government, and an end prize with some hidden strings attached.

Rocio and Finn are surprisingly balanced for our heroes, and are by far my favorite thing about this book! Rocio has all the magical talent and none of the privilege that comes from being born to the right family. Finn was born to the right family and has a heart of gold to boot, but doesn’t have the talent that Rocio does. With hints of societal racism and cronyism, Rocio, a poor Hispanic girl, is denied admittance to the über elite magic school that will allow her to keep her magical abilities while Finn, a rich white boy, is admitted despite his lack of qualifications. The society limits the magical abilities of those they feel like they can’t control, while giving those families who’ve proven their loyalty the privilege of keeping their full range of magic. They’re essentially comparable to Hermione and Draco, new-magic vs old-magic, if the government had a non-murderous Voldemort running the show. Showcasing heroic qualities from the get-go, Rocio and Finn both decide to compete for their admission by entering into a deadly series of tests that promise to let them keep their magical abilities if they pass. While Finn could take the easy route, and accept the perks life has given him, he’d rather prove that he deserves his magical abilities and throws himself into the competition knowing that he could lose it all instead. This book doesn’t have the typical frustrations that other authors would use in this scenario. Rocio doesn’t hold Finn’s birth against him, fully seeing his good nature, and Finn is humble, generous, and completely aware of his faults despite the silver spoon origins. There’s no instant love and no frustrating teen angst, and the romance between them is realistic, sweet, and perfectly paced.

Romance aside, there’s plenty of action and the stakes feel real. Think Harry Potter during the Goblet of Fire. But instead of fighting for honor, they’re fighting to keep magical abilities that the government will otherwise strip from them. Great for fans of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, and especially great for those who want a sweet and believable love story without heaps of teen angst and insta-love.

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