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.

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.

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!

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.**

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!