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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?).

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!

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.

Ruthless Magic by Megan Crewe is the first full length book in the Conspiracy of Magic young adult urban fantasy series. There is a prequel novella that takes place four decades before the beginning of this story but it wouldn’t necessarily need to be read to understand Ruthless Magic.

The story alternates between the two main characters Finn Lockwood and Rocío Lopez. At sixteen Rocio and Finn are awaiting to hear from the North American Confederation of Mages as to whether they will continue their magical training of go through a dampening of their skills. If not chosen the only way left to prove themselves is to declare to join the brutal Mages’ Exam.

As Finn gets his letter he finds that he has been accepted to the college but his best friend who is much more powerful than his is gets rejected. Knowing that he was only chosen because of his family line Finn rejects his appointment and vows to join his friend in the trials. Rocio on the other hand is from new magic and is probably the most powerful mage of their generation but is still declined. She vows to join the trials and prove herself even after losing her brother to the trials three years before.

Ruthless Magic really was a powerful, action packed adventure to begin this new series. As the book blurb suggests this one really did remind me of a lot of other young adult fantasy reads out there. It’s a bit like taking Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, Divergent and many other’s and coming up with a nice blend. The trials seemed like a magical version of being tossed into the Hunger Game arena or the Divergent simulations, brutal and filled with fast paced action.

The one thing though that keeps me from passing out all the stars to this story just yet is the fact it did remind me of other stories quite often. This is a double edged sword really, yes, I liked the book but what I hope Megan Crewe does in the future installments is really make this one shine and become a star all on it’s own without hiding in the shadows of all those other books because when reading those I didn’t think of other things but only what was going on. Otherwise though a great beginning to the series that has me longing for more.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

A group of sixteen-year-old novice mages will be thrown “to the lions” in a brutal exam to test their worthiness to keep their powers.

Rocio is a very talented mage, but she comes from the wrong side of the tracks and has been rejected by the elitist Confederation of Mages. The exam will be her one chance to prove her worth to stand among them.

Finn has the right family ties, the impressive pedigree, but his talents are fair at best. He now must prove his own worthiness and actually earn his place in the Confederation.

Neither Rocio nor Finn were prepared to fight for their very lives as the exams begin, and the vile “tests” prove deadly. Mage will stand against mage, deceit and trickery will abound as these teens form an unlikely alliance in order to stay alive and keep their magic. Their biggest test will be the test of their humanity and heart, compassion and sense of moral values as they very souls are challenged. Is this what they really want after all? Where is the good they thought they could do for the world? What does the Confederation really stand for?

With a perfectly apt title, RUTHLESS MAGIC by Megan Crewe is a jagged tale, filled with danger, action and the determination of teens to win at all costs. It is graphically violent, often heartless and one never knows what to expect next. A little confusing at first until the exams begin, as multiple POVs told through the innocence of youth will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering how these children can endure and why would anyone put them through such derisive “tests.”

Hard-hitting action, disturbing scenes and some truly heroic characters make this a fascinating tale and a strong foundation for an edgy young adult series!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Another World Press!

Publisher: Another World Press (May 30, 2018)
Publication Date: May 30, 2018
Genre: YA Violent Fantasy
Page Count: 352
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

I can not stop talking about this book! When I heard that it was Harry Potter meets Hunger Games, I was instantly sold! Not to mention that hella eye grabbing cover! It’s super pretty! I loved the dual perspectives in this book as it really does make their world that much more vivid. The plot was well paced and made this a one click read for me. Megan distributed so much magic and action throughout the whole book that i didn’t know where the story was going to go. I’m looking forward to more in this series and I full expect this to quickly be a high ranking book. The writing was absolutely brilliant and made this a 5 star book!

I'm between 4 and 4.5 stars.

If The Hunger Games hooked up with Lev Grossman's The Magicians, the baby might somehow resemble Megan Crewe's newest book, Ruthless Magic. While the setting isn't quite as dystopian as the former, and there isn't the type of quest featured in the latter, this book shares elements of both without feeling like a retread of either.

In a society not too far into the future, there are people with magical abilities and there are those without, known as Dulls. The North American Confederation of Mages oversees the use of magic, and each year they decide which 16-year-olds will be chosen to become a part of the magic world, and which ones will be "dampened," essentially having their magical powers lessened so that they'll only be able to use one particular skill for professional purposes.

The Confederation is particular, though—they want to be able to control magic, so they only like to choose descendants of magical families rather than let "new magic" people in or those who came from less exclusive pedigrees. Those rejected by the Confederation have one course of appeal—they can stand for the Mages' Exam, a mysterious, brutal challenge that no one talks about—if they remember it, or survive.

Finn Lockwood is part of a prominent magical family, but his skills have always been lacking, much to his chagrin. Although it is his legacy to be accepted into the world of magic, he wants to be able to use his magic to make a difference; he doesn't want to be saddled with some low-level job. Declaring he'll stand for the Exam gives him the chance to succeed or fail on his own, and he's willing to take the risk.

Rocío Lopez grew up poor, the daughter of Dampened parents. She's spent all of her free time learning about magic and enhancing her skills, and she knows she's more talented than most. She should be a shoo-in for a place in the Confederation, but she is rejected because of her background, so she has no choice but to stand for the Exam, despite the risks that her family is all too sadly familiar with.

Everyone who believes themselves worthy of a place in the Confederation comes to Riker's Island to stand for the Mage's Exam. It will be unlike anything they've ever faced before—a test of will, intelligence, magical skill, and courage, and it will show them (and the Examiners) just how far they're willing to go in order to succeed. Although they have different reasons for wanting to succeed, Rocío and Finn become allies—and possibly more—and vow to protect one another, as well as others in their group, although when magic is involved, whom can you really trust?

I found this to be a really engaging, creative, and quick read. Ever since the Harry Potter series I've been completely fascinated by magic and those who have the skills, and love the dynamics among fledgling and skilled magicians with different abilities. I was really pleased Crewe decided to shift the narration of the book only between Finn and Rocío; I was afraid she'd alternate it among others as well and I thought that might get more confusing.

I've never read anything Crewe has written before, but I was really dazzled by her storytelling and her world-building (even if the world was our own). She has created some engaging characters with real emotions and real struggles, and even gave us those to root against. There's some great action in here, some brutal magical challenges, and the pace flowed really nicely.

Obviously, when I say the words "magic" or "fantasy," there are some who roll their eyes or immediately say, "This one's not for me." You know who you are. But if you're looking for something new, Ruthless Magic may be an interesting book to try. I'll be waiting for the next one in the series. (Apparently if you join Crewe's website, you get a free prequel to the book, so that's where I'm heading next!)

NetGalley and Spells & Stars Books provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!

If you ever wanted to read a book that was a cross between Harry Potter and Hunger Games, then this may just be a book for you to add to your TBR pile. The pacing is a bit slow at times, but it balances out in the end. The characters didn’t grab me quite as much as I’d hoped, but it was an enjoyable YA tale overall. Everything happens over the course of a few days, so the romance angle does feel a bit rushed. If you look closely, you will see links to societal issues (symbolism) throughout the story. This is the first book in the series. I will likely check out the next one just to see what happens.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

This first in a new urban fantasy series is told from two points of view. Finn Lockwood is a magician without too much ability but he knows his future is set because his family has had a prominent place in the magical elite. Rocio Lopez is a much more talented magician but her family doesn't have that history. Both of her parents have been Dampered - had their magical ability throttled down to just minor abilities.

When each reaches the age of sixteen, they are sent letters letting them know if they have been admitted to college or were scheduled to have their magic Dampered. Finn was accepted but his best friend Prisha Mathurs, from a new-magic family but a much better magician than Finn, was not. Rocio was also denied entrance into the college.

There is a third option for those not admitted to the college. Students can sign up for the Mages' Exam which is a secret and brutally hard test but survivors become Champions and keep their magic. Prisha and Rocio see the Mages' Exam as their only chance to keep their magic and declare for it. Finn wants to prove himself and support his best friend so he declares for the Exam too.

Most of this story takes place during the Mages' Exam when all of those who choose to take it are tested in a variety of cruel and dangerous ways. Finn, Prisha, Rocio and a few other students band together to help each other. The more Finn sees the more he comes to realize that the whole system has some serious flaws. He sees that Rocio, who is the best magician Finn knows, has almost no chance of success simply because she isn't from an established family.

Rocio is determined to succeed both to prove herself and to find out what happened when her brother Javi chose for the Mages' Exam and died in the process of it. She is determined not to let the examiners chance her morals and values. Rocio and Finn also fall in love during the course of their trials as each sees and appreciates the other's strengths as the tests pit student against student and friend against friend.

I thought the world building was interesting positing a magical community alongside the human community that outs itself and positions itself to help the human community. Of course, that is just one of the reasons they came out. Another one was to be able to openly battle with the other magical communities in other countries. It is easy to see that the magical elite are self-serving and borderline corrupt and want to hold on to their powers and limit the number of magic users even though Finn is slow to see it and reluctant to believe it. I liked what Finn and Rocio learn about the nature of magic itself during their Exam.

This is the first book in a new series and I am very curious about what will happen next for Finn and Rocio.

As soon as I opened this book I couldn't put it down. This was an amazing Urban Fantasy that covered topics and themes like social class, prejudice, privilege, and Government deception in a very realistic and relateable way. As even though this book is fiction many if these theme's seperate a large majority of the population.
Not only did I enjoy reading about how today's topics were put into an Urban Fantasy I also enjoyed reading about the different characters. Many of the characters I judged right off the bat as I wouldn't like reading about them but as the story progressed and tge more I read I started to understand the Old Magic characters. And reading about the Givernment in this somewhat fictitious world was also really interesting. This whole book gave me a Hunger Games meets Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Eorks feel, as in this book as well as Hunger Games and Fate Stay Night they are all battling for their lives for a spot in the magical college, to Harness the Holy Grail, or just to make it back home alive to their loved ones. This book was a spectacular and wonderful look into Urban Fantasy that I've yet to see from anything else I've read. All I can say is congratulations and well done Megan Crewe!

I thoroughly enjoyed Ruthless Magic! I thought it was a fabulous read! I loved the plot line and the characters. It was unique, and well written! I would definitely recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Ruthless Magic seems to be getting great reviews so far and I was so excited to read this book. But I am just going to stand in the corner again for being the odd one out, again.

It isn’t a bad book, do not get me wrong. I enjoyed reading this book. But that is about where it stayed. I think the biggest thing for me was that it just wasn’t memorable. It doesn’t quite stand out from the crowd.

A lot of that, for me, has to do with the characters. They are likable but not memorable. The story focuses on Finn, who comes from an old magical family, and Rocio, who is considered new magic and poor. Just from that one would think that they are quite different. Yet when I was reading the chapters I sometimes didn’t see the change in character. I sometimes mistook Rocio for Finn and vice versa halfway through a chapter. . They just didn’t have a distinct voice from one another. It didn’t help that the point of view changes every chapter.

Having said that, beyond the not distinct voices, I do think the book was written well. The pacing and set up of the plot were done well. The world building was also done well. Having two main characters from two different sides of the coin helped a lot with this. Though I thought Finn’s reasons for joining the exam were a bit flimsy.

I quite liked the idea of the magical community feeling the pressure on revealing itself to the rest of the world as they have done in this book and some of the troubles that brings. There is some commentary on privilege that Finn has for instance, and I liked that he was so aware of that for the most part or that he could be called out on it and he would listen.

Overall the book reminded me of Red Rising and The Hunger Games a lot with the different groups of people, the game element and some of the brutal element the story has. I think for that this book would be a good fit for those that quite liked these books.

I would like to warn for some animal cruelty at the start of the book where someone deliberately kills their own pet to make a point. That was not okay.

One sentence review: A compelling story that takes the best of The Hunger Games and gives the reader so much more than expected.

Full review: Ruthless Magic is one of the most fun books I have read this year. Crowe delivers an action-packed story about overcoming unbelievable odds and prejudices, righteousness in horrific circumstances, and the power of friendships and love. Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down until the story was over. And, I still held on to it a moment longer with hopes more story would be hidden somewhere after the acknowledgements.

The main characters are well-written with actual depth and darkness, which is revealed as they are pushed to extremes. I would have liked to get to know a few of the other characters a little better. I really appreciated that the characters were diverse in ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. It was nice to see more of the audience actually represented in a YA fantasy.

The world-building was well done. The stage is so clearly set, it feels like your watching a television programme. You’re swept away with ease into every scene that Crowe wishes to show you.

The book is reminiscent in many ways of The Hunger Games, but the addition of a very compelling magical component which reshapes and enhances the story. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the continuation of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Crowe, and Another World Press for the eARC which allowed for an honest review and and afternoon well spent in another great series.

Happy Friday!!

A Bookish Girl

Ruthless Magic is the first book in a new series by author Megan Crewe, and is a fresh take on how magic may exist in the modern world. From engaging characters, a new magic system, and a mystery that takes a while to unravel, this book is a great fun read.

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

Magic wielders and regular people co-exist in modern society, with the magical space overseen by the Confederation of Mages, or more commonly referred to as the Confed. Each year, aspiring mages who come of age apply for a position at the College of the North American Confederation of Mages and are either accepted or denied. This number is capped to satisfy the non-magical 'Dulls' and make them feel like the balance can't shift too much in Mages favour. If you don't make the cut, you have the option of declaring and taking part in the Exam. If you can prove your worth, you can be named Champion and be awarded a place of honour at the College.

Finn Lockwood and Rocio Lopez both find themselves in circumstances where they declare for the Exam. Finn comes from one of the prestigious ancient mage families, desperate to prove he has what it takes to live up to his name. Rocio is from new magic, and has to fight every step of the way to even be part of the conversation.

Thrown together on the first day of the Exam, along with friends and foes alike, the young mages must use every bit of strength and skill to survive.

This is the first of Crewe's novels that I've read, and Crewe has an easy writing style that is effortless to read. The characters were unique and diverse, something so rarely seen in YA books today. The setting in Manhattan was gritty and real, and the interplay between magic and non-magic so seamlessly done. Ruthless Magic had all the elements of a great starting point, but it lacked that spark of something that would have made me fall completely in love.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and at times couldn't put it down, but it just didn't completely grab me.

The romance plot that was woven through fell into the insta-love space which is a trope I generally can't get on board with. The main part of this novel took place over four days, which is an unrealistic time frame to meet someone and then say you're in love with them. In the highly emotional and physical circumstances the characters went through, it doesn't seem like the right time for it to be happening at all. This is probably the biggest thing that held me back from giving Ruthless a four-star rating.

Will I pick up the next one? For sure. Ruthless Magic ends with a question that I need an answer too.

- Katie

Thank you to Netgalley, Megan Crewe, and the publisher Another world Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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