In a world where light and shade battle for hearts and minds, young rebel, Hagar, earns a scholarship to study magic. But dreams can turn into nightmares. And if someone gets their way, she won’t see the end of her first year.
At first, Vanar University seems a wonderful place. Hagar aspires to study hard with no distractions and to become an accomplished mage. But distractions are happening to her whether she likes it or not.
Hagar’s old friend, Noq, is at Vanar too. But he’s up to something, and he won’t tell her what. There’s romantic potential with the intelligent and handsome Jude. But is that a good idea, with all his secrets and a needless interest in forbidden dark magic? And there’s an invitation to join Requiem, a prestigious secret mage society. Hagar should feel honoured. But is Requiem all that it appears to be?
Things start to unravel with conflicting work as a double agent and something dark and hidden in her past that’s coming back to haunt her. The campus that has become her happy place is going to witness an unleashed evil.
Before the end, Hagar will look into hell itself, and she’ll discover that even loved ones can’t be trusted...
This new paranormal fantasy is ideal for fans of dark academia and fantasy with magic, witches, and wizards. Imagine studying for a degree in magic at a university with an old library full of magic books and grimoires, demons and ghosts loose on campus, secret societies, and sorcerers into dark magic. Add to that a diverse cast, blossoming romances between student mages, and an exciting end battle against evil.
Suitable for YA, NA, and adult readers.
This is a full-length novel that can be read as a standalone, or as the first in a series set in the Five Realms, a world of supernatural phenomena where light fighters push back against shade, and the Dark.
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REQUIEM is the first book in the Tales of the Five Realms series and we are immediately introduced to a world where everything is not equal - especially where magic is concerned. Hagar lives in Sera, where only the Elders have magic and everyone else is encouraged to leave. When she does something that could result in prison, the Elders give her the option to go to Magic School in another realm - but only if she spies for them. Of course, she agrees. Not only does it keep her out of prison but it also gives her the chance to control her crazy magic.
This book is full of intricate twists and turns that will keep you guessing as you read it. The author also cleverly gives you a circumstance but downplays it so you forget it, only for its relevance to become plainly obvious at a later date.
The world-building was great but I was hoping for more about the Five Realms themselves. I was left with questions over just who people were and why they invaded other Realms, plus others. I'm sure it will become clear as the story arc continues.
Hagar is a bit of a character - all over the place with her emotions, magic, and love of learning. Then again, she is only supposed to be in her early twenties and I don't know of anyone who had it together at that point!
Requiem was a great start to a new series that I have no hesitation in recommending and will be looking forward to continuing.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *