3.5

In order to earn his mage name and join his family as a member of the Jan’Tep (“People of True Magic”), Kellan must master the six types of magic as well pass the four mage trials. The only problem is: Kellan’s magic has faded over time to the point where it’s pretty much non-existent. If he fails the trials, Kellan faces becoming a Sha’Tep – those without magic who therefore become servants to the Jan’Tep – or worse banishment.

After his first trial ends with Kellan’s life on the line, he’s rescued by a woman named Ferius Parfax a mysterious traveler who relies on her playing cards to get her out of rough situations more than magic.

As Kellan’s connection to his magic grows ever more tenuous, he begins to see truth to what Ferius brings to the table, but with everyone thinking she’s a spy, Kellan’s standing in the community might just be in jeopardy.

I kinda felt like I was dropped into the middle of an established series despite this being the first book. While I felt like the world-building was done pretty well, there were moments where the ins and outs of the clan, including how the hierarchy is determined, were a bit muddled. There was so much information to swallow, not only the different levels / types of magic, but the clear talk of unrest that’s looming in the background, at times was too much.

However, I really enjoyed the flip in that our hero is not gifted with magic and has to rely on other ways of getting out of bad situations. He’s very cunning and quick on his feet. It’s apparent that the Jan’Tep people have spent so much time relying on their abilities that they can’t get out of their comfort zones and it ends up weakening them more than helping them.

I have to say, Kellan is put through the ringer in this one. While facing the disappointment of his family becomes the least of his problems by the end, it’s been quite some time since I’ve read a main character who goes through so much turmoil in just the course of one book, and he’s only fifteen! His commitment to doing what’s right is endearing as well as the obvious way in which he doesn’t give up in the face of danger. I look forward to seeing how his character matures as the series continues.

Ferius was an interesting opposite to the magic community. She’s a strong-willed, independent woman who likes to stir up trouble, but is equally able to handle herself in most every situation. By the end of Spellslinger there’s still an air of mystery about her and her motivations aren’t exactly known yet.

Overall, I found Spellslinger an enjoyable read. There were quite a few twists I didn’t see coming throughout, and I wonder how the story will build upon these sometimes-shocking reveals.

This is my first foray into Sebastien de Castell’s writing and it certainly won’t be my last. I have heard many great things about this series, as well as his Greatcoats series, and so far, so great. If Spellslinger is any indication of how good this series can and will be, readers are in for a fantastic next five (5) months and beyond. (Reason I say that is because the first four (4) books in the series, out of a total six (6), release over the course of the next several months).

So, Spellslinger.

There are three things that earn you a man’s name among the Jan’Tep. The first is to demonstrate the strength to defend your family. The second is to prove you can perform the high magic that defines our people. The third is simply to reach the age of sixteen. I was a few weeks shy of my birthday when I learned that I wouldn’t be doing any of those things.

In the beginning, we are introduced to a young man by the name of Kellen. He is in the midst of his first mage’s duel and on the path to becoming a spellcaster. Problem is: his magic seems to elude him, and appears to dwindle as time ticks away. He is forced to use his wits and tricks in order to move forward with his training. But these tricks will only move him so far along in his trials before he is found out.

Enters a mysterious stranger by the name of Ferius Parfax, an out-of-towner with a penchant for card tricks and practically sweeps Kellen off his feet. She takes Kellen under her wing and shows him a path that is, suffice it to say, less traveled. Though she is thought to be a spy by everyone around, she shows Kellen the world anew and he slowly begins to understand his place in it. But of course, when everything seems to be going fine, enter stage right: evil. When his sister is kidnapped, and with his friend’s backs turned to him, Kellen and Ferius must do what it takes to save her and the rest of town.

Have to say, character development is a strong suite in de Castell’s deck of cards. From Kellen to Ferius, though Ferius didn’t have AS much screen time, there was enough fleshing out for 2-3 books let alone just 1. But who stole the show for me was Reichis (and you’ll have to read to find out who I am talking about.) I don’t know if it was just Jameson’s portrayal, but I found myself rolling whenever Reichis made an appearance and I hope there is more from him in the sequels.

The first half of the novel is a ton of world-building and background info dumps that are key to the story, so I urge you to keep going if you feel it bogging down. Also, yes, it is technically YA but I encourage you to give it a shot as there is plenty of fun to be had and no love triangles to speak of. I know that is typically what steers me away but sometimes you just have to trust the opinions of others to give something a try before judging.

Overall, if you have read other works by the author, chances are you have or will give Spellslinger a shot. If you are new to de Castell, I urge you to pick this one up and let me know what you think. It is fun, witty, and overall captivating, and I cannot wait until Shadowblack hits shelves on August 21st.

I have to start off this review by letting you all know that Sebastien de Castell is my favorite author, hands down. His writing is so beautiful, his banter leaves my sides hurting from laughter, his characters always find a way to weasel themselves into my heart, and his fantasy stories are a tier above anything else out there right now. He is such a clever and witty writer, and his books are exactly what I want and look for in my fantasy. Oh, and I get a little fangirly when I talk about him and his Greatcoats.

So when I found out he was going to be writing a YA series, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist picking it up. I also knew after page one, and seeing that Kellen is a mini Falcio, that I would completely fall in love with it.

In Kellen's clan there are two types of people:
➽ Jan'Tep - People that can wield magical powers.
➽ Sha'Tep - People that have failed their mage trials, have none or minimal magic powers, and are now servants to the Jan'Tep. That might mean being a servant in the home of a Jan'Tep family, or it might mean life forced to spend your days mining in the mines.

Our main protagonist, Kellen, comes from one of the most powerful mage bloodlines in his clan. His father is renowned and feared by everyone, because he is so powerful. His mother is one of the most gifted healers ever known. His sister is the best and most magical student in his school, and she's only thirteen. Kellen isn't as lucky.

“No one thought that I’d been clever or brave, not even my own father. All that mattered was that my magic was weak.”

In this world all children have six tattooed bands on their arms that need to spark and then that child will be able to wield that type of magic. Some only spark one band, many spark two bands, but only the most powerful are able to spark all six. Regardless of how many an individual is able to spark; you have to pass all four trials to become a Jan'Tep! And unfortunately Kellen hasn't been able to spark any of the bands, and his sixteenth birthday, and the deadline to complete his trials in order to become a Jan'Tep are closely approaching.

➽ Iron - Shields and other protective magic.
➽ Ember - Fire and lighting magic.
➽ Silk - Mind manipulation powers and magic.
➽ Sand - Seeing afar and secret knowledge magic.
➽ Blood - Physical manipulation magic.
➽ Breath - Wind and air magic.
➽ Shadow - Magic of emptiness, of the void, and of all things demonic.

Shadow is the band that the children do not have, and that's because shadow is believed to be cursed and to drive the individual insane, while also encouraging them to perform evil acts. When the shadow decides to show in an individual, it doesn't spark a band, but a blackness will show. These mages are called Shadowblacks and are hunted and killed.

Kellen is so scared that he is going to be forced to become a Sha'Tep and never have the magical abilities that everyone else seems to have. He also is constantly dealing with feeling like a disgrace to his families' name, because it feels like he will never be able to be what his family wants him to be. That is, until Ferius Parfax wonders into his town, and shows him that he can be anything he wants to be.

“Life’s a curse, kid. Love is the cure.”

Ferius is an Argosi, who draws maps of people and their cultures. Many believe they travel to witness great events. In true Sebastien de Castell fashion, I fell in love with so many of these characters, but Ferius completely stole my heart. Ferius is such a strong female lead, and there is so much more I want and need to know about her. Also, she wields a deck of cards. Yeah, think Gambit from X-Men and Twisted Fate from League of Legends, except tarot cards. I honestly want to be Ferius Parfax when I grow up.

“The world is a big and dangerous place and there’s more darkness filling it than you’ll ever know. Only one thing fights that –men and women who don’t walk away from their debts. Pick a card now, Kellen, because I won’t ask again.”

The Jan'Tep people also live in fear of another culture of magical people, even though they have been dead for a long time. The Jan'Tep people are taught about a war that involved them and the Mahdek, who would summon demons and commit other evil acts. You know, like Shadowblacks. The Mahdek people also would use these adorable very vicious squirrel-cats, actually named/called nekheks, to help them fight, so the Jan'Tep people are also very afraid of them, too!

One particular squirrel-cat ends up playing a major role in this story, and his name is Reichis! I couldn't help but picture Reichis as Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy, even though I know he's not a raccoon, but his personality is so reminiscent. Seriously, such an amazing character. I would completely read a whole book surrounding him and his family. Also, if I wasn't completely sure about giving this story five stars before, Reichis' mother completely sealed the deal.

Also, I want to state a trigger warning for animal cruelty/abuse. This is normally a big problem for me, and it didn't bother me too badly in this book, but that's not to say that it won't bother you. This book has a light amount of it, and nothing too graphic, but it is in a few scenes and I feel like it is very important to at least warn you guys.

Kellen was so focused on trying to pass his mage trials and how not to be an embarrassment to his family, until some Jan'Tep people start losing their powers and many members of the clan begin to blame the mysterious Argosi woman who has just recently come to town. Which means Kellen is forced to figure out what really is happening to his people, while also trying to figure out who he really is himself.

“I’m afraid there is a great deal of difference between not doing something and not being responsible for it.”

This story is so unique, the writing is so superb, and the message of this story is so very important. Accepting who you are is sometimes the hardest battle we will fight in this life, and seeing Kellen become who he is and not what others expect him to, whether it's his family or the world, is something so beautiful that I don't have words for.

“Because that card might just change the world.”

Thank you again, Sebastien de Castell, for another book that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'm not sure what the world has done to deserve your stories, but I am so very thankful for them.

You know how you often read about these heroes and heroines that have incredible and inexplicable powers offered to them on a silver platter so that they can save the world and become the hero and heroine not only of their own story, but of everyone else’s stories as well?
That’s not Kellen.
He’s no hero. In a world where magic is praised and valued more than anything else, this kiddo really doesn’t fit in, especially considering how his father, mother and sister can wield magic like it’s nobody’s business… and he can’t.
If Kellen doesn’t find a way to successfully complete the four trials, he’s never going to become a mage… and will end up a servant instead, bound to serve his own family members until his hair falls off.
You know, I’m a tiny bit annoyed right now. While this is written wonderfully and has a strong main character, the summary gives the impression that Ferius, the mysterious female traveler he meets, will become his sidekick or mentor or anything extremely important to the story.
And that’s not exactly the case. She does help – in the beginning – but her character is overshadowed by another character’s appearance, Reichis’, who, by the way, has yet to win my heart.
But since Kellen is ever-present and a really entertaining fellow, I just couldn’t not enjoy this story, even if I had tried – and why would I do that? He finds ways of laughing at himself to dismiss depressing thoughts, and he’s quite the clever bastard at times. I was rooting for him the whole time, and still am.
The world-building requires some more tinkering, and the book itself a glossary for the particular vocabulary the author decided to use and the names of the multiple characters I sometimes found myself struggling to place in the story.
I’m not sure that this series requires six books, but I’m curious to see where the author takes things and I have a feeling I will grow so attached to Kellen along the way that I won’t want to leave him.