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

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!

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.

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.

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.