Author: Melissa Caruso
Pub. Date: 24-Oct-2017
Rating: 5 Stars
The Tethered Mage is the debut novel of Melissa Caruso and is the first book in the Swords and Fire trilogy. This book is truly a great way to start a new series. The author has built a wonderful magical world full of intrigue and characters to die for.
Lady Amalia Cornaro just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She is the Cornaro heir and will one day take her mother’s place on the Council of Nine. Therefore, when she inadvertently binds a young fire warlock to herself while trying to aid her it goes against all convention. The Empire does not allow a member of the council to be a Falconer for this could tip the balance of power.
Unfortunately the magical bracelet, called a jess, that controls and bids Zaira, the fire warlock, to Amalia is fused shut and can’t be removed. Leaving both young women with an outcome neither of them wanted. They will each have to come to terms with the price of their actions and together learn to trust one another, not only as friends but as Falcon and Falconer, because there are powerful forces stirring both within and outside of The Empire. As these forces seek to over throw The Empire, Amalia and Zaira will be needed to restore calm and insure peace.
I so love good fantasy and The Tethered Mage definitely falls into that category. The author really thought through how a society that contained powerful mages might work. This attention to detail is the best part of the story. We also see it in the characters and plot as well. Ms. Caruso weaved her own kind of magic to draw the reader into the story and she keeps them enthralled with her creative plot twists and careful world building. I cannot find fault with any aspect of this book.
Not only is the book a great fantasy novel but it is also a thoughtful coming-of-age story. I highly recommend this to all loves of Fantasy and to those readers who enjoy young adult stories with strong female characters.
I received an ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.