I first picked up this book because it was recommended at the end of John Bierce’s Tongue Eater. And I’m really glad I did.

There’s a lot of similarities between the two series actually. Both have a main character with anxiety arrive at a magic school that they’re not prepared for. Both series have pretty good LGBT representation. Apart from that though this book has it’s own identity that shines through.

I loved the world in this book. There’s a well thought out system of governance and it’s got a few innovations that are more modern than in your standard fantasy (trains and pistols being two examples). But it preserves the feeling of magic that all good fantasy stories have. The academy is in a large tree, there’s magical creatures and fae and in general it’s just a really nice world to exist in and explore. The magic system is equally varied. It really felt like a science, that there was a lot you could do with it but that there was so much more to still discover. Also the main character chose to be an Enchanter and I love main characters who make magical gadgets.

The main character himself is interesting. He has severe social anxiety, to the point that he can’t actually go to one of his classes. But he is very determined about succeeding and growing his power and towards the end of the book is definitely coming out of his shell a bit. I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops in later books.

The plot is pretty slow paced and arguably non-existent. A lot of it is just surviving a normal term at university, albeit a magical university. The ending was a lot of fun but hadn’t been set up as such. I felt it came naturally and wasn’t tacked on, like some endings of that sort can be, but for people who don’t like such a slow burn this book could be irritating.

Honestly I loved every minute of it and recommended it to my book group. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from Tobias Begley.