Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood Published by Katherine Tegen Books on March 21, 2017
Pages: 368
Goodreads
Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems.
Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?
I was looking forward to reading this novel for quite a while. I’d pick it up and place it back on my shelf. I wanted to bask in the delight I was expecting to feel when I read this story. However, my anticipation fell short.
I thought this story had the makings of something fantastic: a school for girls where magic is taught, kingdoms, snakes, and wizards to contend with. Yet, I couldn’t get into the story. Let me back track a little.
The story starts with a bang. It is fast paced and full of excitement, however, I felt like I was starting to read the story in the middle of a book rather than at the beginning of one. I checked twice to see if I was reading the sequel of this story, figuring that I had missed the ending of the first book. Frustrated with the opening, I read on.
The main character is a strong and bold young woman who stands up for herself. This is counter to the school’s training and causes many problems for her. However, her personality and gumption is what is needed to pass the tests and make it to the end of the book. As much as these qualities make for a great and powerful main character, I couldn’t relate to her. I also felt that too much was going on without really understanding what it is that was happening. I felt like I was reading in a whirlwind.
Perhaps, it is I who didn’t get the story. Maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read this adventure. I’d love to hear from anyone who has read it and let me know what you think. I do give books a second chance and I will be re-reading it. Maybe my opinion of it will change. Presently, I was disappointed with the story.
