With thanks to @The_WriteReads, @WriteReadsTours and @GameOverStation for a place on the Tour.
Synopsis
Gray Lexly, son of a candlemaker, wants to escape his life of old-world technologies and study at the prestigious Astra Academy, a school for arcanists—those who can wield magic. But Gray has a major problem. Every night, as he sleeps, he’s visited by monsters. When they injure Gray in his dreams, he wakes with the same wounds in real life…
On the night Gray might finally die in his nightmares, he is saved by the kind and mysterious Professor Helmith, a powerful arcanist. She offers to protect Gray and invites him to attend Astra Academy.
Before that can happen, Gray must bond with a mystical creature to become an arcanist himself. Will he bond with a unicorn? A pegasus? A kitsune? Whatever he bonds with will determine his magical abilities, so he must choose wisely.
And when trouble finds Professor Helmith, Gray must become powerful enough to help her and fend off the terrible nightmares, before it’s too late…
Review
Stovall pens a fast-paced story that’s bursting with adventure, fun and magic! It’s a feast for the imagination and whisks us away to a fantastical setting that’s vibrant, exhilarating, dazzling, and skilfully brought to life.
I really enjoyed the unique magic and lore – it’s a refreshing way for magic, and power, to be obtained. The symbiotic relationship between the eldrin and arcanist was intriguing – I’m looking forward to exploring those dynamics further in the next book, there’s so many possibilities!
I loved all the magnificent mythical creatures and their different abilities. The descriptive writing brings these strikingly to life; the beastly ones terrifyingly so, they truly are what nightmares are made of!
I was instantly hooked into Gray’s plight and the realness of the nightmares he’s experiencing, the monsters he encounters and the fear creeping in. Professor Helmith’s effervescent nature and enchanting interactions with Gray sparked my curiosity. I loved Gray’s never give up attitude and the bond he shares with Sorin as they support, tease and laugh their way through it all. Twain was an excellent character, his cantankerous nature was on full display at the start, as he bonds with Gray, we see his true nature making him a great partner as they confront an unknown danger.
There’s attacks, imposters, and darker forces in play as Gray finds himself at the centre of a menacing plot and up against foe that no one could have imagined!
Academy Arcanist is a fantastic YA fantasy read exploring destiny, understanding, acceptance, and following your dreams. A hugely entertaining read with Harry Potter vibes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Follow the Tour ⬇️
#AcademyArcanist,#ShamiStovall, #TheWriteReads, #TheWriteReadsonTour, #BookTour, #BookReview, #Bookrecommendation
BookswithDanSamEnd 