Lady Apprentice

Serving Magic: A Swords & Sorcery Romantic Fantasy, Book 1

De: Toni Cabell

Narrado por: Lisa Lynn Sandlin

Her homeland under siege. A dark sorcerer hot on her trail. All the prophecies say Linden can stop him. Who are they kidding?

**2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Award**

**2022 First Place - YA Fantasy - Incipere Awards**

**2022 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards**

**2022 Finalist - Indies Today Awards**

Linden is the worst mage apprentice at her school. Her latest disaster: accidentally destroying her classroom when a small hooded fay pops up inside the fireball she’s just conjured.

Linden is sent to the headmaster’s office to be formally expelled, when she is saved by the bell—quite literally. Someone is frantically ringing the bell inside the watchtower overlooking the western frontier. Raiders are coming, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of the enemy army.

In the days following the raid, rumors begin to fly about the invading commander, with dark powers and an even darker mission. And for some reason Linden has yet to fathom, he’s taken a personal interest in her and her unruly magic.

If you love warring kingdoms, strong, sassy heroines, and slow-burn clean romance, discover Serving Magic, a complete epic romantic fantasy series for fans of Shari L. Tapscott, Kenley Davidson, and Melanie Cellier.

©2021 Toni Cabell (P)2024 Toni Cabell

A Quick moving high steaks Fantasy.

Linden is the worst mage apprentice at school. And things only get worse when the school gets attacked by raiders, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of their enemy.
Things happen quickly after this…

“Who knew creating chaos could be a useful thing?”
Me Linden, I knew.

This was a fast paced war type fantasy story. The opposite to the other books by Toni Cabell that I’ve recently enjoyed, as I see the Door County books as calm and cozy. Lady Apprentice is about a magical world during a war that has broken out. As I am normally a fast paced type of reader this book was exactly what I knew it would be. It was engaging and entertaining throughout the story. I like that Linden, our MFC isn’t perceived as a girl who “doesn't need anyone” ; we see her receive and accept help from family and friends throughout the book; it doesn’t make her weak, it makes her stronger.

This book was full of family, friendship, enemies and secrets. The action started early and really didn’t end. I was at the edge of my seat, needing to know what was going to happen next. So much happened at the end of the book and while I can understand some listeners may feel like it was action heavy I feel like it was well throughout and paced well for my liking and expectation from an action fantasy. The only other books of Toni’s that I have listened to are the Door County books, please note this series is set up to be way more action packed than those books.

Lisa Lynn was again Toni’s narrator for this book. She did an amazing job drawing me in during the action scenes and keeping my attention during the “slower” parts. Lisa does an amazing job giving each character their own voice and feel, helping the story come alive.

I listened to this at 1.1x.

Great action

Follow along as Linden discovers her families past that they have never told her; as she learns about her powers & that they are nothing to be ashamed about.
This was fun adventure. I enjoyed riding along with the story. It is definitely more magical & fantasy with some touches of steampunk. You see the most inventions from this subgenre as you get closer to cities where it’s easier to use them.

Great fantasy story you will want to read through

I really enjoyed this book by Toni. It had some epic magic, a new storyline I don't think I've seen before, some great characters and character growth, and a romantic subplot I could get behind! The main female character has to overcome many of her feelings of inadequacy and frustration to really embrace the future ahead of her, and it adds growth along the way as she learns to do so. I liked that most the characters seemed to grow throughout the story and there were even a couple plot twists! I can't wait to see where the series goes though this story works well as its own novel so you're not left with a huge cliffhanger.

Kept me on my toes!

The whole time I was listening, I didn’t want to turn it off! The story was enticing and the narrator did such an incredible job with the voices that I felt like I was right there in the story with the characters!

A Magical Fantasy

I enjoyed this story a lot. Once the audiobook started, I was so absorbed by the story, that I had to drag myself away to complete my daily obligations. I liked the characters. I was entertained by Linden's struggle while trying to control her magic. I was amused by some of the dialogue and situations. I admired the picturesque descriptions during the scenes of war as I felt like I was there. I thought Lisa Lynn Sandlin's narration was good as she provided various voices for the different characters. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

So amazing!

⭐No spice
⭐No foul language
⭐War violence nothing too graphic

✨To serve we must survive✨

Tropes:
🗡️Hidden identity
🗡️Sacrifice
🗡️Found Family
🗡️Embracing who you are
🗡️Power of love
🗡️Brothers best friend
🗡️Slow burn

Narration review:
@narratorlisalynn did an amazing job and bringing all of the emotions to life. She represented this story so well. I enjoyed that when things were serious you could tell. When Linden was afraid you could tell. I am always impressed with how talented she is. She is seriously my favorite narrator because she makes you feel like you are part of the story.

The book review:
This world is so real to me. She made a picture in my mind so clear and I knew exactly where things were and what they looked like. The characters were well developed and very thought out. I am so glad that I do not have to face the glenbarrens. Toni created the villains of this book to be something so terrifying. I love when a book has a really good villain. The betrayals were so unexpected. The plot twists were placed perfectly. Every character in this book changed and grew, which I really find impressive. The book is very fast paced but nothing is left out and everything has the timing it needs. I appreciated that it wasn't easy for Linden right away and that she had to work for it and embrace her differences. I love that this book has so many beautiful messages in it.
Also I found it hilarious that Remy is ALWAYS hungry 🤣

Trigger warning: loss of loved ones and friends, imprisonment, coma, war losses.

Sweet, fun adventure

I loved this coming of age romantasy story. Such a fun setting and magical world. The narration was excellent as well. Highly recommend!

Action-packed fantasy

I liked this story, but I felt like there was too much going on to keep track of it all. The world and magic system were unique and the storyline was engaging. I personally would've liked a bit more romance than a few letters and then no contact until the end but that's my own opinion.
The narration was well-done. I found the Northern US accent annoying every time an "ag" word came up like bag, drag, and dagger but it was read with good intonation and feeling.