Institute of Magic

Dragon's Gift: The Druid, Book 1

By: Linsey Hall

Narrated by: Laurel Schroeder

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Where winning means survival...

According to legend, I’m supposed to be some kind of all-powerful DragonGod - gifted with the magic of gods. Instead, I’m a dud. In fact, I'm currently failing out of the Undercover Protectorate’s magical institute.

It's the supernatural version of Scotland Yard, and I’ve got one chance left to earn my place here. To do so, I have to compete in a deadly race across the world. In order to win, I need to survive. And I’ll need the help of a sexy and powerful shifter mage named Lachlan Munroe.

When we figure out that the race is rigged, Lachlan and I must rely on each other to make it through. But will I be able to learn enough magic to save my life?

Institute of Magic is a fast-paced, urban, fantasy adventure starring a kick-butt heroine, a powerful hero, and magic that will blow your socks off.

©2018 Linsey Hall (P)2018 Linsey Hall

I need to know what's next?

I'm loving the Dragon's Gift series although at this point I've missed books 11-15 and I did feel like that was affecting me as I listened to this book. I felt there were gaps in what I understood of the backstory, so I highly recommend that you read this series in order, although you could do the sub-series individually without missing too much (but you'd create lots of spoilers for yourself).

I really liked Ana and Lachlan as individual characters but I thought that their connection was a bit lacking, I'm hoping this will be fixed in the following books.

The plot was lots of fun, there's enough twists and turns to be an amusement part ride and there's plenty of action. I really enjoyed it and I liked that there was so much happening all at once.

The narration was excellent, the character voices were clear and recognizable and the delivery was dynamic and flowed smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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A delightful escape from reality!

** Free audiobook code received in return for an honest review **
This was my first Linsey Hall book and introduction into the magical world of the protectorate. I really enjoyed the fantastical world Linsey created, as well as the characters. The narrator, Laurel Schroeder, was the perfect voice for Ana and I enjoyed her British accents as well. The only thing that turned me off a little was the over use of some phrases, such as “holy fates” and “I drew my sword from the ether”. That being said, I am really looking forward to more magical adventures by Linsey and will be seeking out other audiobooks narrated by Laurel.

Institute of Magic

Institute of Magic is full non stop action, adventure and magic.

The world building is great as is any book written by Linsey Hall.

Laurel Schroeder once again delivers a great performance. She breathes life into the characters, makes us part of the story and takes us on a great adventure.

I love the main character. Ana was a fun character to "hang out" with, to watch struggle with harnessing and using her magic. Seeing her grow and and gain strength and confidence was satisfying.

I loved her interactions with Lachlan (wonderfully narrated by Laurel Schroeder).

very good

Just the absolute best story. Everything I like to listen about and more. Such a great story I will listen again and again. A keeper!!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Great Story!

I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review. This is a very good story with excellent writing and narration. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too.

Institute of Magic

Another great book! This book starts of running and stays that way all the way to the end. I love watching them grow in strengths of magic and finding out who they are themselves. Can’t wait to see what comes next.

the downside

the downside is waiting patiently or impatiently for the next book I love these series

Action adventure

Enjoyed the mixture of action, fairy tale and historical all rolled into this magical adventure.

love it

right up my alley, I totally enjoyed this book. it has a good story and it was well written. I would recommend to others. it was also a great narration!

The Druid Book 1, Dragon's Gift Universe Book 21

The Druid Book One, Dragon's Gift Universe Book Twenty-One.

Coming in last in a training mission wasn't the best indication of Ana's abilities, but she did gain the help of a trio of felines known as the Cats of Catastrophe. When a call for aid comes in, Ana ends up partners with Lachlan Munroe, one of the most notorious mages in the magical community. The two chase down several clues to find a stolen magic Lachlan never should have re-created. During this race, every mage begins to lose powers except Ana. Are her god powers appearing, or is she not affected for a different reason?

If you're looking for a fun story with swords and sorcery, this is the book for you. A quick note, though. I highly recommend beginning with the other miniseries within the Dragon's Gift Universe. While you can understand most everything going on, there isn't as much groundwork laid out for characters or world-building because the series is a continuation instead of a brand new series.

Audio Review:
Laurel Schroeder lays out the story in a light storytelling way. She is not overly dramatic, but does add accents and distinguishes between characters.