Spellsmith and Carver: Magician’s Rivalry – My Review!!

Spellsmith and Carver: Magician’s Rivalry – My Review!!

Spellsmith and Carver: Magician’s Rivalry by H. L. Burke showed up in my Amazon recommendations recently. After reading the blurb, and discovering the author is a military spouse, I added it to my TBR list. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

An estranged son. An adopted heir. A magical attack that forces them to work together.

The disappearance of Auric Spellsmith’s mother has strained his relationship with his father to the breaking point. Now, after five years away at the Magicians’ Academy, Auric returns home, determined to prove himself to his father and claim his birthright.

Apprentice Jericho Carver has held Spellsmith Manor together in Auric’s absence. Now his master’s son is back, and if he can’t get rid of Auric, Jericho will forfeit his career and lose all hope of wooing the master’s enchanting daughter.

Neither man intends to back down.

But then Master Spellsmith vanishes into the mysterious Fey Lands. With Fey magic threatening the mortal realm, Auric and Jericho must work together to save the man they both see as father.

What I liked about Spellsmith & Carver: Magicians’ Rivalry:

I enjoyed the interesting was magic was cast in the story. The story also showed a stark contrast between old and new ways of spellcasting (both have their advantages and disadvantages), and the use of Fey energy was cool. There were many underlying storylines in the book, which kept me entertained. Jericho and Rill’s romantic chemistry complemented the story nicely and set the stage for much of the rivalry between Jericho and Auric. Despite their rivalry, the two magicians set all aside to rescue Auric’s dad, giving the story its quest element and action. All in all, Spellsmith and Carver: Magician’s Rivalry was a good read!

What I didn’t like about Spellsmith & Carver: Magicians’ Rivalry:

There were a couple of things I didn’t like about the book. First, the cliché strained relationship between Auric and his father was too predictable. Secondly, the rivalry between Auric and Jericho seemed contrived. Other than that, no complaints from me and both were minor.

Overall impression of Spellsmith & Carver: Magicians’ Rivalry:

I liked the storyline, the underlying conflicts, and unique spellcasting. The journey into the Fey lands had enough twists and surprises to hold my attention and the book was well-written. I would recommend this one to any fantasy fan!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with the author:

Did you add Spellsmith and Carver: Magician’s Rivalry by H. L. Burke to your TBR? What are you waiting for? And, while you are adding it, stop by her Amazon Author page and website and say hi! When you’ve finished reading it, don’t forget to leave a review!!

Connect with me:

What are your thoughts about the review? Leave me a comment and let me know. If you’d rather, drop me a note via email at bill@williamlstuart.com. I appreciate the feedback. Connect with me on the socials, too! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I look forward to meeting you!