{Synopsis} – Nicole Williams is an Arete—a fourth child with magical abilities—yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t Channel her power. In fact, she seems to be the only student at Katon University who fails at magic.
That doesn’t stop magic from finding her. It starts with possessed books and cursed spiders before moving quickly to freaky shadows and magical currents. Nicole turns to her best friend for help, along with fellow student Austin Young, who is considered by all a magical rarity. He also happens to be the hottest guy on campus and just might be interested in her.
Nicole soon finds herself competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. She is determined to show everyone, but mostly herself, that she does belong. Yet, to qualify for the trip, she must produce at least a speck of Wind magic, and that appears to be impossible.
As the competition progresses, Nicole wonders if she’s making the right choice—especially when she learns that the strange fossils they’ll be studying in Arches might not be as dead as everyone thinks.
{My Thoughts} – Nicole is a college Freshman at Katon University. This specific university is one of few in the United States that is there for Magically enabled people to better learn their magical skills. Nicole is an Arete, a fourth child of parents with magical abilities. It is explained in this book that most people only have one or two children because it is really hard for them to have more then that, and those that manage to have a fourth give birth to an Arete.
Nicole is an interesting character. She seems to have her flaws, but she has her solid points as well. She is an amazing Cello player. Her description makes her seemingly beautiful. She appears to be well schooled and has a ton of book smarts. She also has common sense and isn’t afraid to study until she can’t anymore. She has problems channeling her magic, she has problems controlling her magic, she has problems all around, but can she get it under control before it’s too late?
Austin is a classmate of hers that is different in a sense, but he is adorable, and handsome and a lady’s man. He is everything every girl wants in a guy. The other girls fawn over him and Nicole keeps her distance, thinking that he is a teacher’s pet and well a jerk. I can see where she got the impression, but I wonder if it will stay true throughout the entire book? I guess you will need to read it to find out.
These two characters make for a nice duo throughout the book. They get along and then they don’t, and then they might and well you get the picture. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series when it is released. In the mean time I know I will need to track down the Novellas that have been released. I am always interested in reading more on a series!
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
