Book Review: Candidate by Rachel E. Carter

 

Candidate by Rachel E. Carter

Okay, I want to keep this short and sweet because I don’t want to spoil anything!

BUT THIS WAS MY FAVORITE SO FAR! Oh my goodness! The drama, stakes and action are absolutely sky high in Candidate! This, the third book focuses on Ryiah and her training, and journey as she reaches for her dream of becoming THE Black Mage. Ryiah works so hard and is facing new heartaches, promising promotions and so many new experiences, including being a part of Jerar’s royal family!  Ryiah has been so focused on her personal goals and Darren though that she almost misses the worst thing happening right under her nose, the start of a rebellion. The enemy lurks and draws closer to overthrowing the kingdom of Jerar, but only when tragedy strikes does she get a closer look and starts to see that there are more than two sides to the war which is about to break out.

This book is full of action, which is why I loved it so much. Rachel has a true talent for writing fighting scenes that are believable and are at the same, easy to follow along with. She continued to make me feel as if I were right there with Ryiah in the arena fighting with my magic! The training and competition for becoming the Black Mage is so interesting, entertaining and, although it feels a bit reminiscent of The Hunger Games, it stands on it’s on. Which is another thing I am really impressed with. Rachel is in a HUGELY popular genre and somehow manages to outshine the other fantasy//dystopian stories for me. I may have to petition her for an interview! ;)

Recommended age:

13+

On to the ratings!

Stars..

0 = None 10 = Tons

THE FEELS:

So many feels! This book seemed to be way more emotional than the first two. There were several times where I was gasping and shouting at the book. LOL! I was happy and very sad at a lot of things and that doesn’t happen often with me while reading!

9/10

Violence:

There is a ton of good classic battle-style fighting! If you're into it like myself you'll appreciate the realistic feel. If you're not keen on fighting and realistic fighting and gore then this book isn't for you.

9/10

Sexual content:

Talk of potions for preventing pregnancy are present in a scene where Ryiah and Darren are making out, but nothing further.

4/10

Crude language:

Very mild.

2/10

Other elements/comments:

Like I said, a ton of violence. Blood, death and fighting.

Overall:

Over all I loved this book! It’s the best book I've read in a while and I can’t wait to read book 4!

10/10

Xoxo

- Sarah

Book Review: Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter

Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter

(Non-spoilery review)

“She survived a trial year at the Academy of Magic, but that was the easy part…

Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction. When she finishes, she will be a war mage, but in order to do so, she has to survive four years traveling across Jerar, training with a master she hates, her old nemesis, Priscilla, and Prince Darren, her sometimes-rival sometimes… more?

Ry’s new apprenticeship is nothing like what she prepared for. War is on the horizon and her lessons aren’t just for practice anymore.

It’s time to fight.” – Goodreads.com

Apprentice (book 2 of the Black Mage series) continues to follow Ryiah through her time at the academy, over a four year span, training to be a Black Mage. This book is absolutely phenomenal for a second book in a series! It was fast paced and the characters, except Prince Darren, were all very consistent, personality-wise, which I love. Ryiah is relatable and still determined to get what she wants. Rachel writes in a way which makes the reader feel like they are right there with Ryiah, Ella and the gang, at their school and fighting alongside them. I really loved the new characters and loved getting to see new sides of ones from book one! The mock battles were def one of my favorite parts. I am absolutely stoked for book 3, Candidate, and book 4, Last Stand…….omg that title though terrifies me.

BUT I NEED MORE IAN.

Recommended age:

13+

On to the ratings!

Stars..

0 = None 10 = Tons

THE FEELS:

I have become invested in these characters. I felt for and with them as they went through a lot of struggles, shockers and happy times.

7/10

Violence:

There is a lot of fighting and death. A few scenes are bloody and slightly gory.

6/10

Sexual content:

There are a few kisses.

3/10

Crude language:

Very little to none.

2/10

Other elements/comments:

One character in particular lies a lot. They're hot then cold and just not very nice in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t be so quick to forget that type of betrayal over and over and I think it is too easily looked over and goes unpunished because of the motives explained for this bad behavior. Also for Ryiah being written as such a strong, brave character, she is too quick to fall for whoever is showing her the most attention at the time.

Overall:

Overall I think this book was great! There were times I was a bit taken back by choices made and I think some motives for certain actions were weak but as a whole book I enjoyed it. It was face paced and I never lost interest. I hope to get to book 3 soon!

8.5/10

Xoxo

- Sarah