This is the first full instalment in the Black Mage series. 
 I knew I was going to love this book as I am absolute trash for magical boarding school settings. One thing I find with this setting, however, is that I often find the books move away from this initial focus on the magical studies, and on to another form of intrigue. I always find myself wanting to pause the books in their early stages and and for them to continue to revolve around the magical studies the students undertake. I want to live their studies with them and immerse myself in this fantastic setting. And this book does just that. 
 Ryiah and Alex, twins from a lowborn family, are entering into their first year of training to become magical mages. They have to compete against over 100 other gifted individuals to gain the coveted fifteen places reserved for second year students. Their lowborn background mean the pair have entered with a severe disadvantage against their highborn classmates. Alex's charm makes him instantly popular with the school's female population, but Ryiah has trouble forming her own bonds, even managing to attract the wrath of the prince and his betrothed on the very first day. Will the pair survive the year? And if they do, what form will their futures take when they are battling such terrible odds for a chance at an apprentice's position? 
 This acted as a great initial insight into this fantastical world and I am excited to see where the academy students will take us next. Ryiah's insight was the perfect invitation for the reader to enter into the magical setting, as she is also a newcomer to this realm. Her brother's easy charm made him instantly as likeable and it wasn't hard to find myself siding with the duo, in the multitudes of plights that befell them during their tumultuous first year. 
 Their struggles with studies, tutors and friendships were all relatable and the added magical training added a unique twist to the proceedings. The second book promises more of the same and I am excited to see what follows.