Actual rating 3.5 stars. 
 This is the second instalment in the Black Mage series. Ryiah and Alex, twins from a lowborn family, are entering into their second year of training to become magical mages. After the trials accompanying their first year their continued studies promise to be just as full of drama and complications. 
 I had stated in my review of the first book that I am absolute trash for magical boarding school settings, and this hasn't yet changed. I was initially disappointed to see that a whole three years of their magical education had been packed into this book and I wasn't sure how Carter would be able to adequately recount it all. I was quickly put at ease however, as each year is given enough of a focus without becoming repetitive, and with enough action in each to make them all equally as thrilling. 
 As with the first book, Ryiah's feelings for a certain aloof prince dominated the book. Whilst I initially enjoyed seeing the progression of their love/hate relationship, certain of the royal attitudes I found hard to reconcile. This meant that I couldn't fully appreciate the ending and didn't wholly enjoy that such large a focus was demanded by his presence. 
 I found enough other intrigue to distract me, however. Ryiah's growth in both maturation and competency as a mage made for fascinating reading. I found both her petty school dramas and the larger dominating intrigue stimulating and she remained a feisty and focused protagonist despite all this book deigned to throw at her! The way each consecutive twist was implemented into the narrative made the tension grow with each passing page, until the climatic battle that had me reading long into the early morning hours! 
 Whilst I can't say I adored every element of this book, any of my distaste was purely due to my personal opinions accompanying one character and I am eager to see how Ryiah will continue to astound and intrigue me as her adventures continue outside of the academy.