REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: Rising Magic

AUTHOR: Tara Lain

SERIES: Superordinary Society #2

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 262 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2020

BLURB:

Even as a baby mage, Dash Mercury dreamed of going to Arcantaria, the barely whispered about school for superwizards. When he’s invited at eighteen, making him the youngest student in Arcantaria history, Dash is less excited because he has to leave behind the only good friends he’s ever had—Carla, BeBop, Khadija, Fatima, and most of all, the guy he loves, werewolf mage Jazz Vanessen. At Arcantaria, the other students treat Dash like dirt until he manages to join the exclusive Olympus Club… a group with an agenda. A scary one.

No one—not even the students—knows where Arcantaria is located, so Jazz is desperate when he picks up danger vibes from Dash. He and his friends set out to find the school and break in. When they realize what the club is training Dash to do—and the dire consequences if he succeeds—they know the human race is in danger, and they’ll have to step up and save it.

But first they have to save themselves.

REVIEW:

The Superordinary Society is split up. After their adventure in the first book, Dash and Jazz are off to different schools – Dash is at the mysterious Arcantaria to learn magic while Jazz is at Yale so he can eventually take over the family business.  Their other friends are spread out – Carla is at Harvard while the rest of the crew are in New York City.  But things are not going as well as they all wish – Dash is struggling with his school, Jazz isn’t happy with his classes. Dash & Jazz have a mental connection that is severed with the shields from the wizard school. But Jazz is starting to get messages that Dash may be in trouble.  And Dash is getting involved in a club that he’s suspicious that it’s purpose is not just for the elite at the school.  They must gather together to fight the impending doom and save themselves in the process.

School is difficult.  Adjusting to your first year of college can be hard and being separated as a couple is tough.  All of the crew are trying to better themselves, but struggling as they work apart. As suspicious actions start to swirl around them, they must figure out how to come together again to stop bad things from happening. You don’t have to had read the first book to read this one, but I would have loved to have just read more with these characters – they’re all very individual and have such unique skills.

The writing stays light even in the view of danger and there are some interesting twists and turns to the story. The magic is fun and both Dash and Jazz are still trying to figure out their skills and we’re discovering the skills of the others in the ‘society.’ Though not really touted as a Young Adult book, it has that feel without being over the top.  There’s very little sex and when it does occur late in the book it’s very lightly written and over quickly. It’s just amazing that now there are these queer stories that can be read by all. Lain keeps the tone cheerful while there is still some angst and danger. A fun read, I’m curious to see if there will be more and where she’ll take these characters as they continue to grow and discover themselves.

RATING:  

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