Title: Noble Magic
Series: Enforcer’s 01
Author: Ravon Silvius
Genre: Fantasy World, Steampunk
Length: Novella (131pgs)
Publisher: Extasty Books (15th April 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Lord Kenneth Victeni has every opportunity and every privilege. As the noble son of a powerful mage, he puts little thought into the lives of the talentless, the second class citizens who cannot use magic in a world ruled by mages.
That changes when he meets Thorn, a talentless who is studying at the inventor’s college, where those without magic develop steam-powered technology. The two men share a mutual attraction, and what’s more, Thorn just might be Kenneth’s lifemate—the man who, with just his presence, can double Kenneth’s magical power.
Kenneth’s ignorance of the lives of the talentless puts an obstacle in their budding relationship, however, and his life grows even worse when another mage at the collegium attacks and nearly kills him. Now Thorn and Kenneth must put aside their argument and find a way to put a stop to a mage who poses a threat to others—and along the way, Kenneth might even learn the sensitivity he needs to win over Thorn.
Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/noble-magic/
Review: Kenneth is a mage of noble birth. He has had every opportunity and is studying at the mage’s collegium. Looking for a piece of steel needed for a project, he has to enter the talentless area and meets Thorn, a young inventor, who begins to change his views about the talentless. Thorn is an inventor in his last year of college. when one of his inventions gets away from him and scares a noble mages horse he jumps at the opportunity to discover more about magic. As the two young men become friends, they discover a connection between them. But, Kenneth’s ignorance of the talentless causes problems. They also make a chilling discovery that just might cost them their lives, if they don’t work together.
This is a great beginning to the Enforcer’s series, of a magi and a talentless who meet by chance and change each other’s lives. Kenneth has been sheltered throughout his life. he was protected from the full impact of the war between magi and talentless and the only talentless he has ever met are servants. Kenneth has lived with his father telling him how dangerous the talentless and their inventions are, but when he meets Thorn, he discovers that the talentless are interesting and not always treated fairly. Thorn knows the suffering of the talentless, but he is still intrigued by the young magi. He is attracted to Kenneth, but their differences come between them. until Kenneth is attacked and left for dead.
Noble Magic is a well-written story that mixes Steampunk for the talentless with magic for the magi. Not only is it a slight romance with danger thrown in, but it also tells of two different classes of people who find a common ground against the odds. Both Kenneth and Thorn are great characters. Kenneth with his slightly proud snobby attitude and Thorn with his down-to-earth welcoming attitude, put them together and you have a couple who will never be boring. I liked how this world was portrayed with the two sides separated by magic, those that have it hold all the power and those that don’t are treated like second-class citizens. The magi using magic, but not really understanding it and the talentless creating machinery hoping to mimic the advantages that the magi have.
Thorn and Kenneth begin something new in this story, a magi and a talentless working together is completely unheard of. Their relationship is shaky, but develops quickly and they are there for each other in times of need. The storyline is good and is just the beginning as they are invited to test for the Enforcer’s, their relationship is just beginning as well so it will be interesting to see how they both cope with their new situation.
I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, danger, developing love, an interesting storyline and a happy for now ending.