Red Madrassa by Terah Edun

 

Book: Red Madrassa (Algardis #1)
 
Author: Terah Edun
 
Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: As I was having difficulties describing this book and including everything I wanted to include, I decided to copy the book description off Goodreads.

A magical accident threw them together. But when Fate holds all the cards, it can be impossible to tell the difference between pure chance and Destiny...

The Madrassa, a magical school for mage practitioners, is the stuff of legend. With selective entrance exams and quotas for only the most advanced of mage children, it's almost impossible to attend.

When Allorna, a guardian trainee for the royal family, ends up on the doorstep of the citadel on the eve of the final day of a recruitment ceremony, she decides it must be fate.

She was sure she knew the path her life would take before she enrolled. But sometimes life has a way of throwing in magical curveballs and strange friends, just to see if you’ll trip up.

Oh, and one of those friends is a mage accused of murder, another is a slightly psychotic dragon, the third a healer facing an existential crisis, and the last is a female storm-caller with more hidden secrets than a thief lord.

Do they all belong at the new school they call home?

This book is suitable for ages 12 and over. It is free of nudity, sexuality and only light cursing. The book is inclusive of LBGT and racial diversity.

 
My rating: 3.5 Stars
 
My opinion: I intentionally went into this book from a young reader perspective and consider this novel a nice intro to the fantasy genre for the younger reader. The adult reader may find this book to be kind of juvenile in its' storyline.

I thought the story flowed well after the beginning and would definitely keep a young reader's interest. In the beginning, about the first quarter of the book, the author jumped around with multiple points of view. I found that very distracting to the storyline and pretty unnecessary to the book. I must admit that I did find it similar to the Chronicles of Charanthe series by Rachel Cotterill, but that is a series I enjoyed, as well, so I mean that statement as more of a compliment. 

I think there were a couple of scenes and language that I would not want my young reader to read, but it was not  pervasive enough to the point that it would stop me from allowing them to read the book. I just might be willing to discuss with them, if need be.
 

Source: Author for Review

        

Would I recommend? : For a younger audience, yes.
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Will be part of series