First Year (The Black Mage #1) by Rachel E. Carter

For the Preface

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33897359-first-year

It was an unexpectedly interesting book. Set in the Academy, where students with varying magical potential go to compete and try to earn one of the 15 robes of apprenticeship – 5 for Alchemy, 5 for Restoration (Healing) and 5 for Combat.

We have Ryiah who arrives with her twin brother, Alex at the Academy in hopes of earning a black robe (Combat). Being lowborns, they face a big disadvantage in the face of trained nobles. To make matter worse, there is also Prince Darrin, a confusing and condescending jerk who makes Ryiah’s head spin.

“I would join Combat or die trying... A fine choice of words. What had been meant as a melodramatic proclamation was now to be my intended irony.” - Ryiah

Ryiah is very easy to relate to. She is being strong-willed, brave and hardworking. However, she is no one special, as compared to the other students at the Academy (rare in YA fantasy) and is just trying very hard to fulfill her dream and earn a robe. Throughout the entire year she struggles with professors and students (better than her) trying to discourage her efforts. I love how she never gives up in the face of overwhelming odds and doesn’t hesitating to ask for help.

"You really think the way to charm me into helping you is by insult?" Darren was no longer frowning, and I had the distinct impression he was enjoying the debate. I glared. "Would you prefer me to lie like every one of your blindsided subjects?" He didn’t bother to hide his grin. "It would be a nice change.” – Darren & Ryiah

Darren, the non-heir, also made it to my list of favorite characters in this book. A very intriguing character – he was cold, aloof but freakishly smart. He was truly the definition of the big bad wolf. I loved how he was constantly pushing Ryiah, trying to get a rise out of her and even helping her from time to time – ‘because he sees potential in her’.

“You will thank me one day for not filling your head with false compliments. Adversity teaches one more than flattery ever will.” - Darren

Ryiah and Darren had a complex relationship, bordering between hate and friendship. It was done very subtly, the slow connection between two – I never felt that it was forced or obvious. It may be just because I’m a total sucker for love/hate relationships, but I absolutely loved Ryiah and Darren’s interactions. Their romance was not very prominent, however that is understandable as both the characters have yet to fully trust each other.

"You can't just give someone advice and then not show them how to use it!" I seethed. "It's not advice if it doesn't help them!"

Darren balked. "Well, I certainly wouldn't give it to the girl that has tried to get tossed out of this place not once but twice now—oh, and let's not forget your most inglorious moment, when you tried to light me on fire!" - Darren & Ryiah

The other characters as well – Alex, Ella, Ruth – also develop over the year and have their own subplots – adding to the whole story. The main character – Ryiah – is not only surrounded by friends, enemies and rivals but also other love interests adding to the complexity of both the plot and her character itself.

The only criticism I can offer is that the readers are left clueless about the world beyond the Academy’s walls. However that didn’t bother me at all while I was reading the book. As for the plot, it does get a bit repetitive with the practice battles and finally the trials.

The book is not open ended but it leaves you wondering what’s going to happen next. All in all, the book captures the reader’s attention with its fast pace and leaves the reader with a sense of curiosity - about how these characters will develop and what is the end game of the series itself.