“You can’t skip the journey. The way you get to things is just as essential as the end results.”
I love a good adventure story, filled with magic, quick-witted banter, and romance. H.L. Burke is a prolific author, but this was my first opportunity to check out one of her books. Magician’s Rivalry is the first book in the Spellsmith and Carver series, which takes place in a world where magic is responsible for all sorts of helpful things from protecting crops to lighting fireplaces. And, of course, saving the world. The story focuses on the Spellsmith family, which includes siblings Auric and Rill, as well as Jericho Carver who has become an apprentice to Auric’s father.
The story is set in motion by the various interpersonal conflicts that are playing out between Auric and his father, as well as between Auric and Jericho. Burke does an excellent job of keeping the story moving forward at a quick pace while still providing enough backstory to make the characters relatable. She also does an excellent job of developing the rules and systems for the magic that plays a prevalent part in the story. In particular, I enjoyed the fact that each time magic is used it gives off the unique scent of the magic user.
And I do love the romance that develops between Jericho and Rill! It has a lot of sweet little moments, even when they are apart from one another. It’s clear how passionate he is about his feelings for her; and I thoroughly enjoyed how that passion frequently made her brother, Auric, squirm. Definitely still in the clean zone, but enough kisses to satisfy this romantic.
Also, there’s a magical clockwork fox that makes frequent appearances. I love animal sidekicks!
If you’re looking for a fun, light adventure story that will tug at your heartstrings, you should definitely check out The Magician’s Rivalry by H. L. Burke. Five out of five stars!
Kathleen Bird 
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