Reviewed: June 16th, 2023
Released: March 31st, 2023
Genre: Coming of Age Fantasy
Welcome to Foothills Fae Academy, where four thirteen-year-old students begin their journey to harness the power of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Wind. Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael soon become friends as they navigate the challenges of the school, but they soon discover that their training is not just for when they reach adulthood- there are dangerous Dark Magic Welders that threaten their world. As the four friends learn to control their abilities and become true Fae, Ben and Amber discover that they have a special gift that puts them in grave danger. Set in 1999, this thrilling fantasy adventure follows the four students as they learn to prepare themselves against the Dark Magic Welders while also training to be Fae.
Helen’s thoughts: 3.5/5
Foothills Fae Academy is set in a complex world of eight realms, with a very detailed magic system which denotes the hierarchy of power and acceptance. Such a complex world does take time to introduce which slows the pacing at the beginning. Four thirteen year olds begin school, at a time when they are only just coming into their powers.
There seems to be a lot of prejudice in this school. Although it is stated multiple times that the kids are only just coming into their power and will still have another year or so to mature, but if they are only showing one power, they are denigrated and belittled as being ‘weak’ which is a bit unfair and short sighted by the powers that be.
I did get a little confused with Ben, who only had one power at the start and was worrying about being seen as weak, and yet in the Power Display (a bit like the sorting hat in Harry Potter but with elemental powers) he demonstrated all four elementals and wasn’t surprised.
I’m not gonna lie, I struggled with this book a bit, though I don’t think I am the target reader so that should be taken into account. There were too many POV characters, too much explanation and too much repetition to really get into the story. I don’t understand why bullying was acceptable, and that made it difficult to like and engage with some of the main characters as they stood by and allowed it to happen because they all had to ‘toughen up’.
Once you get into the story, there is a lot packed into this book, and if you like coming of age, coming into powers trope then this book will be for you. There is good versus evil and unexpected reveals and plenty to keep your attention once you get passed the initial world building and character introductions. A complex world with an interesting magic system with undertones of a wizarding school to keep you hooked for those younger readers.
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 