Review Detail

4.0 1
Young Adult Fiction 637
Magic, classes, enemies or friends? The Black Mage is one to read!
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.7
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
3.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
First of all, I didn't expect to like FIRST YEAR, the first book fo The Black Mage series, so much. It's a mix of Harry Potter with maybe a bit of Vampire Academy. Twins, Ryiah and Alex, entered the most amazing Academy in the world to train and be mages. They come from a low class so students don't expect much from them, even though they befriend with Ella, a high class-y girl, so sweet and nice, she becomes Ryiah's main best friend.

This book has a lot of information, that threw me off a bit, because I don't like books that throw you a lot of information in like blocks of text. It's unappealing but it happens quite a lot of times. This book is like that though. Maybe the writing style isn't the most unique at all but it's entertaining, to be honest, the characters made this book and also the atmosphere that was going on while the whole story was happening. It was rather easy to start rooting for the characters and caring for them. They are nice and fun and there are some grumpy ones that will make you swoon (yes indeed).

I actually want to pick up the next book and see what happens next. It left off in such a good note, and I just want to know what will happen to the characters and their stories!!! Because yup, as the title says, this is their first year as student in the Academy so I believe there are more years and missions to conquer so they actually get to be mages.

It also features a hate to love trope between the ship. The prince is studying in the Academy too and he and Ryiah decide to hate each other since the first day. They banter A LOT, which is nice always. They throw dagger-eyes to each other and I would bet stick their tongues out in the dreams just to bother the other. At one point, they managed to become friends and help one another and some sparks fly. It's actualy pretty nice and cute to see the prince blushing and nervous when this happens. Though I do want to point out their behavior is very hot-and-cold, sometimes is nice but sometimes it's just so tiresome. He has to keep "appearences" I think... but there are moments when he smiles at her and defends her from his friends and everyone is just SHOCKED and it's so fun to see.

Overall if you enjoy Harry Potter, the wizardy parts, the battles, the classes and the friendships and enemies parts, The Black Mage will surely be one book you will want to try!
Good Points
1. The relationship
2. THE PRINCE OF COURSE [he's grumpy and he hates everyone, perfect lmao]
3. Twins as main characters!!
4. The magic academy is so interesting
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