I bought all the dark skull books and loved the many powers that the heroine developed. I couldn’t put the book down till I read them all.

Books were recommended by a friend. So glad I looked into them. Read all three in 10 days. I'm 76 years old and I loved them.

This is a wonderful light fantasy that will keep you very engaged! Great characters that really draw you in. I enjoyed it very much and will certainly read the next book 😉

Okay, Lisa. You have gone and done it! I never, ever have left a review on the first book in a saga! I just don’t; until now. You style is very reader-friendly and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this “first book”! There are too many highlights to mention here. Just suffice to say; “I’m hooked” and will be reading all your books! Please always have leading summaries in your subsequent books in your sagas! It really helps for us elderly folk! The clean reading is also superb! You are a star! Thanks!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it, Can't wait to read book two in the series. Loved the world building and the characters.

I didn't expect much as the main lead started off young but actually this is a fantastic series. The lead is well thought out and myltidimensional and the spoorting characters are the same. Really gripping read and i have been looking for more like it ever since.

Great characters, excellent story of true friendships and an epic tale. Cried and laughed through it all. Lisa Cassidy A+

I thoroughly enjoyed this story which was heart warming, and interesting. Also, the plot twists and trials and tribulations of the characters made it a great read.

I devoured this series. 4 books in as many days (or maybe a little bit more). I read them through kindle unlimited but decided to buy the series because I will definitely reread it. I'll be honest; I thought it was going to be a much simpler and more predictable story since it follows-- in theory-- the "yer a wizard, harry" trope. Until it didn't. Alyx, the heroine, is a very flawed hero. Spoiled, wealthy, entitled, selfish, and narcissistic. And is set up to get everything in life handed to her on a platinum platter. Before that can happen, she's sent to this universe's Drumstrang and comes up against brutality and violence that were at times truly chilling. Alyx's path to enlightenment felt pretty authentic with her eyes being opened gradually bit by bit. And as they are, she doesn't lose her haughty nature but instead uses it to better the world around her. This series was also nice because of the diversity and inclusion represented in the characters. This series is objectively an incredible read and has nowhere near the number of reviews it deserves.

The book cover drew me in but I stayed for the action and excitement! Loved the different take on magic and the mystery surrounding Alyx. The groups resolve and companionship are endearing. Huge fan

This entire series is really good. The characters and world building are deep and their adventure has all the right ups and downs. I laughed and cried. I was so satisfied with the entire thing. Thank you so much!! I would have written an individual review for this book but I literally could not stop between to write a review. I had to keep going. And now I just have the feels. I recommend this for people who like a good story with characters who grow and face tough choices. If you like twists and turns and staying on the edge of your seat, this series could be for you. I truly loved it!

An epic battle of good vs evil, coming of age, friendships and self discovery. The emotions of each character leap from the pages as they fight their past to preserve their present and build a world they can be proud of tomorrow. I can imagine this being an incredible movie series!

Finding an author who can world build and actually take you there can be hard to find. A very good, rounded story and quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Only wish the map was available on kindle… I could never see it.

Loved the whole series. Great characters and a lovely escape into a well written fantasy saga. I would recommend this!

From the cover I expected to be in a more traditional epic fantasy novel. Mage academy is what this book really is. Though things got a little slow in places, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m new to mage academy books but this was a great start to the genre and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series

Taste is subjective to each individual but there are some universal truths to greatness… The characters (of which there are many) are well rounded and deep… the world is an enticing blend of magic, old and young mages seeking revenge and the arc of each main character is full of growth and learning which is necessary to move a plot along in this story of young mages coming into their own. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy and sadness because of how emotionally connected I got by the last third of the story. The cons? I also admittedly am a snob about my fantasy fiction. The things that fell flat for me were the lack of explanation about the invulnerability Shakar gained, and I felt a bit put out about Galien. Alyx deserved a whole chapter of piercing him repeatedly with her sword… just sayin’ lol. Overall a wonderful series that would make a good television series as well… <<3

Thoroughly enjoyed this twisty turny romp of an adventure series. Great character development, realistic heros and subtle complexity makes for a page turning read.

Liked all four hooks. Author knows how to develop a character and how to put together a story. I've discarded several self published books after 2 chapters because they are so badly written, and I was very pleasantly surprised at this series. Highly recommended.

I very much enjoyed the character and how she grew. Plenty of action, heartbreak, twist and turns. Would highly recommend if your looking for an adventure.

I was just scrolling through kindle looking for a new story, so glad I found this one. My poor house and work suffered I must say as I couldn't stop reading until all 4 books were read. Finished in a week! That's how good this story was for me. Thank you for sharing this story with us fantasy book nerds!!

Great storylines and writing. Intriguing and great twists. Keeps one reading to see how all storylines play out. Enjoy the growth happening.

Unlike most heroines, Alyx is a noblewoman whose reluctance to leave the comforts of home sets the stage for this excellent coming-of-age story. Well-written. I am excited to begin Book 2.

Great characters, lots of twists and turns in the plot.

The story was a bit slow to start but exciting and absorbing once you get into it. There is a lot of mystery and suspense which will no doubt start to be revealed in the next book. Can’t wait.

I loved all the books on this series!!! Great story...made me laugh and cry. It so easy to get emotionally attached to the characters. Thanks to the author for this!!

The Mage Chronicles ends with Heartfire. Lisa Cassidy writes characters that a reader can not help but get emotionally attached to. A story full of battles, life lessons, love and loss, treachery and the strongest of friendships. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ for editing errors...⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Lisa Cassidy and The Mage Chronicles!

I downloaded a spin off book and decided to start with this series. I like the way the author pulls you into the story. Good word building . Great characters. Definitely worth reading

It’s was pretty good. Some people won’t like it but I would recommend it if you like fantasy with a little romance.

Beautiful story telling, lots of build up and bits and pieces of information without leaving you asking questions at the end. Everything ties in together and thr characters are easy to fall in love with and follow throughout the story.

All four books work so well together, the main characters have so much depth and it is messy and I mean that in the best way, it feels real.

This was a fantastic read, throughly enjoyed the journey. Definitely some tears shed, and was really hard to put down, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it! Can’t wait to read more books from the author.

Thoroughly enjoyed the mage series couldn’t wait to read all books. Look forward to reading more books by same author

This is an excellent series. It keeps you hooked from page one. I highly recommend.

Awesome series of books could not put them down just had to keep on reading . looking forward to more from this author

I loved this series. The characters are very well developed and not just the main ones. I couldn’t wait to find out how it all ended, and boy, what a finale! I ended up reading late into the night......

Lisa Cassidy did an outstanding job creating characters and allowing the reader to experience the growth of these characters! The story line stayed true and the action created a page turning frenzy! I enjoyed the series! Great job!

Classic fantasy - good versus evil. Relatable characters and I easily became immersed in the plot. Great world too. Thanks.

The Mage Chronicles by Lisa Cassidy is, like her second series (A Tale of Stars and Shadow), an absolute gem! I thoroughly enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. It was such a pleasant experience because (unlike many other fantasy series) not every page is filled with dread and impending doom. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of tension and excitement, but by and all, you're always looking forward to what's going to happen next! Absolutely brilliant writing!

This story started slow almost gave up on it to start readong another book. But I felt that Ms Cassidy had to lay the ground work for the story before it picked up. I really enjoyed the ending in this story and look forward to reading the second book.

Great story line from beginning to end. Couldn’t put it down. Hope there are more to come post the Great War...

I first discovered this gem when my manager asked me to read it to see if it was something we should stock in store (I work for Harry Hartog Woden). I opened it up intending to read a few chapters... and finished the book a few hours later! I could not put it down! The author has done a fantastic job of setting up a rich world filled with a diverse cast of characters and cultures, political intrigue and colourful histories. The characters are the stars of this wonderful story, as Alyx and her friends overcome ever more dangerous obstacles, learning to trust eachother and, perhaps most importantly, themselves. A coming of age tale that seamlessly weaves together magic, friendship, mystery, inner strength and a hidden danger lurking in the wings; Darkskull hall is a great read from start to finish that will leave you demanding more.

Girl goes to magic school. She has a mysterious past and people are keeping secrets from her. She seems not to have any actual magical power (yet?). She's in love with a handsome guy and has an extremely irritating and disreputable friend. That could be any of a hundred magical school books but this one is better written than most and has a few unique twists. There are some interesting issues raised about classism and prejudice and they are not neatly resolved, they're left to trouble the heroine. I came to this author via her second series which is also secondary world fantasy with an original plot and some interesting world building.

Great story and I fell in love with the characters. I couldn't put this down.

This story focuses on the development of the MC in the hostile environments of school and her home country with a bit of romance. Good supporting characters and enough action to keep my interest. Looking forward to the next book.

Loved this book. I always dislike characters that are stagnant and self absorbed. Instead, this book shows the vulnerable main character mature as she is faced with prejudice and harmful accepted societal norms. The supporting characters are life like and engaging and the villains are terrifying. This book was hard to put down and I can't wait for the next one. Well done!

Normally when reading a series by the last volume my interest wanes. Not with this series. It kept me enthralled from start to finish. Highly recommended.

The author has created a coherent plot with characters who epitomise courage, vision, strength, & resilience all within abiding friendships and set within a truly wondrous fantasy world. I found the novel hard to put down and am looking forward to future works from this author. Thank you

Bought this from the local bookshop in one of those "blind date with a book" deals. At first I wasn't entirely sure I was going to like Alyx, but the more I read the more I enjoyed the book! Ending up spending my entire day off reading this book from cover to cover, I didn't want to put it down!

Interesting start to the series. I haven't read anything from this author before and I am glad I borrowed this book thru Kindle Unlimited. Off to download next book in the series.

Great read. Loved the characters.