Shawn Amick

Shawn Amick

I'm an author and community builder passionate about magic, collaboration, and connecting readers with independent authors.

Genres

Epic Fantasy Fantasy New Adult

Tropes

Dark Magic Dragons Hero's Journey Hidden Powers Independent Heroine Mad Scientist

Featured reviews

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A Dark, Gritty Fantasy That Makes Magic Truly Costly

If you like Wheel of Time books one and two, youโ€™ll like this book

If you like Brandon Sandersonโ€™s Way of Kings, youโ€™ll like this book

If you like Robin Hobbโ€™s Assassinโ€™s Apprentice, youโ€™ll like this book

If you like Anne Bishopโ€™s Black Jewels Trilogy โ€“ you guessed it, youโ€™ll like this book

A world on the brink, where magic demands payment in blood and betrayal lurks in every corner. Amid political upheaval and fragile alliances, a young mage must decide how much sheโ€™s willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves.

Book information:

Genre fantasy, about 400 pages, measured pace that builds tension steadily, vibe immersive and gritty with emotional stakes and mystical intrigue.

My personal thoughts:

โ€ข Favorite characters: I was drawn to Kyraโ€”her determination and moral dilemmas were so believable.

โ€ข Pros: Rich worldbuilding thatโ€™s dark and layered; magic system that feels dangerous and real; emotional stakes that actually matter.

โ€ข Cons: Some chapters slow down with infoโ€‘dumping world lore. A few side characters didnโ€™t get enough developmentโ€”but you barely notice because the main arc pulls you forward.

โ€ข Who would like this: Fans of epic fantasy with complex magic, political tension, and heroes who wrestle with sacrifice. If you enjoy emotional depth and a sense that magic has real consequences, this fits.

โ€ข Memorable quotes:

โ€œMagic doesnโ€™t ask your permissionโ€”it takes what it wants, and sometimes that price is your soul.โ€

โ€œIn a world where kindness is a currency, cruelty is the only coin some can afford.โ€

Letโ€™s wrap this up: โ€œThis book doesnโ€™t hold your hand, it throws you into the fire and dares you to come out stronger. Gritty, emotional, and full of bite.โ€ - NoniShaney, A Third Place Is Books

Review for The Cruelty of Magic