The Magical Academy is a prestigious institution that has been renowned for centuries as the center of magical education. It is the ultimate destination for aspiring wizards, witches, and magical beings who seek to hone their magical abilities and learn the intricacies of spellcasting. Located in a hidden realm, the academy is shielded from mundane eyes, accessible only to those who possess the innate gift of magic or have been specially chosen by a powerful sorcerer. The sprawling campus is a sight to behold, with majestic towers, sprawling gardens, and winding pathways that seem to have a life of their own. Inside the academy's walls, students are immersed in a world of wonder and enchantment. They are taught by distinguished professors who are masters in their respective fields of magic.
"Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
The soft whooshing of the wind off the struts of a Night Witch jerry-rigged biplane bomber; described as the eerie sound of a witch s broom as it quietly glided in to drop its payload of bombs. Despite being the most highly decorated unit in the Soviet Air Force during the war, the Night Witches regiment was disbanded six months after the end of World War II.
They are taught by distinguished professors who are masters in their respective fields of magic. From potions to transfiguration, from charms to divination, every aspect of magic is covered in great detail. Students learn the theories behind each spell, the necessary incantations, and practice their magical skills under the watchful eyes of their mentors.
Curse of the Night Witch (Emblem Island) (Hardcover)
This is book number 1 in the Emblem Island series.
- #2: Curse of the Forgotten City (Emblem Island) (Hardcover): $16.99
Description
A fast-paced series starter steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. Filled with fantasy, action, adventure, and an unforgettable trio of friends.
A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer!
A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America!
On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it.
Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year's Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power.
The next morning Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin…the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch.
With only his village's terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline.
You'll love Curse of the Night Witch if you're looking for:
Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books)
Stories based on fascinating mythology
Your next favorite fantasy series
"Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that's both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one's fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
"Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
About the Author
Alex Aster is an author and graduate of The University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing. The Emblem Island series is inspired by the Latin American myths her Colombian grandmother told her as a child before bedtime. She lives in New York. Explore the world of Emblem Island at www.asterverse.com.
Praise For…
"Named a Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer!" — Seventeen.com
"Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that’s both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one’s fate in a world where destiny is predetermined." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Tightly paced… worthy of every magical ounce. What sets this series opener apart is the author’s exquisite use of real Latin American folktales to broaden her fiction, bolstering the particulars of the world she creates here." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Aster balances a fast-paced plot rife with hair-raising action and snippets of Emblem Island folklore, offering a story about sacrifice and risk-taking that's great for young mythology fans." — Booklist
"A great fast-paced, high stakes adventure" — MG Book Village
"After reading about Emblem Island: Curse of the Night Witch, we can agree there is no doubt Alex Aster has a bright career in front of her." — BE Latina
"A fast-paced island adventure with enough quirks to entice most young fantasy." — School Library Journal
- Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore
- Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure
- Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Caribbean & Latin American
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Juvenile Fiction / Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Adolescence & Coming of Age
- Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Paperback (April 27th, 2021): $7.99
After World War II, Soviet women were once again largely kept from combat roles and eventually the Night Witches’ achievements faded from memory until few people knew about them. But in February 2019, author Kate Quinn helped revive interest in the Night Witches when she published her novel The Huntress, in which one of the main characters, Nina Markova, becomes a Night Witch and fights the Germans.
The academy also provides an extensive library filled with ancient tomes, grimoires, and scrolls, catering to the thirst for knowledge that all magical beings possess. Here, students can delve into the mysteries of the magical world, studying in solitude or engaging in heated debates with their fellow scholars. Aside from academics, the Magical Academy offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to nurture the students' magical talents. There are dueling clubs, where students test their skill in magical combat, Quidditch fields, where aspiring broomstick flyers compete in adrenaline-pumping matches, and experiment laboratories, where budding alchemists brew potions and create magical artifacts. Living within the academy's walls is an experience in itself. Students are sorted into different dormitories based on their magical aptitude, forming a sense of camaraderie and loyalty among their peers. The dormitories, hidden away from the muggle world, often have their own unique magical qualities, from floating beds to talking portraits. The graduation from the Magical Academy is a grand affair, filled with pomp and circumstance. Graduates leave the academy with a deep understanding of magic, ready to face the magical world with confidence and wisdom. Many go on to become respected figures in their respective magical communities, contributing to the advancement and preservation of magic for future generations. In conclusion, the Magical Academy is a place where dreams are turned into reality, where the imagination flourishes, and where the possibilities of magic are explored to their fullest extent. It is a haven for those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe and harness the power of magic..
Reviews for "The Magical Academy: Preparing Students for a Magical Life Beyond"
1. Emma - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The Magical Academy". The plot felt predictable and lacking in depth. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue felt forced. I struggled to connect with any of them or become invested in their journey. The writing style was also quite simple and didn't do justice to the potential of the magical world. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1/5 - "The Magical Academy" was a complete letdown for me. The pacing was incredibly slow and I found myself losing interest early on. The magic system was poorly explained and there were too many unnecessary subplots that didn't contribute much to the main storyline. The romance was also forced and lacked chemistry. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it failed to captivate me and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "The Magical Academy" to be quite boring and cliche. The plot followed the typical tropes of a magical academy setting without bringing anything new or innovative to the table. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. The writing style also felt bland and uninspiring. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't live up to its potential.
4. Alex - 2/5 - "The Magical Academy" felt like a rehash of other popular fantasy books without bringing anything fresh to the genre. The world-building was weak, and I found the descriptions of the magical academy to be lacking in detail. The pacing was also inconsistent, with slow scenes dragging on and exciting moments feeling rushed. The characters were also forgettable, and their motivations weren't well developed. Overall, it was a forgettable read that failed to leave a lasting impression.
5. Emily - 1/5 - I couldn't get through "The Magical Academy" as it felt like a generic and poorly executed fantasy novel. The plot was predictable and lacked originality. The writing style was dull and the dialogue was cringe-worthy at times. The characters were also incredibly cliché and lacked depth. I stopped reading halfway through as I couldn't find any redeeming qualities about the book. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted fantasy read.