Caralena Lindberg

(I'm only writing a review of the first book, as it is the only one I've been able to get my hands on so far. I know I'm behind but I just want to get my opinion out there, so bear with me. Spoilers beware!) I first picked up this series when I was in middle school, and I ADORED it. I thought the premise was unique and refreshing, the characters were likeable and the story was awesome. Then I reread Harry Potter a million times, came back to this a few years later, and I saw problems. There are positives: Shannon Messenger is very descriptive in her writing style, and the worldbuilding is excellent. I do like characters such as Keefe, Grady and Edaline, Dex, and even Mr. Forkle. Fitz is fine, and Biana gets better over time. And the general plot is fine for the first book: Girl discovers she has magical powers, goes to a magic school to learn about them, but oh no there's an evil organization out to get her. It's a nice introduction to this world, and for that alone it merits a read. Now for the main problem I have with this book: Our protagonist, Sophie Foster. It is unfortunate to see, but from the very first book she is well on her way to becoming a Mary Sue. The moment she's introduced to us, we're already aware that she is a genius, is a senior in high school, and has been accepted into a prestigious college - at 12 years old. This is fine on its own, because she is an elf. We're also made aware that she can read thoughts which is again fair, because elf. But by the end of the book, Sophie has not only become one of the most powerful Telepaths in the elven world, she has performed multiple acts that no one is supposed to do without training, she has developed not one, but TWO new abilities - including a super rare one - AND she's managed to light leap out of the power of pure will. Oh, and she passed all of her final exams that she missed except one and even that doesn't matter in the end because of her new special ability. Then there's the fact that nearly everyone she meets automatically adores her. There's only three exceptions and when one of them comes around it's because her dad forced her, but in the end it doesn't matter, so that should say a lot. There's also the issue that Sophie breaks MULTIPLE LAWS throughout the book, but at first because it was an accident, and then later because she was kidnapped and did it for a good cause, she gets off easy for something she should have been severely punished for. It takes away the consequences that should help her grow as a character. This may seem like a Sophie focused review, and it is, because she is the character we spend the most time with and these problems really take away from my enjoyment. Also, don't even get me started on the love triangle - this review is long enough as is, and I've heard it gets worse later on, so all I'm gonna say now is God bless Keefe. This series has the potential to be great. And if you love it, good for you, I can't argue with that. But if you want a story with a similar premise, likeable characters, excellent worldbuilding, and one that is just an overall better read, stick with Harry Potter. This book is basically that but with elves, a female protagonist, and no Hagrid which automatically tanks it in my book. I'm giving it three stars for the positives and the nostalgia, but I'm on the fence as to whether or not I'll finish this series.