"In a world heavily influenced by the presence of dragons, in the days after dragons are gone, a young girl dreams of welcoming them back. It is a coming-of-age story full of magic, dreams, and self-discovery.

 

In her debut novel, [Song of the Mage], Rachel La Fein introduces us to the world of Avar, where we meet Tevia, a girl gifted with musical talents and an almost magical sensitivity to how other people feel. What stands out in this novel is that you won't find your petty bullies, cartoonish villains, or contrived rivalries, there's no conflict created purely for the sake of character drama. On the contrary, it is a breath of fresh air when a book doesn't follow the most tired fantasy tropes, such as the main character being an orphan or otherwise estranged from their family. What you will find here instead is lots of love, support, and understanding. A perfect breeding ground for a character to grow, with nourishment from their family and mentors.

 

Don't be misled, though: even without those minor antagonists opposing her, Tevia still struggles within her world. She wrestles with her identity, her dreams, and her goals, navigating self-doubt and the other pains of growing up as someone who feels more than others and sees more than most. There is of course major conflict brewing in the background, but it's not the main focus.

 

It is definitely a fresh spin on the coming-of-age story, one that is warmer and more loving than your usual selection of fantasy novels. For that, I love this book, and I hope Tevia's growth and personal development will continue to be fleshed out in upcoming books in the series.

 

While its debut status shows in a few unpolished edges, anyone who enjoys warm, character-driven stories will find themselves right at home".​

                   -Luke Wilk, advanced reader