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A review by charliauthor
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven by Dee Benson, David Arlo
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is an absolute crime that it is so slept on. A traditionally published book that has been out for seven months should not only have a handful of reviews. There has clearly been a lack of attention given to this book and its authors because it has wonderful potential and was engaging throughout.
Damien Ike is the son of the Head of the High Commission of Magic and as such, is destined to become one of the most powerful Mages and head of HCOM as the last 3 generations before him. However where most children come into their magic around 13 years old, Damien is 15 and his powers still haven’t awakened. Because of this he struggles with his life around his immensely magical family, friends and school.
What transpires is Damien discovering his true magical potential and what that means for his future as he finds kinship among rebels who are attempting to bring down the regime he has been taught to value above all else.
This book and story is wonderfully crafted and as mentioned, I was invested throughout. The world they inhabit, while a little unclear where this might exist in our real world, works in a way that magic and modern tech are blended as one and magical people do all the jobs regular people do as well has have high positions if they have especially grand powers. Theres a magical school with imposing and sinister teachers, tern antagonist, smart and perky love interest and ominous rebel forces trying to take down “The Man”. This book has all the ingredients for a decorative and genre changing YA novel and more people need to know about this. Where some reveals might have been obvious for an older reader, younger readers would lap this shit up with the “twists and turns”.
Damien is sweet and his supporting characters all have threads to them that are just waiting to be unravelled that much more. I loved Missy, his little sister who has all the sass and smarts of a 12 year old but also someone a decade older lol shes hilarious. I really liked Ma Penny, the grandmother and even the antagonists, Baron and Mason held weight. Mason was very Malfoy in that regard and should this book ever get a sequel, id be so invested in seeing how his life plays out.
In short, this book is good. Read it. Tell your friends to read it. Get it for their kids/teens. If you enjoy good worldbuilding, and characters and a solid plot in an unapologetic YA setting that doesnt just mean the people are stupid and naive, then grab this up.
Damien Ike is the son of the Head of the High Commission of Magic and as such, is destined to become one of the most powerful Mages and head of HCOM as the last 3 generations before him. However where most children come into their magic around 13 years old, Damien is 15 and his powers still haven’t awakened. Because of this he struggles with his life around his immensely magical family, friends and school.
What transpires is Damien discovering his true magical potential and what that means for his future as he finds kinship among rebels who are attempting to bring down the regime he has been taught to value above all else.
This book and story is wonderfully crafted and as mentioned, I was invested throughout. The world they inhabit, while a little unclear where this might exist in our real world, works in a way that magic and modern tech are blended as one and magical people do all the jobs regular people do as well has have high positions if they have especially grand powers. Theres a magical school with imposing and sinister teachers, tern antagonist, smart and perky love interest and ominous rebel forces trying to take down “The Man”. This book has all the ingredients for a decorative and genre changing YA novel and more people need to know about this. Where some reveals might have been obvious for an older reader, younger readers would lap this shit up with the “twists and turns”.
Damien is sweet and his supporting characters all have threads to them that are just waiting to be unravelled that much more. I loved Missy, his little sister who has all the sass and smarts of a 12 year old but also someone a decade older lol shes hilarious. I really liked Ma Penny, the grandmother and even the antagonists, Baron and Mason held weight. Mason was very Malfoy in that regard and should this book ever get a sequel, id be so invested in seeing how his life plays out.
In short, this book is good. Read it. Tell your friends to read it. Get it for their kids/teens. If you enjoy good worldbuilding, and characters and a solid plot in an unapologetic YA setting that doesnt just mean the people are stupid and naive, then grab this up.