Parents' Guide to

Angel Mage

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Riveting fantasy has fierce women, angelic magic, adventure.

Book Garth Nix Fantasy 2019
Angel Mage Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Liliath, a unnaturally gifted mage, accidentally unleashes a plague upon her people, the Ystarans in her attempt to be with her Archangel lover, Pallaniel. Magic performed near any Ystaran kills them with the Ash Blood Plague or turns them into violent, predatory beastlings. Liliath leads as many refugees as possible to neighboring Sarance, and then disappears for over a century. Awakened, she sets in motion a plan to reunite her with Pallaniel, regardless of the cost to the people she enlists to aid her return to Ystara. Four young people – Simeon, a doctor-in-training, Agnez, a swashbuckling Musketeer cadet, Henri, a clerk in the Cardinal's service, and Dorotea, a scholar, mage, and gifted icon maker – hold Liliath's keen interest and their connection is the key to her plan. The four fast friends discover a chest of treasure that once belonged to the former Queen of Sarance. A note in the chest indicates that the rest of the treasure is across the border in Ystara, so the current Queen mounts a massive expedition and compels the four friends to go along. As they travel, they race to unravel Liliath's intentions and save the world they know and love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This captivating, swashbuckling high fantasy has everything an epic adventure needs, but avoids the predictable with skilled worldbuilding, fascinating characters, and a high-stakes story. The 17th century France-like setting, where women and people of color lead, same- and opposite-sex love are equally accepted, and angels are summoned for magical help in everything from the mundane, like cleaning, to the extraordinary, such as reviving a life, never feels forced or uneasy. They are just the facts of life for this book. The characters are well drawn and interesting. Simeon, the imposing and attractive doctor, saves the day repeatedly. Agnez is a particular joy as a fierce, good-natured swordswoman ready to duel anyone with a word against her. Treasure-seeking Henri provides comic relief, while intelligent Dorotea unnerves and disarms people with her lack of common courtesy. Even the villain Liliath gets a compelling backstory.

The action is generally fast-paced and always interesting, with dips into the political and religious intrigue between the power players of this story. The plot holds and slowly unravels several mysteries that are a delight to attempt to guess at while reading. There's also a refreshing lack of a full-blown love story here, a rarity in books for teens these days. Yet another not-to-be-missed gem from fantasy master Garth Nix.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the four young people at the heart of Angel Mage. Which character strengths do Simeon, Agnez, Henri, and Dorotea bring to this story? Who do you find the most interesting or inspiring? Why?

  • This book takes cues from the classic story The Three Musketeers. If you are familiar with that story, how is this one alike and different? Why do authors like to build on older stories to tell new ones?

  • Women wield a lot of power in public and private life in this story. How did knowing that women were in charge affect your experience of the story?

Book Details

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