This is the best one of the Wirral Paperbacks of the year books I have read, and deserves lots of praise. Well-paced and pulse-quickening, this is a great page-turner that I just couldn't put down! Exceptional writing by a promising author, the sequel Magic Study will have a high standard to meet. Both me and others in our school thought this was the best book from a selection of twenty. An intriguing fantasy story that includes elements of both political drama and romance. Yelena lives in the land of Ixia, where the different regions are ruled by Generals, with a military style law and order regime. Yelena was thrown into a prison, for killing General Brazells son, but Valek, the Commanders food-taster takes her on as an apprentice. She accepts, and is led on a journey of self discovery, romance and thrill. The characters are well established and each have an intriguing tale to tell. Brazell is out to get Yelena, and will do anything neccessary. Yelena has to train, hide and kill during this tale, making for a pleasing adventure. She is poisoned by Valek so she can't escape, but realises as te story proresses, that she has magic blood in her veins. Magic, a strictly forbidden gift in Ixia,puts Yelena in a difficult position; she could run and establish her magic skills, or she could stay, poisoned and in constant fear of Brazells men hunting her down. Another element for her to decide is Valek, who took her on and protects her. What will she choose? I certainly will be borrowing or buying the next book in the series, with hopes of more books on their way. Very well done Maria! Also, no one should be put off by the purple cover; I recommend everyone should read this!