Mystic (#1)
I called to the Myst, and it sent us you.
For hundreds of years, high-born nobles have competed for the chance to learn of the Myst. Powerful, revered, and often reclusive, Mystics have the unique ability to summon and manipulate the Myst: the underlying energy that lives at the heart of the universe. Once in a very great while, they take an apprentice, always from the most privileged sects of society. Such has always been the tradition-until a new High Mystic takes her seat and chooses Pomella AnDone, a restless, low-born teenager, as a candidate.
Commoners have never been welcomed among the select few given the opportunity to rise beyond even the highest nobility. So when Pomella chooses to accept the summons and journey to Kelt Apar, she knows that she will have more to contend with than the competition for the apprenticeship.
Breaking both law and tradition, Pomella undergoes three trials against the other candidates to prove her worthiness. As the trials unfold, Pomella navigates a deadly world of intolerance and betrayal, unaware that ruthless conspirators intend to make her suffer for having the audacity to seek to unravel the secrets of the Myst.
Reviews
“The bildungsroman plot is familiar, but Denzel’s strong worldbuilding and descriptions help to flesh it out, and Pomella’s manipulation of the Myst through song gives the story a poetic feel. This fantasy adventure is clearly inspired by the classics but still finds something new to say.”
"MYSTIC is a wonderful tale that takes the reader into a world imaginable, realistic, and fantastic at the same time."
“I enjoyed sharing the adventures with Pomella, and the twists and turns in the plot kept this reader on her toes [...] Pomella has spunk and courage, and sweet Sim is loyal to a fault. It’s hard not to fall into this story.”
“It’s the sort of fantasy that should appeal to new readers, with just enough interesting twists, particularly at the very end, that make this promising first novel well worth checking out for regular fantasy readers as well.“Locus
“One of the most charming fantasy debuts I’ve read this year [...] If you’re looking for compelling characters and a gorgeously crafted fantasy world, then MYSTIC will definitely appeal..”
“I was quite impressed with the story [...] MYSTIC by Jason Denzel is sure to be a hit with a wide variety of readers, young and old, for its imaginative scope and loving attention to its characters. Denzel weaves a quick and beautiful story that holds you tight until you turn the last page – with a fantastic final revelation that really makes you smile.”
“Mystic is a book to immerse yourself in, in a way that makes you feel you can join the adventure as it unfolds on the page [...] Overall, I found Mystic to be highly enjoyable and engaging and am eager for the next in the series.”
” I read through it in two sittings because it flowed so well [...] A good blend of familiar and new. 5/5″
“The plot is interesting, and the ending is quite exciting. I really enjoyed how things panned out.”
“MYSTIC is light, quick, and well done, and I know my kids will enjoy it. I’m proud to have it on my shelf.”