Making of a Magister

Realm of Hulsteria Volume 3

Fiction - Fantasy - General
392 Pages
Reviewed on 06/19/2018
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Making of a Magister by Frank David is the third book in the Realm of Hulsteria series. Following the events of Making of a Warrior, Stela is dealing with the repercussions of killing Edmund. As her wedding approaches, she discovers another realm and a prophecy that seems to have her son in the center of a future war. Braynard has prepared her for an upcoming battle with Diana's followers, but nothing could prepare her for the new abilities she discovers or the truth about Braynard's origins. Meanwhile, Stela sends Felicia and Sofia to protect her young son Joseph on a trip to Xasha. When they're attacked on the journey, Joseph's shocking new abilities are revealed.

Frank David continues Stela's story of strength, power, and bravery as Making of a Magister explores the end of her journey as Braynard pushes her on the path he has foreseen. After the fall out from killing Edmund, the people have come to view Stela with fear which is reflected in how Stela begins to see herself - as a monster - until she discovers who she is as a ruler, a mother, and a hero. Stela has to determine for herself what she believes and has to find herself in order to become the hero that everyone needs her to be. The prophecy is more of a focus as more of it is revealed, setting things in motion for years to come. David explores human nature and fate through a variety of characters from every side and gives them layered motives and personalities, while keeping it so that even the most misguided remain fairly sympathetic. Everyone is a pawn between Diana and Braynard, who have a long standing feud. Diana and Braynard seem to have all the answers, and encourage their followers onto the paths to take the other out, with each of them putting the other in a villainous light. Making of a Magister focuses more on Stela's son, Joseph, who plays a key role in a prophecy that could unite the realms either through peace or war.

Making of a Magister isn't without romance as Stela and Harris grow closer, leading to a memorable wedding and a bond that blossoms into something sincere. Sofia and Felicia have come to plan a happy future together. Sofia has grown and become an in-depth character, which has mostly to do with Felicia, and becomes a hero in her own right. The two accept and love each other for who they are in a sweet and genuine relationship. There's some fun with politics and ranking as Harris's parents are given a title and are now up in status with his biological father. His family provides some humor to the story as they try to navigate their new roles. The ending wraps up Stela's journey as her fate finally comes to pass, while also opening up a whole new journey for her life and a new beginning for her son and the other characters of Hulsteria. With romance, sacrifice, family, betrayal, Making of a Magister shines a light on politics and power in a hero's journey to become a warrior and a queen as the battle between two warring realms comes to pass and surprising heroes rise.

Sarah Westmoreland

Empress Stela returns in the third book of the Realm of Hulsteria series, preparing for what may be her most difficult challenge yet as Empress, and as a mother. Braynard continues to influence the decisions of everyone in the known kingdoms, including Stela, as he pushes them towards an impending war. The known kingdoms, as well as a newly discovered realm, will find themselves in the middle of an ancient battle between God and the goddess Diana. As the servants of both deities struggle to gain the upper hand in the fight, shocking events will have not only Stela, but also her friends and allies, questioning her state of mind. Can she learn to control her newly uncovered powers? Or will she break and allow her powers to control her, destroying all that she holds dear?

Making of a Magister is the perfect continuation of the two preceding books in the Realm of Hulsteria series (Making of an Empress and Making of a Warrior). We see the return of many of the core characters from the previous books, whose personalities and history are pursued even more deeply in this work. We also are introduced to some new characters, who are equally as well written. The interactions between the characters are natural and very well written. The scenery is described in vivid enough detail that it is easy to visualize where the characters are, but the descriptions aren’t so overwhelming that they choke out the story. Overall, it’s a very pleasing read!

Ray Simmons

Making of a Magister by Frank David is Volume 3 in the Realm of Hulsteria series. I read Volume 2, Making of a Warrior, before I read this one. Both books are great, and though they are about the life of one very special woman, the books are complete novels in themselves. I would recommend reading them in order, but I did not feel that reading them out of order took anything away from my enjoyment of either book or the series itself. This series and this book are just that good. I like action. I like love. I like drama and I like suspense. Making of a Magister has all of this and more. I compare Frank David to George R.R. Martin because Hulsteria reminds me of Westeros. There are plenty of detailed descriptions and vivid details in Making of a Magister and I found many more cleverly constructed conversations with rich dialogue, and that is what I like. I like this kind of royal family drama.

The characters are the strongest feature and the thing I loved most about Making of a Magister. I liked Roderick from page one and his grandfather Antonio and his sister, the empress Stela. I enjoy tales of royalty and royal families so much. It is probably a result of reading and loving English history so much. I have met many readers who also love the family aspect of royal history. Making of a Magister shows royalty at its best and its worst, and this is what makes the series and each individual book a real contender for bestseller status. I am following this series. I read book one in this series a couple of weeks ago. I plan to follow this story to the end. So far it has been one of the best series I've read in the last couple of years. This is one of those familiar worlds where a reader can get very comfortable with the characters, the world, and the story.