An interesting fantasy novel Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows is the beginning of a new epic fantasy series. This novel blends together magic and math to create some new and unique that will surely pique readers' interest in finding out more about this unique world.
Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows by Daniel Georgiev is the start of an interesting series. The cover depicts a land shrouded in fog and mist. You can see a city in the background lit up with a bridge spanning across the cover to the front. In the foreground is a tall young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. Dressed in a black coat with reddish-orange accents, he clutches in his right hand a heavy sword with black mist emanating off of it. He stands poised and in control, but appears ready should anything happen to kick off.
Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows has an engaging prologue that sets the stage for future scenes in this story. The introduction of Mathsmagica gives readers a clue that this story is going to be shifting points of view throughout this story. Endariel is a mysterious character. He’s in a home where a fight is raging. Lives are in the process of being lost. Endariel is on a quest to find something or someone.
Author Georgiev gives readers the sense that time is of the essence. This sense is only amplified by the fact that Endariel appears to be disintegrating. Magical cracks are spreading across his body. Violet light is permeating these cracks as his very essence appears to be dispersing. He’s not alone. His two siblings are with him, and they are on the hunt for someone. What Endariel and his siblings find is a scene where life has been lost, but hope can still be found.
As Mathsmagica proceeds we are given a new character – Sova. Sova and his sister, Nilah, are students at the Academy in the city of Mathsmagica. There is a sense of excitement from Nilah. She’s eager to get to the “Day of Happening” festival by the Shapers, but they run into a little “trouble.” It would appear that they have “offended the sensibilities” of a particular individual, and he intends to make his displeasure known.
For a brief moment, it appears that the situation may have been diffused, but trouble comes back around not long after. But while a situation is escalating, a friendly face steps up to step in and bring the escalation back down. Of course, this sets the stage for Sova and Nilah to make a friend who could be willing to look past their affinity for dark magic, which points to a dangerous secret that these twins harbor.
Mathsmagica is a slow-builder when it comes to fantasy novels. Author Georgiev takes the time to set the stage and give readers a bit of foundation before progressing with the overall storyline. The main stage setting for this book is when Sova, Nilah, and their new friend Evie fend off a dangerous dark creature that threatens a fellow classmate. This puts them in the spotlight with Director Astron, who makes the decision to elevate these three to a new and unique position.
In various places in Mathsmagica author Georgiev highlights Sova’s uniqueness. It goes beyond him being able to see the math in magic, but he appears to harbor another inside of himself. This is something that is hidden from him, but readers get to see it for themselves. This is pointed out through Endariel making appearances at random moments in this novel. Sova even begins to notice the loss of time, and that he finds himself in strange places after falling asleep.
As this story progresses Sova and his friends find themselves drawn into dangerous missions with the intent of proving that they can work together. But is there more going on than meets the eye? Between each chapter author Georgiev tucks in excerpts, notes, letters, and more along with well-detailed sketches.
These particular elements help to take Mathsmagica to another level. The sketches especially help to round out particular details of the story. The excerpts give readers a glimpse into books and letters from the past which help to give readers a glimpse into what has come prior.
The deeper that Mathsmagica goes the more engaging the storyline becomes. It draws readers in more and more so that we are encouraged to dig deeper. Author Georgiev encourages readers to look to discover secrets that are hidden from sight, but are just there below the surface.
Hoping for some romance? There is just a hint of romance that is allowed to gradually develop between the main character and a girl he takes a shine to. Secrets are gradually revealed, and author Georgiev has a surprise or two in store for us readers as well. This book has a small cliffhanger. It sets a precursor for what is to come but leaves readers eager for more at the same time.
While Mathsmagica has a slow start, as it gradually builds the story becomes more engaging and works to draw readers in. There is a nice amount of magic utilized throughout this book, and author Georgiev highlights the math elements through Sova’s eyes. With a nice sprinkling of surprises, this book and series are truly promising for what’s to come. We look forward to what comes next.
4.5 out of 5 stars
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