Spellslinger - Sebastien de Castell

There are three things that earn you a man’s name among the Jan’Tep. The first is to demonstrate the strength to defend your family. The second is to prove you can perform the high magic that defines our people. The third is simply to reach the age of sixteen. I was a few weeks shy of my birthday when I learned that I wouldn’t be doing any of those things.

Magic is a con game. 

Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage's duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spellcaster. There's just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argosi - a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She's difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen's only hope... 

Paperback, 400 pages
Published May 4th 2017 by Bonnier
Spellslinger #1
Fantasy YA
Own

My thoughts

This one has me hooked from the start. Easy, light and fun to read. And that is so what I need when I am busy with Baby S.

Kellen sucks at magic, sad but true. He just can't seem to have enough power and will totally fail his trails. And when you fail, well you end up a servant and your family forgets you. I did not say it was a nice society even if they think they are. They sure look down on those without magic and those who fail. I liked Kellen, and he seemed to notice things others did not.

Then a fascinating stranger shows up, with secrets and a deck of cards. I did not see that coming...but I liked it. Spoilers ;) Ferius was full of secrets but she was kick-ass.  And some sure deserved to get their asses kicked by her.

There are dangers are the prince is dead and a new will be chosen. There are enemies (that deserves to get their asses kicked!). And secrets, gotta love secrets! But most of all it's a light easy book that you will just start reading and not be able to stop.

The book ends with, well it ends, and yes there will be more. But there is no cliffie and I was happy to leave Kel and his world like this. But I totally need more, I need to know what happens! Must read more.

Omg, I did not even talk about the world! Yes, I want more from this world. They live in their little magic town and out there is the frontier with gunslingers and more.

I recommend it