Book reviews are not always “doom and gloom” nor are they “gold stars of high praise” either. It is usually a mixed bag of both good and bad, which I don’t mind. I take all criticism seriously and it helps me grow as an author. I like to think that my writing style has improved over the past 20 years from book to book.

This is evident in two of the most recent reviews I received for A Maker of Magic. The first came from Kirkus Reviews, an industry-trusted source for honest and accessible reviews since 1933 and has helped countless authors build credibility in the publishing realm ever since. Although it was a very positive review with a recommendation of “GET IT!” there were a few criticisms.

In Piggott’s fantasy novel, a family feud turns into an epic battle against evil.

As a child, Levi Richter, the son of Duke Richter, attends the Dawnstar magical battle academy as an Enchanter. Danielle Nichols, who doesn’t come from a noble family, is a Blademancer who combines magic and swordplay. Together, they fend off the bullying tactics of Lloyd Crittenden, son of Baron Leopold Crittenden, the nemesis of the Richter family. “I am your shield,” Levi vows on several occasions, and Danielle tells him, “I am your sword.” For years, the Baron tried to seize the Richter family mines, which contain Violet Amerlyte, a powerful element that can be used to fight against vampires, demons, and thralls of the underworld. Growing up, Levi forged inventive weapons to enhance his magical strengths. As an adult, his confidence finally allows him to stand toe-to-toe with the monsters of the underworld and with Lloyd Crittenden and his social-climbing father. The storyline tracks Levi’s destiny over the years and details his sometimes-melodramatic adult romance with Danielle (“The two lovers made love like an untamed raging fire”). Danielle serves as Commander of Drakmire, a frontline fortress close to the raging battle against the evil underworld creatures of Ebon Abyss, and she and Levi make a great team, but their romantic relationship follows overly familiar tropes. Piggott excels at worldbuilding and character description; he includes history, lore, explanations of social hierarchies, engaging magical powers, and epic battles. But although emotional events do occur, the overwrought, sentimental narration falls a bit flat, as when one character exclaims, “I will miss your tender touch, my darling husband” while a loved one is dying. That said, the narrative’s complexity and social-political themes more than compensate. Faith-based messaging sprinkled throughout reinforces the theme of the triumph of light over darkness.

A classic good-versus-evil plot with effective worldbuilding.

So, understand that I am not always comfortable with writing romance. It’s a necessary element in my stories, but not really my scene. So, yes, I tend to go “campy” and melodramatic, as Kirkus said. That’s just me, but I’m learning. As for the “overwrought, sentimental narration,” I explained in an earlier post that this novel was written right after my father died. Writing death scenes for this book really hit home, so I got a little sentimental. It couldn’t be helped.

The next book review comes from a trusted friend, Jennie Rosenblum. Jennie and I are from the same hometown and went to the same high school. She has provided great insight on my books, giving me honest reviews, both good and bad, and her review of A Maker of Magic is no exception. She posed her review on Goodreads and it tells me a few areas lacking in my book.

This fantasy had me thinking! What initially appeared to be an academy-style fantasy quickly evolved into something much more suited to an adult fantasy reader. The world-building was well done, creating an imaginative setting that drew me into the story. I would, however, have enjoyed a little more detail about how the characters traveled between places. Sometimes I enjoy the journey just as much as arriving in a new and interesting setting, and I would have liked to experience a bit more of that along the way.

I hope this is the beginning of a series because, while the story has the feel of a standalone with satisfying closure, that Epilogue leaves me wanting more. And please, do NOT read it until you reach the very end!
Dani, the main female lead, seems to have a bit of a Gemini personality. I really enjoyed her but would like to see her character develop as the series continues. Levi, on the other hand, is an interesting juxtaposition, going from geek to surprisingly intelligent hero. And the magic, well, that was top-notch, with great explanations that even this non-magical reader could understand.

Mark Piggott has given readers a fantasy with plenty to think about, an engaging world, and characters who leave room for further exploration. And that Epilogue? Well, now I’m ready for the next book!

Looking back, I realize I didn’t go into Danielle’s story as much as I should have. I focused so much on Levi’s journey that I left her behind after their magical school days. I thought I balanced it out enough, but this has been a common criticism of A Maker of Magic across many reviews and interactions with readers. It’s definitely an area I need to work on.

In any case, this is how you support independent authors. This kind of feedback from readers and our peers makes us better writers to where we can produce good books for you. LOVE A BOOK, LEAVE A REVIEW!