Three Magics by Max Myka: A Novel Review

📖 Book Information

Title: Three Magics

Author: Max Myka

Year: 2024

Publisher: Independent

ASIN: B0DMPFGRHB

Pages: 218

Version: E-book

📚 View on Goodreads

A fantasy story with a unique elemental magic system, though the ending is somewhat disappointing.

70/100

Synopsis

Isara grew up on an impoverished island, unaware of her true heritage as the daughter of a powerful monarch. Gifted with forbidden lightning magic, she’s thrust into a world of political intrigue and supernatural destiny when she meets Kael, a prince with flame tattoos, and Eryndor, a commander with a wind-wielding dragon. These two rivals from opposing islands represent vastly different philosophies, but both are drawn to Isara, and both play a part in the prophecy that may make her the first wielder of all three magics. 

As tensions between the islands rise toward war, Isara must navigate the trials of two war colleges, bond with a dragon, and master her power to survive. Her choice of magic—and of allegiance—could either unite the realm or shatter it beyond repair. With her heart caught between two lovers and her destiny clouded by an ancient prophecy, Isara faces an impossible choice, knowing that her path could either save her world or lead to its destruction.

Review

Multiple POVs

Instead of presenting the story in a continuous narrative, Max Myka chooses to break it into several segments, giving each character their own spotlight. The perspective shifts from Isara to Eryndor to Kael, even extending to side characters like Lian and Ryen. This approach isn’t inherently problematic, but it makes the book read more like a film script. While the intention may be to make the story easier to digest, switching focus so frequently becomes tiring, especially when every character gets their turn within a single chapter.

What Element Is This?

You’re familiar with the four classical elements—fire, water, air, and earth. Yet in Three Magics, the earth element is absent and replaced by lightning. Perhaps this is because lightning results from the interaction of temperature (fire), moisture (water within clouds), and air, or perhaps the choice is tied to the presence of dragons who grant power to their riders. Either way, this gives the protagonist Isara an advantage, as he later develops three different forms of magic after bonding with his dragon, Stormfire.

The Failed Inner Conflict

This part is actually interesting: instead of battling a grand villain, the main tension comes from a regional leader (Kael) who refuses to compromise for the sake of unity. Unfortunately, the conflict that seems to be building toward a large-scale battle never reaches that point. This lack of payoff is disappointing and weakens the overall excitement of the story.

Conclusion

There is strong potential for an intense clash between factions, but the story opts for a peaceful resolution, making this installment feel like the first half of a larger narrative, with the real spectacle postponed to the next episode. Will the earth element finally appear there? Something to look out for in the next book.