The School of Hard Knocks (Schooled in Magic Book 5)

This was interesting but at times it felt a little slow for me. I believe the fans of this series can now grasp the making of spells, hexes, and charms. Maybe a little less time on their classroom mechanics might make the story move smoother.

I enjoyed the series, my only complaint is that the author continually elaborates on events of the prior books as though the reader just picked up this book and started reading instead of starting with book one.

Book 5 of Schooled in Magic by Christopher Nuttal is a satisfying read. We get to see another school of Magic, learn some new arts that are practiced in the nameless world (dark arts?) and learn more about Emily herself and what motivates her. New friends are formed as Emily's failure to get involved and lead turns to chaos and magic pranks/duels in the school halls.

Not quite five stars because sometimes her decisions and actions seem off from the character development that the author has been pursuing. Let's hope that the subsequent books show more leadership and involvement as her ideas and technologies further destabilize the world she has adopted - and cool fights with the necromancers... ;-)

Good continuation in the series. Though this is a nice book, I think the rapid rate @ which author churns out the books is effecting the quality. Simply speaking, this book is like a Fast food, while I would like to eat haute cuisine. I think author can do it, but making great food/book certainly take time.

I more thing, it would be great if author can limit "Deus Ex Machina" spells like Nuclear spells, they really destroy the balance of the Fantasy spells. Also, I would love to see the evolution of society as a whole due to modern concepts being introduced by MC. Lastly, their was distinct last of ruthlessness from MC (like killing her main rival when she had a chance). Frankly it makes thing too girly IMO. The MC should now be a littlemore blood thirsty and unforgiving.

"Schooled in Magic," has captivated me from the beginning. Well -- I intended that as a superlative; but I guess as much could be said by about anyone who had reached book 5 in a series. Seriously, folks, with this and some of his other fantasy offerings, he's right up there in my mind with some of the legendary crafters of the genre like Mercedes Lackey or Marion Zimmer Bradley.

If you've read through book 4 in this series, "The School of Hard Knocks, is unlikely to disappoint.

G.

Book Five School of Hard Knocks has Emily transferring to Mountaintop, another magical school from which her roommate Lin had transferred in Emily's Second Year.
Mountaintop certainly does things differently, even if overall both Whitehall and Mountaintop cover roughly the same curriculum.
I really enjoyed the getting to see how a rival wizard school operates. And the change of scene really helped keep my interest in the series as strong as ever!

This prolific writer is consistent in delivering well written stories that are interesting to read. I prefer this series over the others I have read (I have not read everything he has written, I admit). If you are looking for an enjoyable book, look no further. These would be suitable for young adults through all later stages of life. I am looking forward to the next book!