First Earth (Arch Mage #1) by Cami Murdock Jensen

First Earth (Arch Mage #1) Reviews

• 
  Guy Venturi

  The first place to live is First Earth
  
  But when magical mischief and mayhem bring chaos to the First Earth, Agnes begins discovering just how amazing magical friends can be, even if no one understands her particular type of magic. But she quickly becomes part of the team to defend First, Second, and Fifth Earth from the evil trying to take over. Being able to see magic helps her save the day and then some. Even Grimmal is happy with her help.
• 
  M.L.

  This was a great read! Entertaining, fast-paced, and imaginative. I loved the descriptions and different types of magic, and the ‘multiple earths’ concept with the super highways (Jent Paths) was interesting. The characters were all well established, and I particularly liked shape-shifting (but only into feline forms) Grimmal. Agnes was a believable protagonist too, and I enjoyed how she developed into her role.
  
  I was hoping that by the end of the book Agnes would see herself as others saw her - scarred, yes, but beautiful - once she became more comfortable in her own skin. The whole scars only healing properly once she accepted herself made me feel that they were supposed to be a reflection of her ‘inner self’, rather than a result of an injury she received as a baby. Though that was my only gripe.
  
  Otherwise, I loved the ending - it was very satisfying, and the fight scenes were great. I have already started the next book in the series and look forward to reading more!
• 
  Annie

  Originally published on my blog
  Nonstop Reader.
  
  First Earth is the first book in a new crossworlds fantasy trilogy for teens/tweens by
  Cami Murdock Jensen. Released 27th June 2019, it's 336 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
  
  I was drawn into the story from literally the first page. Protagonist Agnes is intelligent, courageous, and no stranger to challenge. She's not about to trust the first dimension traveling magician she comes across (and his talking cat), even if they did save her from "a homicidal, purple-haired, ghost-woman". The story is well crafted and well told, entertaining, and action filled. I liked the secondary characters very much. It's a rollicking yarn and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
  
  The language is clean and there is no questionable content. I liked that the characters developed and learned to trust one another over the course of the book. There are themes of friendship, cooperation, honesty, trust, and responsibility. There are also dragons and magic and talking multi-dimensional-cats. This would make a superlative gift for a fantasy loving teen/tween and a good choice for a school or public library.
  
  Five well deserved stars.
  
  Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
• 
  Erin Dydek

  Nothing but good to say about this book! Powerful themes of self acceptance and embracing change, well-developed relatable characters, magic and science, epic battle sequences, and a solid ending! I loved following Agnes as she discovered her talent. The author gave clues, and I figured it out before it was revealed, but this did not by any means diminish the moment or the suspense. The target audience is high school/teen-aged readers but as an adult I loved this book as well. No sexual content, swearing, or overly graphic scenes makes this book appropriate for even the most sensitive readers while remaining exciting and well-paced. Well-edited, and I’m very excited about the upcoming release of book two!!!
  
  
  My full review is available on OnlineBookClub:
  https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
  
  
  I received a review copy from OnlineBookClub.org. My opinions are my own.
• 
  Darryl Frayne

  This book caught me by surprise. Sometimes a book cover catches my eye; sometimes it’s a blurb or another review. With First Earth, the premise of the young protagonist’s story lured me in to “Look Inside” and read the first few pages. I was hooked right away. Fortunately, I received a full digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
  
  When I told my wife (an elementary school teacher) what I was reading, she too was intrigued. Soon we were reading aloud together. We couldn’t wait for each opportunity to read more.
  
  At the risk of overstatement, I would not be surprised if this series becomes a classic for young readers and cherished bedtime reading for parents and grandparents…assuming it finds its way to enough readers. It’s that good.
  
  First Earth is one of those classic teen/YA fantasy tales with a timeless appeal for adult fantasy lovers too. I found it an entirely enjoyable adventure, very well written with smooth pacing from start to finish. There were times when I smiled at scenes that reminded me of my favorite portal fantasy/alternate reality classics like Alice in Wonderland and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The diverse and intriguing cast of characters provides an excellent complement for the young protagonist, Agnes, and the enemy that she and her companions battle is complex, dark, and more difficult to defeat than a wicked witch.
  
  First Earth is not the first fantasy novel to include a protagonist who lives with a disability. But what appeals to me about Agnes’ story is that her disability is rooted in a tragic childhood accident. As a result, she has struggled with emotional scars and—especially as a teen—with the ostracism of peers that sometimes comes with physical scars. Her perception of others and herself, her reactions, responses, and dialogue are consistent and believable (not always easy for an adult author to pull off). The degree of healing that Agnes experiences as she learns to accept her natural and magical gifts as well as her disabilities, and the marginal transformation in her self esteem are also believable and wonderfully inspiring.
  
  Agnes is the hero of the story but she’s no superhero. She’s a real-life, down-to-second-earth sixteen-year-old who is instantly likable. Her struggles and victories kept me cheering for her to the end. Thankfully, her story isn’t over. I’m recommending this book whenever I can and am looking forward to reading more in the series as Agnes’ adventures throughout the Jent Paths continue. I’m just not sure if I’ll be able to wait and read aloud with my wife.
• 
  H.A. Pruitt

  Agnes dislikes herself and her scars that never healed from an accident when she was a baby. She has let most of her life be defined by her scars, but when she starts to translate an ancient tablet--or is it ancient--everything changes. Agnes is thrown into First Earth with a talking cat and a wizard who she suspects is not being entirely truthful.
  It doesn't take long for Agnes to realize the truth about who she truly is.
  First Earth is a young adult fantasy that is fast-paced, full of wit, and encourages the readers to consider who they truly are.
  
  Positives
  Very fun, creative, and imaginative
  I enjoyed Agnes's wit. Her thoughts and phrases kept me chuckling.
  I read it quickly because the action went very swiftly and I wanted to know what would happen next.
  The part with Agnes and Dominath was my favorite part. Agnes was forced to consider how her view of herself affects others.
  
  Negatives
  I liked the characters, especially Grimmel. The characters were believable, but the relationships developed way too fast. Agnes says she is socially awkward but speaks well with others and makes friends with Timnon very quickly. Also, I wasn't sure if Agnes was college age or a preteen.
  The pace of the whole book was really fast, which isn't necessarily bad, but Agnes is thrown into many alien concepts and picks up everything almost unbelievably quickly.
  
  Overall, I give First Earth 4 stars
  It is a very fun and immerses the reader in a unique fantasy world.
• 
  Beauty And The Books

  Oh my god, I absolutely loved this book. I love fantasy books and this book more than delivered. It went way above and beyond my expectations and I absolutely loved it. I would wholeheartedly recommend to other fantasy lovers. A little hint, it certainly takes you to a whole other world. ;)
  
• 
  Caron Pescatore

  OMG! OMG! This Book is So Good! 😯😯🤯
  
  OMG! I absolutely ADORED this book! It is amazing; the story kept enthralled from beginning to end! It's exciting, action-packed, and emotive. And it even includes a powerful lesson about loving yourself that anyone, young or old, can benefit from.
  
  Agnes is a wonderful character, and I love how she evolved throughout the story from a self-effacing individual who struggles with self-loathing into a self-confident, selfless young woman who finally accepts and appreciates her own worth. Temnon, too, is a wonderful character. He's brave, selfless, loyal, and kind. I would be hard-pressed to say which of the two was my favorite.
  
  Beautifully written, with well-drawn characters and a thoroughly engrossing story. You can't ask for more from any book. I've told my 14-year-old that this is a must-read! Yes, this book is perfectly appropriate for younger teens.😁😁 Enjoy!
• 
  Michelle Hogmire

  Review originally published here at Reedsy Discovery:
  https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/fir...
  
  A young burn victim learns that she's a powerful wizard and becomes an unlikely hero in Book One of the Arch Mage Series.
  
  "My only use in life was to hide in a library and read dead languages to a blind man." This is how Agnes Ann Cavanaugh--the main character of Cami Murdock Jensen's YA fantasy book First Earth--views herself. Agnes is a talented 16-year-old, recruited by Dr. James R. Buchanan to translate ancient texts as a summer intern at Boston University, but she's also a self-critical burn victim. Agnes was injured in a fire as a child, and her father died protecting her. She carries this burden as scars on her face that, mysteriously, never quite seem to heal. But, of course, Agnes is much more than she appears.
  
  When Dr. Buchanan asks Agnes to read a tablet from the ancient Jamdat Nasrian civilization, everything goes haywire. A woman, seemingly possessed by a spirit, almost kills Agnes, but an old man appears and whisks her away just in time. Turns out, the tablet is actually an Aether Stone--an object that opens up portals, called Jent Paths, between worlds. The old man is a young wizard in disguise--Temnon, the Arch Mage of First Earth. Earth, as we know it, is Second Earth--only one of many. And Agnes is a formidable wizard.
  
  Before she knows it, Agnes is sucked into the middle of an interplanetary magical war. The commanding King Odric's wayward daughter Nemantia has been draining the magic from wizards, leaving only ashes behind and increasing her own power. With the fate of all the Earths on the line, Agnes must harness her own magical abilities and use them to uncover the truth about Nemantia's betrayal. Along the way, she encounters a wonderfully imaginative cast of characters, including a telepathic dragon of knowledge named Dominath, and Grimmal--a snarky shape-shifting cat called a sciftan.
  
  Although Jensen's novel does have some similarities to The Golden Compass, the book is overall a wildly creative, inspiring tale about hardship and personal acceptance. Agnes dislikes herself and her scars, and she experiences chronic nerve pain. While she realizes early on that being connected with magic soothes her illness, Agnes struggles to understand her powers. It's only when she truly learns to love herself that things become clear. This is a beautiful uplifting message about the power of self-discovery, and an important lesson for young readers to learn. For this reason, I'd pitch this book at middle grade readers: Agnes is the perfect hero for a complicated, difficult age.
• 
  A Mac

  One of the best books I've read in awhile! The characters grow and develop throughout the work and it doesn't take long to become invested in the protagonist. The world(s) are interesting and the way they're entertwined is a cool concept. This story includes magic, fantastical creatures, and kind of a steam punk feel.
  I highly recommend this book for young adults - there's absolutely nothing innapropriate in it and it's still quite entertaining even for adults. Highly recommend!
• 
  Nikki

  First Earth (Arch Mage series book 1) by Cami Murdock Jensen is a 5 star read.
  Agnes Ann Cavanaugh is 16 years years old and covered in scars from an accident when she was a baby in which her father died saving her life. She has come to Boston to intern for Dr Buchanan a blind history professor at Boston University in the hopes of gaining a scholarship, when an exciting tablet arrives from England, Agnes and the Dr go to look at it hoping Agnes will be able to read it, when she touches the tablet everything changes for her and she finds her destiny is much bigger than she thought. Along the way she meets Temnon a high mage of another Earth and his talking cat Grimmal who is much more than your average feline.
  I loved this story, it captured my attention from the very first page and I struggled to put it down, my only disappointment is having to wait for the next book in the series.
  I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book.
• 
  Lisa Whitehead

  An original and interesting storyline. A pleasure to read.
  This was a book I found I could not put down; I like originality in a story.
  Lately I have found too many stories with pages of the same thing over and over, not the case with this plot, where it seems action packed.
• 
  Tiffany

  After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story. This is an enjoyable, fast paced fantasy starring our young heroine, Agnes, a girl who suffered major burns in a fire while still an infant, scarred all over, and unable to lead a normal life due to her condition and all the medications. She is a capable heroine with a strong story was really enjoyable! All the characters were great, the parallel world was incredible, and a satisfying ending. i am looking forward to continuing Agnes’ adventure.
• 
  Steph

  First Earth by Cami Murdock Jensen, the first in the Arch Mage series would absolutely be a read for young teens and young adults, and even more so for those struggling with self acceptance and self belief.
  
  Her raging scars and chronic pain made her different. Her courage made her savior of 2 worlds
  The start of the description on GoodReads spoke to me loudly and I just had to read this book. I was not disappointed.
  
  
  Writing Style: 9/10
  Storyline: 8/10
  Ease of Reading: 9.5/10
  
  This book isn't my usual genre, but I loved going back to my childhood for a day to read this one. The magic within is so creative, and will capture the audience, and would, in my opinion, be good enough for a child to believe in themselves. The language is easy to follow, and I know my 11 year old nephew would love the book. The love between Agnes and Temnon, despite the almost unbelievable setting is heartwarming and gives me hope that love will always prevail.
  
  Despite the fact that I am now 30 years old, I'm glad I read this book, to enforce my belief that no matter your circumstances, everyone has great power within them.
  
  Overall, an amazing book that I have had the pleasure to review. Note, this is the start of a series, so I very much will like to read the next (Second Earth). I also recommend that any child struggling with pain, disability or self doubt is given this book!
  
  (taken from my blog -
  https://gianttortoisereads.blogspot.com)
• 
  Jamie

  Let's Get the Next One going
  
  I'll admit I was skeptical. The cover didn't draw me in, but this is an AMAZING book! There is not a part I didn't like. Shapeshifting cats, doors to whatever you imagine, and an evil princess to defeat yes please!
  The main character was relatable and to watch her grow and change was inspiring. Tennis was a great character to see him encourage her to find the real her.
  I could read this again and will be recommending it to a few people. On to the next!
• 
  Monique Armstrong

  I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only and asked to give a review.
  
  Loved this story, moved along very well, was well written. A lovely fantasy story with some history thrown in with it. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and will be recommending them to our school library.
• 
  Csimplot Simplot

  Excellent book!!
• 
  Louise A

  Have Mage Will Travel
  
  I really enjoyed this book. It is a combination of Alice in Wonderland, Mage magic, magic wormholes and all sorts of fantasy creatures. I am looking forward to the next step in Agnes' "universal travel". Great read for any age.
  
  I was given a free copy of First Earth by Voracious Readers Only for a fair review.
• 
  Billy Buttons

  This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
  Title: First Earth
  Author: Cami Murdock Jensen
  
  Star Rating: 5 Stars
  Number of Readers: 16
  Stats
  Editing: 9/10
  Writing Style: 9/10
  Content: 10/10
  Cover: 8/10
  Of the 16 readers:
  16 would read another book by this author.
  13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
  15 felt it was easy to follow.
  16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
  Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
  Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
  16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
  16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
  
  Readers’ Comments
  ‘I loved this book so much. I loved that the girl had physical problems but could still be the hero of the book. Very exciting with a fab ending. I’m going to read the next book.’ Girl reader, aged 15
  ‘I think Harry Potter fans will like this book. It’s different to the boy wizard books but there’s still a ton of magic in it. First Earth is an amazing setting too. Very fast paced with interesting characters, this is perfect for fantasy readers aged 12 – 16.’ Boy, aged 16
  ‘Everything you need in a fantasy adventure: peril, cool – rather odd – characters, a twisting plot and lots of magic. Enjoyable read.’ Girl, aged 15
  ‘Loved it. I will read the next book.’ Girl ,aged 13
  
  To Sum It Up:
  ‘An epic fantasy adventure full of twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
  
• 
  Megan Forrest

  First Earth is the first in a new series targeted at teens/YA, but is enjoyable for everyone who enjoys reading fantasy. It is a part coming of age, but more coming to terms with oneself, exploring friendship, truth, responsibility and much more. That being said (it makes it sound so serious!), this is a fun adventure - the intriguing plot will draw you in. If you 'suffer' from the problem of not being able to put a good book down, then reserve time to read this through. The concept is interesting and the mix of science and magic is very enjoyable. The characters are well-developed and multidimensional, not only will you want to keep reading to find out what happens to them, but you will also look forward to the next book and next adventure!
• 
  Rachel

  Make sure you have plenty of spare time, a comfy place to sit, and a hot drink on hand when you open this book. I could not put it down! This is an EXCELLENT book; I HIGHLY recommend it! The story is unique, fun, and captivating. I love how it is told from the heroine's point of view, and I loved watching her learn about herself and grow through each crazy experience that she inadvertently finds herself in. One of the many great themes in this book is learning to love yourself for who you are, scars and all. Beautifully done; a marvelous piece of work!
  *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
• 
  Richard Goodrum

  Delightfully unique story. At least it seems to have rather unique features. Agnes is great. Temnon is a bit impersonal. Many predictable and unpredictable events.
  
  Action-packed. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Informative. Inspirational. Original. Page-turner. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.
  
  I received a copy of this book as a gift.  This is my honest review.