From the first page, Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows pulls you into a world where magic isn’t just a tool; it’s a language, a science, and a force that binds the very fabric of reality. The novel introduces us to a divided world where Luminari’s light clashes with Nocturna’s darkness and where power is both a gift and a curse. We follow Sova and Nilah, siblings with a deep connection to Black Magic, as they navigate the complex and often dangerous city of Mathsmagica, a place where magic and mathematics merge in spectacular ways. As they struggle to survive in an academy that both fears and needs them, their fates become tangled with political intrigue, ancient legacies, and a battle between forces far greater than themselves.

The worldbuilding is, without a doubt, the novel’s greatest strength. Georgiev has crafted an intricate setting that blends arcane magic with a sense of scholarly depth. The city of Mathsmagica pulses with life, from its floating lantern-lit streets to the ominous corridors of The Academy. The details of magic, how it’s cast, and how it interacts with the laws of nature feel well thought out and almost scientific. The book captures the thrill of learning and discovery, much like Harry Potter but with a darker, more methodical edge. The scene where Sova and Nilah are running through the rooftops, dodging disapproving glares, makes the world feel dynamic and alive.

Sova is an engaging protagonist, brooding, brilliant, and always on the verge of losing himself to the magic he wields. His relationship with Nilah feels authentic, full of sibling banter, but also tinged with a mutual understanding that they are outsiders in this world. Evie, a noble and a student of Illumination Magic, provides an interesting contrast to them, challenging the rigid divisions between light and dark. One of the most emotionally gripping moments is when Sova unleashes Level Four Black Magic to save Arthus, a moment that not only showcases his power but also the consequences of wielding forbidden sorcery. That said, Arthus himself, along with some of the antagonists, could have used more complexity. He starts off as a typical arrogant noble, but his deeper motivations are only hinted at, rather than fully explored.

There are moments of sheer beauty, such as the description of the festival, where dragons of fire and ice dance across the sky, turning magic into an art form. But then there are moments where the narrative gets bogged down in too much detail, especially when discussing magic theory. The book is strongest when it lets the action unfold naturally, such as the tense confrontation between Sova and the Revenant, rather than explaining too much about how the magic functions. The dialogue is generally strong, with Nilah’s liveliness balancing Sova’s intensity, but occasionally, characters deliver lines that feel more like exposition dumps than natural conversation.

Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows is a fascinating blend of dark fantasy and academic magic, perfect for readers who enjoy deeply constructed worlds and morally complex characters. If you’re a fan of The Name of the Wind or Mistborn, you’ll likely appreciate the depth of the magic system and the intellectual intrigue. If you prefer fast-paced storytelling with minimal exposition, you might find certain sections a bit slow. Regardless, it’s an ambitious and compelling read that leaves you eager to see what happens next in Sova’s journey.

Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0DBSN8RC4