Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos by Seanan McGuire Publishes 4/7/26


I loved all of the elements of this novel!  I am obsessed with these characters  and their lives.  I truly hope there will be more books to come. 


This fantasy novel sets five different students from different worlds together in the same magical school.  Each student has magic and has been recruited to attend Strixhaven.  Eula, our main character, can make magical shields and wants a better life than the one set out by her father.  Alandra is merfolk who hopes to learn more magic to help protect her homeland. Segante is from a dangerous world where every day it is about survival. Kequia is from Dominaria and can touch things to learn their history.  Lastly, Jamira, is a minotaur from a planet that was destroyed by the Phyrexians.  Each student has their own secrets and different reasons for attending this school.  However these trans-planar students are not wanted by everyone on the campus.  Threats mount against them and the five must use their wits and magic to keep themselves safe.  


I loved the world building in this novel.  I know absolutely nothing about Magic: the Gathering but it made no difference to me reading this book.  I was quickly able to grasp what was going on and how all of the character's worlds worked.  I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of each of their worlds from the customs, creatures, fauna, and lifestyles.  This novel had all the elements I look for in a book.  There was mystery, action, magic, a little romance, but most importantly great characters.  I have never gone wrong reading a book by Seanan McGuire and this one did not disappoint. I really hope to read more!  


I highly recommend this fantasy novel especially if you love novels with great characters, magic, dark academia, wonderful world building, fantasy, or just enjoy a great story!

5 out of 5 Stars

Thank you to Random House Worlds and NetGalley for this ARC.  All opinions are my own. 

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