School for the Magically Insane

The Fairy's Clock

Young Adult - Paranormal
191 Pages
Reviewed on 12/06/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock is a work of fiction in the paranormal adventure, fantasy, and interpersonal drama genres. Penned by author Theresa Nellis, this intriguing tale introduces readers to a realm where magic reigns and supernaturals are marked at seventeen, leading to their banishment to a mysterious school. Amidst this backdrop, a mother confronts her witch heritage, vowing to undo the enchantments that have imprisoned her son and others. Yet, her actions unleash a dark secret that threatens the supernatural world, testing friendships and placing targets on the backs of those deemed powerful.

Author Theresa Nellis crafts an enthralling dive into a world where magic and danger intertwine in a story filled with suspense, intrigue, and complex characters from start to finish. The exploration of the consequences of well-intentioned actions is poignant and well-delivered throughout the piece, serving as a cautionary tale of unintended outcomes that bubbles slowly beneath the action-packed plot. The dynamics between the different characters are clear with dialogue exchanges that further the plot and increase suspense. I loved the different attitudes depending on how the characters were exposed to formative factors in their lives and the various challenges the plot throws at them. Nellis's vivid descriptions and immersive world-building are brilliantly woven and layered into these personal journeys, transporting readers to a contained, well-devised setting where every twist and turn heightens the stakes. Overall, School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock was a captivating blend of fantasy and suspense that left me eagerly awaiting the next installment, and I would highly recommend it.

Miche Arendse

School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock by Theresa Nellis follows Willa on her quest to reunite with her vampire son. After Nikolas turned and was sent to the island, Willa never thought she would see her son again. That wasn’t good enough though. Instead, she decides to break through every one of the island's defenses to find Nikolas. However, he might not be as happy to see his mother after everything that has happened. It took me a while to get into School for the Magically Insane but once I was a few chapters in, I was thoroughly hooked.

I love the world Theresa Nellis has created, with the usual supernatural creatures we all love but each with a unique twist. The lore that runs through this story is so interesting and although it takes a while to figure everything out, every bit of information needed to understand this world and its characters is revealed over time. Willa as one of the main characters was a favorite although her actions at times could definitely be seen as a bit villainess-like. Despite this, I felt so much sympathy for what she went through especially considering the betrayal of her own sister. In terms of supporting characters, I would have to give my favorite pick to Ranulf. He provided some comedic relief with his witty remarks but also was a solid character in terms of his motivations and actions. Overall, School for the Magically Insane is an amazing book and I absolutely loved the cover!

Emma Megan

School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock by Theresa Nellis is a gripping young adult paranormal novel. Willa, a powerful witch, is on the run since her husband, Lord Malfatto, told her he's divorcing her. Willa is now risking her life to get to the School for the Magically Insane, where her eldest son, who's a vampire, was exiled. She knows that the cruelest sort of magic possible guards the school; thus, she needs a plan. But first, she must defeat any supernatural force that dares to stand in her way of rescuing her son. Will Willa succeed in removing her son from the island, where he and all the other supernaturals are trapped and can't escape on their own? Will her son, whom she abandoned at the worst time and who blames her for his painful fate, want to see her? Willa doesn't know, but two dragons wish to harm her in the worst possible way.

School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock will delight any reader with its fascinating and original world-building, rich atmosphere, and captivating writing. I was instantly sucked into this story. It is exceptionally well-crafted from beginning to end. The plot threads, suspense, and tension built throughout make it a must-read and will glue you to the pages for hours. Theresa Nellis did a magnificent job of balancing an engrossing plot, adventure, magic, suspense, dark secrets, and intriguing characters. I recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and original story with supernatural beings, like witches, mermaids, flesh-eating fish, vampires, werewolves, valkyrie, dragons, fairies, pixies, and more.

Shawna L. Thompson

In School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock, the main character, Willa, a formidable witch with extraordinary powers, sets out on a treacherous journey to rescue her son, Nikolas, who has been banished to an island that houses the notorious school. As she navigates through the perils of the enchanted island, Willa encounters killer mermaids, a mysterious purple mist that will suck the life from her, and formidable dragons that want also to kill her. Her unwavering determination is tested when her estranged sister, Effy, appears on the island, entangled in a complex web of betrayal and deceit. Willa's quest to reunite with her son leads her to confront fierce brother dragons, Leofric and Drakon, as she maneuvers through a hazardous landscape filled with conflicting loyalties and dangerous adversaries. All these challenges are part of her desperate attempts to secure her son's safe return from the island.

Theresa Nellis has skillfully crafted an enthralling young adult novel in School for the Magically Insane. The author has written a brilliant book. The narrative immediately draws you in with its web of intrigue, keeping you on the edge of your seat with suspense and drama. The characters of Willa and Leofric are depicted with such depth and clarity that they become truly unforgettable. Despite Leofric's ability to evoke frustration, there's an inexplicable allure to both him and Willa. The ending is a stroke of genius, laying the groundwork for the next installment to be just as emotionally impactful. This series debut will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating the next phase of the journey, filled with excitement to discover what comes next.

Delene Vrey

School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock by Theresa Nellis is the second book in this fantasy series. The story starts with Willa facing the fallout after her son Nicholas became a vampire on his seventeenth birthday. Willa flees from her home after her husband turns on her for being of witch descent. Nicholas has been taken to the School for the Magically Insane, where all supernaturals are held. Willa is resolute in her goal to go to the island and free her son. But the way there is fraught with danger. From soul-eating mermaids to flesh-eating fish and a deadly mist, it takes all her skills as a witch to reach the island. Once there, she does whatever it takes to reach her son, but Nicholas is no longer the sweet and loving son she knew. He has become something perilous. To make things worse, Leofric and Effie have also come to the island, and nothing good can come from the reunion.

Written in a very descriptive and colorful manner, the story develops quickly, is action-packed, and is character-driven. The plot is saturated with revenge and power lust, with love used as an excuse to hurt others, and characters tending to react immaturely to others' actions. Violence is a dominant feature throughout the narrative. Theresa Nellis inserted the most well-known supernatural beings into the plot, especially on an island where so many powerful beings are confined in a small geographical area. This is the petri dish in which power struggles and chaos reign supreme. School for the Magically Insane: The Fairy's Clock brings to life a harsh black-and-white world where characters have to choose the lesser of two evils to survive.