Official Review: First Earth by Cami Murdock Jensen

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 06 Jan 2020, 12:54

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "First Earth" by Cami Murdock Jensen.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Lost in a world of chronic pain, 16-year-old Agnes Ann Cavanagh hides behind the shame of the hideous scars that mar her face. Blind to her miraculous survival of the accident that killed her father, she chooses to remain isolated in her self-hatred. When an idolized professor offers her a unique internship, she is beyond excited, until she realizes that opportunity will force her to step outside her comfort zone.

Agnes is soon to discover that the ancient tablet she’s supposed to translate is a pathway to a whole new world where magicians are on the brink of extinction. An evil necromancer threatens to enslave the people of First Earth and any other earths she can get her hands on. A hidden power lies dormant within the self-loathing teen, but Agnes will have to learn to accept herself to embrace the life she was meant to live.

First Earth, by Cami Murdock Jensen, is a well-paced science-fiction fantasy novel with hard-hitting themes. Full of magic, suspense, and epic battle sequences, it will thrill readers young and old alike. This first book in the Arch Mage series is told from the first-person perspective of the main character, Agnes, and is high-spirited and energetic in its tone.

Jensen does a marvelous job setting up Agnes’s situation and starting with intense action within the first few chapters. The details of the new world were woven gracefully into the plot without disturbing the pacing, which made for smooth sailing through the story. I never felt like the plot was dragging even with character introductions and developments. Instead, the suspense of discovering the hidden talent with Agnes and how she might be able to use that power kept me glued to the pages.

My favorite part of the novel was the character growth of Agnes. Saving the world from a powerful enemy was an engaging plot but cheering on Agnes as she learned to accept who she was played a larger role in winning my favor. The friends and allies that Agnes gains also challenge and encourage her in different ways. Agnes was an inspirational character that had to look inside, admit her flaws, and change her attitude to succeed. Chronic nerve pain and nausea caused by her medication were also obstacles that plagued her during her journey.

I find myself hard-pressed to think of anything I didn’t like about this book. From the stylistic writing to the refreshing themes, this book gave me nothing but positive feelings. A couple of minor errors found their way into the final copy but not enough to make me doubt professional editing. I confidently award First Earth a glowing 4 out of 4. With no swearing, sexual content, or overly graphic scenes, this book would be appropriate for all audiences. Those who love coming-of-age novels with magic, fantasy creatures, travel between worlds, and substance should find something to love within the Arch Mage series. I eagerly look forward to the next installment!

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First Earth
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Reader5698 · Post by **Reader5698** » 07 Jan 2020, 22:35

Thank for your great review. This really makes me want to pick up the book. I love fantasy novels that trevel between different worlds, and Agnes sounds like a compelling and inspiring character.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 07 Jan 2020, 23:25

Reader5698 wrote: ↑07 Jan 2020, 22:35 Thank for your great review. This really makes me want to pick up the book. I love fantasy novels that trevel between different worlds, and Agnes sounds like a compelling and inspiring character.

Thanks for your kind words! I really enjoyed Agnes and she had a wonderful supporting set of characters as well. Hope you get a chance to read the book!

Mbrooks2518 · Post by **Mbrooks2518** » 08 Jan 2020, 04:00

Great review! I'll definitely be picking up this book.

Post by **Adina Lutinger** » 08 Jan 2020, 06:21

This book sounds so amazing in so many ways! I'm definitely going to enjoy reading it. Thanks for your great review!

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 08 Jan 2020, 07:38

SomeoneInTheWorld wrote: ↑08 Jan 2020, 06:21 This book sounds so amazing in so many ways! I'm definitely going to enjoy reading it. Thanks for your great review!

Mbrooks2518 wrote: ↑08 Jan 2020, 04:00 Great review! I'll definitely be picking up this book.

Thanks for your complements! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 08 Jan 2020, 12:01

This should be a great YA novel filled with magic and adventure, two things I really enjoy. Agnes sounds like a very relatable main character. Thanks for the review!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 08 Jan 2020, 19:22

I love books with strong female leads, even if it did take a bit of growing up for Agnes to get there. It sounds like a fantasy novel worth reading! Thanks for your review!

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 09 Jan 2020, 01:07

Thanks for a great review—it has me cheering for Agnes! This isn’t my genre of choice, but I look forward to your review of the next book in the series.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 09 Jan 2020, 11:52

"Saving the world from a powerful enemy was an engaging plot but cheering on Agnes as she learned to accept who she was played a larger role in winning my favor." Wow! What an interesting review! It definitely makes me want to read the book. Great job!

rumik · Post by **rumik** » 10 Jan 2020, 14:56

This looks like a lovely book; I adore strong female characters especially. Would love to try this out. Thanks for the great review!

Rayasaurus · Post by **Rayasaurus** » 10 Jan 2020, 17:39

I think I might have to pick up this book because of your glowing review! I love good character development especially. Thank you for the review!

Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 11 Jan 2020, 03:50

Sci-fi books that develop female protagonists are not as numerous as those featuring male protagonist.
I guess I'll explore the fantasy world together with Agnes.
Amazing review!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 12 Jan 2020, 23:44

Oh. This sounds like an excellent YA book, though something a little closer to middle grade than new adult. I particularly liked the outline of Agnes' journey through the book as you framed it, and I'm sure readers will love it as well.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 16 Jan 2020, 20:14

Ancient tablets and nearly extinct magicians?! Even the cover is vividly mesmerizing. So many things in life lead us into seeking a self-imposed isolation, but this tale gives hope that better things await. Sounds like a good one for sure!