A Study of Shattered Spells
By Josiah DeGraaf
Reviewed by Jubilee Anderson
GENRE: New Adult Epic Fantasy
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Only Teachers Know What Really Happens at a Magic School…
Chintor Academy is celebrated as the place where the best music mages are forged. But beneath the surface, bullies rule with cruelty, teachers scheme against each other, and the student destined to save their nation is far from ready.
Kalina didn’t know what she was getting into when she agreed to teach at Chintor. Now, as a first-year teacher, she’s tasked with finishing the training of this prophesied violinist. Their nation’s sworn enemies are nearing victory, and she has mere months to prepare him before their country collapses.
When Kalina uncovers the abuse of a vulnerable student, she’s thrust into a dangerous dilemma. Exposing the school’s underbelly means she’ll be fired and unable to prepare their hero. Keeping quiet means her students will suffer.
The fate of the nation—and her soul—hangs in the balance.
Writing
I almost didn’t get this book. I’m so glad I did. A year ago, I joined Josiah DeGraff’s email list and was amazed at his ability to tell a good tale in his short story collection, Visions of Grandeur (you can read it for free by signing up for his email list).
I have only good things to say about this book. I’ll list all of them here.
Aside from a few authors, DeGraff has one of the most distinct styles I’ve seen in a debut novel. He’s still getting the hang of it, but if you’ve ever heard him talk, it sounds like him!
The entire book was epic, and the final page, worth it. DeGraff used several plot twists, his incredible magic system, and high-stakes factors to keep us on the edge of our seats. Most of this tension had to do with the other teachers in the school and with the very student Kalina was supposed to be training.
I loved Kalina’s character throughout the book. She grew in womanly strength, able to stand up for what was right in situations even when it might cost her, and humble enough to apologize for her mistakes. Not the feminist “strength” we see in the world today, but the more difficult-to-achieve character strength.
Worldview
DeGraff’s Christian worldview comes out in A Study of Shattered Spells in a non-preachy way. He handled tough issues while still upholding goodness. Even in the midst of Kalina’s struggles, there was hope, and that hope shone until the end. All the sensitive topics DeGraff included weren’t just for shock factor. They served their purpose to show us that even in situations of war, abuse, and complicated friendships, we can trust in the happy ending. There is hope. It’s the Christian who truly knows that.
Content to Watch For
- Violence: A character has abusive parents. His mother is mentioned as having beat him before, and his father is manipulative and unloving. This character is also extremely manipulative.
- Swearing: A made-up swear word, but no real ones.
- Sexual Content: Mentions of kissing; “making out,” “licking the inside of [someone’s] throat.” Mentions of students sleeping with other students, sexual abuse. The main character mentions several times that her sister was raped. None of these are described in detail, but they are mentioned throughout the book. Most of them are instances in the past that someone brings up in present dialogue or thought.
- Racism: Students are racist towards one student who is of a different nationality. They write mean notes, bully, and threaten him.
Please keep in mind that this is a new adult fiction, not YA. The book has more mature topics than in other books I recommend. You can read DeGraff’s content note on A Study of Shattered Spells here. Because of the hope DeGraff leaves us with at the end, I highly recommend it, even if you wait a few years to read it! The ending is joyful, while anticipating the arrival of the second book in the Chintor Legacy series in 2027!
Thank you, Mr. Josiah, for implementing everything you teach in the Young Writer’s Workshop, including the happy ending, handling sensitive topics sensitively, creating strong characters, weaving themes without being preachy, and so, so much more! Another 5 star review for the readers!
Visit Josiah DeGraff’s Website
PAPERBACK: $17
PUBLISHED: 2025