The Sorcery Code, by Dima Zales(the first entry in The Sorcery Code series) is set in a world where humans have learned to tap into the energies of the spell realm, giving them the ability to perform feats of sorcery.  The story jumps between different viewpoints from chapter to chapter and revolves around four central characters. I read the kindle version of The Sorcery Code, using the free kindle app.

The Sorcery Code Characters

Blaise, a former member of the Sorcerer Council, spent the last year as a recluse, and he has just realized the culmination of his life’s work.Blaise has created a magical object to work as a conduit to the spirit realm. He had hoped for a magic mirror or lamp, but what came was quite unexpected.

Augusta is Blaise’s ex-fiance and a senior member of the Sorcerer Council. She is a powerful sorceress and enjoys all of the luxury and privilege of being part of the elite class.

Barson, Augusta’s new lover, is the leader of the Sorcerer Guard. He is a ferocious warrior of no equal, but he holds a dark secret.

Gala is a beautiful young woman who has just appeared out of thin air. She knows nothing about this strange world she has just entered, but she will learn… and fast. Is she the next step in the evolution of sorcery, or the last?

The Sorcery Code Story

Sorcerers in this world have become the elite. They revolted against the old feudal system, but over the years, they have become feudal lords themselves. The new age of sorcery has evolved rapidly with the discovery of the sorcery code. Recent advances include the chaise- a magical flying chair for transportation, life captures- a way to record thoughts, emotions, and events for anyone to experience later on, and the interpreter stone- which uses written cards, to interpret the sorcery code faster than ever before.

The oppressive Sorcerer Council lives in luxury while the peasants are at the mercy of whatever sorcerer lordship they are born in. With a drought in full swing, there have been rumblings of revolution amongst the townsfolk. Blaise’s end goal of bringing sorcery to the common folk could mean the end of the sorcerer council and the beginning of a new age. The lines between good and evil are not so clear, as revolution is not clean work.

The Verdict

The originality of a story where sorcerers use math and science to create magic spells was refreshing, and the story kept me engaged throughout. There were a few clichés strewn about the sorcery code, but the way the story unraveled was definitely enjoyable. The chapters were named by the main characters who would be the focus, as in chapter 1 Blaise, chapter 2 Gala, and so on. This was a new concept to me, but it wasn’t unpleasant in any way.  The story had a great flow, and it didn’t stagnate for any long sections. Gala got annoying at times, as her curiosity and innocence led to some “cutesy” moments, but the overall theme of the book was intriguing.

The battles were wonderfully done, and the mixture of swordplay and sorcery were handled well. The ending of the sorcery code was a cliffhanger of course, as this is the first book in a series, but I will definitely be reading the second when I get the chance.  I give The Sorcery Code a solid B. The story was engrossing, and I would like to read more.

B