Review: Good book by authors who have done much better - Bedlam Bard series is better
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 7, 2013
The authors have written some really great books in urban fantasy.  This book continues in the world of the Guardians, Elves and the Bard, but only a few passing acknowledgements are made to the complicated world they have already built with "guest appearances" by some characters form other books.  This  book stands alone and it is a good, but not a great book.Their stereotyping of Hispanic culture seems strained,including the mindless posturing of the men, the religous fanaticism of mamacita, males only career opportunities to be mechanics or drug dealers and chica (woman) role as eye candy. It reads like what it is, a couple of woman trying to convey a macho culture as a basis for their main character, while trying to throw in a strong heroine.In an obvious rip off of Harry Potter, Tomas Torres, the lower class Hispanic son of a single working mother  with a cute little sister discovers he can create fire.  For acting as an arsonists for the local padrone  Tomas made $1000 a week.  But the police put him together with one too many suspicious fires and he is given a choice, jail or boarding school.  Of course, he chooses St. Rhiannon's School for the Gifted and Exceptional Student.Tomas soon finds that the school is filled with students with special gifts.  Some are magic and some are psionic.  Tomas is psionic.  Tomas does not believe in magic until it is rubbed in his face.  The rest of the story is slightly predictable, but still a fun read.  I hope I don't give too much away when I say Tomas meets another student who is a beautiful girl and together they face evil forces.  Tomas learns to control his powers and he gets the girl.  Predictable perhaps but a fun read nevertheless.A good but not great book, not as well composed as others in the series.