A Study of Shattered Spell

Vanessa Bettencourt
Sep 16
2 min read

5 stars

This is a creative take on a magical system focused on classical musical instruments. An orchestra manipulating the elements and powers like telekinesis during battle. This magical system pulled me right into the story. Starts with a battle, betrayal, and so many changes in the life of our main character, Kalina. From inventor to commander and then to teacher of the chosen one, she is the only one who has survived a shattering of a personal instrument. She may have lost her magic but the chosen one has hopes to learn from her how to survive the shattering of his own.

Well written and compelling. The corruption and destruction are everywhere, but we read each page rooting for Kalina and hoping she will be ready to teach the son of her enemy to survive. An homage to the passion of teaching and the earning of respect from rebel and antagonizing youth and older, more established society that doesn't accept change.

A Study of Shattered Spells by Josiah DeGraaf, book 1 of Chintor's Legacy.

Release day: Sept 16th, 2025

Get the book here.

Fantasy with Romance but not sex.

Triggers: Abuse, sexual harassment.

“Music was the only medium that could express this kind of emotion.”

@josiahdegraaf

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“You’re so much more than you think you are, human.”

"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."