Center of Magic - J.S. Fields - 2 stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a first time read of this author for me so I was not too sure about it since it is a fantasy book.

Synopsis
Thirty years ago a spell was cast that exploded the magic in those who wielded the power and millions were consumed by fire. Countries and Governments that had grown dependent on wizards for the new arms race were left floundering and confused. Tensions rose and bled into World War III, and the world was broken by the global bombardment. Magic was thought lost forever.

Reese, a young girl of only fifteen, knows the stories and the lore. She has grown comfortable with life in the miles of caverns that make up Mammoth Cave. When Tereo, a wise traveler, arrives to weave a tale of history and fact, the pulse inside her screams out that she is meant for more. Tereo knows that Reese is the only one that can help him perform an unimaginable task. Together, along with her cousin Erik and her friend, Emily, the ragtag team set off to move the Center of Magic – and stop the gathering evil from destroying the final spark.

Dangers, both magical and mundane assault them from all sides. New faces and allies find them while betrayal lurks close. It is a journey of fantastical determination, one that sweeps this group into heights none could dream of before and into the very depths of despair.

Pulling from our own past and myths, this is an alternative history that combines lore, legend, current fiction and popular mythos to create a tale unlike any you’ve read before.

This book was just ok for me, it lacked that wow factor. I think that the plot was interesting but it seemed to lack depth. I think it flowed well and was easy to follow but parts of it seemed pretty unrealistic to me, and maybe that is the intention of the author. I would have liked to see better world building as well. I think the book is worth reading, I just feel like it could have been so much more.

I liked the characters ok. I think they were developed fairly well, but if this is a series I think they could be developed much better in future installments. I would like to have known just a bit more about them to maybe make them a bit more exciting. I do think they are likable characters but for me not very relatable.