Wonderspell Academy: Where Magic Unites Hearts and Minds
A delightful, sometimes comedic and whimsical coming-of-age tale with 4th wall breaks.
This is a free preview, a glimpse into the world of Wonderspell Academy. A book I am writing, alongside my Novel Li Wei. It’s not easy to write two books, with two very different writing styles and genres at the same time, but hey, I’m doing it anyway. If one doesn’t work, maybe the other will… Or neither? If it’s the latter, I’ll just publish colouring books.
I’ve decided to give you the entire first chapter, for free, to gather feedback.
I hope you enjoy what you’re about to read.
Copyright © 2023 by N. A. Hughes
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Prologue
In a parallel world to our own, magic is not a rare gift but an inherent part of every individual's existence. From the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, the enchanting glow of magic weaves through every aspect of life, illuminating the world in a mesmerising display of colours and wonders. Everything is magical, from toasters to light switches, this world is vastly different from the world we know today.
At the heart of this extraordinary world there is Wonderspell Academy, a magical university, resembling the prestigious universities we know and love in our world, only it is no ordinary educational institution, Wonderspell Academy welcomes all young sorcerers who come of age, offering them a haven to nurture their mystical talents and explore the boundless possibilities of the arcane arts in their chosen subject of study.
Meet Isabella, a spirited and gifted young woman whose magical abilities have been her constant companion since she first opened her eyes, many thanks to her professional parents, lawyers nonetheless. Her childhood was filled with wonder as she practised spells and marvelled at the joyous dance of magic in the air.
As she reached age 18, the age at which young adults leave mandatory education in this world, the time came for Isabella and her peers to embark on their magical higher education. The path to Wonderspell Academy required a show of academic excellence in high school. It was an essential part of the admission process, ensuring that young sorcerers possessed the necessary foundation for their magical studies. It also helped if your parents had studied at the university or well, you had money, and lots of it. Which of course, Isabella’s family did, on both fronts.
Isabella's dedication to both her magical practice and her academic studies proved fruitful as she excelled in high school, finishing top of her class. Her achievements were a testament to her passion for the arcane arts and her commitment to honing her talents. Not to mention, impressing her parents as well.
The invitations and rejections to Wonderspell Academy were sent. Each aspiring sorcerer received their invitation, or rejection, a parchment that radiated with magic and as if by magic, delivered itself to each and every waiting student’s home address.
For Isabella, the invitation came in the form of an iridescent butterfly that fluttered gracefully to her doorstep. Pretty cool. She opened her door and watched in awe as it transformed into an exquisite scroll, inscribed with the emblem of Wonderspell Academy. A feeling of belonging and purpose washed over her as she read the first words, “Welcome to the Wonderspell Academy.”
Her heart brimming with excitement and magic crackling in the air, Isabella let out a mighty scream! And so, with magic coursing through her veins and the academy's gates waiting for her arrival in September (oh, yes, it’s currently August), Isabella was about to step into the realm of Wonderspell Academy, eager to embrace her destiny as a Magical Lawyer in training, or education, or whatever you call it in this world.
Chapter 1: The Invitation
Isabella could hardly contain her excitement as she burst through the living room door, the butterfly-shaped invitation clutched in her trembling hands. "Mom, Dad, you won't believe what just happened!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.
Her parents, who were seated in the living room, looked up from their magical newspapers with curious smiles. "What is it?" her mother inquired, already sensing something extraordinary was afoot.
"I got it! I got the invitation!" Isabella proclaimed, waving the parchment like a victory flag.
Her father's eyes widened, and he set aside his enchanted newspaper, which decided to dance off to the trashcan across the otherside of the room. "You mean… the Wonderspell Academy?" he asked, a mixture of pride and disbelief in his voice.
"Yes, yes, that's the one!" Isabella nodded vigorously. "They want me to study at Wonderspell Academy!"
Her mother rose from her seat, excitement mirroring Isabella's. "Oh, sweetheart, that's incredible news! We're so proud of you!" She enveloped Isabella in a warm embrace.
Meanwhile, Isabella's younger siblings, Alex and Lily, who had been quietly playing with their magical toys, looked up in awe. "Isabella's going to Wonderspell Academy!" Alex cheered, his face alight with admiration for his older sister.
Lily, the youngest of the siblings, clapped her hands, giggling with delight. "I wanna go to Wonderspell too!" she exclaimed, showing off her miniature wand that fired an accidental magical rubber dart at her fathers forehead. Skimming him and exploding into a poof of dust in the air. Isabella's parents exchanged amused glances. "Well, sweetie," her father said, ruffling Lily's hair, "you'll have to wait a few more years before it's your turn."
Isabella beamed at her family's support and then sat down with them on the living room couch. "I can't believe it's really happening," she mused, gazing at the invitation. "Magical Law at Wonderspell Academy. It's always been my dream." Her mother nodded affectionately. "You've always had a talent for negotiation and a keen sense of justice. I'm sure you'll make a fantastic Magical Lawyer."
"And think about all the incredible magical cases you'll get to work on," her father added, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Defending mythical creatures or resolving disputes between magical beings—your path is going to be truly magical!"
“Where’s that newspaper gone?” he scoffed.
Isabella's mind swirled with possibilities. She imagined herself standing in a grand courtroom, her voice steady and confident as she presented her magical arguments. She saw herself studying ancient magical law tomes in the academy's vast library, uncovering forgotten legal spells and strategies.
"Imagine the friends you'll make, Isabella," her mother said, bringing her back to the present. "Students from all over the realm, united by their love for magic. You'll have the most extraordinary experiences."
Isabella nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "I can't wait to meet them all. And, oh, imagine the professors! I wonder if any of them are as quirky and eccentric as Archibald Snickerspells."
Her siblings giggled at the mention of Archibald Snickerspells, a boy from down the street, whimsical and clumsy, but also a good friend of Isabella’s.
"Well, one thing's for sure," her father said with a grin, "your time at Wonderspell Academy is going to be a magical adventure unlike anything else."
As the evening wore on, Isabella's family continued to share laughter and stories, their excitement for her journey at Wonderspell Academy filling the room. The possibilities seemed endless, and Isabella's heart swelled with gratitude for the support and love of her family.
And so, surrounded by the warmth of her loved ones, Isabella contemplated the magical path that lay ahead—a path that would lead her to become a Magical Lawyer in the enchanting world of Wonderspell Academy.
The next morning, the summer sun shone brightly as Isabella and her family made their way to the shopping mall, which was adorned with colourful banners announcing the upcoming magical freshman year. Isabella's heart fluttered with excitement and a hint of nervousness. She couldn't believe that in just a few weeks, she would be starting her first year at Wonderspell Academy, the place where her dreams of becoming a Magical Lawyer would take flight.
As they entered the mall, the air was filled with a delightful blend of enchanting aromas from the various magical shops. Isabella's eyes widened as she took in the sights—a rainbow of floating umbrellas providing shade and street performers entertaining passersby.
As Isabella stepped into "Pear Store" with her family, she felt like she had entered a realm of enchantment and innovation. Much like our world's Apple Store, but innovation hasn’t stopped yet and magic is actually real. The shop's interior shimmered with soft hues of magical light, and the air was filled with the hum of unseen energy. Gleaming displays showcased the latest in magical electronics, each item more extraordinary than the last.
Isabella's attention was immediately drawn to a display of levitating laptops. These sleek devices hovered elegantly above their charging stations, showcasing the pinnacle of magical engineering. The laptops responded to voice commands, and their screens could be resized with simple gestures, allowing for seamless multitasking.
The shopkeeper, a knowledgeable sorcerer with a twinkle in his eye, demonstrated the laptops' capabilities with a wave of his hand. Isabella couldn't help but gasp in amazement as she saw how these laptops could perform complex spells, organise notes, and even project holographic images for immersive studying.
Next to the levitating laptops, a row of enchanted tablets beckoned to Isabella. These tablets were not just for reading and browsing; they had built-in magical simulations and educational apps designed specifically for aspiring sorcerers.
With the touch of a finger, Isabella found herself immersed in a virtual potion-brewing class. She carefully followed the instructions, swirling her finger in precise patterns, and was rewarded with a realistic simulation of a bubbling potion that changes colours according to her actions.
Moving deeper into the shop, Isabella discovered backpacks that appeared normal on the outside but hid magical secrets within. The friendly shopkeeper demonstrated how the backpacks could expand magically to accommodate an endless number of books and supplies.
"These backpacks are perfect for university life," the shopkeeper said. "They'll never weigh you down, no matter how many textbooks you need to carry."
After exploring every nook and cranny of the Pear Store, Isabella faced the delightful dilemma of choosing her magical supplies. She carefully selected a levitating laptop with all the latest features, an enchanted tablet for immersive learning, and a backpack with hidden compartments that matched her sense of style. Naturally, her father paid for it all on his magical credit card. This story really isn’t that far-fetched is it?
Anyway, As Isabella left the Pear Store, her heart brimming with excitement and gratitude, she couldn't wait to begin her magical studies at Wonderspell Academy. The advanced magical technology she had acquired would undoubtedly aid her in her pursuit of becoming a skilled Magical Lawyer.