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Shieldwall Academy #1
Awakening Horde
Pax, a cunning street rat without a class, navigates life in a city constantly threatened by monstrous beast waves. He's dedicated to keeping his crew safe and fed, especially after his family vanished without a trace. But when his best friend is captured, Pax risks it all—even his freedom—on the eve of the Awakening. Caught and thrust into the Astan Empire's war machine, Pax must adapt to survive the perils of the empire's elite mage academy. While struggling to harness the forbidden magic surging within him, he must avoid the attention of corrupt leaders determined to snuff out any hint of rebellion and maintain their iron grip on power. With ancient secrets, and long-lost spells at stake, can Pax triumph against his foes, defeat fearsome monsters and secure a future for himself and his crew?
634 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 19, 2024
This book is just relentlessly bleak. The entire populace is subject to slavery, even if the nobles have slightly better positioning. Yeah, there's an existential, and growing, threat from outside, but the societal choice to get rid of all choice is both extreme and leads to all the bad places.
So kudos to the author that it plays out as badly as you'd expect? Meh. It's still a bleak story and giving Pax one-of-a-kind powers doesn't save anything from the dead-end that is the setup. There was a hint of something not completely bleak when he gets to the capital and unlocks some interesting side-options, but then it goes right back to bleak-town. So I quit. I like power fantasy. Overwhelming societal suicide with a side of slavery doesn't interest me.
So kudos to the author that it plays out as badly as you'd expect? Meh. It's still a bleak story and giving Pax one-of-a-kind powers doesn't save anything from the dead-end that is the setup. There was a hint of something not completely bleak when he gets to the capital and unlocks some interesting side-options, but then it goes right back to bleak-town. So I quit. I like power fantasy. Overwhelming societal suicide with a side of slavery doesn't interest me.
February 14, 2024
The story unfolds in a world where the status quo is meticulously maintained by those in power, while the protagonist possesses a unique ability that could disrupt this delicate balance. However, instead of utilizing this potential for dynamic conflict and growth, the narrative succumbs to predictability and clichés.
The protagonist's superpower, while intriguing in concept, serves more as a crutch than a catalyst for change. Despite facing insurmountable odds, the character effortlessly navigates through challenges, thanks to an implausible level of plot armor that undermines any sense of tension or stakes.
Moreover, the novel falls into the trap of portraying the antagonists as one-dimensional figures of authority, perpetuating tired tropes of bureaucratic ineptitude and moral corruption. This lack of nuance detracts from the story's depth and fails to provide meaningful commentary on power dynamics or societal structures.
Overall,it disappoints with its failure to capitalize on its promising premise. Lacking in both narrative momentum and depth, it ultimately leaves readers longing for a more engaging and thought-provoking exploration of its central themes.
The protagonist's superpower, while intriguing in concept, serves more as a crutch than a catalyst for change. Despite facing insurmountable odds, the character effortlessly navigates through challenges, thanks to an implausible level of plot armor that undermines any sense of tension or stakes.
Moreover, the novel falls into the trap of portraying the antagonists as one-dimensional figures of authority, perpetuating tired tropes of bureaucratic ineptitude and moral corruption. This lack of nuance detracts from the story's depth and fails to provide meaningful commentary on power dynamics or societal structures.
Overall,it disappoints with its failure to capitalize on its promising premise. Lacking in both narrative momentum and depth, it ultimately leaves readers longing for a more engaging and thought-provoking exploration of its central themes.
September 3, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know why it has so many low ratings.
Pax leads a group of street kids in a fantasy world where monsters have taken over most of the planet because magicians got a little too experimental and messed things up. All that is left are the cities with thick walls to hide behind.
There is an awakening ceremony happening in his city and he wants to see what it looks like so he goes a day early just to see what's happening. It shouldn't be a surprise to find out he and most of his friends get caught. They're manacled and carried like slaves along to the Shieldwall Academy.
I won't spoil what happens next. For an independently published book, the editing is solid and the stats are voluminous. The only thing I'll mention is that the open slots in Pax's bag of holding vary over the course of the book. Sometimes he has items in it and sometimes he doesn't.
There is plenty of action and a solid class war between the street rats and the aristocrats who think they're better then everyone else. If you think back to what happened in high school or A levels you'll make the connection. Pax and his friends are the underdogs but they don't let that hold them down as they take the ugliest jobs and make the best of it.
I'm looking forward to book two. I've read plenty of magical academy books, some good and some bad, and I think this one stands out. 5/5*
Pax leads a group of street kids in a fantasy world where monsters have taken over most of the planet because magicians got a little too experimental and messed things up. All that is left are the cities with thick walls to hide behind.
There is an awakening ceremony happening in his city and he wants to see what it looks like so he goes a day early just to see what's happening. It shouldn't be a surprise to find out he and most of his friends get caught. They're manacled and carried like slaves along to the Shieldwall Academy.
I won't spoil what happens next. For an independently published book, the editing is solid and the stats are voluminous. The only thing I'll mention is that the open slots in Pax's bag of holding vary over the course of the book. Sometimes he has items in it and sometimes he doesn't.
There is plenty of action and a solid class war between the street rats and the aristocrats who think they're better then everyone else. If you think back to what happened in high school or A levels you'll make the connection. Pax and his friends are the underdogs but they don't let that hold them down as they take the ugliest jobs and make the best of it.
I'm looking forward to book two. I've read plenty of magical academy books, some good and some bad, and I think this one stands out. 5/5*
August 1, 2023
This was a very big leap that very much did not land. The pace is set up as an epic story but the characters and the setting do not support that. The side characters are very one dimensional and lack any support. The main character's actions are not supported by their background. The main issue is a lack of context throughout the entire book. This was a lot of idea, but lacked the needed support to carry it through.
February 26, 2024
Truly enjoyable academy litrpg story.
Can't say enough good things about it. Very nice HP vibes
Can't say enough good things about it. Very nice HP vibes
November 26, 2024
5 Even Outside Stars
Awakening Horde is the first book in the Shieldwell Acadmey series by M. Zaugg.
I've definitely been missing a good Underdog story for some time, and this was satisfying in that regard alone. The uniqueness of his abilities honestly surprised me, and I might be disappointed in myself for not expecting as much. However, Pax' abilities have been fascinating to discover right alongside him. The applications he has found just in this first book can only make one imagine the possibilities yet to be discovered for this newly awakened.
The intrigue, though, truly lies in the mystery of his abilities loss to time. Which seems to have coincided with some great cataclysm, ushering in the beast waves endless barage against their pockets of civilization. Equally confounding is the reaction the beasts themselves seem to have when in contact with his magic at its most basic composition.
I have most enjoyed the building of connections and comradery. His small but growing group of friends made family grow further in tune with one another. He manages to ferret out allies in this place where the power is in favor of those who naturally stand against him; be it because of his lower class origins, or the scales on his ark that mark him as monster-touched.
Which is yet another mystery to understand the implications of. Why are there "monster-touched" citizens and hie did they come to be? Through some fallout of the cataclysm, no doubt? But is the cataclysm truly the result of experimenting with mixing different mana types, or as this group already has come to suspect? Those who stayed behind for political or cowardly reasons in the past were the only ones to have survived the devastation and therefore shaped the ruling structure following it?
It already appears as if there are already more mages than made readily apparent that wish the shake up the status quo, and I, for one, am excited to see it.
Awakening Horde is the first book in the Shieldwell Acadmey series by M. Zaugg.
I've definitely been missing a good Underdog story for some time, and this was satisfying in that regard alone. The uniqueness of his abilities honestly surprised me, and I might be disappointed in myself for not expecting as much. However, Pax' abilities have been fascinating to discover right alongside him. The applications he has found just in this first book can only make one imagine the possibilities yet to be discovered for this newly awakened.
The intrigue, though, truly lies in the mystery of his abilities loss to time. Which seems to have coincided with some great cataclysm, ushering in the beast waves endless barage against their pockets of civilization. Equally confounding is the reaction the beasts themselves seem to have when in contact with his magic at its most basic composition.
I have most enjoyed the building of connections and comradery. His small but growing group of friends made family grow further in tune with one another. He manages to ferret out allies in this place where the power is in favor of those who naturally stand against him; be it because of his lower class origins, or the scales on his ark that mark him as monster-touched.
Which is yet another mystery to understand the implications of. Why are there "monster-touched" citizens and hie did they come to be? Through some fallout of the cataclysm, no doubt? But is the cataclysm truly the result of experimenting with mixing different mana types, or as this group already has come to suspect? Those who stayed behind for political or cowardly reasons in the past were the only ones to have survived the devastation and therefore shaped the ruling structure following it?
It already appears as if there are already more mages than made readily apparent that wish the shake up the status quo, and I, for one, am excited to see it.
August 14, 2023
As a newcomer to the enchanting realm of LitRPG, "Awakening Horde" was only my second foray into this unique genre. I must say, I found myself thoroughly captivated by the book's enthralling narrative and the way it seamlessly blended the elements of gaming with a richly developed fantasy world.
From the very first pages, it managed to pull me into its virtual universe, much like the popular non-LitRPG titles 'Fourth Wing' and 'The Magician' had done in the past. The storytelling was masterfully crafted, allowing me to form a genuine connection with the characters almost instantly.
We meet a tenacious street rat, Pax, who defies the odds against a ruthless empire. Pax's determination to protect his crew in a city besieged by monstrous beasts becomes a heart-pounding journey when they are captured for the Awakening.
Pax's struggle as he navigates the elite mage academy of the Astan Empire highlights the author's ability to intertwine captivating world-building with relatable characters. Pax and his friends journey to harness forbidden magic while avoiding the empire's corrupt leaders showcases their resilience and determination.
"Awakening Horde" weaves a tale of ancient secrets, spells, and rebellion, that is an enchanting experience. If you're seeking a riveting fusion of captivating characters and immersive gaming, this book is an unmissable addition to your reading list.
From the very first pages, it managed to pull me into its virtual universe, much like the popular non-LitRPG titles 'Fourth Wing' and 'The Magician' had done in the past. The storytelling was masterfully crafted, allowing me to form a genuine connection with the characters almost instantly.
We meet a tenacious street rat, Pax, who defies the odds against a ruthless empire. Pax's determination to protect his crew in a city besieged by monstrous beasts becomes a heart-pounding journey when they are captured for the Awakening.
Pax's struggle as he navigates the elite mage academy of the Astan Empire highlights the author's ability to intertwine captivating world-building with relatable characters. Pax and his friends journey to harness forbidden magic while avoiding the empire's corrupt leaders showcases their resilience and determination.
"Awakening Horde" weaves a tale of ancient secrets, spells, and rebellion, that is an enchanting experience. If you're seeking a riveting fusion of captivating characters and immersive gaming, this book is an unmissable addition to your reading list.
July 17, 2023
The number rule on the streets is survival.
Just in the Prologue
Pax, a street rat, risks everything to save his best friend from the ruthless Astan Empire. He must navigate the perils of their elite mage academy and avoid corrupt leaders while harnessing forbidden magic. Can he triumph and secure a future for himself and his crew?
Then we move into the book.
Pax is a "street rat" or "shirker," but he is so much more. He leads a group of stray children called the Vipers In one of the cities called Thanhil in the Astan Empire.
On the day of Awakenings, Pax put a plan into action to free his brother, Titus. So with his fellow Vipers, Tomis, and Jules, they come up with a plan to free his brother on the day of the Awakening when he knew he would be brought out for the Awakening, and it would be a way to find out where they are keeping Amil so that they may rescue him.
All children, regardless of their wealth or status, were gathered from their respective classes to attend the Awakening ceremony.
Everyone comes together one day of the year to celebrate the "Awakening," where the wealthy celebrate with an elaborate festival. Full of vendors, crafters, the Governor, and the visiting Mages.
There were capital mages, one of each element, with the power to use an ancient artifact to permanently awaken the youth of the Astan Empire's cities called the Awakening.
"You see, more bodies were needed to replenish the ranks to fight the ever-growing attacks of the monster horde."
"Each recruit was valuable, whether a willing citizen or one of the coerced shirkers who survived the process."
The Guardsmen collect street rats, catch the older ones at least, and then they are rewarded like a bounty hunter.
"There is a celebration for all children of mages who forged children into adults and began one's service to the community. At least if you weren't a shirking street rat, most rats Pax knew would rather starve, alive and free. Though, for a brief flash, Pax couldn't help wondering what it would be like—a full menu. It was completely unlocked instead of the bare juvenile version he had. The possibility of crafting, merchant and martial skills, or even the rare ability to use magic had appeal."
The world-building in this novel is fantastic, with well-crafted characters and an exciting story that keeps readers engaged. The Void Matriarch and its spawns, along with other creatures, add an element of danger and suspense. The story is set in the Astan Empire, where the formidable Salman's Wall and the Mage Academy are located.
How do I convince you to read this book without giving away any spoilers?
"Awakening Horde: A LitRPG Academy Adventure" by M Zaugg is Book 1 of the Shieldwall Academy series, and it's a young adult novel that captures the essence of popular works like "Game of Thrones," "Harry Potter," and "The Hunger Games." The story starts with an epic battle scene, introducing readers to the world of Turgan, where a young dwarf warrior named Turgan studies at the Mage Academy. The book seamlessly combines multiple genres, including science fiction, fantasy, coming of age, academy, and dystopian.
This story is expertly crafted, full of thrilling action and unexpected plot twists. The world-building is fantastic, and including eerie creatures adds to the overall atmosphere. Finally, the ending is exciting and will leave a lasting impression on you.
Just in the Prologue
Pax, a street rat, risks everything to save his best friend from the ruthless Astan Empire. He must navigate the perils of their elite mage academy and avoid corrupt leaders while harnessing forbidden magic. Can he triumph and secure a future for himself and his crew?
Then we move into the book.
Pax is a "street rat" or "shirker," but he is so much more. He leads a group of stray children called the Vipers In one of the cities called Thanhil in the Astan Empire.
On the day of Awakenings, Pax put a plan into action to free his brother, Titus. So with his fellow Vipers, Tomis, and Jules, they come up with a plan to free his brother on the day of the Awakening when he knew he would be brought out for the Awakening, and it would be a way to find out where they are keeping Amil so that they may rescue him.
All children, regardless of their wealth or status, were gathered from their respective classes to attend the Awakening ceremony.
Everyone comes together one day of the year to celebrate the "Awakening," where the wealthy celebrate with an elaborate festival. Full of vendors, crafters, the Governor, and the visiting Mages.
There were capital mages, one of each element, with the power to use an ancient artifact to permanently awaken the youth of the Astan Empire's cities called the Awakening.
"You see, more bodies were needed to replenish the ranks to fight the ever-growing attacks of the monster horde."
"Each recruit was valuable, whether a willing citizen or one of the coerced shirkers who survived the process."
The Guardsmen collect street rats, catch the older ones at least, and then they are rewarded like a bounty hunter.
"There is a celebration for all children of mages who forged children into adults and began one's service to the community. At least if you weren't a shirking street rat, most rats Pax knew would rather starve, alive and free. Though, for a brief flash, Pax couldn't help wondering what it would be like—a full menu. It was completely unlocked instead of the bare juvenile version he had. The possibility of crafting, merchant and martial skills, or even the rare ability to use magic had appeal."
The world-building in this novel is fantastic, with well-crafted characters and an exciting story that keeps readers engaged. The Void Matriarch and its spawns, along with other creatures, add an element of danger and suspense. The story is set in the Astan Empire, where the formidable Salman's Wall and the Mage Academy are located.
How do I convince you to read this book without giving away any spoilers?
"Awakening Horde: A LitRPG Academy Adventure" by M Zaugg is Book 1 of the Shieldwall Academy series, and it's a young adult novel that captures the essence of popular works like "Game of Thrones," "Harry Potter," and "The Hunger Games." The story starts with an epic battle scene, introducing readers to the world of Turgan, where a young dwarf warrior named Turgan studies at the Mage Academy. The book seamlessly combines multiple genres, including science fiction, fantasy, coming of age, academy, and dystopian.
This story is expertly crafted, full of thrilling action and unexpected plot twists. The world-building is fantastic, and including eerie creatures adds to the overall atmosphere. Finally, the ending is exciting and will leave a lasting impression on you.
August 12, 2024
Barely read in like half an hour, learned everything I needed to know, and yes the reviews are true, it's bad, maybe I am jaded, or, I have matured enough to see the "bleak setting as a plot point" for the lazy excuse of not bothering with world building that it is, sure evil be evil, but one minded, dumb ass, incompetent evil is just the worst kind of evil there is, and it's only found in books, cause even in movies they have to give the evil some character, otherwise there is nothing to show on the screen when evil comes around, but in books u can make evil very simple and evil for the sake of evil, no need for any background, no need for motivations, just kick the puppy case that is what evil do.
And that brings us to the main motivation for the book, the book is a very basic combination of tropes, put simply, the evil is evil and does what evil does, but not because the evil person in the book is so and so, no, it's the opposite, since kicking a puppy is evil, so the person in the book will kick a puppy, and which states the nature of the character as evil, there is no need for a reason cause the writer is writing a trope not a character, same for the hero, the hero will survive and will thrive no matter what, and so no need to worry about anything, if the hero is ever in a problem the solution will itself manifest in the hero's brain, cause how else will the story continue.
And that is a common trait of amature writers, and based on the other reviews of this book, it all true.
And that brings us to the main motivation for the book, the book is a very basic combination of tropes, put simply, the evil is evil and does what evil does, but not because the evil person in the book is so and so, no, it's the opposite, since kicking a puppy is evil, so the person in the book will kick a puppy, and which states the nature of the character as evil, there is no need for a reason cause the writer is writing a trope not a character, same for the hero, the hero will survive and will thrive no matter what, and so no need to worry about anything, if the hero is ever in a problem the solution will itself manifest in the hero's brain, cause how else will the story continue.
And that is a common trait of amature writers, and based on the other reviews of this book, it all true.
August 3, 2023
In a world with four-element magic, street rat Pax awakens a forgotten fifth element in the government enforced RPG Class draft. He's shipped off to magic school, where any deviation from the norm is Very Bad News, and has to disguise his magic to keep from getting caught. His closest allies are a himbo fire mage and cautious water mage.
If you've been craving a magic school story that actually focuses on how magic works and what happens in classes, this is a great choice. Pax quickly learns to hide system notifications until he pulls them up, so the LitRPG elements don't interrupt scenes.
Students are sorted by their elements as well as combat and support based on their power levels. There's also a wide social/wealth range, so there are some scenes of bullying but not as much as many school based stories. Pax makes more friends than enemies.
There is some monster fighting throughout and the awesome cover art does eventually pay off.
A few gripes: The prologue chapters are heavy combat without context, which I found off-putting. Most character descriptions include what mix of human-elf-dwarf they appear to be, but this never really matters in this book. Some repetitive word/phrases. I look forward to reading future books in this series and from this author.
If you've been craving a magic school story that actually focuses on how magic works and what happens in classes, this is a great choice. Pax quickly learns to hide system notifications until he pulls them up, so the LitRPG elements don't interrupt scenes.
Students are sorted by their elements as well as combat and support based on their power levels. There's also a wide social/wealth range, so there are some scenes of bullying but not as much as many school based stories. Pax makes more friends than enemies.
There is some monster fighting throughout and the awesome cover art does eventually pay off.
A few gripes: The prologue chapters are heavy combat without context, which I found off-putting. Most character descriptions include what mix of human-elf-dwarf they appear to be, but this never really matters in this book. Some repetitive word/phrases. I look forward to reading future books in this series and from this author.
January 23, 2024
This book, Awakening Horde by Misty Zaugg, is my first venture into the genre. I had a bit of difficulty at the beginning while being introduced to all the players, locations, etc. I’m happy I continued reading, as I came to appreciate the camaraderie of the two male street rats and their loyalty to one another through numerous years of growing up together on the streets. The two boys are captured and sent to an Academy that teaches how to develop skills in order to fight and kill a myriad of beasts. There, they meet a strong-willed and outspoken female street rat. The three of them become inseparable, and you’ll need to read the book in order to enjoy all the adventures they go through, the tense moments of fighting beasts, as well as dealing with the aristocrats who were born into money. I love a good underdog story. I am onto book 2.
July 18, 2023
Let there be Light!
My favorite fantasy (lit rpg) pick this year! Our hero, Pax, advances from street rat to student mage, but his path turns out to be more brutal than expected. Further, his magic academy--the last one standing--is mired in rules and politics. While magic in this realm is determined by a mage's element, Pax's magic springs from a secret ability (his lack of basic elemental magic almost gets him killed during his initial testing), but this ability may ultimately allow him to save an empire under attack from without and rotting from within. While an orphan with a missing brother (its own mystery), Pax creates a new family for himself as he fights to find his place in a truly foreign environment. Highly recommended!
My favorite fantasy (lit rpg) pick this year! Our hero, Pax, advances from street rat to student mage, but his path turns out to be more brutal than expected. Further, his magic academy--the last one standing--is mired in rules and politics. While magic in this realm is determined by a mage's element, Pax's magic springs from a secret ability (his lack of basic elemental magic almost gets him killed during his initial testing), but this ability may ultimately allow him to save an empire under attack from without and rotting from within. While an orphan with a missing brother (its own mystery), Pax creates a new family for himself as he fights to find his place in a truly foreign environment. Highly recommended!
August 19, 2023
I found this one on Royalroad first and have enjoyed reading it. It has a very different kind of magic system. Part of what makes this such a great book to me is how slow and difficult it is to get stats and to level up. No huge dumping of stat points. Everyone has to work hard to earn anything.
I want to see more of the street gang from the very beginning of the story. Any gang of kids were even the younger female members would rather just lose their shirt then get caught by what seemed to be corrupt cops, is one I want to know more about.
Actually messaged the author and told him that the girl was one of my favorite characters. Even though she got very little page time. She came across as smart and quick witted. Characters like this are the ones that draw me into a story.
9/10
I want to see more of the street gang from the very beginning of the story. Any gang of kids were even the younger female members would rather just lose their shirt then get caught by what seemed to be corrupt cops, is one I want to know more about.
Actually messaged the author and told him that the girl was one of my favorite characters. Even though she got very little page time. She came across as smart and quick witted. Characters like this are the ones that draw me into a story.
9/10
February 17, 2024
I seriously had to force my self to continue listening to this garbage for 8 hours before I couldn't take it anymore and it went into the DNF pile. So freaking cliché and predictable plotline with out even the slightest twist or surprise. It's the standard Nobles are great and everyone else is trash and MC gets a unique ability. Sounds like it could be interesting right? Yeah if only the plot actually showed some promise. But instead of the character actually developing and making use of this power. He just gets beaten down, tortured, constantly verbally and physically abused and the author acts as if it's just another monday. Also every 4th sentence reminds the reader that he is a street rat, as if they would have forgotten it was mention 2 minutes earlier.
August 9, 2024
Even though I knew nothing about the author, she had me hooked when she mentioned pets! And since I really enjoy Companion Beasts I had high hopes for this book! And getting it was one my best decisions for the day. Not only is it a fantastic book but JS Arquin is an amazing narrator.
I also realize that I'm throughly hooked on Academy books. The teens are at the right age and to busy with classes and fighting monsters for any of the teen shenanigans and angst that I hate so much!
This is Pax story a street rat that's hanging on to life by it's shirt tails. Protecting his gang especially the littles that have come under his wing ... and he'll make sure to keep 'em safe and fed, doin whatever he can to procure food. All that changes when he was... when he was designated a mage of air magic. Grab the audiobook sit back and enjoy!!!
I also realize that I'm throughly hooked on Academy books. The teens are at the right age and to busy with classes and fighting monsters for any of the teen shenanigans and angst that I hate so much!
This is Pax story a street rat that's hanging on to life by it's shirt tails. Protecting his gang especially the littles that have come under his wing ... and he'll make sure to keep 'em safe and fed, doin whatever he can to procure food. All that changes when he was... when he was designated a mage of air magic. Grab the audiobook sit back and enjoy!!!
March 9, 2025
Every time I think this story won't get worse, it does. The characters are terrible, they never grow. The class struggle that is a large focus of this leads nowhere, the rich continue to be terrible and irresponsible and I guess the moral of the story is that poor people should deal with the mess of rich people even after the rich person threatens to kill them?
They're already indentured servants who are treated terribly by almost everyone. Why should I care if the beasts break into the school and kill everyone? From my pov, the country would be better off if it was destroyed
Also Pax trying to hide his ability, while also choosing to tame a beast that only an earth or light mage could tame is beyond stupid.
They're already indentured servants who are treated terribly by almost everyone. Why should I care if the beasts break into the school and kill everyone? From my pov, the country would be better off if it was destroyed
Also Pax trying to hide his ability, while also choosing to tame a beast that only an earth or light mage could tame is beyond stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
After reading the author's World of Combat Series and enjoying immensely, I was happy to find this new book - the first instalment in her Shieldwall Academy series. I couldn't put my Kindle down and read and listened to in one day, finishing at 3:30 am!
I couldn't pull myself away from the story as I followed the story of Pax - the homeless youth who is forced to become a mage and attend a magical academy where he and other "street rats" are looked down upon by many of their wealthy classmates and teachers. Pax and his friends begin to work together against all odds, to become the top students and mages in their first year at the academy.
I couldn't pull myself away from the story as I followed the story of Pax - the homeless youth who is forced to become a mage and attend a magical academy where he and other "street rats" are looked down upon by many of their wealthy classmates and teachers. Pax and his friends begin to work together against all odds, to become the top students and mages in their first year at the academy.
August 12, 2023
Grim-dark Harry Potter? Not quite. The world building is well done and the world is a dark place. Most of the students at the school are essentially indentured servants to the government. There are huge amounts of nepotism thrown about at every turn. The MC and his friends are interesting. The MC has a unique skill set that will leave him OP in the end. The story was entertaining with monster fights and surviving school. There is even a house cup variant in the school. Overall the books was a lot of fun.
October 8, 2025
Awakening Horde is the first book in this series, and when you combine academy life, magic, street rats, corrupt administrators, and of course, the no quit attitude of the main character, you get a story that's been told before, but oh, how wonderful this story is turning out. I'm anxious to read more in this series, I've already borrowed the next book in the series from KU.
December 8, 2023
Unique view on magic
This book started off slow and I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. Once you push through the beginning and get to the awakening ceremony, the book picks up speed faster than most books I have read.
The total time in this book timeline is about two weeks. A LOT happens in two weeks. The one thing I want to find out more than anything else is what happened to the rest of the light maves.
This book started off slow and I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. Once you push through the beginning and get to the awakening ceremony, the book picks up speed faster than most books I have read.
The total time in this book timeline is about two weeks. A LOT happens in two weeks. The one thing I want to find out more than anything else is what happened to the rest of the light maves.
January 30, 2024
It's the ultimate downtrodden character that fights to bring himself and his 'family' of friends to rise up with him. It's an admirable goal... but there are so many people doing their best to stop that from happening. On top of that, his power is not accepted, which makes Pax's fight harder that normal.
Heart on my sleeve I want more for Pax and his friends. I have all fingers and toes crossed that this happens in the next book.
Heart on my sleeve I want more for Pax and his friends. I have all fingers and toes crossed that this happens in the next book.
August 2, 2023
First off great book from a great writer.
Fallow Pax a street rat true the gutters of a fancy mage school.
Will he get stronger ???
Will he find a way to meet his family ???
Will he be able to find his way against the odds ???
Read the book to find out.
If you think Harry Potter is to soft, this is the book for you.
Have a great read.
Osjikai.
Fallow Pax a street rat true the gutters of a fancy mage school.
Will he get stronger ???
Will he find a way to meet his family ???
Will he be able to find his way against the odds ???
Read the book to find out.
If you think Harry Potter is to soft, this is the book for you.
Have a great read.
Osjikai.
August 17, 2023
Fun read with some good world-building. It's got some cool takes on the level and magic system and enough hints of the underlying story to be intriguing without being weighed down with exposition. There is a lot going on in the story so will be curious to see how all the threads are addressed in the coming books.
August 21, 2023
Dark story of Harry Potter? 3 friends, Pax, Rin and Amil had survive on the street by themselves and had been forced to attend the academy. I like this story but this is not the book that i feel "one chapter more before i sleep". I need to force myself to read this book😂. Maybe 2nd book might be interesting.
September 6, 2023
What a book, definitely a must read!
I wasn't sure what to expect as it's not my usual genre but WOW!! An amazing read from start to finish that's left me wishing the next book was out now! It has strong characters, good versus evil in more ways than one, adventure, excitement and lots of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't sure what to expect as it's not my usual genre but WOW!! An amazing read from start to finish that's left me wishing the next book was out now! It has strong characters, good versus evil in more ways than one, adventure, excitement and lots of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down!
September 22, 2023
A great new LitRPG series starts
This series has a cool beginning, with a city with a wall that faces monster hordes each night. Mages defend the wall and Pax is the newest one. However Pax is different, he has something that hasn't been seen for a long time, A dangerous magic. This is a great start with an academy structure and a cool magic system. I can't wait for book 2
This series has a cool beginning, with a city with a wall that faces monster hordes each night. Mages defend the wall and Pax is the newest one. However Pax is different, he has something that hasn't been seen for a long time, A dangerous magic. This is a great start with an academy structure and a cool magic system. I can't wait for book 2
October 16, 2023
Good fun!
I liked the combat and the street rat theme.
If you liked Street rats of Aramoor, ( not sure on spelling) then give this a go. Granted only the first half or so is them in the streets.
Mix in some magic and a bit of secret keeping.
I’ve got to wrap this up so I can go buy the next one(ones). I had fun.👍
I liked the combat and the street rat theme.
If you liked Street rats of Aramoor, ( not sure on spelling) then give this a go. Granted only the first half or so is them in the streets.
Mix in some magic and a bit of secret keeping.
I’ve got to wrap this up so I can go buy the next one(ones). I had fun.👍
November 8, 2023
I got most of the way through this before I realised that a) I like my plucky underdogs to get the occasional break, and this guy never really does; and b) I am reallly tired of Spoiled Young Master characters shrieking about insolent peasants, and this story has at least three of them. Otherwise it’s a decent read, and I’d recommend it if those issues don’t bother you.
March 25, 2024
Why?
Why do all the academy books have the mc hide their power, it is getting old to read about, always hiding always writing about it.. Just tired of reading the same story with a different name. What's wrong with being strong and slightly evil? To me it would be more interstate than the drivel that is being put out in Kindle
Why do all the academy books have the mc hide their power, it is getting old to read about, always hiding always writing about it.. Just tired of reading the same story with a different name. What's wrong with being strong and slightly evil? To me it would be more interstate than the drivel that is being put out in Kindle
June 23, 2024
Super interesting universe
Loved the magic setup, the action, the characters and everything in between. I liked the way the secret history is being threaded into the story as the main characters are making their way through the world. I enjoyed this book and am glad it is part of a series and look forward to the other books.
Loved the magic setup, the action, the characters and everything in between. I liked the way the secret history is being threaded into the story as the main characters are making their way through the world. I enjoyed this book and am glad it is part of a series and look forward to the other books.
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