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Shieldwall Academy #2
Emerging Rebel
In a city on the brink of destruction, Pax, the audacious street rat who defied an empire, scrambles to develop powerful and forbidden magic before his enemies can catch and ruin him.
With time running out, the corrupt leaders of the Astan Empire will stop at nothing to track down and extinguish any hint of rebellion. Pax races to strengthen his crew and navigate new alliances as the stakes skyrocket. An imminent threat looms over the capital. A monstrous beast, capable of shattering the city's defenses, is on the horizon. As panic ensues and the capital mobilizes for war, Pax's strategic abilities are pushed to their limits.
With the fate of the city and his friends hanging in the balance, can Pax unlock the secrets of light magic and gather enough people to his cause? Or will he be crushed by the empire's relentless grip, always brutal toward defiant resistance? Pick up this spellbinding tale of adventure, danger, and magic as Pax's epic journey continues. The fate of his city and everyone he cares about hangs in the balance.
With time running out, the corrupt leaders of the Astan Empire will stop at nothing to track down and extinguish any hint of rebellion. Pax races to strengthen his crew and navigate new alliances as the stakes skyrocket. An imminent threat looms over the capital. A monstrous beast, capable of shattering the city's defenses, is on the horizon. As panic ensues and the capital mobilizes for war, Pax's strategic abilities are pushed to their limits.
With the fate of the city and his friends hanging in the balance, can Pax unlock the secrets of light magic and gather enough people to his cause? Or will he be crushed by the empire's relentless grip, always brutal toward defiant resistance? Pick up this spellbinding tale of adventure, danger, and magic as Pax's epic journey continues. The fate of his city and everyone he cares about hangs in the balance.
- GenresFantasy
706 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2024
248 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 2, 2024
Adventure continues
Pax steadily is increasing his power kind of slowly in terms of pacing. I like his animal companion. I don't like that he seems to be the only person on the team that is responsible for contributing to the team. So he's supposed to tame beings for everybody on the team, tame things for the rich kids because University says so. His compensation does not feel like enough for what he's doing for other people when nobody's been able to tame animals before. His team mates seem a bit bossy and free with his abilities and he just goes along which makes me question his agency. That said, it's engaging.
Pax steadily is increasing his power kind of slowly in terms of pacing. I like his animal companion. I don't like that he seems to be the only person on the team that is responsible for contributing to the team. So he's supposed to tame beings for everybody on the team, tame things for the rich kids because University says so. His compensation does not feel like enough for what he's doing for other people when nobody's been able to tame animals before. His team mates seem a bit bossy and free with his abilities and he just goes along which makes me question his agency. That said, it's engaging.
February 26, 2024
Same as book 1. Very good academy litrpg story.
This one blends a little bit more with some of the stuff we've seen in the genre, with groups going out on their own and making a name for themselves.
One problem I see with the story will be pacing.
This one blends a little bit more with some of the stuff we've seen in the genre, with groups going out on their own and making a name for themselves.
One problem I see with the story will be pacing.
December 1, 2024
5 Have You Heard How To Eat A Loxotine? Stars
Emerging Rebel is the second book in the Shieldwall Academy series by M. Zaugg.
Pax and his growing alliances and found family members have made for an incredible story. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of his unique magic and its inherent abilities, the need for strong loyalty becomes more vital. They have fought and gained power through their force of will and dedication and acquired more enemies for daring to attempt to raise their station. The balance the author has played, inviting new friends and equal positive connections to counter their list of enemies.
For Pax to have been so lucky as to obtain Incedis as his mentor has been the truest boon for his continued success. Which has become even more apparent as we have learned this powerful mages secrets, while our Mc has found the courage to share his own. I'm excited to see how this plays out and shapes not only their personal futures but also their entire empire.
I've truly enjoyed the interludes; to the growing threat of the Demons hidden underground, and most especially his brothers' own progress as he advances towards gaining freedom and reuniting with his family. This next book is sure to be fascinating, even when one only considers the implications of these alone.
Emerging Rebel is the second book in the Shieldwall Academy series by M. Zaugg.
Pax and his growing alliances and found family members have made for an incredible story. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of his unique magic and its inherent abilities, the need for strong loyalty becomes more vital. They have fought and gained power through their force of will and dedication and acquired more enemies for daring to attempt to raise their station. The balance the author has played, inviting new friends and equal positive connections to counter their list of enemies.
For Pax to have been so lucky as to obtain Incedis as his mentor has been the truest boon for his continued success. Which has become even more apparent as we have learned this powerful mages secrets, while our Mc has found the courage to share his own. I'm excited to see how this plays out and shapes not only their personal futures but also their entire empire.
I've truly enjoyed the interludes; to the growing threat of the Demons hidden underground, and most especially his brothers' own progress as he advances towards gaining freedom and reuniting with his family. This next book is sure to be fascinating, even when one only considers the implications of these alone.
December 16, 2024
I overall enjoyed this series, but doubt I'll continue further. Its pacing is terrible. After 2 books, only about 2 months TOTAL have transpired. The problem with that, more than anything else, is that character development is absurd. Within 2 weeks, the MC has developed, adopted a family of three others and has developed, learned magic, attending class, learning a new environment and a class structure from street urchin to 'Light' mage+, gotten a beast animal, faced off an invasion, been involved in espionage and gotten into feuds with administration, teachers and students. Imagine an MC with a secret so dark that if it were learned, they'd kill him. Now imagine developing such trust in SEVERAL others that within weeks (not months) you divulge everything?! Now the MC is 16 years old and not an ignorant 7 or 8 year old child, which might be somewhat more believable. But worse, at this pace, it will take over 24 books to cover a single year. Now, I don't mind a story that has some meat to it and takes awhile to digest but this is absurd as I do WANT it to finish within my own lifetime. Again, the books are good enough, but the pacing makes everything so ridiculous that I really can't recommend it past the second book.
February 4, 2024
I was able to read an advanced ARC copy of Emerging Rebel and thoroughly enjoyed it. I ended up reading the first and second books back to back and as the series progressed there was no drop off in the quality of the writing.
As Pax and his friends fight against the oppression of the privileged and catered to upper class students and against the beasts that attack the wall, they also have to prepare for the upcoming Purge. In the Purge they will be sent in teams beyond the wall for period of time where they have to survive on their own, without being killed by the beast, or the machinations of their fellow students and their influential families.
The whole Academy and mage system is corrupt and fashioned to keep the powerful influential families at the top, while keeping the poor classes “in their place“. In Emerging Rebel Pax and his growing list of friends and allies begin to realize that the only way to beat the system, might be to topple it from within. Unbeknownst to Pax, his brother Titus is alive, and also positioning himself to rebel against the corrupt societal system
As Pax and his friends fight against the oppression of the privileged and catered to upper class students and against the beasts that attack the wall, they also have to prepare for the upcoming Purge. In the Purge they will be sent in teams beyond the wall for period of time where they have to survive on their own, without being killed by the beast, or the machinations of their fellow students and their influential families.
The whole Academy and mage system is corrupt and fashioned to keep the powerful influential families at the top, while keeping the poor classes “in their place“. In Emerging Rebel Pax and his growing list of friends and allies begin to realize that the only way to beat the system, might be to topple it from within. Unbeknownst to Pax, his brother Titus is alive, and also positioning himself to rebel against the corrupt societal system
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
I rarely take ARCs for fear of being disappointed, but after reading Book 1, I was so excited to get offered a chance to read Book 2 early, I had to go for it! Thankfully, Emerging Rebel lived up to (and exceeded) my already high expectations! Excellent progression fantasy with strong worldbuilding and characters. The pages flew by!
I really loved how Pax is focused on protecting his people first and foremost, and how he's using his unique powers to make it happen. He's well powered without being OP, and the other members of his team/party are also well rounded and bring their own skills and issues. Everyone contributes, and that makes things steppy and fun. The magic system is interesting and we're getting a better feel for the world and the various players in it. Also, the stakes are high without crossing into the impossible or feeling too heavy. My favorite part was the baby beasts, especially Talpa, who is just so adorable! In short, great read! Love the series, and I'm already looking forward to the next book!
I got this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I really loved how Pax is focused on protecting his people first and foremost, and how he's using his unique powers to make it happen. He's well powered without being OP, and the other members of his team/party are also well rounded and bring their own skills and issues. Everyone contributes, and that makes things steppy and fun. The magic system is interesting and we're getting a better feel for the world and the various players in it. Also, the stakes are high without crossing into the impossible or feeling too heavy. My favorite part was the baby beasts, especially Talpa, who is just so adorable! In short, great read! Love the series, and I'm already looking forward to the next book!
I got this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
January 30, 2024
Title: Exceeding Expectations: A Review of Emerging Rebel by M. Zaugg
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Pax, a student mage, scrambles to develop powerful magic to fight against corrupt rulers and a city-breaking monster. With the fate of the city and his friends at stake, he navigates new alliances and gathers people for his cause. The second book in M. Zaugg's series, Emerging Rebel, boasts excellent worldbuilding, character dynamics, and a unique blend of classic fantasy and sci-fi. The plot grabs readers from the first page, making it difficult to put down. Highly recommended for fans of immersive and well-written fantasy.
Note: I received an ARC, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Books in Series:
Awakening Horde (Shieldwall Academy Book 1)
Elemental Battleground: A LitRPG Academy Adventure (Shieldwall Academy Book 3)
Available August 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Pax, a student mage, scrambles to develop powerful magic to fight against corrupt rulers and a city-breaking monster. With the fate of the city and his friends at stake, he navigates new alliances and gathers people for his cause. The second book in M. Zaugg's series, Emerging Rebel, boasts excellent worldbuilding, character dynamics, and a unique blend of classic fantasy and sci-fi. The plot grabs readers from the first page, making it difficult to put down. Highly recommended for fans of immersive and well-written fantasy.
Note: I received an ARC, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Books in Series:
Awakening Horde (Shieldwall Academy Book 1)
Elemental Battleground: A LitRPG Academy Adventure (Shieldwall Academy Book 3)
Available August 2, 2024
March 3, 2024
Great Writing, suboptimal pacing
Just want to start out by saying I really can tell the author is skilled at writing and describing characters. I really felt the naïveté of the teenage characters, which at times was annoying, but u felt necessary for immersion.
However, I noticed that in book one, the events didn’t take place over a period of time longer than a month and this book was barely less than a month. I’m not sure how the author will continue pacing these books, but I hope we can at least get to the second year in two books. Hopefully there’s only this much compression early on and it gets spread out as the series continues.
All in all, good job and will read the next.
Just want to start out by saying I really can tell the author is skilled at writing and describing characters. I really felt the naïveté of the teenage characters, which at times was annoying, but u felt necessary for immersion.
However, I noticed that in book one, the events didn’t take place over a period of time longer than a month and this book was barely less than a month. I’m not sure how the author will continue pacing these books, but I hope we can at least get to the second year in two books. Hopefully there’s only this much compression early on and it gets spread out as the series continues.
All in all, good job and will read the next.
October 9, 2025
Emerging Rebel is book number two in this series, and it's just as good as the first one. There are a few places where scene changes don't make a whole lot of sense, but otherwise, the story flowed well, and was a very good continuation of the story. I like this series, and will read the next one in the series as well. I'm curious where this one goes after the obvious threads are closed.
February 12, 2024
There is some really cool advancements in this book. We still se a decent amount of fighting against the aristocracy and it looks like that is going to be a common occurrence through the series. Beast taming also became a central topic. I didn’t think it would be as big of a thing as it became. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Holding off beast waves ramped up from the first book. The plot was entertaining and engaging.
August 13, 2024
Wowza I loved this book! After mentioning how much I loved Beast Companions in the review I wrote for bk1 Awakening Hoard. I decided that it was high time to talk about Talpa a Beast baby and Pax's first companion. From his description he's a star nosed mole with all the natural born abilities of a mole only with spikes 😆. And because he was the first companion he's already leveled up twice, enabling him to join Pax and play a key role in the Beast Battles. And with more Beasts to join soon. You'll definitely NEED to find out what's in store for Pax and his family of friends.
So yeah grab this action-driven audiobook and enjoy, JS Arquin has a story to tell you.
So yeah grab this action-driven audiobook and enjoy, JS Arquin has a story to tell you.
February 1, 2024
An excellent second book, which builds on and exceeds the first! Here, we see Pax and his team evolving--learning about themselves and their powers: they are emerging as the Heroes--and rebels--they are meant to be, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I also love the characterizations, which turn the book into a fantasy with a heart. A highly recommended read!
February 6, 2024
I had never read LitRPG before I read the first in this series, wasn't interested. The storyline, though...that grabbed my attention, so I gave it a go. Boy am I glad I did! Awakening Horde was great, Emerging Rebel is better. The ony thing I don't like about it is having to wait on book 3! Great work Misty!
February 7, 2024
A great second entry in a great new series
Pax has already made waves at Shieldwall Academy. Now he faces more challenges and new advancements to his magic. Good thing he is building a great group of friends and allies to help him. New enemies and abilities emerge. Go and get this book. It is a great story.
Pax has already made waves at Shieldwall Academy. Now he faces more challenges and new advancements to his magic. Good thing he is building a great group of friends and allies to help him. New enemies and abilities emerge. Go and get this book. It is a great story.
February 13, 2024
I've been following this one from the start over on Royalroad. I've enjoyed it enough that I have even left a few comments. This is something I normally don't do.
I like to wait and give my review after it is all done.
In this case I just wanted to help out an author who has given me a lot of stuff to read over the years. I'm way past book two.
8/10 enjoy!
I like to wait and give my review after it is all done.
In this case I just wanted to help out an author who has given me a lot of stuff to read over the years. I'm way past book two.
8/10 enjoy!
February 17, 2024
A really fantastic second part to this really enjoyable new series! More madness & mayhem, great levels of excitement, action & really good pace, I finished really quickly as it had me completely absorbed in it's interesting storyline! Well written & thought out characters, a really exceptional read!
March 6, 2024
Great story!
I always enjoy a story with the downtrodden society leftovers rising against all odds to take their place in the hierarchy to push for change. This book moves fast, has great characters and story and has lots of action. Even a cute pet for animal lovers.
I always enjoy a story with the downtrodden society leftovers rising against all odds to take their place in the hierarchy to push for change. This book moves fast, has great characters and story and has lots of action. Even a cute pet for animal lovers.
April 13, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant!
Just like the title states, this book is absolutely brilliant. Could rate it enough & will definitely be recommending it to other lovers of fantasy and Litrpg books. Great characters, story, magic system and worldbuilding. Can't wait to read the third book.
Just like the title states, this book is absolutely brilliant. Could rate it enough & will definitely be recommending it to other lovers of fantasy and Litrpg books. Great characters, story, magic system and worldbuilding. Can't wait to read the third book.
September 22, 2024
Missing element
Would have given 5stars but I personally felt as though there was something about the entire book missing. Not quite sure what it is or it just might be because I read so many litrpg. Maybe I'll find it in the next volume.
Would have given 5stars but I personally felt as though there was something about the entire book missing. Not quite sure what it is or it just might be because I read so many litrpg. Maybe I'll find it in the next volume.
January 11, 2025
Really enjoyed this book
The series keeps getting better with each book. There is a rich world being built, and it is a lot of fun learning about it. I really cannot wait for the next book.
The series keeps getting better with each book. There is a rich world being built, and it is a lot of fun learning about it. I really cannot wait for the next book.
February 4, 2024
Amazing
I loved this book series. Nice struggle, no easy path to power. Nobody gets power for free or at least not without consequences.
I loved this book series. Nice struggle, no easy path to power. Nobody gets power for free or at least not without consequences.
February 5, 2024
Awesome 2nd Book!
I couldn’t wait to dive into this book and M. Zaugg did not disappoint! It will definitely draw you and and have you rooting for the underdogs.
I couldn’t wait to dive into this book and M. Zaugg did not disappoint! It will definitely draw you and and have you rooting for the underdogs.
February 12, 2024
Really enjoy this series.
Really enjoy this series. Believable world building and a great MC is there and a storyline of action and intrigue is furnished as well. Will continue.
Really enjoy this series. Believable world building and a great MC is there and a storyline of action and intrigue is furnished as well. Will continue.
February 28, 2024
Great one sitting read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
March 6, 2024
Good read!
My grandson does not like to read fiction. While this is not my cup of tea, I do think he would enjoy this series. Keep up the good work.
My grandson does not like to read fiction. While this is not my cup of tea, I do think he would enjoy this series. Keep up the good work.
March 7, 2024
amazing
I wasn’t sure what direction the series was heading towards but absolutely loved the plots and subplots that really came to surface here. I can’t wait for book three!
I wasn’t sure what direction the series was heading towards but absolutely loved the plots and subplots that really came to surface here. I can’t wait for book three!
April 23, 2024
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
August 20, 2024
First book was decent, this one was even better. Looking forward to book 3!
September 30, 2024
An exciting book!
What isn't there to like? Big monsters, a scrappy group, rebels, school, and secrets. This series is fun! I can't wait for the next.
What isn't there to like? Big monsters, a scrappy group, rebels, school, and secrets. This series is fun! I can't wait for the next.
March 13, 2025
+1 for a recap
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews