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The Book of Bawb #2
Assassin's Apprentice
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Bawb knew he would face the latter far more often than the former. But this was his life now. His destiny. Surviving his indoctrination into the elite order of assassins had been a challenge unlike any he had ever faced in his young life. It had been brutal, violent, and painful, but he’d made it past those initial hurdles. If he wanted to excel, however, to reach his true potential, he would need something more—a competitive edge of some sort.
Training under the watchful eye of one of the greatest assassins in the galaxy could well be just what he needed. The pressure would be immense—far more than he’d experienced before—and with every increasingly difficult task Bawb faced now came a greater likelihood of serious injury or even death. That was the trade-off. He was no longer a Null, the lowest of the low, and was climbing the ranks with such speed and skill that he even dared dream of one day becoming one of the Five, the secretive leaders of their deadly order. And with his new mentor’s guidance, he could very well reach his lofty goal. If he managed to survive.
Bawb knew he would face the latter far more often than the former. But this was his life now. His destiny. Surviving his indoctrination into the elite order of assassins had been a challenge unlike any he had ever faced in his young life. It had been brutal, violent, and painful, but he’d made it past those initial hurdles. If he wanted to excel, however, to reach his true potential, he would need something more—a competitive edge of some sort.
Training under the watchful eye of one of the greatest assassins in the galaxy could well be just what he needed. The pressure would be immense—far more than he’d experienced before—and with every increasingly difficult task Bawb faced now came a greater likelihood of serious injury or even death. That was the trade-off. He was no longer a Null, the lowest of the low, and was climbing the ranks with such speed and skill that he even dared dream of one day becoming one of the Five, the secretive leaders of their deadly order. And with his new mentor’s guidance, he could very well reach his lofty goal. If he managed to survive.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
76 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baron
55 books291 followersScott Baron is an American author with a penchant for oddball stories with O. Henry-esque twists.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 6, 2024
I'm definitely enjoying this spinoff series from the Space Assassin's series. Without revealing spoilers, Bawb is a student at one of the Ghalian training facilities and along with his cohort, is attempting to become one of the Ghalian Assassins, although Bawb's ultimate ambition is to become not just a Master Ghalian, but one of the Five, the elite group of 5 masters who lead all the Ghalians. In the first book, Bawb is "adopted" from the orphanage where he was partially raised, and brought to the facility. Although he has no idea what is in store for him, he quickly accepts his fate and trains hard to first transition from a Null to a Novice, while making some allies among the other students. In some ways you can say it's Harry Potteresque, except of course Bawb will eventually learn how to kill as a profession.
At the beginning of this book, he has completed his Novice years, surpassed the Aspirant level, and is now a Vessel, so quite a few years have passed between the first and second books. Hozark, Henni, and Bud show up a bit more often, and I enjoyed seeing what they are all up to, even while they work with Bawb. Like in the first book, there is a side story regarding pirates and the Council of Twenty from the first series, and Bawb becomes involved. The only thing about these books is that I KNOW Bawb will somehow come out on top, so despite almost dying a few times, I know he's going to pull through somehow, so it's not as intense in that way. Still, I love seeing how he thinks outside the box and what he will come up with as a solution for different situations. I also love how Hozark is mentoring him and that despite Ghalians having a reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he shows pride in Bawb. The other thing that was rather amusing was how sex showed up in this story. Yes, Bawb is actually old enough now, but the way it shows up was pretty entertaining. This is turning out to be a fun series, and I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At the beginning of this book, he has completed his Novice years, surpassed the Aspirant level, and is now a Vessel, so quite a few years have passed between the first and second books. Hozark, Henni, and Bud show up a bit more often, and I enjoyed seeing what they are all up to, even while they work with Bawb. Like in the first book, there is a side story regarding pirates and the Council of Twenty from the first series, and Bawb becomes involved. The only thing about these books is that I KNOW Bawb will somehow come out on top, so despite almost dying a few times, I know he's going to pull through somehow, so it's not as intense in that way. Still, I love seeing how he thinks outside the box and what he will come up with as a solution for different situations. I also love how Hozark is mentoring him and that despite Ghalians having a reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he shows pride in Bawb. The other thing that was rather amusing was how sex showed up in this story. Yes, Bawb is actually old enough now, but the way it shows up was pretty entertaining. This is turning out to be a fun series, and I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2024
The second book following Bawb and his fellow classmates as they are put through the arduous training on their way to become Master Assassins. As always the characters are well penned giving them depth and a life of their own. There is as always intrigue, mystery, friendship, gruelling training often with no rest, the start of actual assignments and plenty of fighting by various means. Lots of characters from the first book pop in plus a few from the previous series which was great fun. I look forward to immersing myself in book three very soon, to continue the adventures of Bawb and his friends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2024
Scott Baron’s world building is perfection. Bawb is a brilliantly drawn character. His development through the harsh training of the Ghalian Way is fascinating. He often thinks of himself as being lucky and he is. But there is also a wild talent there that, given the careful guidance of Hozark, is drawn out until it all gels smoothly into second nature. Once again, I can’t wait for the next book!
September 22, 2024
.
Recap...
Bawb gets special training from Master Turong. He wins the capture the flag by hiding in the exercise field. He finds out where Lalaynia is being held. He saves the lives of his cohorts. He kinda saves them again from a torture camp and fails his mission. Hozark takes him along with Bud and Henni to rescue Lalaynia.
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
Recap...
Bawb gets special training from Master Turong. He wins the capture the flag by hiding in the exercise field. He finds out where Lalaynia is being held. He saves the lives of his cohorts. He kinda saves them again from a torture camp and fails his mission. Hozark takes him along with Bud and Henni to rescue Lalaynia.
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
Teenage male apprentice assasin levels up.
This is the second book in the series featuring Bawb. I implore you to read the first as you will miss the richness of the story, world-building and relationships as well as the import of the Five and several adversaries. There are some references to prior events and issues so act as spoilers if read out of order, but not enough detail to convey the full significance.
Bawb starts this tale two levels above from the start of the last book. He has many exercises and tests of skill, cunning, bravery and use of magic. The relationship with the artefact he wears which boosts his magic and reports on his progress also develops in this book. We learn more (although Bawb remains in ignorance) of the relationship with his mentor - one of the Five - who gave him this special artefact. I was impressed with the inventiveness of the tests and assignments and how they linked to the lessons needed later. We now come to the reason I have not awarded the full five stars. It's simply that the tension is taken out of all the dramatic and perilous scenes because we know Bawb survives. The first book opens with Bawb in full possession and demonstration of his combat and magic skills. There are two books following this one - both featuring Bawb. There is mortal peril, but for adversaries and minor colleagues.
However, I was gripped and wanted to read on to hear how Bawb solved the problems, overcame adversaries and developed new skills. He is also shown to be generous in helping some of his colleagues, including doing sex at their request.
The climax shows Bawb's reward for his daring enterprise and he takes part in a mission theoretically well above his skill level. Unfortunately, you know the outcome in advance. I will still look forward to hearing more of the perils, tests and lessons Bawb faces in the next books.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in the series featuring Bawb. I implore you to read the first as you will miss the richness of the story, world-building and relationships as well as the import of the Five and several adversaries. There are some references to prior events and issues so act as spoilers if read out of order, but not enough detail to convey the full significance.
Bawb starts this tale two levels above from the start of the last book. He has many exercises and tests of skill, cunning, bravery and use of magic. The relationship with the artefact he wears which boosts his magic and reports on his progress also develops in this book. We learn more (although Bawb remains in ignorance) of the relationship with his mentor - one of the Five - who gave him this special artefact. I was impressed with the inventiveness of the tests and assignments and how they linked to the lessons needed later. We now come to the reason I have not awarded the full five stars. It's simply that the tension is taken out of all the dramatic and perilous scenes because we know Bawb survives. The first book opens with Bawb in full possession and demonstration of his combat and magic skills. There are two books following this one - both featuring Bawb. There is mortal peril, but for adversaries and minor colleagues.
However, I was gripped and wanted to read on to hear how Bawb solved the problems, overcame adversaries and developed new skills. He is also shown to be generous in helping some of his colleagues, including doing sex at their request.
The climax shows Bawb's reward for his daring enterprise and he takes part in a mission theoretically well above his skill level. Unfortunately, you know the outcome in advance. I will still look forward to hearing more of the perils, tests and lessons Bawb faces in the next books.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. After reading the first novel in this series, I couldn't wait to jump into this second book.
Although I wouldn't consider this a cliffhanger ending, there were definitely some unanswered questions that I hope to see resolved in the next books. Otherwise, I enjoyed continually learning along with the characters as they travelled through their story. I especially appreciated the protagonists "out the box" thinking and reactions when faced with seemingly impossible problems.
This author certainly has a knack for character development, as well as weaving real world issues into his novels, thus make each personality that much more relatable. I was also happy to see more dialogue (both verbal and inner) through this novel.
In all this was another great book, and I excited to dive into the next.
Although I wouldn't consider this a cliffhanger ending, there were definitely some unanswered questions that I hope to see resolved in the next books. Otherwise, I enjoyed continually learning along with the characters as they travelled through their story. I especially appreciated the protagonists "out the box" thinking and reactions when faced with seemingly impossible problems.
This author certainly has a knack for character development, as well as weaving real world issues into his novels, thus make each personality that much more relatable. I was also happy to see more dialogue (both verbal and inner) through this novel.
In all this was another great book, and I excited to dive into the next.
April 29, 2024
Assassin's Apprentice is book 2 in The Book of Bawb by Scott Baron. I enjoyed book 1 and could not put it down. I'm not sure how Scott Baron wrote and even better second book with more action and many more layers as Bawb continued his training, but Assassin's Apprentice is fabulous! I read the book in 2 days because I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. I felt the author wrote excellent training missions with crisp details and great action. The mission at the end was exceptional. I am not sure what the next book will entail, but, I can't wait to read Bawb's next adventure. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 18, 2024
Bawb is a youth driven to excel
I thought this was a great book, Bawb is growing and he is discovering himself, his maturity and drive is inspiring. Bawb is a great character as well as many of the other students and teachers. I love all the trial and tribulations they all must go through to achieve the goal of being the greatest assassins in the galaxy. A well done story with a smooth flow and great dialogue. We are starting to see a deeper plot develop as the story progresses in this series. I was engaged reading the entire book, it had plenty of suspense, twists and turns. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
I thought this was a great book, Bawb is growing and he is discovering himself, his maturity and drive is inspiring. Bawb is a great character as well as many of the other students and teachers. I love all the trial and tribulations they all must go through to achieve the goal of being the greatest assassins in the galaxy. A well done story with a smooth flow and great dialogue. We are starting to see a deeper plot develop as the story progresses in this series. I was engaged reading the entire book, it had plenty of suspense, twists and turns. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
June 14, 2024
I read an advanced reader's edition in exchange for my honest review
I could be slightly biased because Bawb has been my favorite character since I first met him. I've been eagerly anticipating this series for several years now. And this did not disappoint! It was everything I'd hoped for.
This is the second book out of four-
About halfway through Bawb is definitely finding his stride, he's maturing from child to teen finding path. He's pulled off daring feats that you would only think to attempt when you're young with nothing to loose. You still see his strength in character and how he protects the chosen family he has.
I could be slightly biased because Bawb has been my favorite character since I first met him. I've been eagerly anticipating this series for several years now. And this did not disappoint! It was everything I'd hoped for.
This is the second book out of four-
About halfway through Bawb is definitely finding his stride, he's maturing from child to teen finding path. He's pulled off daring feats that you would only think to attempt when you're young with nothing to loose. You still see his strength in character and how he protects the chosen family he has.
June 23, 2024
In the second book of Bawb we pick up some time after the first book. Bawb has become a vessel now and is continuing his training to become a Ghalian master. With his wisecracking Kronus on his arm, he continues to unlock more skills and level up in things he never knew existed.
Complete with tons of action packed adventures and even some surprising side quests, the second book of Bawb continues to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Complete with tons of action packed adventures and even some surprising side quests, the second book of Bawb continues to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2024
Absolutely fabulous sequel. I'm enjoying these so much. I didn't realise just how much I missed Bawb until I started this series.
His life is brutally violent, he is pushed so hard, as his teacher(s) mould him into the Ghalian assassin he was born to be.
Scott Baron has raised the bar once again with his excellent writing, action, characterisations, and world building. Roll on book three!
His life is brutally violent, he is pushed so hard, as his teacher(s) mould him into the Ghalian assassin he was born to be.
Scott Baron has raised the bar once again with his excellent writing, action, characterisations, and world building. Roll on book three!
May 19, 2024
More fun to read than anything else you could be doing. This series continues to deliver the goods. Page count be danged, I couldn't put it down.
Space pirates, assassins, ingenuity, problem solving, and plenty of melee-style violence. Looking forward to the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Space pirates, assassins, ingenuity, problem solving, and plenty of melee-style violence. Looking forward to the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
I devoured this!
I couldn't wait to see what had happened to Bawb, and this book did not disappoint.
Bawb's assassin training continues, with revelations and missions keeping the team on their toes. Tensions between cohorts continue to rise as those at the top of class battle for the top spot.
Book three is going to be amazing!!
I couldn't wait to see what had happened to Bawb, and this book did not disappoint.
Bawb's assassin training continues, with revelations and missions keeping the team on their toes. Tensions between cohorts continue to rise as those at the top of class battle for the top spot.
Book three is going to be amazing!!
June 9, 2024
This series definitely has me hooked. Not exactly sure why I thought an academy of assassins would be an interesting thing, but damn, this has been absolutely incredible. I couldn't put this down yet I needed sleep so I finally acquiesced for a couple hours and then got right back to it. This was seriously good and I'm so jacked to read the next one, so off I go! Enjoy this series.
July 4, 2024
“What About Bawb?”.. Baron has done it again!
We join our hero on a deepening journey of trials, tribulations, adventures, and some new perks as the “Book of Bawb” origin series continues. I was thrilled with Book 2 and can’t wait to see what’s next for Bawb and his cohort as they make their way to becoming master Ghalian assassins… a great page turner (or page swiper)!
We join our hero on a deepening journey of trials, tribulations, adventures, and some new perks as the “Book of Bawb” origin series continues. I was thrilled with Book 2 and can’t wait to see what’s next for Bawb and his cohort as they make their way to becoming master Ghalian assassins… a great page turner (or page swiper)!
October 4, 2024
The 1st book in this series was good, but I was wary since it reminded me so much of the books from that dreaded LitRPG genre with all the progression and dungeon training. I really enjoyed this book though. I enjoy the authors creativity with the various adventures and training sequences and I also enjoy the small glimpses we get of other species. Looking forward to continuing the series
Read
May 5, 2024I'm really loving this series to date. The characters are magnificent and the storyline captivating. It's a story that has everything from adventure to action scenes and romance just touched on and yet to develop.
Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
May 28, 2024
This second book in the series is amazing! Bawb has an amazing ability to think outside of the box. We can see that his abilities far surpass his peers. I can't wait to see where the series goes with Bawb next. What grand adventure will Bawb be caught up in?
July 28, 2024
Assassin's Apprentice is the second book in the series. A fantastic book, in a great series. It is gritty, yet hopefully.
I'm really looking forward to the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm really looking forward to the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book, great.
Well you have done it again Scott. I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t stop reading it, always pushing to just one more chapter at a time. I am now moving on to “ Book of Bawb 3” and looking forward to it!
Well you have done it again Scott. I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t stop reading it, always pushing to just one more chapter at a time. I am now moving on to “ Book of Bawb 3” and looking forward to it!
November 11, 2024
Bawb!
I'm just obsessed with this store of yours, the character development is amazing with everyone including Hozark, Bud, Henni, the teachers and the other students to everything ect. Just Amazing 🤩 I just can't stop myself from reading it and getting lost in the adventure.
I'm just obsessed with this store of yours, the character development is amazing with everyone including Hozark, Bud, Henni, the teachers and the other students to everything ect. Just Amazing 🤩 I just can't stop myself from reading it and getting lost in the adventure.
January 29, 2025
More fun...
...than imaginable. Follow along with Bawb as we travel through his early years learning to be the master assassin he seems destined to be. The cast of characters are a delight and well written, unique and each have a solid place in the story and young Bawb's life.
...than imaginable. Follow along with Bawb as we travel through his early years learning to be the master assassin he seems destined to be. The cast of characters are a delight and well written, unique and each have a solid place in the story and young Bawb's life.
June 8, 2024
Both books are excellent.
It is entertaining and enjoyable, to watch a young man grow, learn secrets of skill and of his life. Enjoy,
It is entertaining and enjoyable, to watch a young man grow, learn secrets of skill and of his life. Enjoy,
July 14, 2024
another awesome book
Love this series, it’s full of action. Has a great storyline with awesome characters. Looking forward to the next one.
Love this series, it’s full of action. Has a great storyline with awesome characters. Looking forward to the next one.
August 15, 2024
It was just a fun story. It’s serious when it needs to be and light hearted in others.
September 24, 2024
Nice easy read
I like Bawb as a character it's easy to support his story. I enjoyed his adventures. Not many twists or turns but that's ok.
I like Bawb as a character it's easy to support his story. I enjoyed his adventures. Not many twists or turns but that's ok.
August 22, 2025
Blood, guts and fun
Baby is slowly or perhaps not slowly becoming the greatest assassin of the universe. Does he have the greatest genetics ever?
Baby is slowly or perhaps not slowly becoming the greatest assassin of the universe. Does he have the greatest genetics ever?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews