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Acolytes
Having narrowly escaped the clutches of the Xenist Inquisition, former Xen Warden Cayden Castle has fled to the uncharted planet of Aram, desperately seeking respite from his once trusted allies. The Inquisition - formed of the Xen Order’s strongest warriors - now scour the galaxy, determined to destroy Cayden, and anyone who dares follow him.
Cut off from everyone and everything that he once loved, Cayden must take command of a motley crew of outcasts, more dysfunctional than he Kyle, a former street rat who has begun to awaken a great power within himself, Zoe, a former slave who is out of her element, and Teri, a Xenist Inquisitor forced to confront the realities of what she was once a part of.
Together, the crew seek the aid of the A monastic order that rivals the Xenists, and the only organisation capable of offering them refuge, and the means to fight back against their enemies. But after weeks of combing the desert, they have found nothing but sand, and silence…
Even at the end of his rope, Cayden must keep his wits about him. Not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his new family. But as the Xenists continue to exert their control of the galaxy, and Cayden continues his search for answers, other enigmatic forces lurk in the shadows…
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Acolytes is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the second of a prequel series in the Vanguard War known as “Scoundrel.” Centring on the rogue Cayden Castle, and his motley crew of heroes and villains alike, it follows their journey trying to uncover a conspiracy that will bring the galaxy to its knees.
Cut off from everyone and everything that he once loved, Cayden must take command of a motley crew of outcasts, more dysfunctional than he Kyle, a former street rat who has begun to awaken a great power within himself, Zoe, a former slave who is out of her element, and Teri, a Xenist Inquisitor forced to confront the realities of what she was once a part of.
Together, the crew seek the aid of the A monastic order that rivals the Xenists, and the only organisation capable of offering them refuge, and the means to fight back against their enemies. But after weeks of combing the desert, they have found nothing but sand, and silence…
Even at the end of his rope, Cayden must keep his wits about him. Not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his new family. But as the Xenists continue to exert their control of the galaxy, and Cayden continues his search for answers, other enigmatic forces lurk in the shadows…
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Acolytes is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the second of a prequel series in the Vanguard War known as “Scoundrel.” Centring on the rogue Cayden Castle, and his motley crew of heroes and villains alike, it follows their journey trying to uncover a conspiracy that will bring the galaxy to its knees.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 21, 2025
An excellent character driven story, that doesn’t quite reach its full potential
‘Acolytes’ proves that authors Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth have a natural flair when it comes to character interactions and building solid and relatable relationships between a diverse range of likeable people. The growing bond between Cayden and his motley crew of the Ravens Claw comprises the heart and soul of this entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, with the journey of Kyle being a particular standout of this novel, as his emotional growth takes front and centre, and helped to solidify him as my favourite character.
Plot progression takes a backseat in this novel as the cast is mostly confined to one location for the majority of the page time, only venturing into newer pastures near the climax. This is one of the biggest weaknesses of the novel, as one fairly intriguing development is built up throughout the story, only to get rather unceremoniously cut short before it can achieve anything of worth and ensures that the characters don’t break away from the status quo.
This is not to say that the novel is a waste of time, far from it, as it contains more than its fair share of humour, action and budding romance to keep the reader engaged, only on a much smaller and personal character driven scale. For those who enjoy engaging relationship building as I do, then you will not be disappointed, although any who go into this novel expecting a massive adventure will most likely find it lacking.
Most second parts of a larger story suffer from the issue of serving as a stepping stone on the way to setting a much larger plot and ‘Acolytes' is no different in this respect. Yet in other respects, the fact that this is one of quieter entries of the series works to its advantage, as it prevents the reader from being overwhelmed by nonstop action, and instead takes the time to plant the seeds of key story beats that will no doubt become important in future entries.
While ‘Acolytes’ may not be the most thrilling chapter of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, it is full of heart and does manage to stick the landing by ending on a heart pounding climax that promises more drama and tension in the next book.
‘Acolytes’ proves that authors Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth have a natural flair when it comes to character interactions and building solid and relatable relationships between a diverse range of likeable people. The growing bond between Cayden and his motley crew of the Ravens Claw comprises the heart and soul of this entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, with the journey of Kyle being a particular standout of this novel, as his emotional growth takes front and centre, and helped to solidify him as my favourite character.
Plot progression takes a backseat in this novel as the cast is mostly confined to one location for the majority of the page time, only venturing into newer pastures near the climax. This is one of the biggest weaknesses of the novel, as one fairly intriguing development is built up throughout the story, only to get rather unceremoniously cut short before it can achieve anything of worth and ensures that the characters don’t break away from the status quo.
This is not to say that the novel is a waste of time, far from it, as it contains more than its fair share of humour, action and budding romance to keep the reader engaged, only on a much smaller and personal character driven scale. For those who enjoy engaging relationship building as I do, then you will not be disappointed, although any who go into this novel expecting a massive adventure will most likely find it lacking.
Most second parts of a larger story suffer from the issue of serving as a stepping stone on the way to setting a much larger plot and ‘Acolytes' is no different in this respect. Yet in other respects, the fact that this is one of quieter entries of the series works to its advantage, as it prevents the reader from being overwhelmed by nonstop action, and instead takes the time to plant the seeds of key story beats that will no doubt become important in future entries.
While ‘Acolytes’ may not be the most thrilling chapter of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, it is full of heart and does manage to stick the landing by ending on a heart pounding climax that promises more drama and tension in the next book.
February 19, 2025
Acolytes is another great book from Timothy and Daniel. The action is still thrilling, the characters are still likeable and the lore gets deeper and more interesting with every read.
I particularly enjoy the sharp and witty banter between Kyle, Cayden and Zoe, their comradery helps provide leverage between moments of intensity and helps to give the reader a breather from the darker and more sinister moments.
The villains are great too, especially Starkiller, who is as vicious and intimidating a villain as you would want from a story like this.
Highly engaging, highly recommended
I particularly enjoy the sharp and witty banter between Kyle, Cayden and Zoe, their comradery helps provide leverage between moments of intensity and helps to give the reader a breather from the darker and more sinister moments.
The villains are great too, especially Starkiller, who is as vicious and intimidating a villain as you would want from a story like this.
Highly engaging, highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews