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Karn's growing power could save his world—or tear it apart, as war looms and old alliances turn deadly.

After surviving his first year at The Forge, Karn returns to face new trials, both on the battlefield and within his own heart. As his power grows and his connection with Nix deepens, Karn struggles to control the rage that threatens to consume him. His relationship with Serah blossoms, but the path ahead forces them into difficult choices, with the looming conflict pulling them in opposite directions. Alongside new allies like the enigmatic Aspallan, Karn must navigate a web of treacherous alliances while facing dangerous new enemies—including those he once called friends.

With war on the horizon, secrets from his past resurface, testing Karn's loyalty, strength, and the bonds he's forged. As the final trials approach, Karn is forced to will he master his fury, or let it destroy everything—and everyone—he cares about?

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

204 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Simon Shugar

49 books41 followers
Hey, I’m Simon Shugar—fantasy author hooked on telling bold, emotional, action-heavy stories through raw, first-person journeys. If you like coming-of-age arcs, epic stakes, and human struggles in unreal worlds, you're in the right place!

I’m originally from Oxfordshire, England, now living in North Carolina with my wild little toddler and our very chill (and very spoiled) dog, Jasper. I’ve loved fantasy for as long as I can remember—drawn in by the magic, the grit, and the heart at the center of it all.

I studied game design for a bit, then pivoted into software engineering to pay the bills. But somewhere in between code and chaos, I started writing stories—and once I did, I couldn’t stop. Fast forward to now, I’ve written 13 novels across three trilogies and a standalone, with plenty more on the way.

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5 stars
232 (53%)
4 stars
144 (33%)
3 stars
48 (11%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
34 reviews
February 18, 2025
very novel take on much used genre

Great story. It would have been worth five stars, but for the consistent wobbling of goals and courage from the protagonist. I have never seen a hero so inconsistent. One moment he is determined to succeed. The next he is emotionally confused and unsure. I like the character but I am confused by the
Wavering of his emotions. Seems very unlikely.
Profile Image for Rose Barbour.
37 reviews
March 9, 2025
Great book

This storyline and it's characters are developing very nicely, I can't wait to see what happens next. This is definitely a series worth reading
87 reviews
February 17, 2025
good book

Decently written, although sometimes the inner dialogue doesn’t track, and although the main character is still young; I’m surprised at his immaturity and his inability to read innuendo
100 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2025
DNF at 43%

idk why i kept going, the ending of the first book probably.
Profile Image for Jordin Butler.
54 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2024
not terrible; a good young adult story

Not really my taste. The whole academy/school thing was never really something I enjoyed past the Harry Potter series. And it’s a little slow moving. I made it about 115 pages or so into this one but I don’t think I’m much interested in finishing. Protagonist is young so he’s impressionable, rash, not experienced, and fumbling through his feelings with young love. Gets beat up on a lot. They keep mentioning vengeance and action (which c’mon, give us SOMETHING besides training) but that just never happens. Training and school, then more training and school. And teenage issues. Perfect for the teen/young adult crowd though. Again, not bad, just not my type. I’m more of a George RR Martin/Joe Abercrombie kind of fan. Gritty, violence, and action. The temptation of the red wolf and the protagonist’s anger led me to believe I’d get something like those. Alas, my search continues
169 reviews
October 19, 2025
Another great book! I love the training sequences that Karn and Serah go through. The author really captures the physicality of those moments as well as the skill development. We learn more about Nix and the Ashen - I'm curious to see how this fits in with the bear spirit. I was a little disappointed in the final trial. The betrayals were done well (if a little predictable), but I felt that the sequence was a bit rushed. And of course Quistan is awake. We'll see were that goes!
21 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2025
fantasy fun

Not bad, but not fantastic. One or two little holes in the plot line and could deal with a little more sex if that is not too bold.
I am intending to finish the series if I can before boredom sets in.
2 reviews
June 3, 2025
Exciting and Captivating

Great read can’t wait to start book three sounds like things are about to really hot up. The characters are developing nicely.
164 reviews
July 30, 2025
Fast paced and enjoyable. Characters are developing but some minor frustrations with how they act but hoping that is leading to further development later.
1 review
October 13, 2025
Good read

I loves it! Can't wait to start the next one. The story has really kept me engaged the entire time.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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