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The Paragon
Hardship breeds heroes. Peacetime inspires Paragons. When the sacred artifact at the center of his society becomes mysteriously corrupted, Doha, a brilliant and reclusive engineer, is tasked with the greatest challenge of his career: dealing with other people. That, and solving the mystery to fix the Mirror before the complete collapse of his community.
Isla, a talented mage reeling after the devastating loss of everything she’s ever known, becomes the sole keeper of dangerous secrets that could crack the crooked foundation upon which her nation was built. She's finally found something and someone to fight for, but sinister forces may prevent her from finding peace at last.
Through love, loss, and loyalty, Isla, Doha, and the family they’ve found will see their convictions challenged as they fight to protect those they love and that which they believe in. In a beautiful disaster of complex characterization, imperfect people learn to understand themselves and each other, all while life as they know it hangs in the balance.
The Paragon is an epic fantasy charged with science, romance, and mystery, detonating an explosive, heart-stopping conclusion. Perfect for fans of Blood Over Bright Haven, Attack on Titan, and Naruto Shippuden.
Isla, a talented mage reeling after the devastating loss of everything she’s ever known, becomes the sole keeper of dangerous secrets that could crack the crooked foundation upon which her nation was built. She's finally found something and someone to fight for, but sinister forces may prevent her from finding peace at last.
Through love, loss, and loyalty, Isla, Doha, and the family they’ve found will see their convictions challenged as they fight to protect those they love and that which they believe in. In a beautiful disaster of complex characterization, imperfect people learn to understand themselves and each other, all while life as they know it hangs in the balance.
The Paragon is an epic fantasy charged with science, romance, and mystery, detonating an explosive, heart-stopping conclusion. Perfect for fans of Blood Over Bright Haven, Attack on Titan, and Naruto Shippuden.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Molly Collier
1 book7 followersMolly Collier is a serial hobbyist constantly balancing her reclusive nature with the desire to spend time with the many people she holds dear. A native of Grand Haven, Michigan, Molly writes epic fantasy that makes you laugh, cry, and ask "WHY?!"
Molly enjoys deep thought and loud music. She can often be found endeavoring to make her husband laugh. Much of her writing is typed with one hand while she uses the other to hold her dog, Leo.
Molly enjoys deep thought and loud music. She can often be found endeavoring to make her husband laugh. Much of her writing is typed with one hand while she uses the other to hold her dog, Leo.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2025
I think I should start with a disclosure: I’ve been a critique partner on this book and have seen it in many different forms. From its infancy as just a few introductory chapters all the way to the finished product, I’ve read every version. And so while my experience with this book won’t look quite the same as yours, with each subsequent reading of it I find myself entering again into that oh-so-coveted state of immersion as a reader as if I am experiencing the story for the first time.
While it would be technically correct to say that the plot progresses as a slow simmer that eventually reaches a roiling boil, I fear that might mislead you into thinking that it that will require dogged endurance on your part. Far from it, in fact. The Paragon gives you a narrative feast to enjoy the entire way through. In moments when the plot slows down, the character work delights. Moments of profound heartbreak are balanced with genuine, laugh-out-loud humor that can be so difficult to achieve in a fantasy setting.
The vast and diverse array of characters are treated with such care that you will be hard-pressed by the end to choose a favorite. We flip back-and-forth between two storylines, which in the vein of literary fiction contain thematic throughlines around grief, found family, friendship, and finding your place.
This book earns each one of its 600 pages. I come away from it astonished at how much Collier was able to pack into one book that another writer may have taken two or even three books to accomplish. And that’s not to say that anything feels rushed—it doesn’t—I am simply in awe of how effective she is with her language and storytelling as a debut author.
The Paragon is a thoroughly enjoyable experience from page one that culminates in an explosive, jaw-dropping ending that will leave you reeling, give you goosebumps, and have you thinking about it for weeks afterwards. I will never shut up about this book; I cannot wait for all of you to experience it.
While it would be technically correct to say that the plot progresses as a slow simmer that eventually reaches a roiling boil, I fear that might mislead you into thinking that it that will require dogged endurance on your part. Far from it, in fact. The Paragon gives you a narrative feast to enjoy the entire way through. In moments when the plot slows down, the character work delights. Moments of profound heartbreak are balanced with genuine, laugh-out-loud humor that can be so difficult to achieve in a fantasy setting.
The vast and diverse array of characters are treated with such care that you will be hard-pressed by the end to choose a favorite. We flip back-and-forth between two storylines, which in the vein of literary fiction contain thematic throughlines around grief, found family, friendship, and finding your place.
This book earns each one of its 600 pages. I come away from it astonished at how much Collier was able to pack into one book that another writer may have taken two or even three books to accomplish. And that’s not to say that anything feels rushed—it doesn’t—I am simply in awe of how effective she is with her language and storytelling as a debut author.
The Paragon is a thoroughly enjoyable experience from page one that culminates in an explosive, jaw-dropping ending that will leave you reeling, give you goosebumps, and have you thinking about it for weeks afterwards. I will never shut up about this book; I cannot wait for all of you to experience it.
November 21, 2025
4.25 stars!
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy and the opportunity to be an early reader.
This is the story of two societies. In one, a Sacred Mirror that chooses a new Paragon/ruler every 10 years appears to be broken. Doha, a brilliant engineer, and a small group of people who know the Mirror chose wrongly this holiday, attempt to understand and repair the artifact. In another, Isla is a Mage with a tragic past. As prejudice against magic rises, she and those around her must decide whether to fight for the future.
That summary is oversimplified, but it’s a little hard to describe The Paragon by Molly Collier. It’s a story about love and loss, war and peace, found family, and societies built and destroyed. There was a lot to unpack and appreciate about this one.
Let’s start with where I struggled and why this wasn’t a five-star read for me, but absolutely could be for you.
I am realizing more and more that when books have an ensemble cast, I have a more difficult time connecting with all the characters. This one was lengthy enough that I formed emotional attachments, especially to Doha, but I think based on the novel’s description, I was expecting fewer characters and points of view. I knew I would get insight into Doha and Isla, but I wasn’t expecting to read the experiences of so many others, including people in both Doha and Isla’s circles. Awali, Mirai, Satya, Gavind, Ghara, and a host of others are given their moments in third-person perspective. This gave them depth and dimension, but sometimes I wanted to stay with them longer or understand more. Their revelations and character growth occasionally seemed sudden compared to their page-time.
Speaking of wanting more time, I wondered throughout the entire novel how these two storylines would intersect. I was wide-eyed at the reveal, and the conclusion of this book left me wanting more. When I read duologies, I often find myself liking book 1 and loving book 2. I have a feeling this will be the case here. Simmering worldbuilding and characterization fill the pages, and I feel certain this story’s conclusion will give me the sigh of relief and satisfaction I long for.
I would also like to note that while this is not a carbon copy of any fantasy or science fiction I’ve read before, it did have me recalling others in a good way. It put me in the mood to reread The Will of the Many (just in time for Hierarchy Book 2’s release in November), made me think back to Mistborn and Throne of Glass and others with large casts of characters, and even had me smiling during a scene that reminded me very much of Ryland Grace’s close encounters * wink wink * in Project Hail Mary.
Overall, The Paragon is a debut fantasy full of heart. As I was drowning in other advance reader copies, especially contemporary romances, it was the book I kept pausing, not because I was uninterested, but because I was saving the best for last. I wanted to give it my full attention and savor it. I look forward to its follow up.
This indie debut is available for pre-order now and releases on Friday.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy and the opportunity to be an early reader.
This is the story of two societies. In one, a Sacred Mirror that chooses a new Paragon/ruler every 10 years appears to be broken. Doha, a brilliant engineer, and a small group of people who know the Mirror chose wrongly this holiday, attempt to understand and repair the artifact. In another, Isla is a Mage with a tragic past. As prejudice against magic rises, she and those around her must decide whether to fight for the future.
That summary is oversimplified, but it’s a little hard to describe The Paragon by Molly Collier. It’s a story about love and loss, war and peace, found family, and societies built and destroyed. There was a lot to unpack and appreciate about this one.
Let’s start with where I struggled and why this wasn’t a five-star read for me, but absolutely could be for you.
I am realizing more and more that when books have an ensemble cast, I have a more difficult time connecting with all the characters. This one was lengthy enough that I formed emotional attachments, especially to Doha, but I think based on the novel’s description, I was expecting fewer characters and points of view. I knew I would get insight into Doha and Isla, but I wasn’t expecting to read the experiences of so many others, including people in both Doha and Isla’s circles. Awali, Mirai, Satya, Gavind, Ghara, and a host of others are given their moments in third-person perspective. This gave them depth and dimension, but sometimes I wanted to stay with them longer or understand more. Their revelations and character growth occasionally seemed sudden compared to their page-time.
Speaking of wanting more time, I wondered throughout the entire novel how these two storylines would intersect. I was wide-eyed at the reveal, and the conclusion of this book left me wanting more. When I read duologies, I often find myself liking book 1 and loving book 2. I have a feeling this will be the case here. Simmering worldbuilding and characterization fill the pages, and I feel certain this story’s conclusion will give me the sigh of relief and satisfaction I long for.
I would also like to note that while this is not a carbon copy of any fantasy or science fiction I’ve read before, it did have me recalling others in a good way. It put me in the mood to reread The Will of the Many (just in time for Hierarchy Book 2’s release in November), made me think back to Mistborn and Throne of Glass and others with large casts of characters, and even had me smiling during a scene that reminded me very much of Ryland Grace’s close encounters * wink wink * in Project Hail Mary.
Overall, The Paragon is a debut fantasy full of heart. As I was drowning in other advance reader copies, especially contemporary romances, it was the book I kept pausing, not because I was uninterested, but because I was saving the best for last. I wanted to give it my full attention and savor it. I look forward to its follow up.
This indie debut is available for pre-order now and releases on Friday.
October 16, 2025
The prologue/opening scene of this book is one of the best I’ve ever read. I was immediately hooked!! At first this book reads like two different stories and I wasn’t sure how they fit together…I got invested in both and the whole ensemble of characters. When everything came together and the stories overlapped I was SHOCKED!
My main reaction to this story was 😳😱🤯 over and over again. It was so fun and I really had no idea what was going to happen next. The characters are all flawed, and I was endeared by their struggle and growth. Even toxic characters that frustrated me, ultimately had my compassion.
There is a fantastic, realistic female friendship written into this book, which kept me glued to the page. I just loved that aspect SO MUCH. The sub plot romance was just enough to keep me invested but it didn’t over take the story. I was completely floored by the ending and I cannot wait for book 2!!!
My main reaction to this story was 😳😱🤯 over and over again. It was so fun and I really had no idea what was going to happen next. The characters are all flawed, and I was endeared by their struggle and growth. Even toxic characters that frustrated me, ultimately had my compassion.
There is a fantastic, realistic female friendship written into this book, which kept me glued to the page. I just loved that aspect SO MUCH. The sub plot romance was just enough to keep me invested but it didn’t over take the story. I was completely floored by the ending and I cannot wait for book 2!!!
October 16, 2025
This book is magical, literally!!
There are a variety of characters, relationship dynamics, themes, and life lessons that everyone can relate to on some level. No matter what your favorite genre is, you will enjoy this book!!
Each chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns that were unpredictable and kept me enthralled. I can’t deny, I absolutely loved it!!
There are a variety of characters, relationship dynamics, themes, and life lessons that everyone can relate to on some level. No matter what your favorite genre is, you will enjoy this book!!
Each chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns that were unpredictable and kept me enthralled. I can’t deny, I absolutely loved it!!
September 20, 2025
At the very beginning in the prologue, I was immediately hooked with intrigue surrounding the storyline and what was to come. There was never a moment in the book where I felt bored or disinterested. The storyline and characters developed so beautifully. I constantly sat on the edge of my seat, itching to know what was to come in the next chapters.
I greatly appreciate how unique the storyline is and the unpredictable nature of various events that happened.
This was on the longer side of books I typically read and outside of my go to genre, but I absolutely loved every minute of it and highly recommend this book to all readers not just those who love fantasy!
I look forward to reading more by Molly!
I greatly appreciate how unique the storyline is and the unpredictable nature of various events that happened.
This was on the longer side of books I typically read and outside of my go to genre, but I absolutely loved every minute of it and highly recommend this book to all readers not just those who love fantasy!
I look forward to reading more by Molly!
September 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Typically, fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but I seriously enjoyed The Paragon so much!! I felt quickly pulled into the story and invested in the characters. Highly recommend! :)
November 25, 2025
The Paragon
By Molly Collier
Fan-freaking-tastic.
I’m going to start with the thing I loved that most. I’m not always a fan of too many POVs, but the way Collier used them felt so intentional. It really helped round out the characters being able to see how they viewed themselves and their faults and strengths alongside how other people viewed them.
Doha was my favorite. Enough said.
I love when an author can weave magic and science in a way that feels like it could really coexist.
Also props for writing a young girl that actually feels like she’s that age and making appropriate responses to what is happening around her. I feel like so often kids are just given an “old soul” sticker and portrayed as way too mature. Her maturity felt earned.
Last but not least. The stakes MATTERED. There wasn’t an event that happened that didn’t shape the characters and really impact the story. No deaths that are forgotten in the next chapter. We went through anguish and grief and joy with them and returned to those things at points.
Go check this one out!
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
By Molly Collier
Fan-freaking-tastic.
I’m going to start with the thing I loved that most. I’m not always a fan of too many POVs, but the way Collier used them felt so intentional. It really helped round out the characters being able to see how they viewed themselves and their faults and strengths alongside how other people viewed them.
Doha was my favorite. Enough said.
I love when an author can weave magic and science in a way that feels like it could really coexist.
Also props for writing a young girl that actually feels like she’s that age and making appropriate responses to what is happening around her. I feel like so often kids are just given an “old soul” sticker and portrayed as way too mature. Her maturity felt earned.
Last but not least. The stakes MATTERED. There wasn’t an event that happened that didn’t shape the characters and really impact the story. No deaths that are forgotten in the next chapter. We went through anguish and grief and joy with them and returned to those things at points.
Go check this one out!
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2025
The Paragon by Molly Collier is book one in The Science & Magic Duology series. The story begins when catastrophic corruption threatens to upend Doha’s preference for a world of solitude. Meanwhile, Isla carries the weight of knowing dangerous secrets that could change her world, all while trying to deal with grief. As their paths cross, bonds are shaped and loyalty and trust are tested, while they must face a destiny that could affect the very foundation of their society.
Molly Collier has crafted a wonderful story in this epic fantasy that readers are sure to love just as much as I did. We are introduced to Doha who is this socially awkward engineer. I love how she doesn’t make him perfect. His world clashes with societal expectations, and his quirky personality is appealing. He’s way more comfortable with analytical things rather than making connections with humans. The way he is introduced in the opening chapter, with hilarious awkwardness and a first date ending in disaster, kind of hints at a future where he will be forced to step beyond his comfort zone and insulated world that he’s built for himself.
Further along, readers are brought into Awali and her mother’s world, in a sacred festival of Isendjan. The cultural world is depicted as vibrant and full of emotions. But everything changes once Ellias, a skeptical aristocrat, touches the Sacred Mirror and is violently chosen as Paragon. Tia makes a heartbreaking sacrifice to save Awali and a corrupt power just shatters the whole moment of the event. Collier does a great job setting the stage and tone for the events that unfold next.
Collier is really good with scene transitions and pacing. I could feel the story at its tense moments and when it shifted into a full-blown crisis. There’s urgency early on that has been established. A cryptic command is issued by the Mirror to “find the maker,” while Doha gets injured and is semi-conscious. Taryn is usually sarcastic but shows a deeply human side when he must carry Tia’s body. Amon is the typical hothead, but he can show concern and ruthlessness at the same time. Then there’s Satya, who is the moral center but has crossed that line for the sake of protecting the mission.
One of the interesting chapters and probably one of my favorites is “In the Web of My Memory, I Am Not the Spider, but the Fly.” Isla picks a fight with Ghara. It’s quick and sharp but looks more like a strategic move. I felt like she was dragging me into the web. The entire chapter is slower compared to other chapters but appropriately so. This is where we get to see Isla’s character more; she’s showing her grief, her rage, and a bit of disillusionment. But this chapter also shapes Ghara’s pain, shame, and self-perception.
Further along, Collier really brings out the power and possession plot; Ellias blacks out and readers really get to see how the possession takes over. The cost of being Paragon is really brought out. This possession is violent and uncontrollable. Monte delays the coronation which is a political and logistical move. Then Josef is introduced and pledges himself as the enforcer for Monte.
The sensory details are done well, from things like the red walls, bits of organic matter, Ellias kneeling in stomach contents and gore. The details of smells and even physical reactions are done with care also. Collier also creates crisp and cruel dialogue that fits this narrative. There is quite a bit of political strategy incorporated into the storyline, and it works very well as the narrative moves forward. There is so much going on and so many characters that contribute to the narrative and how it unfolds. For instance, you’ll see characters like Rourke become more calculating, like he’s playing a game of chess with some of the other characters but only some are disappearing.
As the story concludes, I don’t think it leaves a clean fix, but every story shouldn’t anyway. That’s what I love about The Paragon. There’s hope as Doha and Isla face a world that has changed. There are also scars that show healing doesn’t happen in a single moment. I think readers will love the ending like I did. For readers who enjoy similar works like Katherin Addison’s The Goblin Emperor, they will equally enjoy The Paragon for the political and emotional stake.
Molly Collier has crafted a wonderful story in this epic fantasy that readers are sure to love just as much as I did. We are introduced to Doha who is this socially awkward engineer. I love how she doesn’t make him perfect. His world clashes with societal expectations, and his quirky personality is appealing. He’s way more comfortable with analytical things rather than making connections with humans. The way he is introduced in the opening chapter, with hilarious awkwardness and a first date ending in disaster, kind of hints at a future where he will be forced to step beyond his comfort zone and insulated world that he’s built for himself.
Further along, readers are brought into Awali and her mother’s world, in a sacred festival of Isendjan. The cultural world is depicted as vibrant and full of emotions. But everything changes once Ellias, a skeptical aristocrat, touches the Sacred Mirror and is violently chosen as Paragon. Tia makes a heartbreaking sacrifice to save Awali and a corrupt power just shatters the whole moment of the event. Collier does a great job setting the stage and tone for the events that unfold next.
Collier is really good with scene transitions and pacing. I could feel the story at its tense moments and when it shifted into a full-blown crisis. There’s urgency early on that has been established. A cryptic command is issued by the Mirror to “find the maker,” while Doha gets injured and is semi-conscious. Taryn is usually sarcastic but shows a deeply human side when he must carry Tia’s body. Amon is the typical hothead, but he can show concern and ruthlessness at the same time. Then there’s Satya, who is the moral center but has crossed that line for the sake of protecting the mission.
One of the interesting chapters and probably one of my favorites is “In the Web of My Memory, I Am Not the Spider, but the Fly.” Isla picks a fight with Ghara. It’s quick and sharp but looks more like a strategic move. I felt like she was dragging me into the web. The entire chapter is slower compared to other chapters but appropriately so. This is where we get to see Isla’s character more; she’s showing her grief, her rage, and a bit of disillusionment. But this chapter also shapes Ghara’s pain, shame, and self-perception.
Further along, Collier really brings out the power and possession plot; Ellias blacks out and readers really get to see how the possession takes over. The cost of being Paragon is really brought out. This possession is violent and uncontrollable. Monte delays the coronation which is a political and logistical move. Then Josef is introduced and pledges himself as the enforcer for Monte.
The sensory details are done well, from things like the red walls, bits of organic matter, Ellias kneeling in stomach contents and gore. The details of smells and even physical reactions are done with care also. Collier also creates crisp and cruel dialogue that fits this narrative. There is quite a bit of political strategy incorporated into the storyline, and it works very well as the narrative moves forward. There is so much going on and so many characters that contribute to the narrative and how it unfolds. For instance, you’ll see characters like Rourke become more calculating, like he’s playing a game of chess with some of the other characters but only some are disappearing.
As the story concludes, I don’t think it leaves a clean fix, but every story shouldn’t anyway. That’s what I love about The Paragon. There’s hope as Doha and Isla face a world that has changed. There are also scars that show healing doesn’t happen in a single moment. I think readers will love the ending like I did. For readers who enjoy similar works like Katherin Addison’s The Goblin Emperor, they will equally enjoy The Paragon for the political and emotional stake.
November 7, 2025
I just finished The Paragon tonight and oh my what a book! I enjoyed the characters, although it took me rereading some pages to keep track of who was who. I enjoyed the depth of the relationships between the characters. There was so much going on with Doha and Awali and the way he was willing to step up for her was heartwarming.
Then there is Isla and Ghara with their slowly developed friendship as a result of required service. This allows their paths to cross and find each other to be “their person” and make a choice to care and fight for each other even in the most difficult circumstances.
There are many twists and turns along the way. The two story lines intertwining late in the book with a surprising shock and there is so much that is still left unanswered. I am looking forward and can’t wait for Book 2 to come out!
Then there is Isla and Ghara with their slowly developed friendship as a result of required service. This allows their paths to cross and find each other to be “their person” and make a choice to care and fight for each other even in the most difficult circumstances.
There are many twists and turns along the way. The two story lines intertwining late in the book with a surprising shock and there is so much that is still left unanswered. I am looking forward and can’t wait for Book 2 to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
I just finished The Paragon!! It was an incredible story and was so engrossing and illustrative too!!
I loved the pacing of it as well (actually I think that was my favorite part about it!). The first few chapters were a bit of a slow burn but that quickly turned into a literary inferno! I was sucked in for sure!!
The two timelines picked up in intrigue at different times with Doha’s having more action in the beginning and Isla’s towards the middle but both converging in the end was a great strategy so you’re not overwhelmed by two faster-paced timelines at the same time! And the convergence at the end was just the cherry on top when both timelines seemed to be reaching tipping points!
100% recommend for anyone who loves a well woven story!
I loved the pacing of it as well (actually I think that was my favorite part about it!). The first few chapters were a bit of a slow burn but that quickly turned into a literary inferno! I was sucked in for sure!!
The two timelines picked up in intrigue at different times with Doha’s having more action in the beginning and Isla’s towards the middle but both converging in the end was a great strategy so you’re not overwhelmed by two faster-paced timelines at the same time! And the convergence at the end was just the cherry on top when both timelines seemed to be reaching tipping points!
100% recommend for anyone who loves a well woven story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
"One mind is a brain, two minds are a brilliance."
Thank you so much to all the readers who have already put their heads together with me to share in this journey together.
The Paragon is coming to a bookstore and library near you on October 17.
Thank you so much to all the readers who have already put their heads together with me to share in this journey together.
The Paragon is coming to a bookstore and library near you on October 17.
December 4, 2025
An absolutely wonderful and well written debut novel. The climax of this book blew me away; the payoff of all the interwoven stories finally coming together was phenomenal. "Mind blowing" was the best way to explain my feelings to my friends!
September 6, 2025
This book has my heart. Coming October 17...
October 25, 2025
oh my goodness, this book is Amazing.
best world building and story telling I've read.
best world building and story telling I've read.
October 26, 2025
The Paragon is a story with science and magic, questions about belief and loyalty, complicated relationships, and much more. It is multiple POV with two main storylines that eventually converge. And when they do come together? So, so good! While some of the pacing wasn't to my personal preference, I can say without a doubt that Molly put her heart into this story. I am very much looking forward to book 2!
Thank you, Molly, for the advanced copy and the opportunity to read this wonderful story early! 💙
Thank you, Molly, for the advanced copy and the opportunity to read this wonderful story early! 💙
November 16, 2025
This took me a while to read through NO fault of the book - I really enjoyed it! The story kept me invested and guessing the whole time and the changing POVs kept it moving. The characters felt unique and the story was so different from anything I’d read before. Toward the end, I started to suspect where the story was going, and I was sort of right but wrong enough that there was still a big surprise in store! I definitely look forward to reading the second book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews