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Leoncrest Academy: An Academy Light Novel
Zeke de'Godfrey was never meant to fight.
As the second son of a fading noble line, his job was simple, stay out of the way, enjoy the food, chase the girls, and let his older brother carry the weigh.
Artax did exactly that. Thirty-four Emblems. A blade that never broke. The last hope of House Godfrey.
Until he lost everything in a battle against Socrax the Frost Dragon. His Aura core shattered. His legend ended.
Now the knives are out, and their house is circling the drain.
Zeke makes a choice. Before the Senate, he speaks five words that change "Then I'll become his sword."
Leoncrest Academy isn't built for second sons. It's for heirs, killers, and prodigies.
Zeke is none of those. He doesn't have a forged Aura. He's never held command.
But he's got a promise to keep, and no one left to make it but him.
The drills hurt. The spells backfire. The other students are faster, stronger, sharper.
But Zeke gets back up. Every time.
And in the cracks between duels and failures, something starts to form. A reason to fight that's his alone.
Leoncrest forges heroes.
Zeke's just trying to survive long enough to become one.
And maybe charm a few along the way.
As the second son of a fading noble line, his job was simple, stay out of the way, enjoy the food, chase the girls, and let his older brother carry the weigh.
Artax did exactly that. Thirty-four Emblems. A blade that never broke. The last hope of House Godfrey.
Until he lost everything in a battle against Socrax the Frost Dragon. His Aura core shattered. His legend ended.
Now the knives are out, and their house is circling the drain.
Zeke makes a choice. Before the Senate, he speaks five words that change "Then I'll become his sword."
Leoncrest Academy isn't built for second sons. It's for heirs, killers, and prodigies.
Zeke is none of those. He doesn't have a forged Aura. He's never held command.
But he's got a promise to keep, and no one left to make it but him.
The drills hurt. The spells backfire. The other students are faster, stronger, sharper.
But Zeke gets back up. Every time.
And in the cracks between duels and failures, something starts to form. A reason to fight that's his alone.
Leoncrest forges heroes.
Zeke's just trying to survive long enough to become one.
And maybe charm a few along the way.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
Published October 3, 2025
356 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 20, 2025
AI book or filler
It starts off really good, but through out it things change and plots inside the book just vanish or change the idea is right, but it’s hard to want to read the more you notice things like that. Like the abilities they get, the brother makes it seem like you get it from trials, but then nothing. Also the coin things he gets for completing the first one, he never ask about any others that he’s supposed to get and doesn’t even use the things he has. He used the ability his brother gave him once to make bread, but that was it pretty much and he doesn’t develop anything else, but his aura which seems to be the only thing people have towards the end of the book. Details of the trials change and even the small secrets like the secret lion room changes on how he finds it. One instance he talks about nearly being killed, and it was a friend teaching him a lesson and then later it’s someone unknown. The scholar and sword group that he finds a medallion for gets a few lines, but the event with the blue glow is never talked about again and the book he finds in their old hang out room is just gone and is never discussed. The owl group that controls everything is followed until it changes to a dragon cult. It’s so inconsistent that it gets hard to continue. I hope it’s fixed in later books, but idk if I can keep going with it like that and whoever proof reads these needs to lose a job. It’s bad
It starts off really good, but through out it things change and plots inside the book just vanish or change the idea is right, but it’s hard to want to read the more you notice things like that. Like the abilities they get, the brother makes it seem like you get it from trials, but then nothing. Also the coin things he gets for completing the first one, he never ask about any others that he’s supposed to get and doesn’t even use the things he has. He used the ability his brother gave him once to make bread, but that was it pretty much and he doesn’t develop anything else, but his aura which seems to be the only thing people have towards the end of the book. Details of the trials change and even the small secrets like the secret lion room changes on how he finds it. One instance he talks about nearly being killed, and it was a friend teaching him a lesson and then later it’s someone unknown. The scholar and sword group that he finds a medallion for gets a few lines, but the event with the blue glow is never talked about again and the book he finds in their old hang out room is just gone and is never discussed. The owl group that controls everything is followed until it changes to a dragon cult. It’s so inconsistent that it gets hard to continue. I hope it’s fixed in later books, but idk if I can keep going with it like that and whoever proof reads these needs to lose a job. It’s bad
September 29, 2025
Buyer beware. I highly suspect AI was used heavily for this book. It lures you in because the first two chapters are actually very solid (just long enough for the kindle sample to run out, so they probably had the most human involvement). After that, the prose quality and storytelling fluctuates wildly from chapter to chapter. Basic details are inconsistent. Chapters don’t flow together at all and feel like they’re written by different people. Blatant and embarrassing editing mistakes that would’ve been caught by even bare minimum proofreading are everywhere. Just all around sketchy stuff.
April 18, 2026
Ok so I liked a lot of this story. Mostly Zeke, Atrax, Ralph, and some of the professors. Its a long book but usually its not a problem. Plus this is a Litrpg so longer books are expected. However, as much as I liked certain aspects, I cant get over some of the inconsistencies and some of the massive repeats. There are a few instances where the author repeated entire chapters or passages for different situations. Not just similar passages but straight repetition. It was very irritating. Then add the inconsistencies with the abilities Zeke's supposed to have, coin he gets from first trial that never comes up again, and his aura. Things about the trials are also inconsistent and change throughout the story. I'll continue the series because regardless of the inconsistencies I love the characters.
November 20, 2025
Not well written
It has the possibility of being a good story if it were written well. There are continual references to the past with no details given, like the details had been given in previous books. In the first 10 chapters I checked twice to make sure I was reading the first book in the series. There is a part, about chapter 16, that references an event that had taken place 2 chapters prior. It said one of the party was not knowledgeable of the event when she had been directly involved in said event. I can understand an author not keeping all details perfect through a series, but 2 chapters?
It has the possibility of being a good story if it were written well. There are continual references to the past with no details given, like the details had been given in previous books. In the first 10 chapters I checked twice to make sure I was reading the first book in the series. There is a part, about chapter 16, that references an event that had taken place 2 chapters prior. It said one of the party was not knowledgeable of the event when she had been directly involved in said event. I can understand an author not keeping all details perfect through a series, but 2 chapters?
October 10, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story a lot. I admired the worldbuilding. The descriptive phrases made me feel like I was in that world. I commended Artax for his honorable actions. I liked Zeke who volunteered to be his brother's sword but didn't want to take Artax's inheritance. I felt for Zeke as he went through his trials at the academy, and I appreciated Zeke's character arc. I thought Christopher Harbour's narration was great, and his performance kept my attention. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
July 6, 2025
Fun read
While it’s a fun read, a better editor and proofreader would have made it better. Not the most believable story as a neglected boy becomes a relative powerhouse just months after pledging his life to support the heir to his fading house. There is no obstacle he cannot overcome with determination, planning and luck. However, the interactions are okay and the hidden background has potential.
While it’s a fun read, a better editor and proofreader would have made it better. Not the most believable story as a neglected boy becomes a relative powerhouse just months after pledging his life to support the heir to his fading house. There is no obstacle he cannot overcome with determination, planning and luck. However, the interactions are okay and the hidden background has potential.
July 7, 2025
Very interesting
The premise is rather fascinating. The main character is extremely focused .
The writing shows that different parts were written at different times. Maybe it only becomes obvious if you read straight through, but there were different time flows and contradictions. The knife thrower was identified immediately but became a mystery within 10 pages. Candles flicker and go out briefly when there is extremely loud thunder. If you can ignore them, it is fun.
The premise is rather fascinating. The main character is extremely focused .
The writing shows that different parts were written at different times. Maybe it only becomes obvious if you read straight through, but there were different time flows and contradictions. The knife thrower was identified immediately but became a mystery within 10 pages. Candles flicker and go out briefly when there is extremely loud thunder. If you can ignore them, it is fun.
August 6, 2025
Great storyline, subplots, and theme(s)!
Zeke is one steadfast, genuinely committed, courageous,, and honorable young noble. He's absolutely determined to give his all to see his brother successfully inherit his legacy as Godfrey heir and protect him as well. He's an impressive and very likeable main character who rose to the challenge when he needed to. Brilliant! Five stars...
Zeke is one steadfast, genuinely committed, courageous,, and honorable young noble. He's absolutely determined to give his all to see his brother successfully inherit his legacy as Godfrey heir and protect him as well. He's an impressive and very likeable main character who rose to the challenge when he needed to. Brilliant! Five stars...
September 22, 2025
Good story line inconsistent tensions
The story has a better story line then I expected from the cover art but when you have a story where the main character and his friends knows someone is trying to kill him why are they always surprised that there are people who will actually try picking hole in him. Also at the rate the 34 trails are being completed will be eight years at this academy to long for such a tasks.
The story has a better story line then I expected from the cover art but when you have a story where the main character and his friends knows someone is trying to kill him why are they always surprised that there are people who will actually try picking hole in him. Also at the rate the 34 trails are being completed will be eight years at this academy to long for such a tasks.
April 25, 2025
Outstanding!!!
I wish more than 5 stars could be awarded, because this book definitely deserves it. The story plot is so fresh and creative; the characters are fascinating and the writing creates a world which you’ll eagerly jump into on page 1 and never want to leave.
I wish more than 5 stars could be awarded, because this book definitely deserves it. The story plot is so fresh and creative; the characters are fascinating and the writing creates a world which you’ll eagerly jump into on page 1 and never want to leave.
April 29, 2025
Fun story, needs editing
I really enjoyed the storyline. Unfortunately, there were parts. That continuity was not quite there from one chapter to the next. There was at least one formatting issue, editing notes were left in instead of removed.
I really enjoyed the storyline. Unfortunately, there were parts. That continuity was not quite there from one chapter to the next. There was at least one formatting issue, editing notes were left in instead of removed.
June 3, 2025
This was awesome.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
May 7, 2025
Great New Academy story
Intrigue, mystery, sword play and rivalries. A strong beginning for this interesting series where you are really not sure where it will lead you. Smashing!
Intrigue, mystery, sword play and rivalries. A strong beginning for this interesting series where you are really not sure where it will lead you. Smashing!
May 24, 2025
Very good!
Well written and thought out! Lots of action and suspense. I like the way the author builds all of the characters. I .ikevto see the characters grow!
Well written and thought out! Lots of action and suspense. I like the way the author builds all of the characters. I .ikevto see the characters grow!
June 9, 2025
lots of intrigue
Fewer distracting grammer and spelling errors than most. Likeable main character. Lots of action. Looking forward to book 2. (Need one more word!).
Fewer distracting grammer and spelling errors than most. Likeable main character. Lots of action. Looking forward to book 2. (Need one more word!).
June 16, 2025
All over the place
Interesting story. This is one of those accept as written books. It has a few plot holes but its a fun read
Interesting story. This is one of those accept as written books. It has a few plot holes but its a fun read
July 4, 2025
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books in an academic theme.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books in an academic theme.
March 30, 2026
good read but some small technical issues
Loved the book was a great read. But chapters 18 and 20 are the same. Fix those and a few other minor things and it’s top notch.
Loved the book was a great read. But chapters 18 and 20 are the same. Fix those and a few other minor things and it’s top notch.
April 2, 2026
Great book
Just saw this book and decided to try it and boy am I glad awesome storyline and characters, great writing and plot organizations, can't wait for the next one.
Just saw this book and decided to try it and boy am I glad awesome storyline and characters, great writing and plot organizations, can't wait for the next one.
October 21, 2025
Leoncrest Academy: An Academy Light Novel (Second Son of the 34th, Book 1), my tenth read from author Kal Griffith. A unique, captivating, page-turning, well-written read leaving you panting for more. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. As always, Christopher Harbour's narration is perfect for this book. I look forward to reading more from this author, with Mage Academy 5: A LitRPG Magic Academy Light Novel (Imperial Summoner) already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 21, 2025
plot holes
This book has a good beginning. The more you read the worse it gets. The plot holes are large enough for an eighteen wheeler to drive through. I read over half way then skimmed to the end. The plot to fractured to hold my interest.
This book has a good beginning. The more you read the worse it gets. The plot holes are large enough for an eighteen wheeler to drive through. I read over half way then skimmed to the end. The plot to fractured to hold my interest.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews