The Prince and Apprentice: The Secrets of the Old Bloods

by Daniel Hawkins

Levi Hemistro never expected a royal prince to alter the course of his life. He certainly did not expect magic to be involved.

Born without power in a world that looks familiar but does not belong to ours, Levi’s future was meant to be respectable and contained. An apprenticeship at an elite college. A life devoted to history and music. A place near influence, but never inside it. Then Prince Saul Adaen selects him, and Levi steps into the guarded world of the Old Bloods, where bloodlines carry authority and power is protected at any cost.

As the first Cav, one born without magic, to be trained in generations, Levi becomes both student and symbol in an order built to exclude him. The Opal Council governs from behind tradition and silence. King Alaric Adaen stands at its center, and what he protects has a long memory. Every lesson draws Levi closer to influence, and closer to danger. Loyalty is currency. Truth is negotiable.

Saul understands that system better than anyone. Once shaped into a royal assassin, he now mentors the boy who could preserve the order or expose its fractures. He carries the weight of what he has done in the name of stability, and he fears what he might become if he surrenders to those instincts again. Around them stand others shaped by the same fragile structure, a sworn bodyguard and tactician who sees more than he says, a fellow royal prince whose charm conceals difficult loyalties, a powerful heiress navigating influence and expectation, and a man whose fractured mind bears the marks of manipulation. Each must decide what they will protect when the order they serve begins to crack.

What begins as an apprenticeship becomes a reckoning for more than Levi alone. Power is not only inherited. It is enforced. Challenging it will demand more than rebellion. It will demand sacrifice.

The Prince and Apprentice is the first novel in The Secrets of the Old Bloods, an adult epic fantasy that begins in a modern world shaped by hidden magic, inherited influence, and the uneasy hope that legacy can be changed without destroying those who carry it.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2025

Reviews

[WardGraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully immersive fantasy novel. The characters feel real, their struggles meaningful, and their growth natural. The prince and his apprentice have a fascinating dynamic that evolves as they uncover the secrets of the Old Bloods. The story blends political intrigue, magical heritage, and emotional storytelling perfectly. I appreciated how the author reveals the lore piece by piece, keeping the tension high throughout. The writing is elegant, the pacing strong, and the characters unforgettable. This book is an absolute treasure for readers who enjoy deep fantasy worlds and powerful storytelling. Five stars.

[Reina Moh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prince and Apprentice: The Secrets of the Old Bloods is a gripping fantasy adventure filled with mystery, power, and emotional depth. The worldbuilding is incredibly vivid, and the lore of the Old Bloods drew me in immediately. The dynamic between the prince and his apprentice is compelling, full of tension, growth, and surprising twists. The pacing is smooth, the dialogue feels natural, and every chapter ends with a hook that makes you want to read more. Fans of magic, ancient secrets, and well-crafted characters will absolutely love this book. A fantastic read from start to finish.

[Carey Towne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very first page. The author creates a rich world of forgotten magic, noble bloodlines, and hidden danger. I loved the relationship between the prince and his apprentice—their journey is filled with conflict, loyalty, and unexpected revelations. The plot moves quickly without ever feeling rushed, and the descriptions are beautiful. What really stood out to me is the mystery surrounding the Old Bloods, which unfolds in such a satisfying way. This is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

[Magnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of The Prince and Apprentice: The Secrets of the Old Bloods. The world feels ancient and alive, full of legends waiting to be uncovered. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets. I was especially drawn to the complicated bond between master and student, which grows stronger as they confront dangerous truths. The twists were surprising, the stakes high, and the emotional moments beautifully written. This book has everything—magic, mystery, betrayal, and hope. A must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.

[Helmer Breitenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written fantasy full of heart and intrigue. The author does an amazing job crafting a world where ancient magic and royal politics collide. The chemistry between the prince and his apprentice is one of my favorite parts of the story—they challenge each other, learn from each other, and uncover powerful secrets together. The plot is gripping, and the lore of the Old Bloods adds depth and wonder. The pacing is perfect, with exciting action balanced by emotional character development. I couldn’t put this book down. Truly a five-star read.

[German Gorczany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by this book. The storytelling is strong, the characters are memorable, and the world feels ancient and full of secrets. The bond between the prince and his apprentice is central to the story, and watching it develop was incredibly satisfying. The mystery of the Old Bloods kept me guessing until the end, and the final reveals were well worth the build-up. The writing has a lyrical quality that makes every scene vivid. This is a standout fantasy novel that deserves all five stars.