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Red Robe: Birth of an Adept: The Adept Saga Book 1
In a world where reality bends and nothing is ever quite what it seems, young Wantanaube loses everything, and vows revenge. Her quest thrusts her into the mysterious magic known as Colour, a force that defies logic, reshapes the world, and answers only to those bold enough to wield it. Along the way she discovers that the impossible is sometimes true, witches walk the edges of the world, and pirates aren’t always the villains.
Guided by a powerful wizard who commands the full spectrum of Colour, and shadowed by a companion who might exist only in her mind, Wantanaube journeys through shifting lands filled with danger, wonder, and secrets that challenge her understanding of reality itself. To face the enemy who destroyed her life, she must master a magic that refuses to be tamed.
Red Robe launches a sweeping seven book saga of transformation, mystery, and the fierce courage it takes to claim one’s destiny.
Guided by a powerful wizard who commands the full spectrum of Colour, and shadowed by a companion who might exist only in her mind, Wantanaube journeys through shifting lands filled with danger, wonder, and secrets that challenge her understanding of reality itself. To face the enemy who destroyed her life, she must master a magic that refuses to be tamed.
Red Robe launches a sweeping seven book saga of transformation, mystery, and the fierce courage it takes to claim one’s destiny.
578 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2026
About the author
Jim Pyra
13 books17 followersAs part of his quest to be the most interesting man in the world, Jim Pyra studied with a Zen monastery for two years and continues to practice meditation. He is a certified sommelier, transpersonal hypnotherapist, and Integrated Imagery Regression Hypnotist. He has been trained in gourmet cooking, as a Company Security Officer, and in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. He has started and managed many small businesses, has been a landlord, and COO of a public company. He loves animals, good food, fine wine, heavy metal, opera, and travels widely.
In his spare time he reviews restaurants, writes fiction, takes care of horses and greyhounds, and enjoys life with his life and business partner Karen. Formerly a resident of Nova Scotia, he now lives in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
In his spare time he reviews restaurants, writes fiction, takes care of horses and greyhounds, and enjoys life with his life and business partner Karen. Formerly a resident of Nova Scotia, he now lives in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 3, 2026
“If ye can manage to focus yer attention on the present moment, then ye will truly experience life, instead of the shadows of dim memory and fantasies of futures that may never come to pass.”
As young Wantanaube journeys across lands and oceans to avenge the genocide of her village by the Yellow Witch, she discovers new parts of herself and her innate capacity for attaining knowledge and allies to serve her on her mission to attain colour and defeat her enemy. The tale takes an interesting spin on magical realism, rooting the magical elements of the story in mindfulness and education rather than fantastical magical systems. Taking ownership of her journey toward vengeance drives Wantanaube to meet a slew of interesting characters that serve as mentors, teachers and comrades, each providing valuable lessons as she grows into a young woman.
Coming of age, we get to experience Wantanaube become attuned to her desire and power as a woman, forming strong bonds with her found family and teacher turned lover. The romantic element comes a little out left field, and is a little unsettling given their history as young student and teacher, but does a decent job of humanizing Wantanaube without relying on typical stereotypes female main characters tend to get. I also loved seeing not just one, but two powerful women featured in this book with the introduction of “cursed pirate queen” Saal-Aal. These two strong willed women playing off one another, especially with their reunion at the end, was unexpectedly friendly. I appreciated not having the two immediately oppose one another but rather serving one another in a co-mentorship capacity.
Overall, I enjoyed the action and adventure of this book, but wished there was more magic. I really enjoyed the swashbuckling moments at sea and the attention to mindfulness and self improvement, but I am hoping, with the later books in the series, we get to see some more magic in action as Wantanaube continues to learn more about colour and climb the ranks with the help of her guides. I received a free copy of this book.
As young Wantanaube journeys across lands and oceans to avenge the genocide of her village by the Yellow Witch, she discovers new parts of herself and her innate capacity for attaining knowledge and allies to serve her on her mission to attain colour and defeat her enemy. The tale takes an interesting spin on magical realism, rooting the magical elements of the story in mindfulness and education rather than fantastical magical systems. Taking ownership of her journey toward vengeance drives Wantanaube to meet a slew of interesting characters that serve as mentors, teachers and comrades, each providing valuable lessons as she grows into a young woman.
Coming of age, we get to experience Wantanaube become attuned to her desire and power as a woman, forming strong bonds with her found family and teacher turned lover. The romantic element comes a little out left field, and is a little unsettling given their history as young student and teacher, but does a decent job of humanizing Wantanaube without relying on typical stereotypes female main characters tend to get. I also loved seeing not just one, but two powerful women featured in this book with the introduction of “cursed pirate queen” Saal-Aal. These two strong willed women playing off one another, especially with their reunion at the end, was unexpectedly friendly. I appreciated not having the two immediately oppose one another but rather serving one another in a co-mentorship capacity.
Overall, I enjoyed the action and adventure of this book, but wished there was more magic. I really enjoyed the swashbuckling moments at sea and the attention to mindfulness and self improvement, but I am hoping, with the later books in the series, we get to see some more magic in action as Wantanaube continues to learn more about colour and climb the ranks with the help of her guides. I received a free copy of this book.
September 12, 2026
This was an interesting fantasy story with a unique idea behind it. I especially enjoyed following Wantanaube as she learns more about herself, her abilities, and the strange world she has entered. Her journey is not just about magic and adventure; it also explores deeper ideas about reality, power, love, revenge, and personal growth.
One thing I liked about the book was the mystery surrounding the different colors and the abilities connected to them. The conversations between Wantanaube and White also added a philosophical side to the story and made me think about some of the questions the characters were asking.
The story kept me curious because there were several things I wanted to understand better as the plot developed. At times, though, the philosophical discussions and some of the explanations were a little confusing for me, and I felt that some questions were left unanswered. Since the story continues, I understand that not everything is meant to be resolved in this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the combination of fantasy, mystery, adventure, and deeper themes. Wantanaube’s journey was the strongest part for me, and I’m interested in seeing where her story goes next. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy stories that also make you think about bigger ideas beyond the main adventure.
One thing I liked about the book was the mystery surrounding the different colors and the abilities connected to them. The conversations between Wantanaube and White also added a philosophical side to the story and made me think about some of the questions the characters were asking.
The story kept me curious because there were several things I wanted to understand better as the plot developed. At times, though, the philosophical discussions and some of the explanations were a little confusing for me, and I felt that some questions were left unanswered. Since the story continues, I understand that not everything is meant to be resolved in this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the combination of fantasy, mystery, adventure, and deeper themes. Wantanaube’s journey was the strongest part for me, and I’m interested in seeing where her story goes next. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy stories that also make you think about bigger ideas beyond the main adventure.
September 13, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of Red Robe: Birth of an Adept.
This was a much bigger and stranger fantasy journey than I expected. Wantanaube begins as a young girl simply trying to help her sick family, and from there her life turns into a long journey involving survival, violence, ships, different cultures, magic, strange teachers, and ideas about the nature of reality itself.
Wantanaube was easily my favorite part of the book. She is tough from the beginning, but her growth is not only about becoming a better fighter. She learns about awareness, emotion, perception, leadership, and what it actually means to become an Adept. I also enjoyed seeing characters such as Amon, Brshit, and Kyry become part of the group around her.
The metaphysical side of the story made it stand out from more conventional fantasy. The ideas involving Colour, dreams, perception, and reality gave the adventure another layer.
My main issue was the pacing. This is a long book with a lot of worldbuilding, terminology, travel, and philosophical discussion, so some sections felt slower than others.
Overall, though, I found it imaginative and memorable, and the moment Wantanaube finally receives her Red Robe made the journey feel earned.
This was a much bigger and stranger fantasy journey than I expected. Wantanaube begins as a young girl simply trying to help her sick family, and from there her life turns into a long journey involving survival, violence, ships, different cultures, magic, strange teachers, and ideas about the nature of reality itself.
Wantanaube was easily my favorite part of the book. She is tough from the beginning, but her growth is not only about becoming a better fighter. She learns about awareness, emotion, perception, leadership, and what it actually means to become an Adept. I also enjoyed seeing characters such as Amon, Brshit, and Kyry become part of the group around her.
The metaphysical side of the story made it stand out from more conventional fantasy. The ideas involving Colour, dreams, perception, and reality gave the adventure another layer.
My main issue was the pacing. This is a long book with a lot of worldbuilding, terminology, travel, and philosophical discussion, so some sections felt slower than others.
Overall, though, I found it imaginative and memorable, and the moment Wantanaube finally receives her Red Robe made the journey feel earned.
August 30, 2026
Red Robe: Birth of an Adept is a refreshing addition to the progression fantasy genre. Jim Pyra masterfully crafts an intriguing world where magic is defined by Colour, a dangerous force that requires sheer will to command. Wantanaube’s journey from a tragic childhood to a driven seeker of vengeance is compelling, and her mental struggles add excellent depth to her story. The unique magic system, fast-paced world-building, and mysterious companions keep you hooked from the start. It is a fantastic opener to a seven-book saga that fans of epic progression fantasy will thoroughly enjoy.
September 3, 2026
The book is about a young girl called Wantanaube.
Her life changes after something bad happens in her village.
She later meets a man called White who helps her.
White also becomes her teacher and teaches her many things.
I like Wantanaube because she is brave and strong.
The book has magic, mystery and many interesting events.
Some parts of the story are sad because she loses her family.
The book also teaches about courage and not giving up.
I enjoyed reading the book and I will recommend it to others.
Her life changes after something bad happens in her village.
She later meets a man called White who helps her.
White also becomes her teacher and teaches her many things.
I like Wantanaube because she is brave and strong.
The book has magic, mystery and many interesting events.
Some parts of the story are sad because she loses her family.
The book also teaches about courage and not giving up.
I enjoyed reading the book and I will recommend it to others.
September 7, 2026
Birth of an Adept was an interesting and imaginative fantasy story. I enjoyed following Wantanaube as she dealt with the destruction of her village and struggled with her desire for revenge. Her training with White was especially interesting because it showed that becoming powerful requires patience, self control, and letting go of anger. I also liked the mysterious ideas about colour, magic, and the nature of reality.
August 17, 2026
Love this blend of adventure and fantasy! Great world building and characters. I love the magic system and the challenges faced. This is definitely set up for more books, can’t wait!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews