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The Second Stranger #1
Embers of the Academy
Ever since his parents died in a car accident, Erik has been working three dead-end jobs to provide for himself and his rebellious younger brother, Noah. Drowning in his own guilt over the unexpected tragedy, he has no time to try to understand Noah or keep him out of trouble. But all bets are off when his little brother flees through a mysterious portal and Erik is swept in after him and reborn into a new world in a teenage boy’s body.
His reluctant host, Fern, is a voidblood—a human incapable of magic in the country of Stylos, where the majority of the population is made up of powerful mages. Now, to escape a life of slavery and have any hope of finding Noah, Erik and Fern must enroll in the Academy of Ash, a brutal mercenary school where voidblood students are trained in the disciplines of weaponry, technology, and combat tactics. Their lessons are preparing them to fight back against those that oppress them, but challenges await at every turn.
As Erik and Fern strike a necessary truce to hide the fact that they’re a heretical Twinsoul—two individuals crammed into one body—they’re constantly tested by the Academy’s unorthodox methods and duplicitous teachers. All the while, Erik’s learning that mystical strength may not be so out of reach. Through a powerful blood infusion, he and his classmates acquire ferocious powers, allowing them to traverse the deadly floors of the pillar that looms above the Academy.
Further troubles arise when outside forces threaten to tear down the Academy’s walls. A group of Royal Mages is intent on seizing both the school and the pillar to exploit the secrets within, and they’ll shatter any barriers that stand in their way. Backed into a corner, Erik, Fern, and their fellow classmates must make a last desperate stand. With their very freedom on the line, they’ll need to break every rule to come out on top, but even Erik may not survive the most shattering betrayal of all . . .
His reluctant host, Fern, is a voidblood—a human incapable of magic in the country of Stylos, where the majority of the population is made up of powerful mages. Now, to escape a life of slavery and have any hope of finding Noah, Erik and Fern must enroll in the Academy of Ash, a brutal mercenary school where voidblood students are trained in the disciplines of weaponry, technology, and combat tactics. Their lessons are preparing them to fight back against those that oppress them, but challenges await at every turn.
As Erik and Fern strike a necessary truce to hide the fact that they’re a heretical Twinsoul—two individuals crammed into one body—they’re constantly tested by the Academy’s unorthodox methods and duplicitous teachers. All the while, Erik’s learning that mystical strength may not be so out of reach. Through a powerful blood infusion, he and his classmates acquire ferocious powers, allowing them to traverse the deadly floors of the pillar that looms above the Academy.
Further troubles arise when outside forces threaten to tear down the Academy’s walls. A group of Royal Mages is intent on seizing both the school and the pillar to exploit the secrets within, and they’ll shatter any barriers that stand in their way. Backed into a corner, Erik, Fern, and their fellow classmates must make a last desperate stand. With their very freedom on the line, they’ll need to break every rule to come out on top, but even Erik may not survive the most shattering betrayal of all . . .
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 20, 2026
Amazing first installment
Contrary to many other authors’ first attempts at writing, especially within the progression fantasy genre, this author knocks it out of the park with his first book. The world building, despite the limited scope and only being offered a peak through this first book, is so interesting. The magic system is teased enough and developed enough to give readers an idea and what to look forward to in the rest of the series. The character development is also fairly decent and I am wholeheartedly looking forward to reading/ listening to the next book.
Contrary to many other authors’ first attempts at writing, especially within the progression fantasy genre, this author knocks it out of the park with his first book. The world building, despite the limited scope and only being offered a peak through this first book, is so interesting. The magic system is teased enough and developed enough to give readers an idea and what to look forward to in the rest of the series. The character development is also fairly decent and I am wholeheartedly looking forward to reading/ listening to the next book.
June 3, 2026
I had no real expectations when I read this book. So glad I picked it up! This was actually an incredibly fun read. Pacing, character development, and writing were all so well done. I’m excited to read the next installment. Good enough I would reread and recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews