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City of Warriors
Not yet published
Expected 5 Nov 26In the skeleton of an ancient civilization, the Oracles of Mycedaria burned alive in their own sanctum. Once the guiding
power behind the most powerful men and women throughout history, they upheld peace for over three hundred years.
Their foresight ended wars before they could kindle, stonewalled assassinations, and divined the future of all who sought
them out. Yet, in their exodus, one question stands above all how did their own deaths go unforeseen?
Their blindness to the future plunged countless lives into depravity, and threw Mycedaria into turmoil. Kings fell. The
great Arakan died in his bedchamber with a blade still warm in his chest, and a shadow once thought banished re-
emerged, threatening to expose the lies and secrets that keep such fragile peace alive.
*
Almost twenty years later, far from the High Kingdom of Themelios, Adonis, son to a lowborn farmer, reaches the age of
manhood in a nation forged by warriors. Blood stains Polemistes’s past, and the Arena, which stands as the kingdom’s
beating heart, hides just as many secrets beneath its sands. Adonis refuses the shape the world has cast for him, driven by
his ambition to become the first Xeros chosen in over thirty years. To earn it, he must survive the Trials of Arete, a
brutal contest where nobles born of the titan bloodline hold power above all others.
With his closest friends, Bodhi and Eoinë, Adonis steps onto a path that could lift his family from the outskirts forever.
But as the trials unfold, forgotten truths surface. Ancient constructs, long dismissed as legend, stir awake. And the line
between myth and reality fragments until Adonis can no longer distinguish what truths he has left to believe in.
What begins as a struggle to rise above his status transforms into something far a clash of history, tangled
prophecy, and lost powers that threaten a second exodus. One that may decide whether the Five Kingdoms survive at all.
power behind the most powerful men and women throughout history, they upheld peace for over three hundred years.
Their foresight ended wars before they could kindle, stonewalled assassinations, and divined the future of all who sought
them out. Yet, in their exodus, one question stands above all how did their own deaths go unforeseen?
Their blindness to the future plunged countless lives into depravity, and threw Mycedaria into turmoil. Kings fell. The
great Arakan died in his bedchamber with a blade still warm in his chest, and a shadow once thought banished re-
emerged, threatening to expose the lies and secrets that keep such fragile peace alive.
*
Almost twenty years later, far from the High Kingdom of Themelios, Adonis, son to a lowborn farmer, reaches the age of
manhood in a nation forged by warriors. Blood stains Polemistes’s past, and the Arena, which stands as the kingdom’s
beating heart, hides just as many secrets beneath its sands. Adonis refuses the shape the world has cast for him, driven by
his ambition to become the first Xeros chosen in over thirty years. To earn it, he must survive the Trials of Arete, a
brutal contest where nobles born of the titan bloodline hold power above all others.
With his closest friends, Bodhi and Eoinë, Adonis steps onto a path that could lift his family from the outskirts forever.
But as the trials unfold, forgotten truths surface. Ancient constructs, long dismissed as legend, stir awake. And the line
between myth and reality fragments until Adonis can no longer distinguish what truths he has left to believe in.
What begins as a struggle to rise above his status transforms into something far a clash of history, tangled
prophecy, and lost powers that threaten a second exodus. One that may decide whether the Five Kingdoms survive at all.
686 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'll just start this review by saying that I think you are going to absolutely love this book as I think Stewart has hit a home run in his debut work. The story is the perfect combination of the intensity of Gladiator, the danger and ruthlessness of the Hunger Games and the spontaneous unpredictability of the Maze Runner all mixed into a Roman-inspired world. The friendships between Adonis, Eoine, and Bodhi are the heart of the story and were really inspiring as they faced the challenges that arise.
The lore of the world and kingdoms was fascinating and as the story evolved, we see there is more at play than just the Trials of Arete....much, much more. By the last 40% of the book, I was completed glued to the pages and couldn't stop reading.
I only had two regrets as I finished the City of Warriors. First, I should have put the other 2-3 books I was juggling off to the side and focused solely on it - so I could have finished sooner. Second, I now have to wait until book 2 comes out to continue the journey.... That's okay, though, I feel Stewart has an epic journey in store for us as the story continues and I can't wait!
Finally, thank you Joey, for the chance to read the eARC of City of Warriors. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read your book early.
The lore of the world and kingdoms was fascinating and as the story evolved, we see there is more at play than just the Trials of Arete....much, much more. By the last 40% of the book, I was completed glued to the pages and couldn't stop reading.
I only had two regrets as I finished the City of Warriors. First, I should have put the other 2-3 books I was juggling off to the side and focused solely on it - so I could have finished sooner. Second, I now have to wait until book 2 comes out to continue the journey.... That's okay, though, I feel Stewart has an epic journey in store for us as the story continues and I can't wait!
Finally, thank you Joey, for the chance to read the eARC of City of Warriors. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read your book early.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, a huge thank you to Joey Stewart for sending me an advanced copy of City of Warriors in exchange for an honest review!
I went into this book not entirely sure what to expect, and I have to say, I came away pleasantly surprised.
The story follows Adonis, a young man who has spent most of his life training on his family's farm with one goal in mind, to become the first Xeros of the Arakan chosen in over 30 years. But achieving that dream means surviving the Trials of Arete, a brutal competition where those born into noble bloodlines have a distinct advantage over the lowborn.
As Adonis navigates the trials, it quickly becomes apparent that there is far more at stake than his own ambitions. A conspiracy is unfolding within the kingdom of Polemistes, one that threatens to destabilize not just the kingdom itself, but all Five Kingdoms.
I really enjoyed this book. One thing I wasn't expecting was for it to lean so heavily into young adult fantasy, but I'm certainly not complaining. There is a lot to appreciate here, particularly when it comes to the worldbuilding. Stewart does an excellent job of bringing his world to life. His descriptions of the city, the trials, and the various environments are incredibly vivid. I rarely struggled to picture what was happening, and there were moments when I felt like I was standing right there watching everything unfold.
The characters were another strong point. Interestingly enough, I actually found myself connecting more with many of the side characters than with Adonis himself. That's not necessarily a criticism of Adonis, but I do think there is room for him to develop into a more compelling protagonist. I'm hoping we get to see some significant growth from him as the series progresses.
And then there are the fights.
Honestly, some of the combat sequences were among my favorite parts of the entire book. Stewart has a knack for writing action that feels exciting and cinematic. Some encounters have the intensity and spectacle of gladiatorial combat, while others feel like something straight out of a particularly chaotic Dungeons & Dragons campaign. There's a great variety to the action, and it helps keep things entertaining.
My biggest criticism would have to be the length. At over 500 pages, City of Warriors is a substantial book, and unfortunately, it sometimes feels like it. There are stretches where the pacing slows considerably, and certain scenes seem to drag on longer than necessary. I think a little tightening here and there could have made for a stronger overall experience. That said, this is something I imagine Stewart will continue to refine as he grows as a writer.
Despite those pacing issues, I found City of Warriors to be a very enjoyable fantasy adventure. There's an intriguing world here, plenty of political intrigue, memorable characters, and some genuinely fantastic action sequences.
Perhaps most importantly, Stewart leaves us with plenty of unanswered questions. There's clearly a much larger story being told, and I'm interested to see how all these moving pieces eventually come together.
This was a strong introduction to what has the potential to become a really entertaining fantasy series, and I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing where Adonis and the Five Kingdoms go from here!
I went into this book not entirely sure what to expect, and I have to say, I came away pleasantly surprised.
The story follows Adonis, a young man who has spent most of his life training on his family's farm with one goal in mind, to become the first Xeros of the Arakan chosen in over 30 years. But achieving that dream means surviving the Trials of Arete, a brutal competition where those born into noble bloodlines have a distinct advantage over the lowborn.
As Adonis navigates the trials, it quickly becomes apparent that there is far more at stake than his own ambitions. A conspiracy is unfolding within the kingdom of Polemistes, one that threatens to destabilize not just the kingdom itself, but all Five Kingdoms.
I really enjoyed this book. One thing I wasn't expecting was for it to lean so heavily into young adult fantasy, but I'm certainly not complaining. There is a lot to appreciate here, particularly when it comes to the worldbuilding. Stewart does an excellent job of bringing his world to life. His descriptions of the city, the trials, and the various environments are incredibly vivid. I rarely struggled to picture what was happening, and there were moments when I felt like I was standing right there watching everything unfold.
The characters were another strong point. Interestingly enough, I actually found myself connecting more with many of the side characters than with Adonis himself. That's not necessarily a criticism of Adonis, but I do think there is room for him to develop into a more compelling protagonist. I'm hoping we get to see some significant growth from him as the series progresses.
And then there are the fights.
Honestly, some of the combat sequences were among my favorite parts of the entire book. Stewart has a knack for writing action that feels exciting and cinematic. Some encounters have the intensity and spectacle of gladiatorial combat, while others feel like something straight out of a particularly chaotic Dungeons & Dragons campaign. There's a great variety to the action, and it helps keep things entertaining.
My biggest criticism would have to be the length. At over 500 pages, City of Warriors is a substantial book, and unfortunately, it sometimes feels like it. There are stretches where the pacing slows considerably, and certain scenes seem to drag on longer than necessary. I think a little tightening here and there could have made for a stronger overall experience. That said, this is something I imagine Stewart will continue to refine as he grows as a writer.
Despite those pacing issues, I found City of Warriors to be a very enjoyable fantasy adventure. There's an intriguing world here, plenty of political intrigue, memorable characters, and some genuinely fantastic action sequences.
Perhaps most importantly, Stewart leaves us with plenty of unanswered questions. There's clearly a much larger story being told, and I'm interested to see how all these moving pieces eventually come together.
This was a strong introduction to what has the potential to become a really entertaining fantasy series, and I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing where Adonis and the Five Kingdoms go from here!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're a sucker for deadly tournament arcs and rivalries that feel genuinely petty and dangerous, City of Warriors hits all the right notes.
The combat is where Stewart and Wormwood really shine. The fights are fast, crunchy, and physical, and the magic system (primal/berserker-style state) comes with real consequences that make the stakes feel tangible.
Sure, it relies on some classic fantasy staples/tropes—the scrappy underdog, the snooty royal nemesis, the mysterious destiny brewing in the background. But the pacing doesn't drag, the Roman inspired world feels alive, and the tension heading into the trials had me flying through chapters. Super fun, fast read that makes you want to immediately pick up whatever comes next.
The combat is where Stewart and Wormwood really shine. The fights are fast, crunchy, and physical, and the magic system (primal/berserker-style state) comes with real consequences that make the stakes feel tangible.
Sure, it relies on some classic fantasy staples/tropes—the scrappy underdog, the snooty royal nemesis, the mysterious destiny brewing in the background. But the pacing doesn't drag, the Roman inspired world feels alive, and the tension heading into the trials had me flying through chapters. Super fun, fast read that makes you want to immediately pick up whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW! This is legitimately one of the best fantasy debuts I’ve read in a long time! If you enjoyed The Will of the Many or Red Rising, you will LOVE City of Warriors. It’s Roman-inspired with breakneck pacing, adrenaline-pumping action, and intriguing world-building without giving away too much of the secrets of the Five Kingdoms. I’m personally a sucker for when a fantasy world has its own curse words and this book did not disappoint in that area! All in all, I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series so I can keep exploring the Five Kingdoms with Adonis, Bodhi, and Eoinë.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is how you write battle scenes!! Someone find me a brick wall to run through!
The lore in this story and how everything has ancient feel to it is so good. I love the worlds that feel lived in. I've got a feeling this book is going to be loved by many. Then I'll be bragging about being an ARC for it. Overall, this is one amazing book. 👏 👏
The lore in this story and how everything has ancient feel to it is so good. I love the worlds that feel lived in. I've got a feeling this book is going to be loved by many. Then I'll be bragging about being an ARC for it. Overall, this is one amazing book. 👏 👏
September 26, 2026
Loved this book! Fantastic book one of the series. Built up the characters and story perfectly and has me wanting to get book 2 already!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beautiful read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gladiator meets the TriWizard Tournament!
This was a superb debut book from this authour! I am typically a Romantasy reader, but I found myself not wanting to put this book down!
Joey lays out an exceptional, well-thought out plot and writes in a way that keeps the reader nail-biting on the edge of their seat. I lost a few nails while reading this book.😜🫣 This was after Joey sets the reader up with some intense dramatic irony🙌
Most of all- it was the characters that got me in this book. 🥹 Now that I’m finished, I’m having book withdrawal.
This is a great read for all ages and I’m going to purchase it so my husband and my 13 year old son can read it next!
If you love Harry Potter and the Hunger Games but also are a fan of Gladiator and 300- this book’s for you! 👁️👑🐦🔥🗿⛲️🛕⚙️⚔️🦉
This was a superb debut book from this authour! I am typically a Romantasy reader, but I found myself not wanting to put this book down!
Joey lays out an exceptional, well-thought out plot and writes in a way that keeps the reader nail-biting on the edge of their seat. I lost a few nails while reading this book.😜🫣 This was after Joey sets the reader up with some intense dramatic irony🙌
Most of all- it was the characters that got me in this book. 🥹 Now that I’m finished, I’m having book withdrawal.
This is a great read for all ages and I’m going to purchase it so my husband and my 13 year old son can read it next!
If you love Harry Potter and the Hunger Games but also are a fan of Gladiator and 300- this book’s for you! 👁️👑🐦🔥🗿⛲️🛕⚙️⚔️🦉
Review of advance copy
An extraordinary fantasy that completely captivates the imagination! With breathtaking world-building, masterful storytelling, and plot twists that keep you guessing, this book is an absolute triumph. The character development is phenomenal, adding depth, emotion, and complexity to every turn of the story. The writing is exceptional, rich with vivid imagery and an intensity that makes every scene feel alive. Immersive, unpredictable, and beautifully written, it’s the kind of book that transports you to another world and stays with you long after the final page. An unforgettable read!🙌
September 29, 2026
This was a solid read that had me hooked from the fast paced opening. I felt a few times like the plot was dragging a little, but then some wild action scene would come and move it right along. There were parts that would do well to be illustrated more than what already was, I really do appreciate when books have illustrations sprinkled throughout to help build the story. This was a solid set up to continue in the series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
City of Warriors is the debut and first of a planned series by Joey Stewart and Artemesius Wormwood. It is a Roman-inspired fantasy that follows Adonis and his friends as they prepare for the Arete Trials.
Reading City of Warriors, it reminded me a lot of The Will of the Many by James Islington and the manga/anime Naruto, specifically the Chuunin Exam arc.
With The Will of the Many, both are Roman-inspired and feature a labyrinth. However, City of Warriors features a lot more martial combat.
City of Warriors reminds me of Naruto mainly because there are five kingdoms coming to Polemistes to compete in the Arete Trials.
I liked that, for the most part, the dialogue was smooth and each character had their own voice, the action descriptions could be described as cinematic, and the main characters all seemed fleshed out with their own goals.
I wasn't too crazy about the use of "da" (as in Dad) as I'm thinking Rome and "Da" sounds kind of Irish to me. While the descriptions were detailed, there were some that I felt kind of dragged on. Also, Adonis seems kind of dumb.
In my opinion, the team of Stewart and Wormwood can clearly tell a story. If we were talking in baseball terms, City of Warriors is at least a double, if not a triple. With some editing to sharpen and hone, I believe they would have knocked it out of the park.
Reading City of Warriors, it reminded me a lot of The Will of the Many by James Islington and the manga/anime Naruto, specifically the Chuunin Exam arc.
With The Will of the Many, both are Roman-inspired and feature a labyrinth. However, City of Warriors features a lot more martial combat.
City of Warriors reminds me of Naruto mainly because there are five kingdoms coming to Polemistes to compete in the Arete Trials.
I liked that, for the most part, the dialogue was smooth and each character had their own voice, the action descriptions could be described as cinematic, and the main characters all seemed fleshed out with their own goals.
I wasn't too crazy about the use of "da" (as in Dad) as I'm thinking Rome and "Da" sounds kind of Irish to me. While the descriptions were detailed, there were some that I felt kind of dragged on. Also, Adonis seems kind of dumb.
In my opinion, the team of Stewart and Wormwood can clearly tell a story. If we were talking in baseball terms, City of Warriors is at least a double, if not a triple. With some editing to sharpen and hone, I believe they would have knocked it out of the park.
Review of advance copy received from Author
City of Warriors – Joey Stewart & Artemisius Wormwood
Legends of the Arakan #1
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from Joey Stewart. The book is set to be released on November 5th of this year.
---
In the skeleton of an ancient civilization, the Oracles of Mycedaria burned alive in their own sanctum. Once the guiding power behind the most powerful men and women throughout history, they upheld peace for over three hundred years. Their foresight ended wars before they could kindle, stonewalled assassinations, and divined the future of all who sought them out. Yet, in their exodus, one question stands above all others: how did their own deaths go unforeseen?
Their blindness to the future plunged countless lives into depravity, and threw Mycedaria into turmoil. Kings fell. The great Arakan died in his bedchamber with a blade still warm in his chest, and a shadow once thought banished re-emerged, threatening to expose the lies and secrets that keep such fragile peace alive.
---
This is the debut novel by Joey Stewart and Artemisius Wormwood, the first installment in a fantasy saga inspired by classical Rome, filled with magic, mysteries, and conflicts of all kinds.
What a beautiful debut, what a beautiful book. At just over 600 pages, it offers an adventure narrated through the perspectives of its main characters. Six hundred pages is quite a lot, but every chapter draws you in and makes you want to keep reading.
Written in straightforward language and featuring multiple POVs, the story draws us into the lives of characters with incredibly vivid experiences: a farmer's son, a merchant's son, the daughter of a former warrior, and a king's son. Together, they shape this conflict through their very different perspectives, driven by anger, envy, friendship, love, ambition, pride, admiration, and hatred.
One of the elements that truly brings this story to life is the intense, almost irrational hatred Adonis (the farmer's son) feels for Thaddeus (the king's son). His hatred is fueled by envy of Thaddeus's social standing and the privileges he enjoys, all while remaining oblivious to the reality of the prince's life. He judges him by appearances without knowing who he truly is.
Thaddeus, the prince, was raised by absent parents who treated him as a tool. Deprived of affection and love, his only goal is to stand out above everyone else, all while enduring violence and contempt from those closest to him.
Bhodi, his most loyal friend, would give everything for him. He follows Thaddeus on his journey to becoming a true warrior, when all he ever wanted was simply to be there for him.
And Eoinë, a friend to both of them, is a light in the darkness, seeking to unravel the mysteries of the ancient world. She wields a bow like no other and can fight side by side with the best of them, but her greatest strength lies in her mental fortitude.
All the secondary characters are equally wonderful in terms of their depth and interactions.
A book well worth reading, one that you can enjoy from the very first chapter to the very last.
5/5 stars
------------------------
**Obtuve este libro como una copia de lectura anticipada (ARC) de parte de Joey Stewart. El libro sale al mundo el 5 de noviembre de este año.**
---
En las ruinas de una antigua civilización, las Oráculos de Mycedaria ardieron vivas en su propio santuario. Antaño, fueron la fuerza guía detrás de los hombres y mujeres más poderosos de la historia, y mantuvieron la paz durante más de trescientos años. Su don de la presciencia puso fin a guerras antes de que pudieran estallar, frustró asesinatos y reveló el futuro de todos aquellos que acudieron a ellas en busca de respuestas. Sin embargo, entre los misterios de su desaparición, una pregunta se alza por encima de todas las demás: ¿cómo es posible que no previeran sus propias muertes?
---
Este es el libro debut de Joey Stewart y Artemisius Wormwood, el primero de una saga de fantasía inspirada en la Roma clásica llena de magia, misterios y conflictos armados de diversas categorías.
Qué hermoso debut, qué hermoso libro. Son poco más de 600 páginas de una aventura, narrada por parte de sus personajes principales. 600 páginas, que si bien son hartas, cada capítulo te atrae a seguir leyendo.
Escrito con un lenguaje sencillo, multi pov, nos va metiendo en esta historia con personajes con experiencias muy vívidas; el hijo del campesino, el hijo de una comerciante, la hija de un antiguo guerrero y el hijo de un rey. Todos ellos arman este conflicto desde sus puntos de vista muy diversos: la rabia, la envidia, la amistad, el amor, la ambición, el orgullo, la admiración y el odio.
Una de las situaciones que hacen que esta historia cobre vida es el odio insano que siente Adonis (el hijo del campesino) por Thaddeus (el hijo del rey). Su odio se ve incrementado por la envidia de su posición en la sociedad, los privilegios con los que cuenta, pero al mismo tiempo, sin conocer cuáles son las situaciones reales en las que el príncipe vive. Lo juzga por lo que parece sin saber lo que realmente es.
Thaddeus, el príncipe, criado por unos padres ausentes como una herramienta, sin afecta, sin amor, su único objetivo es destacar por sobre el resto, sufriendo la violencia y el desprecio de sus más cercanos.
Bhodi, su amigo más leal, que daría todo por él, lo sigue en su camino para ser un verdadero guerrero cuando lo único que siempre buscó fue solo estar ahí para él.
Y Eoinë, su amiga y de Bodhi, la luz en la oscuridad que busca resolver los misterios del mundo antiguo, capaz de utilizar un arco como ningún otro, de luchar codo a codo, pero su fortaleza mental es mayor.
Todos los personajes secundarios también son exquisitos en cuando a su contenido e interacciones.
Un libro que vale la pena leer, que se deja disfrutar desde el primer hasta el último capítulo.
5/5 estrellas
Legends of the Arakan #1
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from Joey Stewart. The book is set to be released on November 5th of this year.
---
In the skeleton of an ancient civilization, the Oracles of Mycedaria burned alive in their own sanctum. Once the guiding power behind the most powerful men and women throughout history, they upheld peace for over three hundred years. Their foresight ended wars before they could kindle, stonewalled assassinations, and divined the future of all who sought them out. Yet, in their exodus, one question stands above all others: how did their own deaths go unforeseen?
Their blindness to the future plunged countless lives into depravity, and threw Mycedaria into turmoil. Kings fell. The great Arakan died in his bedchamber with a blade still warm in his chest, and a shadow once thought banished re-emerged, threatening to expose the lies and secrets that keep such fragile peace alive.
---
This is the debut novel by Joey Stewart and Artemisius Wormwood, the first installment in a fantasy saga inspired by classical Rome, filled with magic, mysteries, and conflicts of all kinds.
What a beautiful debut, what a beautiful book. At just over 600 pages, it offers an adventure narrated through the perspectives of its main characters. Six hundred pages is quite a lot, but every chapter draws you in and makes you want to keep reading.
Written in straightforward language and featuring multiple POVs, the story draws us into the lives of characters with incredibly vivid experiences: a farmer's son, a merchant's son, the daughter of a former warrior, and a king's son. Together, they shape this conflict through their very different perspectives, driven by anger, envy, friendship, love, ambition, pride, admiration, and hatred.
One of the elements that truly brings this story to life is the intense, almost irrational hatred Adonis (the farmer's son) feels for Thaddeus (the king's son). His hatred is fueled by envy of Thaddeus's social standing and the privileges he enjoys, all while remaining oblivious to the reality of the prince's life. He judges him by appearances without knowing who he truly is.
Thaddeus, the prince, was raised by absent parents who treated him as a tool. Deprived of affection and love, his only goal is to stand out above everyone else, all while enduring violence and contempt from those closest to him.
Bhodi, his most loyal friend, would give everything for him. He follows Thaddeus on his journey to becoming a true warrior, when all he ever wanted was simply to be there for him.
And Eoinë, a friend to both of them, is a light in the darkness, seeking to unravel the mysteries of the ancient world. She wields a bow like no other and can fight side by side with the best of them, but her greatest strength lies in her mental fortitude.
All the secondary characters are equally wonderful in terms of their depth and interactions.
A book well worth reading, one that you can enjoy from the very first chapter to the very last.
5/5 stars
------------------------
**Obtuve este libro como una copia de lectura anticipada (ARC) de parte de Joey Stewart. El libro sale al mundo el 5 de noviembre de este año.**
---
En las ruinas de una antigua civilización, las Oráculos de Mycedaria ardieron vivas en su propio santuario. Antaño, fueron la fuerza guía detrás de los hombres y mujeres más poderosos de la historia, y mantuvieron la paz durante más de trescientos años. Su don de la presciencia puso fin a guerras antes de que pudieran estallar, frustró asesinatos y reveló el futuro de todos aquellos que acudieron a ellas en busca de respuestas. Sin embargo, entre los misterios de su desaparición, una pregunta se alza por encima de todas las demás: ¿cómo es posible que no previeran sus propias muertes?
---
Este es el libro debut de Joey Stewart y Artemisius Wormwood, el primero de una saga de fantasía inspirada en la Roma clásica llena de magia, misterios y conflictos armados de diversas categorías.
Qué hermoso debut, qué hermoso libro. Son poco más de 600 páginas de una aventura, narrada por parte de sus personajes principales. 600 páginas, que si bien son hartas, cada capítulo te atrae a seguir leyendo.
Escrito con un lenguaje sencillo, multi pov, nos va metiendo en esta historia con personajes con experiencias muy vívidas; el hijo del campesino, el hijo de una comerciante, la hija de un antiguo guerrero y el hijo de un rey. Todos ellos arman este conflicto desde sus puntos de vista muy diversos: la rabia, la envidia, la amistad, el amor, la ambición, el orgullo, la admiración y el odio.
Una de las situaciones que hacen que esta historia cobre vida es el odio insano que siente Adonis (el hijo del campesino) por Thaddeus (el hijo del rey). Su odio se ve incrementado por la envidia de su posición en la sociedad, los privilegios con los que cuenta, pero al mismo tiempo, sin conocer cuáles son las situaciones reales en las que el príncipe vive. Lo juzga por lo que parece sin saber lo que realmente es.
Thaddeus, el príncipe, criado por unos padres ausentes como una herramienta, sin afecta, sin amor, su único objetivo es destacar por sobre el resto, sufriendo la violencia y el desprecio de sus más cercanos.
Bhodi, su amigo más leal, que daría todo por él, lo sigue en su camino para ser un verdadero guerrero cuando lo único que siempre buscó fue solo estar ahí para él.
Y Eoinë, su amiga y de Bodhi, la luz en la oscuridad que busca resolver los misterios del mundo antiguo, capaz de utilizar un arco como ningún otro, de luchar codo a codo, pero su fortaleza mental es mayor.
Todos los personajes secundarios también son exquisitos en cuando a su contenido e interacciones.
Un libro que vale la pena leer, que se deja disfrutar desde el primer hasta el último capítulo.
5/5 estrellas
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.
Absolute literature and into my favourite shelf it goes! SIX STARS READ and probably my book of the year.
City of Warriors is like Dragon Ball / Naruto in ancient Rome. This book is a love letter to Shounen Animes and as someone who grew up watching Naruto, One Piece, Fairy Tail, etc, it hits all the right spots.
For a start the characters. Every character serves their purpose as pieces in the greater Shounen genre. It definitely works for me, given that Joey succeeds in establishing these roles very early in the book, making the remainder of my reading experience pleasant and easy.
Adonis are often portrayed to be brash, naive and even stupid. To some, this may be an overly used trope and even annoying. But this is a characterisation that appeals greatly to fans of Shounens. It represents a character who is full of heart. I welcomed it, and I find it very endearing.
Eoine plays the heroine of the trio, and becomes the mother who glues the trio together. Rational, strong, but also full of emotion when moments require it. The romantic sub-plot between her and Adonis is also… child-like (young love sort of thing) which can get very exciting to read.
Bodhi completes the trio, playing as the pillar of support for our main character.
And then there is Thaddeus, the rival, who is this personal antagonistic force which pushes our main character to be better.
Simple, effective, endearing. And got me invested into the story.
This world is also vast and rich, but Joey wrote it in a manner that isn’t overwhelming. The prose leads you to moments and places of importance, one which serves the plot.
One of my favourite parts of Joey’s worldbuilding is the use of mystery to slowly unravel the magic system and details about the character. I knew first hand that the aegin dorch is really cool, but left to a point where there was a lot to discover about it and kept me wanting more. In turn, it kind of helped me to paint the world / system based on my own theories while also getting myself fact checked with information Joey reveals slowly throughout the book.
And among the action-packed scenes and aura farming moments, I find myself drawn to the private moments between parents and their children. This is the best part about the book. This book carries a strong message of perseverance and that of staying true to one’s value no matter the circumstances. All conveyed through parental advice, enrooted in scenes I would treasure forever.
One helluva book. One helluva read. I will wait patiently for book 2, and I know it is going to be another banger.
Absolute literature and into my favourite shelf it goes! SIX STARS READ and probably my book of the year.
City of Warriors is like Dragon Ball / Naruto in ancient Rome. This book is a love letter to Shounen Animes and as someone who grew up watching Naruto, One Piece, Fairy Tail, etc, it hits all the right spots.
For a start the characters. Every character serves their purpose as pieces in the greater Shounen genre. It definitely works for me, given that Joey succeeds in establishing these roles very early in the book, making the remainder of my reading experience pleasant and easy.
Adonis are often portrayed to be brash, naive and even stupid. To some, this may be an overly used trope and even annoying. But this is a characterisation that appeals greatly to fans of Shounens. It represents a character who is full of heart. I welcomed it, and I find it very endearing.
Eoine plays the heroine of the trio, and becomes the mother who glues the trio together. Rational, strong, but also full of emotion when moments require it. The romantic sub-plot between her and Adonis is also… child-like (young love sort of thing) which can get very exciting to read.
Bodhi completes the trio, playing as the pillar of support for our main character.
And then there is Thaddeus, the rival, who is this personal antagonistic force which pushes our main character to be better.
Simple, effective, endearing. And got me invested into the story.
This world is also vast and rich, but Joey wrote it in a manner that isn’t overwhelming. The prose leads you to moments and places of importance, one which serves the plot.
One of my favourite parts of Joey’s worldbuilding is the use of mystery to slowly unravel the magic system and details about the character. I knew first hand that the aegin dorch is really cool, but left to a point where there was a lot to discover about it and kept me wanting more. In turn, it kind of helped me to paint the world / system based on my own theories while also getting myself fact checked with information Joey reveals slowly throughout the book.
And among the action-packed scenes and aura farming moments, I find myself drawn to the private moments between parents and their children. This is the best part about the book. This book carries a strong message of perseverance and that of staying true to one’s value no matter the circumstances. All conveyed through parental advice, enrooted in scenes I would treasure forever.
One helluva book. One helluva read. I will wait patiently for book 2, and I know it is going to be another banger.
October 27, 2026
I am going to start this review with a bit of pedantry so I apologize. I have seen a lot of early reviews refer to this as Roman-inspired Fantasy. Which I understand, it’s more buzzy in terms of marketing and it is Roman-inspired in the way that the Romans were also inspired by the Greeks. Because this book is heavily inspired by the original Greek myths, which I absolutely love! In terms of Greek vs Roman, I associate the empire and modern civilization with the Romans and think of Gods and Mythology when I think about the Greeks which is better for a fantasy story in my opinion. I feel like we don’t get a lot of Greek-inspired fantasy outside of like modern myth retellings. I appreciate so much that Joey and Artemisius pulled from original Greek myths, culture, and ideas to build out this world!
Ok now to the review, it was freaking incredible! It obviously is trying to capture the same kind of magic of Will of the Many and it absolutely crushes it!
It starts with the typical tropes which a lot of these stories do but it does manage to break away into its own thing! Especially starting at the Labyrinth I sprinted to the end of the book. I really love our main characters, definitely got a sort of Naruto Team 7 vibe in the beginning with Adonis and Thaddeus being rivals Eoinë kind of bridging the gap.
The strength of books like this or atleast what I’m personally looking for is how well does it set up the story going forward. What kind of mysteries and questions are we gonna be left with? This book nails that as well! There is so much I left thinking about and wanting to discuss with people, definitely left me wanting the next book right now!
Seriously I am so fortunate to have gotten this early and to be a part of the arc team because I really believe in this book and where the story can potentially go in the future! Another must read fantasy debut!
Ok now to the review, it was freaking incredible! It obviously is trying to capture the same kind of magic of Will of the Many and it absolutely crushes it!
It starts with the typical tropes which a lot of these stories do but it does manage to break away into its own thing! Especially starting at the Labyrinth I sprinted to the end of the book. I really love our main characters, definitely got a sort of Naruto Team 7 vibe in the beginning with Adonis and Thaddeus being rivals Eoinë kind of bridging the gap.
The strength of books like this or atleast what I’m personally looking for is how well does it set up the story going forward. What kind of mysteries and questions are we gonna be left with? This book nails that as well! There is so much I left thinking about and wanting to discuss with people, definitely left me wanting the next book right now!
Seriously I am so fortunate to have gotten this early and to be a part of the arc team because I really believe in this book and where the story can potentially go in the future! Another must read fantasy debut!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read mostly fantasy and always enjoyed Roman-inspired stories, so it made sense to give City of Warriors a try and now I'm wanting more. This is a great debut that had me flying through chapters.
Adonis, Eoinë and Bodhi are easy to root for. As are the allies they meet during the trials. I like the character dynamics all around, whether it was between friends or foes. Though there were times I wanted to smack Adonis on the side of his head for his immaturity. I guess you can expect that from a young man in a very competitive world.
There are so many tense moments that kept me glued to the pages. Plenty of action and battle, some heartbreak and a good amount of inner conflict. This book sets us up for an exciting story to come.
I am rounding my 4.5 rating up because I believe this series has a lot of potential.
I was given an ARC of this book prior to release.
Adonis, Eoinë and Bodhi are easy to root for. As are the allies they meet during the trials. I like the character dynamics all around, whether it was between friends or foes. Though there were times I wanted to smack Adonis on the side of his head for his immaturity. I guess you can expect that from a young man in a very competitive world.
There are so many tense moments that kept me glued to the pages. Plenty of action and battle, some heartbreak and a good amount of inner conflict. This book sets us up for an exciting story to come.
I am rounding my 4.5 rating up because I believe this series has a lot of potential.
I was given an ARC of this book prior to release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Joey for having me as part of the eARC team!
City of Warriors is hands down going to be one of my top recommendations for the next couple of months. The world building is expansive, encompassing many different regions and types of people. They're a warrior based culture (hence the name of the book, but also strongly emphasize their scholars.
There are multiple secret plots happening throughout the book that slowly come to light, but the action is pretty much nonstop. While I do love the action, it does get a little repetitive and slower towards the middle but the pace picks right back up as they near the end of trials. As another reviewer has mentioned it's like Naruto but set in ancient Rome or Greece.
City of Warriors is hands down going to be one of my top recommendations for the next couple of months. The world building is expansive, encompassing many different regions and types of people. They're a warrior based culture (hence the name of the book, but also strongly emphasize their scholars.
There are multiple secret plots happening throughout the book that slowly come to light, but the action is pretty much nonstop. While I do love the action, it does get a little repetitive and slower towards the middle but the pace picks right back up as they near the end of trials. As another reviewer has mentioned it's like Naruto but set in ancient Rome or Greece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finished City of Warriors, the first book in Legends of the Arakan, and what a great start to an epic fantasy series!
Adonis is a farmer’s son determined to prove himself in the brutal Trials of Arete, where bloodlines and status can mean everything.
I really enjoyed the friendships, the arena setting, and the hints of a much bigger story unfolding. There’s plenty of action, mystery, and lore to dig into.
The worldbuilding was well done, the characters were engaging, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next!
A huge thank you to Joey Stewart for sending me an ARC of this novel! I had a great time reading it, and you did a fantastic job bringing this world to life!
Adonis is a farmer’s son determined to prove himself in the brutal Trials of Arete, where bloodlines and status can mean everything.
I really enjoyed the friendships, the arena setting, and the hints of a much bigger story unfolding. There’s plenty of action, mystery, and lore to dig into.
The worldbuilding was well done, the characters were engaging, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next!
A huge thank you to Joey Stewart for sending me an ARC of this novel! I had a great time reading it, and you did a fantastic job bringing this world to life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Ah, yes. I needed a good book cry and this did not disappoint. City of Warriors was an emotional roller coaster that I would advise anyone to ride. Think, The Goblet of Fire on steroids, gladiator style, but built on the foundation of history. This book had a lot of depth to it and was artfully woven- fantastic character and relationship building. Political scheming. Enemies to friends. Friends to enemies. Battle scenes that you could feel in your bones. Family and all of the complications that come with it. Will Adonis stay true to his heart, or will he let his heartbreak and rage consume him? John Gwynne and James Islington readers would especially eat this up. Give me book two.
Ah, yes. I needed a good book cry and this did not disappoint. City of Warriors was an emotional roller coaster that I would advise anyone to ride. Think, The Goblet of Fire on steroids, gladiator style, but built on the foundation of history. This book had a lot of depth to it and was artfully woven- fantastic character and relationship building. Political scheming. Enemies to friends. Friends to enemies. Battle scenes that you could feel in your bones. Family and all of the complications that come with it. Will Adonis stay true to his heart, or will he let his heartbreak and rage consume him? John Gwynne and James Islington readers would especially eat this up. Give me book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
A world of ancient secrets, impossible trials, and the makings of an epic fantasy!
If you enjoy fantasy with high stakes, ancient legends, powerful rivalries, and the feeling that there’s so much more happening beneath the surface, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Overall: An exciting fantasy adventure with an intriguing world, meaningful themes, and plenty of potential for readers who love getting lost in a new universe. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
THANK YOU JOEY & ARTEMISIUS!
A world of ancient secrets, impossible trials, and the makings of an epic fantasy!
If you enjoy fantasy with high stakes, ancient legends, powerful rivalries, and the feeling that there’s so much more happening beneath the surface, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Overall: An exciting fantasy adventure with an intriguing world, meaningful themes, and plenty of potential for readers who love getting lost in a new universe. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
THANK YOU JOEY & ARTEMISIUS!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve seen other ARC readers say it reminded them of The Will Of The Many, Percy Jackson, HP and I agree.
I absolutely loved the characters. Where one had weakness, another balanced them. There are beautiful family, love, and friend dynamics & a pretty intense villain origin story for others.
I’m looking forward to the second book to get more answers and see what this magic system is truly about!
I absolutely loved the characters. Where one had weakness, another balanced them. There are beautiful family, love, and friend dynamics & a pretty intense villain origin story for others.
I’m looking forward to the second book to get more answers and see what this magic system is truly about!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from the first page. I loved following our characters and seeing what this world had to offer. What an amazing debut!
If you’re a fan of deadly trials and a true rivalry between characters you need to pick this book up! I can’t wait for the continuation in book two!
If you’re a fan of deadly trials and a true rivalry between characters you need to pick this book up! I can’t wait for the continuation in book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you like Greece? Action-packed stories? Or The Hunger Games meets Greco-Roman-themed magic? If you like any of those things, then this book is for you. The characters are fun to interact with, the dialogue is great, and the action feels like it never stops (in the best way possible). I won't spoil any of the story, but I will say this: once the trials begin, it's hard to put down the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, this was a solid debut! Legends of the Arakan: City of Warriors has a really cool overall theme and does a great job laying down the foundation for what could be a great fantasy series.
It does have some classic debut growing pains—the pacing drags a little in the middle, a few plot moments felt a bit too convenient, and some of the dialogue was a little cheesy at times. But honestly? The main story and world-building kept me hooked enough that I wanted to keep reading.
For a first book, there is so much potential here, and I’m definitely curious to see where Joey take things in book two. A fun read if you're looking to jump into a new indie fantasy world early!
It does have some classic debut growing pains—the pacing drags a little in the middle, a few plot moments felt a bit too convenient, and some of the dialogue was a little cheesy at times. But honestly? The main story and world-building kept me hooked enough that I wanted to keep reading.
For a first book, there is so much potential here, and I’m definitely curious to see where Joey take things in book two. A fun read if you're looking to jump into a new indie fantasy world early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am normally a romantasy/romance fan but this book was just SO GOOD!!!
The most exciting part for me was all the action! This book is fast paced and i lovved that ! Just when ypu take a breather and think that ok i guess we are slowing down a bit.. IT THROWS YOU RIGHT BACK IN! And pushes the tension to a new height!
I really enjoyed the relationship between the characters. It was so perfectly caught by the author and there was so much respect and loyalty in it. ( except for some scenes #iykyk)
Theres history woven into the narrative and that is definitely another aspect of this book that i really appreciated.
Overall, i think it is a great book one and i am excited to see what comes next!
The most exciting part for me was all the action! This book is fast paced and i lovved that ! Just when ypu take a breather and think that ok i guess we are slowing down a bit.. IT THROWS YOU RIGHT BACK IN! And pushes the tension to a new height!
I really enjoyed the relationship between the characters. It was so perfectly caught by the author and there was so much respect and loyalty in it. ( except for some scenes #iykyk)
Theres history woven into the narrative and that is definitely another aspect of this book that i really appreciated.
Overall, i think it is a great book one and i am excited to see what comes next!
October 5, 2026
I was SUPER excited to get a copy of this book!
I thought the world was beautiful and well thought out. The concepts of the oracles and the training was super cool and I really like the way it turned out!!
My only complaints are that 1, I thought the pacing was a little weird as far as what was important feeling like it took a backseat. And 2, I did feel much of a connection to any character outside Ajax and, as weird as it sounds, Thaddeus…
Overall it was an entertaining book with an incredible world! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I thought the world was beautiful and well thought out. The concepts of the oracles and the training was super cool and I really like the way it turned out!!
My only complaints are that 1, I thought the pacing was a little weird as far as what was important feeling like it took a backseat. And 2, I did feel much of a connection to any character outside Ajax and, as weird as it sounds, Thaddeus…
Overall it was an entertaining book with an incredible world! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're down for a Percy, Hunger Games, and Gladitor type mesh up read, then you'll love this because it's absolutely giving off those vibes.
The book has so much history intertwined throughout it. From the prologue to the different POVs, you learn so much and are able to connect with the characters more.
This focuses on Adonis the most and he has one goal and that's to be the next xeros. He's portrayed exactly as he is. A farmers son, who's coming of age and reaching for the stars out of love for his family. Throughout his journey he makes many mistakes but also plenty of growth.
Thaddeus is the prince and even from the early stages you dislike him. You learn about his history that gives you the background of his nature but he never seems to overcome his need to belittle those around him. Sometimes you get glimpses but with how the book ends, who knows what will become of him.
Eoine is amazing in this. She may be great with a bow, seeing as her dad is over their Academy, but she loves books and any avenue to learn more. She's strongwilled and caring. You watch her play the game of Kingdoms and become her own as a person.
Bodhi is the hilarious favorite side character everyone needs. He's the best friend who's always there when needed and sometimes the voice of reason even when those around him don't want to. I believe he'll be useful in getting Adonis through this next phase of life.
I enjoyed this first installment and am excited to read what comes next.
The book has so much history intertwined throughout it. From the prologue to the different POVs, you learn so much and are able to connect with the characters more.
This focuses on Adonis the most and he has one goal and that's to be the next xeros. He's portrayed exactly as he is. A farmers son, who's coming of age and reaching for the stars out of love for his family. Throughout his journey he makes many mistakes but also plenty of growth.
Thaddeus is the prince and even from the early stages you dislike him. You learn about his history that gives you the background of his nature but he never seems to overcome his need to belittle those around him. Sometimes you get glimpses but with how the book ends, who knows what will become of him.
Eoine is amazing in this. She may be great with a bow, seeing as her dad is over their Academy, but she loves books and any avenue to learn more. She's strongwilled and caring. You watch her play the game of Kingdoms and become her own as a person.
Bodhi is the hilarious favorite side character everyone needs. He's the best friend who's always there when needed and sometimes the voice of reason even when those around him don't want to. I believe he'll be useful in getting Adonis through this next phase of life.
I enjoyed this first installment and am excited to read what comes next.
October 1, 2026
This Roman-inspired story follows Adonis and crew through the Arete Trials to prove their worth. Huge book 1 of Red Rising vibes here, along with hints of Mistborn and Hercules.
The book comes out the gate swinging. The action in this book is superb, I was always here for any combat scene. The characters are complex, interesting, and very human - Adonis and Thaddeus constantly frustrated me in a way that made sense for their characters. Adonis is a 17 year old farmer who wants to prove himself to the higher society. Thaddeus is an 18 year old prince who grew up relatively sheltered. It made sense for their actions to frustrate me but that’s what made the book feel so real.
I really enjoyed this one. If you like action, Roman-inspired stories, people banding together to overcome impossible odds, and ancient powers awakening, this book is for you. Go get it on November 5th!
The book comes out the gate swinging. The action in this book is superb, I was always here for any combat scene. The characters are complex, interesting, and very human - Adonis and Thaddeus constantly frustrated me in a way that made sense for their characters. Adonis is a 17 year old farmer who wants to prove himself to the higher society. Thaddeus is an 18 year old prince who grew up relatively sheltered. It made sense for their actions to frustrate me but that’s what made the book feel so real.
I really enjoyed this one. If you like action, Roman-inspired stories, people banding together to overcome impossible odds, and ancient powers awakening, this book is for you. Go get it on November 5th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
City of Warriors absolutely blew me away! From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. Between the action-packed trials, high-stakes tournaments, rivalries, and little pieces of world lore sprinkled throughout the story, I constantly found myself wanting to read just one more chapter. This was one of those books where I genuinely didn't want to stop reading because there was always something happening or something new to discover.
The trials, tournaments, and rivalries all carry real stakes, and I loved how the tension kept building as the story progressed. Between the ancient history, mythology, secrets, and little pieces of lore revealed along the way, there was always something that made me curious about the world beyond what was happening in the immediate scene. I never felt like I was being pulled away from the story for lengthy explanations. Instead, I was discovering things naturally as Adonis did, which made me want to keep digging deeper into the history and mysteries of this world.
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters and the relationships they build throughout the story. The main cast is young, and I really appreciated how that was reflected in their personalities, reactions, arguments, and the way they handled the difficult situations thrown at them. They don't always act perfectly or make the best decisions, but that made them feel believable for their age and circumstances. The trials put them through some genuinely tragic and challenging experiences, and watching those moments affect their connections with one another added so much to the story.
I also loved that Adonis isn't going through everything alone. Having Bodhi, Eoinë, and the rest of the supporting cast around him gave the story so much more depth. Every character felt like they had a purpose, and I really enjoyed seeing how their individual personalities and struggles contributed to the larger narrative. There's room for everyone to grow into their own story while still being part of Adonis's journey, which makes me even more excited to see how these characters develop in future installments.
The trials, tournaments, and rivalries all carry real stakes, and I loved how the tension kept building as the story progressed. Between the ancient history, mythology, secrets, and little pieces of lore revealed along the way, there was always something that made me curious about the world beyond what was happening in the immediate scene. I never felt like I was being pulled away from the story for lengthy explanations. Instead, I was discovering things naturally as Adonis did, which made me want to keep digging deeper into the history and mysteries of this world.
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters and the relationships they build throughout the story. The main cast is young, and I really appreciated how that was reflected in their personalities, reactions, arguments, and the way they handled the difficult situations thrown at them. They don't always act perfectly or make the best decisions, but that made them feel believable for their age and circumstances. The trials put them through some genuinely tragic and challenging experiences, and watching those moments affect their connections with one another added so much to the story.
I also loved that Adonis isn't going through everything alone. Having Bodhi, Eoinë, and the rest of the supporting cast around him gave the story so much more depth. Every character felt like they had a purpose, and I really enjoyed seeing how their individual personalities and struggles contributed to the larger narrative. There's room for everyone to grow into their own story while still being part of Adonis's journey, which makes me even more excited to see how these characters develop in future installments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first-ever ARC read, so I took a little more time with this one than I normally would. I wanted to really sit with the story, characters, and world before putting my thoughts together.
The story follows Adonis, a warrior hopeful determined to win the Arete Trials and give his family a better life. The problem? Adonis possesses abilities that don’t exactly fit within what is expected of his caste.
As he trains and competes in the Trials, it becomes increasingly clear that something much more sinister is happening beneath the surface—something that threatens not only the competition, but the kingdom itself. Alongside his two best friends, Eoine and Bodhi, Adonis has to navigate the Trials while trying to unravel the mystery around them.
The easiest comparison I can make is that this gave me Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire vibes mixed with Roman-inspired fantasy. You have the friendships, dangerous trials, competition, mystery, and a larger threat lurking behind the games.
The battle scenes were easily one of my favorite parts. They felt cinematic, fast-paced, and genuinely epic. A few of the fights almost read like anime battles in the best possible way—I could picture the sequences playing out in my head as I read them.
Bodhi and Eoine were also highlights for me. They’re fun characters who remain loyal to Adonis even when he’s so tunnel-visioned on winning and helping his family that he misses some pretty obvious things happening around him.
My biggest criticism involves the prologue. Personally, I think some of that information would have worked better as a later reveal. There are moments involving Adonis and his abilities where the characters are asking questions that the reader already knows the answers to. Holding that information back could have added another layer of mystery surrounding Adonis and his family.
There were also a few small continuity blemishes that pulled me out of the story. Going forward, I’d love to see the magic system explored more deeply, because there’s a lot of potential there. I also think the political and social structure of the world could use a clearer explanation—or even a visual guide. At times, I found myself wondering why certain titles, castes, relationships, or political developments mattered as much as they did.
That said, this is Book One, and there’s a lot here worth building on. The foundation is strong, the action is excellent, and the world has plenty of room to expand.
⭐ 4/5
For me, this is a four-star first book with the potential to become a five-star series. I’m interested to see where the world, magic, politics, and Adonis’ story go from here.
The story follows Adonis, a warrior hopeful determined to win the Arete Trials and give his family a better life. The problem? Adonis possesses abilities that don’t exactly fit within what is expected of his caste.
As he trains and competes in the Trials, it becomes increasingly clear that something much more sinister is happening beneath the surface—something that threatens not only the competition, but the kingdom itself. Alongside his two best friends, Eoine and Bodhi, Adonis has to navigate the Trials while trying to unravel the mystery around them.
The easiest comparison I can make is that this gave me Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire vibes mixed with Roman-inspired fantasy. You have the friendships, dangerous trials, competition, mystery, and a larger threat lurking behind the games.
The battle scenes were easily one of my favorite parts. They felt cinematic, fast-paced, and genuinely epic. A few of the fights almost read like anime battles in the best possible way—I could picture the sequences playing out in my head as I read them.
Bodhi and Eoine were also highlights for me. They’re fun characters who remain loyal to Adonis even when he’s so tunnel-visioned on winning and helping his family that he misses some pretty obvious things happening around him.
My biggest criticism involves the prologue. Personally, I think some of that information would have worked better as a later reveal. There are moments involving Adonis and his abilities where the characters are asking questions that the reader already knows the answers to. Holding that information back could have added another layer of mystery surrounding Adonis and his family.
There were also a few small continuity blemishes that pulled me out of the story. Going forward, I’d love to see the magic system explored more deeply, because there’s a lot of potential there. I also think the political and social structure of the world could use a clearer explanation—or even a visual guide. At times, I found myself wondering why certain titles, castes, relationships, or political developments mattered as much as they did.
That said, this is Book One, and there’s a lot here worth building on. The foundation is strong, the action is excellent, and the world has plenty of room to expand.
⭐ 4/5
For me, this is a four-star first book with the potential to become a five-star series. I’m interested to see where the world, magic, politics, and Adonis’ story go from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A brutal competition, ancient powers, and an underdog who has a lot more riding on winning than just bragging rights! Adonis is a talented trainee at a warrior academy, but he comes from an impoverished farming family. For him, becoming a xeros (an elite, independent champion) is his chance to change his family’s future. To get there, he’ll have to face the Arete Trials, where candidates from five kingdoms compete in an ancient arena with shifting platforms, traps, and machinery that seems to have a mind of its own. (Honestly, what a cool setting!) His competition includes nobles who have been raised to believe that power belongs to them, and have no problem dishing out systematic discrimination. But Adonis is beginning to access an ancient, god-given power himself... and accessing it is very different from controlling it! Add in terrifying nightmares, hints that his parents are hiding something about their past, and a world still haunted by the Burning of the Oracles, and there’s a lot more happening here than a fight for a title.
The story highlights the cost of ambition and the unrelenting nature of training. Adonis’s struggle is defined by refusing to accept his place in society, driven by wanting a better life for his family. This makes the stakes personal. As the family secrets come into play, his journey raises some interesting questions about who gets access to power, what people sacrifice for it, and whether Adonis fully understands what becoming a champion could cost him.
If fantasy with warrior training, dangerous trials, class conflict, and family secrets sounds appealing to you.... pick this one up!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC! Book releases 11/5/26. One hell of a debut!
The story highlights the cost of ambition and the unrelenting nature of training. Adonis’s struggle is defined by refusing to accept his place in society, driven by wanting a better life for his family. This makes the stakes personal. As the family secrets come into play, his journey raises some interesting questions about who gets access to power, what people sacrifice for it, and whether Adonis fully understands what becoming a champion could cost him.
If fantasy with warrior training, dangerous trials, class conflict, and family secrets sounds appealing to you.... pick this one up!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC! Book releases 11/5/26. One hell of a debut!
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