What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ninety-Eighth
Magic has rules. Caelen Vale just broke all of them.
For generations, the Gifted have measured magic, classified it, and built an entire civilization around what should—and should not—be possible.
Caelen is human.
He should barely matter.
But when his Gift is measured before the most powerful members of the magical world, the result doesn’t simply exceed expectations.
It shouldn’t exist.
Suddenly, Caelen is no longer an outsider looking into their world. He is a problem the Council cannot explain, a possibility others would rather control, and the center of a mystery older than anyone realizes.
Because somewhere beyond the Council’s calculations, ancient powers have begun paying attention.
The Twelve are watching.
And they recognize something in Caelen that the rest of the world has forgotten.
The Ninety-Eighth is the first book in The Children of the First Light, an epic fantasy series about power, identity, friendship, ancient magic, and a human who may force an entire world to reconsider what it believes about the Gift.
For generations, the Gifted have measured magic, classified it, and built an entire civilization around what should—and should not—be possible.
Caelen is human.
He should barely matter.
But when his Gift is measured before the most powerful members of the magical world, the result doesn’t simply exceed expectations.
It shouldn’t exist.
Suddenly, Caelen is no longer an outsider looking into their world. He is a problem the Council cannot explain, a possibility others would rather control, and the center of a mystery older than anyone realizes.
Because somewhere beyond the Council’s calculations, ancient powers have begun paying attention.
The Twelve are watching.
And they recognize something in Caelen that the rest of the world has forgotten.
The Ninety-Eighth is the first book in The Children of the First Light, an epic fantasy series about power, identity, friendship, ancient magic, and a human who may force an entire world to reconsider what it believes about the Gift.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2026
About the author
Ali Rahman
2 books46 followersAli Rahman is the author of The Ninety-Eighth, a fantasy novel exploring power, identity, loyalty, and the complicated line between those who wield magic and those who fear it. His stories blend character-driven fantasy, political tension, humor, and expansive magical worldbuilding.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 10, 2026
I read The Ninety-Eighth at the recommendation of the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ali Rahman's debut fantasy novel blends tropes of a "somewhat" chosen-one story with political intrigue, racial oppression, enemies-to-allies relationships, and a mystery that eventually reaches into the realms of cosmic proportions.
The story begins when Caelen, the young human prince of Asterhold, is revealed to possess magic during a council ceremony. The problem? According to the Purity Doctrine, magic belongs only to elves, dwarves, and fae. Humans were granted a seat on the ruling council through the Pact, but never true equality. Caelen's discovery sets off a journey that uncovers buried truths about magic, bloodlines, and a history shaped as much by propaganda as fact. Can Caelen carry and survive the weight of this responsibility?
Honestly, the magic and mystery were great, but the book really clicked for me because of the questions it asks. Rahman explores prejudice, stereotypes, religious and political movements, and the consequences of our choices. At its heart, this is a story about power versus leadership. Who gets to decide what belongs to whom? Can someone in power choose to become less for the greater good? Can they refuse power instead of fighting power with more power? One of the book's recurring ideas, "Power changes the meaning of anger," echoes throughout the entire novel.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read for me comes down to personal preference. Rahman has a very distinct, minimalist approach to dialogue and prose that I think will really work for a lot of readers. For my own tastes, I would have enjoyed a little more exposition given how dense the worldbuilding is, along with a bit more time for the characters to sit with some of the story's biggest losses and revelations. His writing has a deliberate, almost staccato rhythm at times, while I tend to gravitate toward prose that's a little more flowing and introspective. As always, ratings and reading preferences are subjective, and I can easily see this aspect of the book being a strength for other readers.
Those are relatively minor preferences, though. The Ninety-Eighth is an ambitious debut with memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and an ending that completely changes the scope of the story. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where Rahman takes the series next.
Ali Rahman's debut fantasy novel blends tropes of a "somewhat" chosen-one story with political intrigue, racial oppression, enemies-to-allies relationships, and a mystery that eventually reaches into the realms of cosmic proportions.
The story begins when Caelen, the young human prince of Asterhold, is revealed to possess magic during a council ceremony. The problem? According to the Purity Doctrine, magic belongs only to elves, dwarves, and fae. Humans were granted a seat on the ruling council through the Pact, but never true equality. Caelen's discovery sets off a journey that uncovers buried truths about magic, bloodlines, and a history shaped as much by propaganda as fact. Can Caelen carry and survive the weight of this responsibility?
Honestly, the magic and mystery were great, but the book really clicked for me because of the questions it asks. Rahman explores prejudice, stereotypes, religious and political movements, and the consequences of our choices. At its heart, this is a story about power versus leadership. Who gets to decide what belongs to whom? Can someone in power choose to become less for the greater good? Can they refuse power instead of fighting power with more power? One of the book's recurring ideas, "Power changes the meaning of anger," echoes throughout the entire novel.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read for me comes down to personal preference. Rahman has a very distinct, minimalist approach to dialogue and prose that I think will really work for a lot of readers. For my own tastes, I would have enjoyed a little more exposition given how dense the worldbuilding is, along with a bit more time for the characters to sit with some of the story's biggest losses and revelations. His writing has a deliberate, almost staccato rhythm at times, while I tend to gravitate toward prose that's a little more flowing and introspective. As always, ratings and reading preferences are subjective, and I can easily see this aspect of the book being a strength for other readers.
Those are relatively minor preferences, though. The Ninety-Eighth is an ambitious debut with memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and an ending that completely changes the scope of the story. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where Rahman takes the series next.
September 19, 2026
The Ninety-Eighth by Ali Rahman is a debut fantasy novel that was actually recommended to me by the author, and I have to say, I'm really glad I gave it a chance!
The writing style is unique and different from what I'm used to, but I think it worked perfectly for this story. I also really enjoyed the banter between the characters because it added some comedic moments that helped balance everything else happening in the book.
One of my favorite ideas was how the zodiac signs were incorporated and basically given their own identities. I thought that was such an interesting addition to the magic and world. You also get elves, dwarves, fae, humans, magic, adventure, and plenty of mystery, so there was always something happening that kept me wondering what was coming next.
The world building is MASSIVE. It genuinely feels like we've only scratched the surface of this world, and there is still so much left to explore. That's probably one of the things that has me most excited to see where the story goes next.
Even with such a big world, I found this to be a really fast paced read. It kept me glued to the story, and I ended up finishing it in only a couple of days.
If you enjoy character driven fantasy, chosen one stories, magical bloodlines, different fantasy races, and a big world to explore, I think The Ninety-Eighth is definitely worth checking out. It's currently available on Kindle Unlimited, and I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next!
The writing style is unique and different from what I'm used to, but I think it worked perfectly for this story. I also really enjoyed the banter between the characters because it added some comedic moments that helped balance everything else happening in the book.
One of my favorite ideas was how the zodiac signs were incorporated and basically given their own identities. I thought that was such an interesting addition to the magic and world. You also get elves, dwarves, fae, humans, magic, adventure, and plenty of mystery, so there was always something happening that kept me wondering what was coming next.
The world building is MASSIVE. It genuinely feels like we've only scratched the surface of this world, and there is still so much left to explore. That's probably one of the things that has me most excited to see where the story goes next.
Even with such a big world, I found this to be a really fast paced read. It kept me glued to the story, and I ended up finishing it in only a couple of days.
If you enjoy character driven fantasy, chosen one stories, magical bloodlines, different fantasy races, and a big world to explore, I think The Ninety-Eighth is definitely worth checking out. It's currently available on Kindle Unlimited, and I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next!
October 23, 2026
As a fantasy reader, that was a really good read I really enjoyed the plot and I enjoyed the very well developed characters. If you were looking for a book that is going to properly engage you this is the book for you. I enjoyed the fact that the author took his time in developing the story and I honestly feel like there is some more to come. When I started reading this book, it was kinda hard to put down however, when I got towards the end, it left me with the fact that I want to know more. So fingers crossed that we get some more from this author and to see where the story goes. So if you’re a fantasy reader, just like me go read the book. It did not disappoint and it was well worth to read.
September 11, 2026
A captivating blend of human emotion, magic, and destiny. The story centers around a prince born with a rare magical gene, and the way his abilities shape his identity and future is truly intriguing. The world building feels imaginative without becoming overwhelming, while the natural dialogue gives the characters genuine personality and depth. The storytelling keeps you invested, balancing mystery, emotion, and fantasy beautifully. A compelling read for anyone who enjoys magical bloodlines, royal intrigue, and character driven fantasy.
September 12, 2026
I gave this a 3.75 but obviously goodreads doesnt do .75 so I rounded it up.
I really enjoyed this story and the only reason for loss of stars is 1 because I very rarely give out 5 stars, and 2 its my pure preference on the writting style. The authors world and character building was fantastic. I Liked the magical setting etc.. With this being the authors debut novel I can say im excited to see what he comes up with next..
I really enjoyed this story and the only reason for loss of stars is 1 because I very rarely give out 5 stars, and 2 its my pure preference on the writting style. The authors world and character building was fantastic. I Liked the magical setting etc.. With this being the authors debut novel I can say im excited to see what he comes up with next..
September 1, 2026
Wow! The author asked me to read it, but I was the o e that fell in love! An epic fantasy of creatures and magic. Humans shouldn’t be able to channel or have magic right? When a prince finds hims of able to increasingly channel the magic of the world, what lengths will he go through to save it? A quick read that is very compelling. I just couldn’t put it down! A complete arc and very well written! I highly recommend!
September 19, 2026
If you're into fantasy, I highly recommend this book!! Amazing and original story with interesting characters and a premise that keeps you hooked the entire way!
October 6, 2026
I received an ARC of The Ninety-Eighth in exchange for an honest review, and this ended up being such an interesting start to a fantasy series.
One of the strongest parts of the book for me was the magic system. Saturation gives magic an actual measurable scale, which made the differences in power between characters feel much more tangible. I especially liked how the story gradually shows that having more power doesn’t automatically make someone better or more deserving of it. There’s a lot of emphasis on restraint, control, and what someone chooses to do with the power they have.
Caelan was also a really interesting protagonist. Having a human prince with magic in a world where that alone carries political and racial consequences immediately gives him more to deal with than simply learning how to become stronger. His position puts him in the middle of tensions between humans and the magical races, and I liked seeing the story explore what his existence means to people who don’t believe humans should possess magic at all.
I also really enjoyed Lyra and Caelan together. Their relationship develops alongside the larger story instead of replacing it. Lyra has her own personality and purpose, and their quieter scenes gave the book some needed warmth between the more dangerous moments. The banter throughout the book was another highlight for me because the characters actually felt comfortable joking with each other even when everything around them was becoming increasingly serious.
Aren was probably one of the characters I found myself most interested in. His relationship with Caelan has a lot more going on beneath the surface than a standard mentor dynamic, and I really liked the contrast between his personality and Caelan’s. The supporting cast in general made the world feel bigger, especially once the politics, the Council, the Zodiacs, and the history surrounding magic started connecting.
The later parts of the book were where everything really came together for me. The stakes become much larger, but the story still ties them back to Caelan and what his power actually means. The progression toward 98% Saturation made the title increasingly meaningful, and the confrontation with Virgo was one of the moments where the magic system really paid off.
This isn’t a romance with fantasy happening in the background. It’s very much a fantasy story first, with political conflict, dangerous magic, different magical peoples, friendships, family, and romance all woven into it. There are also plenty of lighter character moments that keep it from feeling relentlessly heavy.
As a first book in a series, it definitely leaves me with questions about the larger history of the world and what Caelan’s abilities are going to mean going forward. I’m especially interested in seeing where the Zodiacs, Aren, Lyra, and the consequences of the ending go in the next book.
Definitely looking forward to Book Two.
One of the strongest parts of the book for me was the magic system. Saturation gives magic an actual measurable scale, which made the differences in power between characters feel much more tangible. I especially liked how the story gradually shows that having more power doesn’t automatically make someone better or more deserving of it. There’s a lot of emphasis on restraint, control, and what someone chooses to do with the power they have.
Caelan was also a really interesting protagonist. Having a human prince with magic in a world where that alone carries political and racial consequences immediately gives him more to deal with than simply learning how to become stronger. His position puts him in the middle of tensions between humans and the magical races, and I liked seeing the story explore what his existence means to people who don’t believe humans should possess magic at all.
I also really enjoyed Lyra and Caelan together. Their relationship develops alongside the larger story instead of replacing it. Lyra has her own personality and purpose, and their quieter scenes gave the book some needed warmth between the more dangerous moments. The banter throughout the book was another highlight for me because the characters actually felt comfortable joking with each other even when everything around them was becoming increasingly serious.
Aren was probably one of the characters I found myself most interested in. His relationship with Caelan has a lot more going on beneath the surface than a standard mentor dynamic, and I really liked the contrast between his personality and Caelan’s. The supporting cast in general made the world feel bigger, especially once the politics, the Council, the Zodiacs, and the history surrounding magic started connecting.
The later parts of the book were where everything really came together for me. The stakes become much larger, but the story still ties them back to Caelan and what his power actually means. The progression toward 98% Saturation made the title increasingly meaningful, and the confrontation with Virgo was one of the moments where the magic system really paid off.
This isn’t a romance with fantasy happening in the background. It’s very much a fantasy story first, with political conflict, dangerous magic, different magical peoples, friendships, family, and romance all woven into it. There are also plenty of lighter character moments that keep it from feeling relentlessly heavy.
As a first book in a series, it definitely leaves me with questions about the larger history of the world and what Caelan’s abilities are going to mean going forward. I’m especially interested in seeing where the Zodiacs, Aren, Lyra, and the consequences of the ending go in the next book.
Definitely looking forward to Book Two.
October 10, 2026
✨✨✨✨
A very solid debut fantasy that was such a fun, quick read! ✨
If you’re looking for a fantasy book you can finish in one sitting or even in a day, this is definitely one to pick up. With humans, fae, elves, a unique magic system, and a cast of memorable characters, there’s plenty to enjoy without feeling like you’re settling in for a huge commitment.
One of my favorite things about this book was the **banter and humor!** Caelan and Aren’s witty back-and-forth had me cracking up throughout the story. 😂 Their interactions brought so much personality to the book, and I loved how the humor balanced out the fantasy elements.
I’m also a sucker for a good family dynamic and found family, and this book delivered on both! There’s something so special about watching characters build connections, find their people, and become fiercely protective of one another. Those relationships added a lot of heart to the story.
And then there’s Lyra! ❤️ I absolutely loved her character. She’s headstrong, capable, and unafraid to fight for the people she cares about. The fact that she’s also a healer makes her even more compelling. I love a female character who can kick butt, protect those around her, and still lead with compassion.
Overall, The Ninety-Eighth was an entertaining, fast-paced fantasy with a unique magic system, lovable characters, plenty of witty banter, and found family feels. For a debut novel, this was a very solid start, and I’m excited to see how Ali Rahman’s writing and world continue to develop!
If you love character-driven fantasy with humor, heart, and a story that’s easy to fly through, this one is worth adding to your TBR! 📚✨
Favorite quotes
"You always leave when you decide your suffering is more important than everyone else's."
"You finally understand that power does not make every problem yours."
"People don't become someone else. They become more responsible for who they already are."
“Good. Anger makes you decisive.” “It also makes me homicidal.” “We’ll work on that tomorrow.”
A very solid debut fantasy that was such a fun, quick read! ✨
If you’re looking for a fantasy book you can finish in one sitting or even in a day, this is definitely one to pick up. With humans, fae, elves, a unique magic system, and a cast of memorable characters, there’s plenty to enjoy without feeling like you’re settling in for a huge commitment.
One of my favorite things about this book was the **banter and humor!** Caelan and Aren’s witty back-and-forth had me cracking up throughout the story. 😂 Their interactions brought so much personality to the book, and I loved how the humor balanced out the fantasy elements.
I’m also a sucker for a good family dynamic and found family, and this book delivered on both! There’s something so special about watching characters build connections, find their people, and become fiercely protective of one another. Those relationships added a lot of heart to the story.
And then there’s Lyra! ❤️ I absolutely loved her character. She’s headstrong, capable, and unafraid to fight for the people she cares about. The fact that she’s also a healer makes her even more compelling. I love a female character who can kick butt, protect those around her, and still lead with compassion.
Overall, The Ninety-Eighth was an entertaining, fast-paced fantasy with a unique magic system, lovable characters, plenty of witty banter, and found family feels. For a debut novel, this was a very solid start, and I’m excited to see how Ali Rahman’s writing and world continue to develop!
If you love character-driven fantasy with humor, heart, and a story that’s easy to fly through, this one is worth adding to your TBR! 📚✨
Favorite quotes
"You always leave when you decide your suffering is more important than everyone else's."
"You finally understand that power does not make every problem yours."
"People don't become someone else. They become more responsible for who they already are."
“Good. Anger makes you decisive.” “It also makes me homicidal.” “We’ll work on that tomorrow.”
October 5, 2026
Ninety- eighth was unlike anything I’ve read before, especially when it came to the magic system. I was fascinated by the concept Caelan gaining more power while also having to deal with the consequences of becoming increasingly powerful.
But what really sold me was Caelan himself.
As his power grows, so does he. He learns to trust the people around him. He learns that being the most powerful person in the room doesn’t mean you always know what’s best. And most importantly, he learns to accept being told no.
By the halfway point, I was FULLY invested because I needed to understand what was happening as his numbers continued to increase. And when Caelan finally reached his ultimate power threshold? That’s when this story really hit for me.
Because underneath all that power, Caelan remained human.
He’s compassionate. He cares deeply about humans. He loves Lyra. And even when he has the ability to make almost any choice he wants, we watch him wrestle with the difference between what he can do and what he should do especially when someone like Virgo, who exists on his level, sees things differently.
I also loved Lyra. Even when she was afraid and worried about what Caelan was becoming, she stayed beside him every step of the way.
And Caelan’s parents? 👏🏾 I loved watching them guide him. Despite being rulers themselves, they taught him that leadership sometimes means making incredibly difficult decisions. As Caelan became more powerful, we actually got to watch him learn from those lessons and make better choices.
* Unique magic system
* Powerful but compassionate MMC
* Love, loyalty & family
* Moral dilemmas surrounding power
* A story that had me questioning what Caelan would become
This one was such a pleasant surprise. If you’re looking for a fantasy that explores what happens when someone gains unimaginable power but refuses to lose their humanity, add Ninety-eighth to your TBR.
Definitely recommend.
But what really sold me was Caelan himself.
As his power grows, so does he. He learns to trust the people around him. He learns that being the most powerful person in the room doesn’t mean you always know what’s best. And most importantly, he learns to accept being told no.
By the halfway point, I was FULLY invested because I needed to understand what was happening as his numbers continued to increase. And when Caelan finally reached his ultimate power threshold? That’s when this story really hit for me.
Because underneath all that power, Caelan remained human.
He’s compassionate. He cares deeply about humans. He loves Lyra. And even when he has the ability to make almost any choice he wants, we watch him wrestle with the difference between what he can do and what he should do especially when someone like Virgo, who exists on his level, sees things differently.
I also loved Lyra. Even when she was afraid and worried about what Caelan was becoming, she stayed beside him every step of the way.
And Caelan’s parents? 👏🏾 I loved watching them guide him. Despite being rulers themselves, they taught him that leadership sometimes means making incredibly difficult decisions. As Caelan became more powerful, we actually got to watch him learn from those lessons and make better choices.
* Unique magic system
* Powerful but compassionate MMC
* Love, loyalty & family
* Moral dilemmas surrounding power
* A story that had me questioning what Caelan would become
This one was such a pleasant surprise. If you’re looking for a fantasy that explores what happens when someone gains unimaginable power but refuses to lose their humanity, add Ninety-eighth to your TBR.
Definitely recommend.
September 12, 2026
The Ninety-Eighth has one of those fantasy concepts that becomes more interesting the further you get into it. The Saturation system initially feels like a straightforward way of measuring magical ability, but the story gradually turns it into something much bigger—power isn’t only about how much magic someone can hold, but what they choose to do with it.
Caelan was the strongest part of the book for me. He isn’t compelling because he’s simply more powerful than everyone around him. His restraint, his relationships, and the expectations placed on him give his abilities actual weight. The political tension between humans and the magical races also makes the world feel like it existed before the story began rather than being built solely around the protagonist.
I especially enjoyed the contrast between the larger mythology surrounding the Zodiacs and the more personal character moments. The banter keeps the story from becoming overly serious, while the quieter scenes make the characters feel like people rather than pieces moving through the plot.
What surprised me most was how many details that initially seemed incidental started to feel significant later. There is clearly a larger mythology underneath what is revealed in this first book, particularly around Saturation, the Zodiacs, and the history of magic itself.
A strong start to a fantasy series, and the ending left me genuinely curious about how much of what we think we understand about this world is actually true.
Caelan was the strongest part of the book for me. He isn’t compelling because he’s simply more powerful than everyone around him. His restraint, his relationships, and the expectations placed on him give his abilities actual weight. The political tension between humans and the magical races also makes the world feel like it existed before the story began rather than being built solely around the protagonist.
I especially enjoyed the contrast between the larger mythology surrounding the Zodiacs and the more personal character moments. The banter keeps the story from becoming overly serious, while the quieter scenes make the characters feel like people rather than pieces moving through the plot.
What surprised me most was how many details that initially seemed incidental started to feel significant later. There is clearly a larger mythology underneath what is revealed in this first book, particularly around Saturation, the Zodiacs, and the history of magic itself.
A strong start to a fantasy series, and the ending left me genuinely curious about how much of what we think we understand about this world is actually true.
October 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The world the author created was so unique and creative, and I loved getting lost in it. There were so many details and unexpected moments that kept me wanting to see what would happen next.
One of my favorite things was the connection to the zodiac. I thought that was such a creative addition to the worldbuilding, and it made the story feel different from anything I’ve read recently. I’m definitely curious to see where the author could take that concept next.
The characters were another highlight for me. There were so many moments that had me intrigued and left me wondering what was going to happen next. 😂 And we have to talk about all the slapping! I swear, I lost count. 🤣 Every time I thought, surely there can’t be another slap, there was another one! It honestly became one of the funniest recurring things in the book.
Overall, I loved the creativity, the world, the characters, and all the twists and unexpected moments. It was such a fun read, and by the end I was definitely left wanting more of this world. I’m really hoping there’s more to come because I’m not ready to leave it behind yet!
One of my favorite things was the connection to the zodiac. I thought that was such a creative addition to the worldbuilding, and it made the story feel different from anything I’ve read recently. I’m definitely curious to see where the author could take that concept next.
The characters were another highlight for me. There were so many moments that had me intrigued and left me wondering what was going to happen next. 😂 And we have to talk about all the slapping! I swear, I lost count. 🤣 Every time I thought, surely there can’t be another slap, there was another one! It honestly became one of the funniest recurring things in the book.
Overall, I loved the creativity, the world, the characters, and all the twists and unexpected moments. It was such a fun read, and by the end I was definitely left wanting more of this world. I’m really hoping there’s more to come because I’m not ready to leave it behind yet!
October 6, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed The Ninety-Eighth. I’m pretty stingy with five-star ratings, so a 4.5 from me means a lot. What surprised me most was how invested I became in the characters. Caelan and Lyra were easily a highlight, but Aren ended up being one of the characters I found myself wanting more of every time he appeared.
The Saturation system was probably my favorite part of the worldbuilding. Having magic measured by a percentage sounds simple at first, but the story keeps adding weight to what those numbers actually mean, especially as Caelan gets closer to 98%. I also liked that having more power wasn’t automatically treated as a good thing. There’s a lot here about restraint and what someone chooses to do when they have the ability to hurt people.
There were a few places where I wanted the story to slow down and spend more time with certain characters, which is mainly what kept it from a full five stars for me. But by the final stretch, I was completely invested.
Definitely interested in seeing where the series goes next.
I really enjoyed The Ninety-Eighth. I’m pretty stingy with five-star ratings, so a 4.5 from me means a lot. What surprised me most was how invested I became in the characters. Caelan and Lyra were easily a highlight, but Aren ended up being one of the characters I found myself wanting more of every time he appeared.
The Saturation system was probably my favorite part of the worldbuilding. Having magic measured by a percentage sounds simple at first, but the story keeps adding weight to what those numbers actually mean, especially as Caelan gets closer to 98%. I also liked that having more power wasn’t automatically treated as a good thing. There’s a lot here about restraint and what someone chooses to do when they have the ability to hurt people.
There were a few places where I wanted the story to slow down and spend more time with certain characters, which is mainly what kept it from a full five stars for me. But by the final stretch, I was completely invested.
Definitely interested in seeing where the series goes next.
October 26, 2026
I really enjoyed The Ninety-Eighth. The magic system was probably my favorite part because it actually has rules and consequences, and the idea of Magical Saturation made the power progression feel different from a lot of fantasy books I’ve read.
Caelan was also easy to root for. I liked that the story wasn’t just about him becoming more powerful—it was about what he chooses to do with that power. The relationships and banter kept the heavier parts of the story from feeling too serious, and the mystery surrounding the Pact and the Zodiacs kept me wanting to know more.
The ending especially made me curious about where the series is going next. Definitely worth reading if you like fantasy with structured magic, political tension, mystery, and a main character who has a lot more going on than he realizes.
Caelan was also easy to root for. I liked that the story wasn’t just about him becoming more powerful—it was about what he chooses to do with that power. The relationships and banter kept the heavier parts of the story from feeling too serious, and the mystery surrounding the Pact and the Zodiacs kept me wanting to know more.
The ending especially made me curious about where the series is going next. Definitely worth reading if you like fantasy with structured magic, political tension, mystery, and a main character who has a lot more going on than he realizes.
October 24, 2026
I absolutely loved the world-building and how the author incorporated the zodiacs. It felt so different from anything I’ve read before. If you love banter, this book definitely delivers! The friendship dynamic between the MMC, Prince Caelen, and his trainer/friend, Aren, was absolute perfection. Aren stole the show and quickly turned into my favorite character. The loyalty he shows toward Caelen really reminded me of Chaol in TOG, which I loved. It’s going to be so interesting to see how the story progresses in the next book.
My only real critique is that there were instances where it wasn’t totally clear who was speaking during dialogue. But all in all, it was a great book and I recommend it!
My only real critique is that there were instances where it wasn’t totally clear who was speaking during dialogue. But all in all, it was a great book and I recommend it!
October 12, 2026
I didn’t expect to get this attached to these characters, but here we are. 😭 There’s something really special about this story. The magic and world pulled me in, but it was the friendships, little moments of humor, and the way the characters genuinely care for each other that made me love it.
Caelan has my whole heart. Watching him try to figure out who he is while carrying the weight of what everyone expects him to be hit harder than I expected.
I laughed, I stressed, I got emotional, and now I’m mad I have to wait for book two. 😂 Absolutely worth the read.
Caelan has my whole heart. Watching him try to figure out who he is while carrying the weight of what everyone expects him to be hit harder than I expected.
I laughed, I stressed, I got emotional, and now I’m mad I have to wait for book two. 😂 Absolutely worth the read.
October 5, 2026
What a wonderfully refreshing book! The magic system, introduction of the higher powers, and the active growth of the main character is done very well. Seeing how Caelen begins, how he grows as a person, and leans on those around him (looking at one of my favs Aren) without compromising his strong determination is exhilarating. There are some characters I still don’t fully see their purpose, but I am excited to find out more. I for one cannot wait to see how this story progresses!
October 10, 2026
What a fun read!
With every story there is always more than one side. The Ninety-Eight explores how something unusual isn't always a bad thing. By testing the strengths of family, loyalty, and integrity of the characters you can see how a Fantasy novel about magic is really rooted in the human experience.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between characters because they felt like actual conversations you'd have with people you were close to.
With every story there is always more than one side. The Ninety-Eight explores how something unusual isn't always a bad thing. By testing the strengths of family, loyalty, and integrity of the characters you can see how a Fantasy novel about magic is really rooted in the human experience.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between characters because they felt like actual conversations you'd have with people you were close to.
November 6, 2026
Ali you are a Genius!
The world building, the character development! Everything about this book is just incredible. I connected to the characters so much and the way my mind envisioned the characters by the way they were described it completely blew my mind. I cried, I stressed out, it gave me all the feels! I can completely say that it felt like reading Throne of Glass. I can’t wait for book 2!!
The world building, the character development! Everything about this book is just incredible. I connected to the characters so much and the way my mind envisioned the characters by the way they were described it completely blew my mind. I cried, I stressed out, it gave me all the feels! I can completely say that it felt like reading Throne of Glass. I can’t wait for book 2!!
October 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I did not expect it to be such an epic fantasy with such high stakes magic. The way the author set up such world building was fabulous. The banter between the characters gave it warmth throughout the heavier parts of the book. The love story in the book was absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a unique magic system like no other definitely give this a read.
September 28, 2026
Worth a read!
I really enjoyed this book! I am normally a hard core romantasy reader but this book was such a nice change. I really enjoyed the story line along with the characters personalities. I absolutely loved that zodiacs are part of the story as I love astrology. I only struggled with the characters speaking points in larger groups where they were speaking it was hard to determine who said what at times but other than that such a good story. I look forward to seeing and hearing about book 2!
I really enjoyed this book! I am normally a hard core romantasy reader but this book was such a nice change. I really enjoyed the story line along with the characters personalities. I absolutely loved that zodiacs are part of the story as I love astrology. I only struggled with the characters speaking points in larger groups where they were speaking it was hard to determine who said what at times but other than that such a good story. I look forward to seeing and hearing about book 2!
October 1, 2026
I genuinely loved The Ninety-Eighth. The magic and worldbuilding pulled me in, but it was the characters that made me care. Caelan’s journey is about learning restraint, finding where he belongs, and protecting the people he loves. His relationships with Lyra and Aren gave the story so much heart, and I loved how the quieter, funny moments balanced the bigger fantasy scenes. By the end, I genuinely cared about these characters and wanted more.
October 20, 2026
This debut fantasy novel was fantastic! As someone who struggles with convoluted world building, I loved how easy it was to follow the world he created. The writing is so poetic, captivating, and descriptive. I was so invested in the characters!
November 7, 2026
The Ninety-Eight was such a great book! The plot is completely different from everything i have read before and the bantes was so fun to read! I enjoyed every minute of it its definitely a must read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews