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Sage Saga #1
The Last of the Sages
In the kingdom of Allay, Sages are born.
Powerful warriors with supernatural abilities that would rival the strength of whole armies. And there is an academy that trains such warriors in sword and sorcery, forging them out of young, ordinary students. Few survive, but if there is any hope for this now desolate kingdom, the tests must be given to all that enter its walls.
One such student is James, a self-proclaimed slacker that has just been forced into the academy by his father. And if he plans to see another day, he will have to weather through four lessons in life: determination, maturity, trust, and love...
Powerful warriors with supernatural abilities that would rival the strength of whole armies. And there is an academy that trains such warriors in sword and sorcery, forging them out of young, ordinary students. Few survive, but if there is any hope for this now desolate kingdom, the tests must be given to all that enter its walls.
One such student is James, a self-proclaimed slacker that has just been forced into the academy by his father. And if he plans to see another day, he will have to weather through four lessons in life: determination, maturity, trust, and love...
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2012
285 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Julius St. Clair
118 books31 followersI'm just a normal guy trying to make a living and supporting my family with what i love doing most: writing.
I'm always interested in meeting new people and if you would like to talk, you can contact me at the e-mail address: juliusstclair@yahoo.com.
I'm always interested in meeting new people and if you would like to talk, you can contact me at the e-mail address: juliusstclair@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 27, 2023
This book was fun to read. The story was interesting with some very original elements, but it's a bit poorly written.
For example, the world-building. This book's events happen in a "kingdom" that consists of one village, a castle, and an academy and is surrounded by enemy kingdoms. How they get anything but basic produce is not explained.
This book was giving me anime/manga vibes. Despite the quality of the writing and that a lot of things were not making sense, I am still interested in where this story is going.
For example, the world-building. This book's events happen in a "kingdom" that consists of one village, a castle, and an academy and is surrounded by enemy kingdoms. How they get anything but basic produce is not explained.
This book was giving me anime/manga vibes. Despite the quality of the writing and that a lot of things were not making sense, I am still interested in where this story is going.
March 17, 2015
The Last Of The Sages was a pleasant surprise. I got the book for free and I really didn't have any expectations for it even though the cover and title seemed cool.
So as the description mentioned the main character James is a major layabout and because of that his father signed him up for the Academy. Unfortunately the Academy's reputation is that everyone who enlists dies shortly thereafter. The exchange between James and his father in the first chapter is good, but the rest of the chapter which revolves around James and his friends is largely pointless.
When James arrives at the academy he almost immediately takes a 180 personality wise which was a bit annoying. This major slacker gets massive ambition, drive, and interest to learn. Almost instantly after learning about Sage's, the elite warriors of the Kingdom, he decides he's going to be one and does everything he can to qualify to train as one. Once I got past the inconsistencies of his personality the story really got interesting.
Much of the rest of the book revolves around his new life particularly interacting with his other students and training. Also note for manga fans, I got a strong vibe of Naruto in the character James and Kakashi in Arimus. A particular test seemed quite similar to the Chunnin exams second stage in the Forest of Death in the Naruto manga. There were also some portions reminiscent of the manga Bleach .
I don't want to spoil any details, but it was a fun read. Some additional editing could've made this into a four or possibly even a five star for me.
So as the description mentioned the main character James is a major layabout and because of that his father signed him up for the Academy. Unfortunately the Academy's reputation is that everyone who enlists dies shortly thereafter. The exchange between James and his father in the first chapter is good, but the rest of the chapter which revolves around James and his friends is largely pointless.
When James arrives at the academy he almost immediately takes a 180 personality wise which was a bit annoying. This major slacker gets massive ambition, drive, and interest to learn. Almost instantly after learning about Sage's, the elite warriors of the Kingdom, he decides he's going to be one and does everything he can to qualify to train as one. Once I got past the inconsistencies of his personality the story really got interesting.
Much of the rest of the book revolves around his new life particularly interacting with his other students and training. Also note for manga fans, I got a strong vibe of Naruto in the character James and Kakashi in Arimus. A particular test seemed quite similar to the Chunnin exams second stage in the Forest of Death in the Naruto manga. There were also some portions reminiscent of the manga Bleach .
I don't want to spoil any details, but it was a fun read. Some additional editing could've made this into a four or possibly even a five star for me.
July 7, 2014
I would actually have given that book 3.5 stars out of 5 but not 4.
It is a book that is very easy to read and quite enjoyable. I didn't like the first few pages though but once the hero actually gets to the academy, the book is getting better. I will definitely read the other books of the cycle.
It is a book that is very easy to read and quite enjoyable. I didn't like the first few pages though but once the hero actually gets to the academy, the book is getting better. I will definitely read the other books of the cycle.
November 4, 2017
Cannot rightly say that I enjoyed this book at all, in fact I almost stopped reading it many times but I thought I would give it a fair chance till the end. I found the Character James really childish and so silly as the hero of the book! He is selfish, self-centred, lazy and a day dreamer apart from asking continuously such inane questions which were driving me up the wall! Also first James laughs at Catherine and calls passes all kinds of disparaging remarks about her, then suddenly decides he might really have feelings for her! On top of that when the guys started to discuss believing in the maker the book took a real downward spiral for me. The idea of a soul turning externally into a very sharp sword, an eidolon is original i guess and the characters Achan and Arimus where great but that is the best i can say of the book and i will definitely not be reading the rest of the series!!
October 4, 2018
An uninspiring hero
I have to admit this story never really yelled for me.
James - the “hero” seemed always be complaining and thinking mostly of himself. He is pretty much a failure and even contemplates his death many times during the story. Always wanting to be the star - but never seems to have the mind set of one.
As far as world building - I never really got a clear picture of this world. Since this area of the story is so flimsy - I never really cared about the characters or the fate of this kingdom.
I have to admit this story never really yelled for me.
James - the “hero” seemed always be complaining and thinking mostly of himself. He is pretty much a failure and even contemplates his death many times during the story. Always wanting to be the star - but never seems to have the mind set of one.
As far as world building - I never really got a clear picture of this world. Since this area of the story is so flimsy - I never really cared about the characters or the fate of this kingdom.
September 4, 2023
Help me read more books
No dragons, but still a fairly decent story surprisingly enough. There's not a whole lot of action in this one, though there is certainly enough to keep the story moving along, and even a bit of betrayal thrown in there to be sure, but even with that, the story is still done well enough to hold the attention, and make me want to read more in the series. I'll be reading more of this series for sure.
No dragons, but still a fairly decent story surprisingly enough. There's not a whole lot of action in this one, though there is certainly enough to keep the story moving along, and even a bit of betrayal thrown in there to be sure, but even with that, the story is still done well enough to hold the attention, and make me want to read more in the series. I'll be reading more of this series for sure.
October 30, 2021
Eh... nah. This just didn't work for me on any level. Flimsy worldbuilding, flat and obnoxious characters, a story that didn't grab me, and a protagonist who appears to have precisely two modes: sulky teenage idiot and annoying cocky bastard. This one goes into the category "couldn't wait to get it over with".
September 15, 2022
I found the start slow and fast at the same time. I found that the explanations necessary yet tedious. I found the characters interesting and yet the battles interesting to read about. However all of it was made up by the ending. This gave this book more of a set up for what was to come rather than a compete book.
July 19, 2017
Lies
Just playing with their toys... that's how a lot of life skills get learned.
Fast moving interesting book with a mid-evil flavor. Loved the clueless hero and the hidden princess.
Just playing with their toys... that's how a lot of life skills get learned.
Fast moving interesting book with a mid-evil flavor. Loved the clueless hero and the hidden princess.
January 19, 2019
Interesting read. Loved the character of James and Arimus the most. I am hooked and have decided to read all twelve books. Though, at some places, I feel like the writer is trying to impose the current society's thought process on a completely different society.
June 11, 2017
In a land filled with sages, this becomes their story. Interesting introduction.
July 26, 2017
A Great Read
This book was well written and the characters were put together well. The ending was not disappointing and I look forward to the next book.
This book was well written and the characters were put together well. The ending was not disappointing and I look forward to the next book.
September 17, 2017
It was ok
It was just ok. I am glad I did not have to pay for the book
I would not recommend
It was just ok. I am glad I did not have to pay for the book
I would not recommend
October 12, 2017
At the beginning of the story i really didn't like the main character but by the end that was starting to change. Isn't that what a good story does?
November 16, 2021
Intriguing, coming of age journey
A mystery full of mental challenges. Strong characters having their fortitude tested daily. Definitely a page turner with a touch of romance.
A mystery full of mental challenges. Strong characters having their fortitude tested daily. Definitely a page turner with a touch of romance.
April 28, 2024
It was ok.
April 13, 2014
The story in The Last of the Sages is very good and what kept me engaged in this book.
But the writing implies a lack of experience. This author could use a good editor. There was lots of head-hopping, and one place where he switched from close third person to first person for a paragraph. So in this respect, it was a little jarring to read.
However, as I said, the story was very good, which kept me reading, and I've just bought the 2nd of this series.
My hope is that the author will improve his writing to be on par with his storylines.
But the writing implies a lack of experience. This author could use a good editor. There was lots of head-hopping, and one place where he switched from close third person to first person for a paragraph. So in this respect, it was a little jarring to read.
However, as I said, the story was very good, which kept me reading, and I've just bought the 2nd of this series.
My hope is that the author will improve his writing to be on par with his storylines.
December 28, 2013
I thought the story was a great idea, and persevered through all three books. I must admit I didn't read it all, it was too wordy, too much telling and not enough showing.
The characters felt very false at times and were not consistent. There were confusing moments.
But with a little tweaking and lots of editing this would make a fine read.
The characters felt very false at times and were not consistent. There were confusing moments.
But with a little tweaking and lots of editing this would make a fine read.
August 1, 2015
Good characters. A bit slow. Took awhile to get in to reading, don't know if I will read more of the series.
Good Story ,
Good Story ,
November 24, 2016
What's missing here?
The rest of the series! That's what! I really liked this storyline, but I went to buy the next one, plus other works by this author. Mr St. Claire....please release more of your books!
The rest of the series! That's what! I really liked this storyline, but I went to buy the next one, plus other works by this author. Mr St. Claire....please release more of your books!
February 3, 2014
Nothing about this rings true, plus it comes with a heavy dose of religious allegory.
October 31, 2014
Really interesting world - lots of moral ambiguity, great characters.
February 14, 2015
The Last of the Sages
This book is written for teenagers with minimal in depth exploration of characters and plot. Good for teens not me.
This book is written for teenagers with minimal in depth exploration of characters and plot. Good for teens not me.
July 25, 2015
Good read
The last of the sages is an inventive story classic fantasy and a new twist just add a new and more for fantasy world
The last of the sages is an inventive story classic fantasy and a new twist just add a new and more for fantasy world
Read
December 7, 2017The Last of The Sages is a book by Julius St. Clair that shows a good and funny way to portray a message. The book is about a guy named James that still lives with his dad and so utterly lazy. James doesn’t help out with any chores or helps out around the farm. One day his dad had enough of him and sent him the academy. Everyone in town knows that when you go to the academy you usually don’t come back. James is forced to leave the town he grew up in and his friends to go to this academy. At the academy James makes some new friends and some enemies. I liked this book for the amount of the action. It’s good because it can be funny or cheesy but it could also get serious. The book has some really good characters that are quite diverse. The book has a good story line that doesn’t feel like it is sloppily patched together. James being a lazy character has a lot of opportunities to change. Throughout the book James completely changes who he is by going through the academy. At first he was a bit of a arrogant snob who nobody really liked even by his friends. Towards the end he is respected and through the academy he was also quite humbled. He went through a lot through this academy but going through this made him a much more likable person. This shows a kind of life lesson on that anyone can be anything. At first his father had no hope for his son James. After he went through the academy he was liked by the town. This shows the amount of commitment that James underwent. Everyone in town was a bit surprised by the way James changed. The book show how people can change kind of like when James did. It showed a life lesson that anyone can change from being a despicable snob to a well respected person.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews