Burden's Edge

Fury of a Rising Dragon #1

by Sever Bronny

When a young man chooses a forbidden calling, he must prove his worth . . . or watch his kingdom fall.Sixteen-year-old Augum Stone is a warlock prodigy suffocating under the weight of expectations. Students idolize him. Nobles plot to exploit him. Commoners think he’s a miracle-maker. And with invasion looming, his already war-weakened kingdom expects him to be its champion.But Augum doesn’t want to be a pawn in someone else’s game. He'll forge his own that of the Arcaner—not a warlock or a knight, but a lethal combination of both. Legend says Arcaners once had the power to summon dragons. If true, it could change everything.Resurrecting the Arcaner path comes with consequences, however. Scandal. Malice. Treachery. And a harrowing test of character.He must survive.He must prove he’s worthy of an ancient path.And he must save the kingdom . . . before it’s too late.* * *Sever Bronny is the Amazon bestselling author of the epic coming of age series The Arinthian Line, Fury of a Rising Dragon, and Chronicles of Anna Atticus Stone.Suitable reader 10 to retiree Young adult fantasy, sword and sorcery, coming of age, fantasy, action and adventure, epic, mystery.Explicit Mild Mild to mediumBurden's Edge paperback page 410

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Dragons, High Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Epic Fantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2017

About the author

Sever Bronny has been a full-time fantasy author since 2015. He publishes one book a year and has three internationally bestselling fantasy series' to his name: The Arinthian Line, Fury of a Rising Dragon, and Chronicles of Anna Atticus Stone.

Prior to becoming an author, he released three albums with his industrial-rock music project Tribal Machine, including the full-length concept album The Orwellian Night. One of his songs can be heard in the feature-length film The Gene Generation.

Sever lives in British Columbia, Canada, with beloved wife, Tansy, and spritely house panther, Miso. Connect with him at his website or the fan-run Discord, where fans can mingle, discuss theories and world lore and spells, duel as arena warlocks, role-play within Bronny's world, get behind-the-scenes photos of the writing, meet the author, and much more.

Reviews

[Sever Bronny]

I wrote Burden's Edge, so I'm not going to rate it. But I will tell you a little bit about what went in to it—besides the coffee and the countless scribbled sticky notes and the plot diagrams, that is. I'm about, oh, fifteen minutes or so prior to hitting the publish button on Amazon, so let's see if I can distill eight months of work into these fifteen minutes.

I've been a full time author for just over two years now, having published 847,000 words spread over five books in The Arinthian Line series. Burden's Edge clocked in at 145,000 words, which is about 410 paperback pages at font size 9, with the margins maxed.

But these are just numbers in a void.
A frame of reference.
Context.
What they don't show, is time.

One of the most amazing things to me has always been that I can spend six to ten months on a book and readers blow through it in a few nights. That's always messed with me. That's eight months of my life, man. Gone, just like that.

And it's been messing with me in another aspect too: I can't write all their stories. The characters's, I mean. But I've been asked to. People had a lot of beloved characters in The Arinthian Line series. But not all of their stories can be told. And that's because, again, of time.

I suppose a part of this book was my attempt at capturing the finite nature of these moments, these lives. But then, it's interesting that these moments and lives can be re-lived in the form of a re-read.

Burden's Edge went in a direction I hadn't at all expected. I mean, I had this idea of a renown sixteen-year-old warlock failing at his duties, but I did not anticipate how it would affect him, or those around him. One fateful decision on his (and my) part led to another, and another, until the whole thing turned into a cascade of causality. I sat down with a relatively simple plot, yet as so oft happens, it snowballed into complexity.

Augum, Bridget and Leera and all the other curious characters led me along, willing me to tell their story. And I think I did, at least this portion. Whether that story was any good is up to you to judge. I'm just the author, along for the ride.

But I love writing, I truly do, and I think I'm one of the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this full time. My arena is the keyboard, my antagonist my own imagination. Some battles I win, some I lose.

But what a hell of a war.

It's 12:14 a.m. I failed in keeping it under 15.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting my work.

—Sever

EDIT: During the writing of this series, I was influenced by Rothfuss's Kingkiller series and John Steinbeck's East of Eden. (You'll most see their influence in the medieval politics more so than the action.)

EDIT II: Them damn werds, ah hue hue.

[Ronnie Reagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have DNF'ed this book about 150 pages in. It is possible that some of the problems listed below, are resolved later on in the book. If such resolutions exist, then they have come into play far too late.

Roughly a year before the beginning of this book, three 14-15 year-old kids defeated a powerful necromancer and saved the kingdom.

The only good thing: The magic system and world building sounded very promising.

The bad things:
- The hero trio are all idiots, which isn't bad, because 16 year-old children are idiots, EXCEPT for the fact that the antagonist children are all sociopathic chess masters.
- The protagonist is received as a hero (his two other friends were also received as heroes, but as step-down female heroes) and offered to become the KING.
- The guy decides he doesn't want to be the king, so the people in power raised him to a prince and asked him to choose a new king.
- The guy doesn't want to select a new king, BUT THE KING SELECTION COUNCIL IS MADE UP OF AN EVEN NUMBER OF DELEGATES, SO THEY ARE CONTINUOUSLY DEAD-LOCKED! The book opens with this SIXTEEN YEAR-OLD CHILD (a "man grown" according to this silly nation) standing in front of all the nobles, telling them he's not picking. This alienates the nobles.

**HE IS A PRINCE (highest title in the land due to lack of king), TALENTED WARLOCK, WAR HERO, AND SAVIOR OF THE NATION! AT THIS POINT, EVERYBODY HATES AND BULLIES HIM. EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. EXCEPT FOR SOME FRESHMAN ACADEMY FANGIRL ON PAGE 38 (not actual page)!**

- The protagonist goes to school. Every instructor in that school is an asshole (except for McGonagall, she's still witty, sarcastic, and useful, because she mass teleports the group around).
- The trio of heroes all have a mutual friend/boyfriend WHO IS THE MOST TOXIC PERSON EVER!
- This classic sniveling-nerd-stereotype that works for the school newspaper is out for blood. This is a revenge for all the bullying the toxic friend responsible for. THE NEWSPAPER GUY IS OUT FOR THE PROTAGONIST'S BLOOD, BECAUSE HE FAILED TO STOP THE BULLYING. HE'S NOT OUT FOR TOXIC FRIEND'S BLOOD, JUST HIS OTHER FRIENDS!
- How does newspaper guy decide to take the protagonist down? He decides to publish that the protagonist is hiding SEVEN ULTRA-POWERFUL MAGICAL ARTIFACTS THAT AMPLIFY MAGIC AND MAKE THE USER IMMORTAL.

**THERE IS A DISCIPLINARY HEARING DURING WHICH THE VERISIMILITUDE IS COLLAPSED INTO A BLACK HOLE. THE NERD'S DEFENSE IS THAT HE'S JUST FOLLOWING THE TRUTH AND ASKING QUESTIONS. THE PROTAGONIST NEVER MENTIONS THE FACT THAT THE NERD'S MOTIVES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRUTH!

THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE DETERMINES THAT BECAUSE THE NERD IS PHRASING THE ACCUSATION AS A QUESTION ("Are the three people who have saved all of us hiding artifacts of immense power?") HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUBLISH IT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY SAY THAT, THEY ALL LAUNCH A GESTAPO INVESTIGATION, TREATING THE NERD'S QUESTION LIKE AN ACCUSATION!**

**NOBODY IS AT ALL CONFUSED WHY THE PRINCE OF THE REALM (WHICH IS ON THE CUSP OF ANOTHER WAR), HERO OF THE PEOPLE, AND THE ONLY PERSON WHO WAS OFFERED TO BE THE KING, WOULD HIDE SUCH ARTIFACTS. WHY IN THE HELL WOULDN'T HE JUST USED IT?!**

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speachless. This books is incredible! Focusing more about politics and kingdom building, this book put my favorite trio in an all new adventure. I wish one of my career choices was an Arcaner! I can't wait until the next book!

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read. I might read another in this series.

[Shane Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept but horrible MC

I was excited by the concept, I even liked the fact it started with a complicated back story. However the MC was unbelievable. Imaging a WW2 combat veteran coming back after 4 years of brutal combat and worrying that the university professor is being mean, etc and having no political or propel sense ...just a lot of whining about wanting to do what’s right. Nazi’s move to your town, tell them to be good or they will have to move. Crazy implausible actions drive me crazy. Made it hard to read.

[Mathew Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Beginning

Excellent Beginning to a new series. Can't wait for the next book. What an unexpected ending. I hope to see some exciting development with the trio's new role as Arcaners, and advancement in degrees. All.in fair, love and war. I hoped you're not going too devote too much in this war stuff. I can see the trio searching for truth and justices in the kingdom. Great work, Bronny

[Laura May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest book in Bronny's established world--and the first in a new series. Moreover, I can see some marked improvements since the first series, particularly in terms of structure and pacing. Characterisation of Bridget is much stronger, though I can't stand Leera, who seems like nothing if not a stagnant trope and counter-point.

Very much looking forward to the next book!

4.5 stars.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

70% in and I really want to like this, but the main character is completely inapt and taken by surprise by everything that happens in the book so far. I'm currently looking into what else to read so this might end up being a DNF.

[James Hockley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of Augum, a war hero warlock who returns to his magic Academy. It had a distinct Harry Potter taste to it, but it certainly stands on its own. It is written in a great world and has an intriguing plot, so a good story overall. A couple of minor points to grumble over, but nothing much really. Well worth picking up.

Burden’s Edge is the story of Augum and his companions, and their struggle to obtain a normal life following exceptional pasts. That past is written in an Arcaner series (which I haven’t read and didn’t know existed!), but I got enough of a flavour to follow Burden’s Edge.

Because large chunks of this are located in a magical Academy, there was a distinct Harry Potter feel to it which is pretty cool. But it’s also different enough to stand on its own. However, because Augum is already a bit of a hero, whereas Harry is a celebrity without having done anything (or not knowingly anyway), some of the conflict here is lost. Augum doesn’t really have anything to prove...

But it’s still a great story, and something a bit different. And in fact, some of the world building here is awesome. The whole idea is great, but it is actually the smaller concepts that are nicest - magic that sinks into permanence; the waywards. Really great stuff.

The plot was also pretty good, and flowed fairly well. In fact, this entire book only spans a few days, but it never felt too laboured (perhaps a bit heavyweight in places, but not obstructive.) And with the plotting comes some great twists! I particularly like a scene late in the book where Augum gets hoodwinked, and so do we as readers. That’s a great series of events.

And talking of the ending (no spoilers I promise), the magical fight scenes are really well thought out (see - not giving too much away there!) They’re nicely structured with a realistic edge, and Augum has an advantage over others that’s really well considered - his magical stamina. A pleasure to read.

So, is there anything that’s not so great? Well, I mentioned backstory earlier, and the delivery of that essential back-story is a touch blunt in places. It would have been nice to see it woven better into the fabric of the story, but not a game changer.

The other thing that stuck out a bit was the use of 21st century colloquialism in a world that is pretty medieval. It just felt out of place, and therefore snagged when it cropped up. It would have been easy to do something more in keeping, so just worth a small note.

But these are minor points really. Overall a great story in a well structured fantasy world, and well worth a read. But you might want to try the earlier series first!

[Steven Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to the sequel series for The Arinthian Line seires.

Well this book could be enjoyed without reading the previous series you would be doing yourself a disservice because there is a lot of context, information, and emotional impact that will be greatly missed without it. Unlike the previous series which started out a little awkward in the first quarter of the first book before picking up into a fantastic series this book starts out running. It is told from a third person limited pov just as in the original series. There is plenty of action, humor, some romance and adventure to be had here.

Where the first book series see the trio of friends constantly on the run and learning on the fly this books sets them in a much more complex situation. The antagonist are not as clear neither are they're friends. The one aspect I enjoyed was the subtlety in the antagonist where in the first series wild story was exciting some of the antagonist were quite obvious as they were always in antagonist mode. There's a great deal of intrigued and danger as the heroes step into the roles of responsibility valk dealing with everything that comes from fame and jealousy.

Sever Bronny is any dressing author and one who has improved greatly each book. It does appear as if he's using all his tools they picked up in the first series and smoothly transitioned into this you work. I do believe he is a discovery writer which meant first books in the previous series sometimes had a quick change of directions.that is good in most parts but sometimes a little stability just helps. I do think that he's balanced out is writing between discovery and plotting.

There's not much if the anything really complain about when picking up the story if you read the previous series. I almost begin with this book before luckily finding a brief mention in a review alluding to a previous series. In truth it really just feels as if this is the next part in an overarching series. I do think that if there is one thing that really took away from story is that some of the authors perhaps political views and opinions rose above the story in a way where you can almost see the author looking you. Nonetheless the characters were interesting in those aspects of the story if not a little bit cliche in terms of having seeing the twist to a certain marriage proposal and countless other TV shows and fantasy books. I do not want to give much more information because spoilers LOL.

Lastly the story is appropriate for young adults and feels as if it is written for young adults who enjoy fantasy as well as those who simply enjoy a good coming-of-age story.

[AmesyX · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book....

First, there should be a big warning sentence in the blurb to PLEASE READ THE ARINTHIAN LINE series before reading this book, for those who are like me and weren't familiar with Bronny's work. The reason is that the title fooled me into thinking that the book was first of its series, which rose a hell of a lot of questions as previous series' references were made, by the time I realised by a Goodreads review that there was a whole 5 book series preceding the events of Burden's Edge, I had read too much too bother going back.

NOW the book itself... it's interesting to describe how to feel about it, there is a lot of gloom and darkness, where everything is depressing and going wrong and after several chapters, you kinda lose your will to continue and soldier on.

BUT the last quarter of the book more than makes up for the gloom thus the 4 STARS. The cleverly placed events and outcomes leave you wanting more, which proves that Bronny knows what he is doing. Because beware this series is like crack, the characters are so well built that it hurts when bad things happen to them all the time, and yet you remain glued to the book and at the end, it catches you on a high and you simply need more. Then it turns out that the next page it the authors note, and your hands already start to itch from the sudden loss of Arinthia in your life!

There may be a whole lotta negatives in this review, so this is my chance to clear it up, by saying I will be one of the first people lining up (figuratively) online for the release of the second book, I might even challenge the guy in front of me to a duel to get there faster!

So, in conclusion, READ THE BOOK you will not regret it by the end, I was judging the entire way up until the very end when I realized that I secretly loved it all along!

[Andy Sheehan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Start with Book One

The trouble with a new series starring the cast of your previous series is that some readers might not know there was a previous series at all. I grabbed the audiobook of Burden's Edge after having read a quick blurb, and throughout the whole thing, I kept wondering why the story didn't just start earlier. The backstory was so interesting and developed!

My silly lack of research aside, I nevertheless found the stuffy politics and limited setting a pale shadow of what I imagined the Trio's previous adventures to be. The rich worldbuilding seems a strange fit for a story that essentially takes place at two locations over three days, and the pacing feels bottom-heavy, weighed down by description, with tension only really showing up in the scant battle scenes.

Most of the story's conflict comes not from battling assassins or necromancers, but debt and difficult people. It felt like the paperwork, the long, grating chores and responsibilities of a much grander book. I kept waiting for the fun.

Characters seem well developed, but we're almost beaten over the head with their attributes. Amusing scenes of banter spin forward into interminable strings of the author's darlings until my brain is calling up that timeless Monty Python line, "GET ON WITH IT!"

The social commentary feels heavy-handed, and the world seems conveniently sculpted and inconsistent in these scenes. The religion, for example, is described as quiet and unobtrusive, but hangs homosexuals for existing.

Still, I am intrigued to read the first series now, thought perhaps less so than I would've been if I didn't... know the ending. I suppose you can chalk this up to a marketing failure. So if you're thinking about reading this series, I'd strongly recommend starting with the first.

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book starts after what sounds like a much more interesting series of events and doesn’t do a lot to endear you to the characters or setting. It feels like we’re meant to agree with the protagonist’s friends that he should be more proud of his accomplishments and disregard his jealous detractors but it’s all tell and no show so we have no reason to believe such a thing.

Also the core cast and their dynamics feel kind of cribbed from Harry Potter fanfiction tropes, protag as Harry, love interest Ginny character, a does-the-research Hermione type and the Ron of the group with an inferiority complex who is a dick and betrays them.

It all takes place after the analogue for the defeat of Voldemort who happened to be Protag’s dad here. Also a fair approximation of how Snape is characterized in fanfics if they’re set while the Marauders were students writes an article accusing the Protag of having the combination Deathly Hallows and Sorcerer’s Stone which leads to people literally trying to assassinate the Protag and killing his Hagrid figure but that’s ok because Ron was a bully to Snape and Protag didn’t tell him to stop.

There’s a bunch of BS about a coronation and somebody dickish taking the throne because Protag abdicated and refused to designate a favored successor but I have no reason to care about whether or not the kingdom is overrun by the nebulous and barely mentioned aggressor kingdom. Maybe they’ve got a king who won’t demand that the (we’re told but not shown) hero who saved the kingdom give his love interest’s hand in marriage to the king’s son instead in front of the full audience of the coronation ceremony which just seems dickish and dumb.

Also something something protag believes in dragons despite everyone else thinking they don’t exist

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of Intrigue (minor spoilers)

I’m not a big intrigue person, so I didn’t like this book as much as previous books, but I still really enjoyed it. I also wish danger against developed characters was a little more believable. In the previous series, it started to feel like everyone who lasted long enough to get emotionally invested in became unkillable, and I haven’t seen anything indicating that will change in this new series. Despite my preference for action over intrigue, I quite liked watching the trio put the pieces together later in the book, and I hope to see Augum’s character growth carry over and build up in future books. I’m very much looking forward to the next installment in the series. I’m hoping Augum uses his brain and remembers a certain conversation he had with a certain Dreadnaught inquiring about the presence of certain flying lizards in this age. As far as I’m concerned, his seeming forgetfulness of such a memorable moment is really stretching the bounds of believability right now. Anyhow, I love the trio, so I’ll happily read the next book regardless of my pet peeves. I may tear my hair out if he STILL doesn’t remember such an important detail by the next book, though. Fair warning.

To sum up: Read it. Be ready to laugh, grind your teeth, feel fuzzies, and bang your head against the wall. It’ll be fun. Promise.

[Jenny Schultz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outragous

Im really angry. You are mixing and matching behaviours that have no relationship to each other. Mild behaviour with heinous actions and making it seem probable reasonable. How can any reasonable or fairness exist in a world that is that corrupt. Where any integrity or sense of right or wrong has no voice. Your too far over board with the humiliations and torture while not giving any reality to all those who supposedly worship those three. If the government was so completely unfair and brutal Augum would have had to accept being king rather than let the people again be treated to that level of extreme brutality. Way too many cards stacked against your main character to the point I can't see how you can come up with a future reality that has any value, any good any justice. I enjoyed the earlier books but there is just too much focus on cruelty humiliations torture almost like you like inflicting it. So I'm frustrated at the lack of balance. Aren't these suppose to be kids books. If so they are worse more offensive than most adult books I've read. And I read over 200 a year. I guess I am offended by the level of pain inflicted without offering anything. What is he fighting for, just to not die?

[Henry Eyrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, this book was a let down. I was expecting more from this book after the last series the author wrote was soo good I thought. I just felt that this book did not really have any plot until the 75% mark and that was when things started to pick up. The book didn't seem to be going anywhere. The plotting was just bad. Additionally i did not like how the author made Augum and Leera act like they were not smart when it came to the academy and had to rely on Bridget for the smart one. It just didnt feel right, the author could have done that character development better. and its not fun to read when the main characters are saying that they are not smart when in reality they are very smart but just dont apply themselves in every situation. I did like the duels and the mock battle that took place in this book. really the only up side. I enjoyed reading the fight scenes. but ugh this could have been so much better if the author just focused on the plot a hell of a lot more. hopefully the second book will be a lot better because if it is not i dont see myself continueing the series.

[Karen Bugeja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I read this book exactly after finishing the previous series, however, the author does a good job of summarising what happened so that any reader who decided to start from this series can understand exactly what is happening.

The story feels true and believable, in the sense that it's not the same cliché... managing to escape a problem in the most unlikely of ways... the trio will always face trials, which is the reality of every life. However, they rely on each other to always see things through.

I enjoyed reading about characters who as humans are not inherently bad but are a product of their narrative or situation; where foes can work together and where friends become foes. This helped me to relate more to the characters.

I look forward to read the next book in the series! Thank you :)

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and wonderful book

"OMG" Augum, Leera and Bridget are back in a new series from the Arinthian Line! A little older, a little wiser and tons more training in a most fantastic type of magic I have not read of except in this world. And something the trio is not used to, political intrigue, power struggles and corruption. This is an incredible story, full of magic, training and battles. Love, friendship and betrayal. I was blown away by this powerful and emotional storyline with a diverse and we'll developed cast of characters and the world they live in. Are there any villains? Yes there is but not like you expect! There are twists and turns that I loved every minute of. Now I am so eager for book #2, I can hardly stand it! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I was worn on the review for this book, it was between a 2 and 3. But being 4-5 chapters in the second book I decided a 2 was most appropriate. The concept of the story is really good and I am curious to what happens next! However, the writing just lacks for me, the maturity of the characters lacks for me. Yes I get it they’re 16, but with what they were supposed to have been through you think they would have a level of maturity about them. Instead it feels like the author is trying to make them so different that it feels over the top different! I will be curious where the stories go because at the moment I think it unlikely to show any character development at all! Also the main story is bogged down by way to much useless storyline, the entire school aspect is incredibly boring and feels like a bad teenage drama… The book needs to decided if it’s for children or if it’s young adult!

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Augum has so many things hitting him from so many directions at once. His teenage limitations of forethought have consequences that still aren't fully revealed. But his friendships, honesty, and loyalty are strong and earn him more respect... from me at least.
If you haven't read the previous series, some things may not make complete sense throughout the book. There are many references to past events or characters that, although not necessary to enjoy this story, allow a depth of understanding that heightens everything.
Fantastic follow-up to the Arcane series, Fantastic start to a new spin-off. I can't wait to read more

[Ikpemesi O · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg

This was an amazing read and a wonderful continuation of the previous series. One thing I will say is that I was absolutely livid for 70% of this book. However, everything is so exciting and engaging. I love how much world building we’re getting as our heroes encounter new challenges in friends and new challenges in their situation. I’m getting a little frustrated with our hero because he refuses to commit to things. it makes sense as a young man but it doesn’t make sense as someone who is a champion so I’m hoping that we’re going to see some further growth and that we’re just going to see more character development as he enters into young adulthood. wonderful job author! absolutely amazing work, I’m getting the second book right now!!

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Augum Stone trying to revive the old arcaner chivalric code. He is impeded by Katrina Southgard, who wants to defend her honor and kill him in a duel. Augum wins the duel, leaving Katrina full of hate and is infuriated even more. Meanwhile, the neighboring kingdom of Canterra is threatening to invade. Solia is already weak, can they defend everything going on?



This book is very good, and thats why I rated it a 4 out of 5. It is exciting and is never boring, so it is great for easily bored readers. It is also humerous, leaving room to really feel for the characters.vThis is a great book, and I hope everyone enjoys it.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I keep saying I'll avoid YA, and I failed here. But in my defense, in the sample this read as older. I had hope. But that hope was dashed by typical school stuff, typical teen temper stuff. I didn't much like it when I was a teen, but now it's actively boring.

The writing is fine. The dialogue is not bad. The worldbuilding is okay except for anything about the prince's responsibilities. It's too simplified. Governing a nation is a more than full-time job. He can't also do full coursework, even with the help from...I forget what they're called. The committee of actual adults, which he and the country are apparently not getting.

My suspension of disbelief collapsed. DNF only 8% in.

[Indi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out the next chapter for our three favorite adventures Augum, Leera, and Bridgett. With new obstacle and new friends the trio is out to win the hearts of new readers. I love Sever Bronny's work and this new series is not a let down. Excited to see what new direction this series will take. If you like fantasy and adventure stories, this should be next on your To Be Read pile! And if you want more before book 2 is released, check out the Arinthian Line series which is where the adventure begins!

[Leep_zig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it mostly

I liked the book, however I'd definitely recommend reading the original Arithian Line series before this book as the author doesn't give you hardly any background and you get the sense that something happened that you should already know about. In my opinion the book is a little too action packed and could use a slightly slower build up, but that could be a personal preference. I would buy the book again, but just barely only because 4.00 seems a little steep, but I am excited to have found a new series and I'm in the process of starting the Arithian Line.

[Caylon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!

This series has kept me not only engaged throughout, having read to current with the series in a span of days, but has kept my attention even while away from the book! I found myself looking forward to free time from work just to pick it up and keep following the story of these brave adventurers. It isn't often a series not only catches my attention, but can so thoroughly hold me in its grip throughout. This will be a series to read time and again in the coming years, especially as the story unfolds further.

[Sharri Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect start to a new adventure.

Life as a Prince is just as bad as Augum thought it would be. The trio are finally attending the academy, but it's just not what they expected it to be. Think high school with a bunch of bullying and add a couple of assassin's, and you have the start of a great story. I miss Mrs. Stone, but hopefully we will see her in the next book. You really need to read all of Mr. Bronnys' books. I cannot put them down once I start reading them. It is going to miserable waiting for the next book n the series!

[Susan Mcg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book by accident and decided to start here rather than with Arcane. I love these characters! There is a lot of detail in the books which sometimes you have to wade through, but unlike a lot of other series, the detail matters and makes a difference as the plot unfolds. What I love about the characters is their willingness to learn. They don't try to perfection but they do hold themselves to a standard. I like that. There are also characters you "love to hate" and I am hoping for an epic end to at least one of them!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

I was a little worried about the new series. The origianl arinthian line series was so wonderful and unique. I admit having doubts but boy were those undone quick. The author did the original series a great service by keeping thw story going in his own original way. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Great read and can't wait for more. Easily a top book for me now and looking forward to more. Great story and characters that come to life

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected

This was my first time reading this story. I haven't read any books leading up to this one. I'm about to read the second one and I honestly hope it is written differently than this one. I was very disappointed because this book had so much potential. It was more similar to reading a play than it was to reading a novel. Although I disliked this book, I'm very hopeful that the next one will be better.