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Bastion Academy #1
Foundations
For Jiyong, Bastion Academy is more than just a school for magic in the heart of the Kingdom…
It’s his chance to pursue the secrets of the ancient ones’ machines and get his family out of the poverty-stricken outer-city. His acceptance letter in hand, Jiyong is sure nothing will stand in the way of his dreams.
When a street brawl lands him in a coma only weeks into the year, his chances of graduating are all but shot. With an unlikely digital companion, he’ll have to rebuild his magic core and catch up on all his classes, or risk being dropped from the academy at the end of the year.
But kingdom life is not like the outer-cities, and kingdom kids are far more ruthless about who they’ll allow to climb to the top. Jiyong will have to train hard and fight for every score to make it in this wealthy academy for powerful families, all while supporting his own from afar.
From J.D. Astra, author of Viridian Gate Online: Firebrand, comes a brand-new Cultivation Academy series, bursting at the seams with nanites, martial arts, and LitRPG goodness.
It’s his chance to pursue the secrets of the ancient ones’ machines and get his family out of the poverty-stricken outer-city. His acceptance letter in hand, Jiyong is sure nothing will stand in the way of his dreams.
When a street brawl lands him in a coma only weeks into the year, his chances of graduating are all but shot. With an unlikely digital companion, he’ll have to rebuild his magic core and catch up on all his classes, or risk being dropped from the academy at the end of the year.
But kingdom life is not like the outer-cities, and kingdom kids are far more ruthless about who they’ll allow to climb to the top. Jiyong will have to train hard and fight for every score to make it in this wealthy academy for powerful families, all while supporting his own from afar.
From J.D. Astra, author of Viridian Gate Online: Firebrand, comes a brand-new Cultivation Academy series, bursting at the seams with nanites, martial arts, and LitRPG goodness.
- GenresFantasy
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2020
403 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 17, 2021
Oooohhh... another new author that I like! Astra's writing style is different to other LitRPG authors but I'm totally digging it. I really enjoyed this first book and I can't wait to get into the next one.
September 10, 2025
Foundations follows Jiyong, a determined young man from the poverty-stricken outer-city who earns admission to Bastion Academy—a prestigious school where magic and ancient technology blend. His dreams of uncovering the secrets of the ancients nearly collapse when a brutal street fight leaves him comatose and his magic core depleted. Facing expulsion, he gains the help of an unlikely digital companion and begins rebuilding his strength. Along the way, Jiyong battles prejudice, adapts to his harsh new environment, and discovers that resilience, grit, and intellect may be his greatest weapons. Nanites, martial arts, and mechanical duels bring fresh energy to his journey of survival and ambition.
J.D. Astra’s Foundations is a fast-paced blend of cultivation fantasy, academy drama, and inventive sci-fi touches. Here’s what stood out:
World-building: The fusion of magic with nanotechnology and mechanical combat is highly original and captivating.
Underdog protagonist: Jiyong’s climb against systemic bias and endless setbacks is both inspiring and relatable.
Action & energy: The narrative moves briskly, offering well-described duels, training, and challenges.
That said, a couple of elements might not work for every reader:
Some side characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as foils than fully fleshed people.
The cultivation jargon can be dense for those unfamiliar with the genre.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
January 1, 2021
Fast paced cultivation action
I’ve been on a bit of a cultivation kick lately and this one hit exactly what I was looking for. I’m a big fan of the Cradle series and after reading this book I have a feeling this series will rank right up there with it.
I’ve read Astra’s other series, Firebrand, and I liked that one, but it just seems to me that somewhere between that series and this book they’ve improved their writing skill immensely. Where the action scenes were well described in Firebrand, sometimes they would go on a little too long. In this book the action is crisp and the story flows better than anything else I’ve read by them.
The main character, Jiyong, is a scrapper, but not over powered. I really enjoyed once he was at the academy and worked on his classes and his core. I could read a whole book on that part alone since it was so well done. Actually all of the cultivation parts captured my attention throughout the story.
As far as a critique, really the only thing I can think of was that some of the relationships that were formed and how they played out were a little predicable. That being said, the characters are very well fleshed out and I actually cared about all of them by the end of the book, which doesn’t happen very often for me.
All in all, I feel that this was a great book and is an excellent display of Astra’s growth as an author. I am excited to check out book two when it come later out.
I’ve been on a bit of a cultivation kick lately and this one hit exactly what I was looking for. I’m a big fan of the Cradle series and after reading this book I have a feeling this series will rank right up there with it.
I’ve read Astra’s other series, Firebrand, and I liked that one, but it just seems to me that somewhere between that series and this book they’ve improved their writing skill immensely. Where the action scenes were well described in Firebrand, sometimes they would go on a little too long. In this book the action is crisp and the story flows better than anything else I’ve read by them.
The main character, Jiyong, is a scrapper, but not over powered. I really enjoyed once he was at the academy and worked on his classes and his core. I could read a whole book on that part alone since it was so well done. Actually all of the cultivation parts captured my attention throughout the story.
As far as a critique, really the only thing I can think of was that some of the relationships that were formed and how they played out were a little predicable. That being said, the characters are very well fleshed out and I actually cared about all of them by the end of the book, which doesn’t happen very often for me.
All in all, I feel that this was a great book and is an excellent display of Astra’s growth as an author. I am excited to check out book two when it come later out.
October 5, 2021
This is my first book by this author.
I picked it up because I have a soft spot for magic academy stories, just like I have a soft spot for boot camp marine stories.
Jiyoung is from the outer areas of Busa-nan (Busan in the future, which I only know from the film Train to Busan), where his father has gone missing looking for a cure for his magic-less mother and younger sister. He's mastered one of the five types of magic, but lacks in some of the others.
Jiyoung is inventive and unwilling to fail as a student, but he's also a disobedient brat. Which I suppose is normal for a sixteen year old.
The story proceeds with a mix of classes as Jiyoung follows the most beautiful girl on campus, which angers a certain boy from the inner kingdom. He's also hiding his battle bot (I guess they do that in the future) and a piece from the past that could get him expelled.
It's here where we have problems. As someone from outside the kingdom, you'd think he would do everything he was supposed to avoid being expelled. Life at Bastion Academy as an outer kingdom student is hard enough, but carrying contraband only exacerbates things.
He doesn't. If anything, he doubles down and takes the trouble he gets in to a higher level. He gets in fights with other students, and he fights both his bots and other people to raise the money his sick mother who needs money for healing.
I don't know if this is the author's first book/series, but there are problems. What saves it is the fun I had reading it. It's not a perfect book by any means, but there's enough fun and lightheartedness that I enjoyed it despite it's faults.
Although I do think the author missed a big opportunity when Jiyoung is sent down 50 levels on the ranking chart that will determine who gets to stay for a second year. Showing us a montage of what he has to do to finish in the top twenty would be a lot of fun, but it's glossed over. (And no, I don't think this is a spoiler. It's a given that Jiyoung is going to make it to the second year, the only question is how).
Anyway, if you're okay with imperfect magic academy novels that hit on all the tropes, then you should absolutely read it.
A slightly generous 4/5*
I picked it up because I have a soft spot for magic academy stories, just like I have a soft spot for boot camp marine stories.
Jiyoung is from the outer areas of Busa-nan (Busan in the future, which I only know from the film Train to Busan), where his father has gone missing looking for a cure for his magic-less mother and younger sister. He's mastered one of the five types of magic, but lacks in some of the others.
Jiyoung is inventive and unwilling to fail as a student, but he's also a disobedient brat. Which I suppose is normal for a sixteen year old.
The story proceeds with a mix of classes as Jiyoung follows the most beautiful girl on campus, which angers a certain boy from the inner kingdom. He's also hiding his battle bot (I guess they do that in the future) and a piece from the past that could get him expelled.
It's here where we have problems. As someone from outside the kingdom, you'd think he would do everything he was supposed to avoid being expelled. Life at Bastion Academy as an outer kingdom student is hard enough, but carrying contraband only exacerbates things.
He doesn't. If anything, he doubles down and takes the trouble he gets in to a higher level. He gets in fights with other students, and he fights both his bots and other people to raise the money his sick mother who needs money for healing.
I don't know if this is the author's first book/series, but there are problems. What saves it is the fun I had reading it. It's not a perfect book by any means, but there's enough fun and lightheartedness that I enjoyed it despite it's faults.
Although I do think the author missed a big opportunity when Jiyoung is sent down 50 levels on the ranking chart that will determine who gets to stay for a second year. Showing us a montage of what he has to do to finish in the top twenty would be a lot of fun, but it's glossed over. (And no, I don't think this is a spoiler. It's a given that Jiyoung is going to make it to the second year, the only question is how).
Anyway, if you're okay with imperfect magic academy novels that hit on all the tropes, then you should absolutely read it.
A slightly generous 4/5*
February 9, 2021
A fun story with a nice twist.
There are a reasons that Fantasy/Fiction stories with school/academy settings are popular.
1: It's relatable. We've been there, done that and wished it was a quarter as cool as fiction makes it.
2: We love seeing our MC grow and become stronger/wiser.
3: We all have a hidden side of us that wishes we had friends too. (I'm joking...mostly.)
A futuristic setting that's part medieval and part science fiction. The story doesn't wax whimsy and has a subtle depth to it's characters. There are real problems out there in the world and not all of it is just about social injustices and school yard bullies.
While the story does tend to spread itself with what the MC is focused on, it is a fun and fast ride leaving the reader to wonder what he will do next. The paths this Character can walk are many and I find myself building the story in my head as I think of it. Is love in the air? Will the underground call his name? Is he destined for far off lands? And what of his family? There is so much to consider.
I look forward to what the second book will focus on. I can think of several different aspects of this book that could take on a story of their own. While I don't wish to spoil it, I will tell you that it is a fun book to read and I look forward to reading more.
There are a reasons that Fantasy/Fiction stories with school/academy settings are popular.
1: It's relatable. We've been there, done that and wished it was a quarter as cool as fiction makes it.
2: We love seeing our MC grow and become stronger/wiser.
3: We all have a hidden side of us that wishes we had friends too. (I'm joking...mostly.)
A futuristic setting that's part medieval and part science fiction. The story doesn't wax whimsy and has a subtle depth to it's characters. There are real problems out there in the world and not all of it is just about social injustices and school yard bullies.
While the story does tend to spread itself with what the MC is focused on, it is a fun and fast ride leaving the reader to wonder what he will do next. The paths this Character can walk are many and I find myself building the story in my head as I think of it. Is love in the air? Will the underground call his name? Is he destined for far off lands? And what of his family? There is so much to consider.
I look forward to what the second book will focus on. I can think of several different aspects of this book that could take on a story of their own. While I don't wish to spoil it, I will tell you that it is a fun book to read and I look forward to reading more.
December 29, 2020
This is a cultivation series about Jiyong, a young boy from the poor area of the Kingdom, who is a very good fighter and who aspires to get accepted into Bastion, the best cultivation school in the Kingdom. He attempts the trials and gets accepted. He wants to excel at the academy in order to bring his family out of poverty and give his siblings and his sick mother a chance in life. However the rich students at Bastion are not tolerant of kids like Jiyong and they go out of their way to make his life difficult through bullying. He also gets caught up in a street fight which sends him into a coma, but thanks to his digital companion once back in school he works hard to build up his magical core and catch up with the lessons he has missed. He wants to pursue the secrets of the ancient ones' machines and he would let nothing and no one stand in the way of his ambitions. I loved this book, the first in this new series as I love it when someone who comes from an underprivileged background attempts to make it in life against all odds pitched against them, and this is one such story and I am sure Jiyong and his machine Tuko will go far in life. Apart from that not all teachers and students are against him, some are rooting for him too. I am dying to get my hands on book 2 of this fascinating series.
March 18, 2022
2.5 stars.
Another mostly generic magic academy book. I'm not reading any more after book 2.
The good: I liked that it was set in a future Korea instead of more familiar settings.
The neutral: Magic is due to everything (earth, water, people) being infested with technological nanites. Sadly this only changes the jargon but give the author credit for trying something different.
The bad: Only the main character really exists. No one else has an independent existence - they are all one dimensional beings that exist only as far as they serve a purpose in the main characters life. I say "one dimensional" but there are several significant characters that arguably don't even reach that level.
The main character only manages anything because he has a magic genie that helps him out all the time.
Finally the series has been infected by Smirk Disease. 14 smirks in volume 1 and an incredible 36 smirks in volume 2. I get it, apparently the author wants us to know that the protagonists are all smug bastards, but please find a greater variety of ways to indicate that.
Another mostly generic magic academy book. I'm not reading any more after book 2.
The good: I liked that it was set in a future Korea instead of more familiar settings.
The neutral: Magic is due to everything (earth, water, people) being infested with technological nanites. Sadly this only changes the jargon but give the author credit for trying something different.
The bad: Only the main character really exists. No one else has an independent existence - they are all one dimensional beings that exist only as far as they serve a purpose in the main characters life. I say "one dimensional" but there are several significant characters that arguably don't even reach that level.
The main character only manages anything because he has a magic genie that helps him out all the time.
Finally the series has been infected by Smirk Disease. 14 smirks in volume 1 and an incredible 36 smirks in volume 2. I get it, apparently the author wants us to know that the protagonists are all smug bastards, but please find a greater variety of ways to indicate that.
January 31, 2021
May change. ( warning very slow pace.)
Nice try to merge genres of syfy, fantasy magic and cultivation together. Dont know if worked but like the attempt.
Would been better if names easier to remember and perhaps bit more normal although mc's not bad, offers used in book like for magic and mana wear just frustrating why not use well known and easy to remember instead of munje extra? Just made harder to get into and follow.
Could of done without family and him having support them all the time but having said that did add nice emotional feel too and kinda like them. (If into that.)
Could of been great read. (2-3 stars.)
With tech robots and magick felt more like golem and magical fantasy then cultivated story.
And the more I read of the naming for things the more harder was to follow story become frustrating at times, but that may be just me and terrible memory?
(Why couldn't use simple easy to remember ones.)
Nice try to merge genres of syfy, fantasy magic and cultivation together. Dont know if worked but like the attempt.
Would been better if names easier to remember and perhaps bit more normal although mc's not bad, offers used in book like for magic and mana wear just frustrating why not use well known and easy to remember instead of munje extra? Just made harder to get into and follow.
Could of done without family and him having support them all the time but having said that did add nice emotional feel too and kinda like them. (If into that.)
Could of been great read. (2-3 stars.)
With tech robots and magick felt more like golem and magical fantasy then cultivated story.
And the more I read of the naming for things the more harder was to follow story become frustrating at times, but that may be just me and terrible memory?
(Why couldn't use simple easy to remember ones.)
August 14, 2022
Likable MC, but I don’t know if I buy the world-building
This was a very interesting setting - technology from the 22nd century still works even though so much time has passed that the stars have shifted. And they still speak Korean closely enough that a 22nd century AI just complains a little about pronunciation. Despite all of that, we basically have a 20th century level of development in a Robber Baron era society - only with mediclorian type nannites that give some rudimentary ‘magical’ powers. It’s like cultivation, but not quite.
This was a very interesting setting - technology from the 22nd century still works even though so much time has passed that the stars have shifted. And they still speak Korean closely enough that a 22nd century AI just complains a little about pronunciation. Despite all of that, we basically have a 20th century level of development in a Robber Baron era society - only with mediclorian type nannites that give some rudimentary ‘magical’ powers. It’s like cultivation, but not quite.
December 31, 2020
An intriguing twist to the genre
Robot wars would not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cultivation, but this one does a great job of melding these ideas into a broader and interesting universe, all told from the perspective of a teenager trying to carry the responsibilities for his whole family by getting a better education. I found it intriguing throughout and look forward to where the story goes next!
Robot wars would not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cultivation, but this one does a great job of melding these ideas into a broader and interesting universe, all told from the perspective of a teenager trying to carry the responsibilities for his whole family by getting a better education. I found it intriguing throughout and look forward to where the story goes next!
January 4, 2021
Not a bad start.
Jumps right in with a bunch of cultivation jargon. Don’t let that sway you away, the book was well written with twist and turns aplenty. Very good job holding interest by spilling secrets yet keeping enough hidden to provide hints for the next books.
Overall not much with the cultivation levels like normal cultivation books but much more of an interesting schema instead of something boring like “heavenly energy” but I won’t spoil it for you.
Jumps right in with a bunch of cultivation jargon. Don’t let that sway you away, the book was well written with twist and turns aplenty. Very good job holding interest by spilling secrets yet keeping enough hidden to provide hints for the next books.
Overall not much with the cultivation levels like normal cultivation books but much more of an interesting schema instead of something boring like “heavenly energy” but I won’t spoil it for you.
February 5, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: Very well written, but how does an eight year old keep his family from starving? Who in their right mind would loan money to a twelve year old girl?
Plot: Cultivating school. I'm not the biggest fan of these school books. It's very hard to do anything New in these types of books.
Characters: Well he loves his family, but I don't feel like he was ever really challenged.
7/10
Mistakes: Very well written, but how does an eight year old keep his family from starving? Who in their right mind would loan money to a twelve year old girl?
Plot: Cultivating school. I'm not the biggest fan of these school books. It's very hard to do anything New in these types of books.
Characters: Well he loves his family, but I don't feel like he was ever really challenged.
7/10
May 4, 2021
Very good
It was a very good book I will read the next one. I dropped one star as I nearly put it down when I got to the relationship fight. He just came off very strange in the way he was thinking more like a girl than a boy I felt with some stereotypical stupidity to man him up thrown in.every other part of the book I loved well worth the read
It was a very good book I will read the next one. I dropped one star as I nearly put it down when I got to the relationship fight. He just came off very strange in the way he was thinking more like a girl than a boy I felt with some stereotypical stupidity to man him up thrown in.every other part of the book I loved well worth the read
September 8, 2021
Enjoyed it
I like this more story than I should. I love what the author was trying to tell, just wanted more of it. One thing that really bugged me was the part with Hana's Mom. If Bastion was as elite and respected as it's portrayed, that definitely would not be tolerated the staff.
I like this more story than I should. I love what the author was trying to tell, just wanted more of it. One thing that really bugged me was the part with Hana's Mom. If Bastion was as elite and respected as it's portrayed, that definitely would not be tolerated the staff.
January 1, 2021
Lacks pace
Could have been better, the pace is very slow, the story however is fantastic and the concept of machina core is brilliant, will read next one for sure. But I ask author to improve the pace a little bit
Could have been better, the pace is very slow, the story however is fantastic and the concept of machina core is brilliant, will read next one for sure. But I ask author to improve the pace a little bit
January 2, 2021
A good opening
This is a solid opening to a new series and I really liked where it ended up going with the story. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next book and I'm hoping it comes to audio soon.
This is a solid opening to a new series and I really liked where it ended up going with the story. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next book and I'm hoping it comes to audio soon.
Read
January 7, 2021Good start but does feel exactly like a cultivation novel
I liked the magic concept and the overall premise of the story but I didn't quiet think of this story as a cultivation novel.
I liked the magic concept and the overall premise of the story but I didn't quiet think of this story as a cultivation novel.
April 19, 2021
It was a bit...
It was a bit unconventional, but very interesting. The dynamics of the system included both cultivation and future tech.
I have to say that I liked it, and am now about to read the next in the series.
It was a bit unconventional, but very interesting. The dynamics of the system included both cultivation and future tech.
I have to say that I liked it, and am now about to read the next in the series.
June 18, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, but it turned out like so many. The protagonist was stupid too often and made incompetent moon-y eyes at the girls. I DNF'ed about halfway through, after the nth time the protagonist did something stupid and managed to get away with it.
June 21, 2021
Neat concept cultivation story
Cool twist of science fiction and cultivation that works. I didn’t quite expect it from the premise, but the technological / pseudoscientific explanation of their cultivation world worked for me. I think it’s a great world and look forward to book 2.
Cool twist of science fiction and cultivation that works. I didn’t quite expect it from the premise, but the technological / pseudoscientific explanation of their cultivation world worked for me. I think it’s a great world and look forward to book 2.
September 23, 2022
Unique world, Easy Read
Astra is extremely good at world building and action scenes. The line between magic and technology blends so well and the rate at which you learn new facts is perfectly paced.
Astra is extremely good at world building and action scenes. The line between magic and technology blends so well and the rate at which you learn new facts is perfectly paced.
July 30, 2025
Had its moments
Took me a little effort to read through this. Maybe a little too much life and not enough slice. Magic definition reminded me of star wars. Martial framework was not enjoyable. It was all based on magic not technique. On the Brightside the epilogue was awesome.
Took me a little effort to read through this. Maybe a little too much life and not enough slice. Magic definition reminded me of star wars. Martial framework was not enjoyable. It was all based on magic not technique. On the Brightside the epilogue was awesome.
December 30, 2020
Tech lovers rejoice
Merging so many aspects of the genre into one coherent gem of a book deserves many accolades, and as many people to read it as possible. There’s cultivation, tech, bots and more so do yourselves a favour and read this book!
Merging so many aspects of the genre into one coherent gem of a book deserves many accolades, and as many people to read it as possible. There’s cultivation, tech, bots and more so do yourselves a favour and read this book!
January 3, 2021
Great
Amazing read loved the up and down of emotions and the hope to always fight back and forgive your enemies
Amazing read loved the up and down of emotions and the hope to always fight back and forgive your enemies
January 7, 2021
Interesting take on cultivation
Interesting take on the cultivation genre! I enjoyed the differences, and the Ancients aspect. I’m especially fond of the battle bots. WOO!
Interesting take on the cultivation genre! I enjoyed the differences, and the Ancients aspect. I’m especially fond of the battle bots. WOO!
January 18, 2021
Excellent
This book is a solid beginning. For the most part I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next one . Thank you
This book is a solid beginning. For the most part I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next one . Thank you
January 18, 2021
Meh. Might have enjoyed this one more if I was in a better frame of mind.
Interesting world building and characters, just didn't really do anything for me
Interesting world building and characters, just didn't really do anything for me
January 21, 2021
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivation type of books
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivation type of books
February 1, 2021
Excellent
Great read with a character I like. The world is just starting to be unwrapped and I think it will be great.
Great read with a character I like. The world is just starting to be unwrapped and I think it will be great.
February 4, 2021
Fun out of the ordinary cultivation novel
It starts off a little slow, but it ramps up pretty quickly. I’ll be looking forward to the next one
It starts off a little slow, but it ramps up pretty quickly. I’ll be looking forward to the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews