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The Starsea Cycle #2
The Orb of Binding
Lucian has achieved the improbable with his acceptance into the prestigious Volsung Academy. Now, he must do something even more survive it.
As a Novice, he must learn the fundamentals of magic while navigating Academy politics. Lucian must not only pass the grueling Trials but survive other mages' mechanizations. But doing that is difficult when he's being left behind.
But one day, Lucian makes a breakthrough that puts him on top. He's about to learn that being good is far more dangerous than being unexceptional. Expulsion is an ever-looming threat, and with it, Lucian risks losing the only place in the Worlds he can call home...
As a Novice, he must learn the fundamentals of magic while navigating Academy politics. Lucian must not only pass the grueling Trials but survive other mages' mechanizations. But doing that is difficult when he's being left behind.
But one day, Lucian makes a breakthrough that puts him on top. He's about to learn that being good is far more dangerous than being unexceptional. Expulsion is an ever-looming threat, and with it, Lucian risks losing the only place in the Worlds he can call home...
350 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2021
105 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Kyle West
53 books216 followersI'm Kyle West, author of the Wasteland Chronicles, Xenoworld Saga, Starsea Cycle, and more. I try to write books with lots of action and crazy twists to keep you turning the pages. Every book of mine can be categorized as "science fantasy," blending elements from both genres.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 20, 2024
This was....tedious. I'm sorry.
I really like the premise, and it's written well, but it drags a ton. I want to know what happens, but omg, move it along already! I bought the first three books, and don't think I'll continue to the third unless my TBR pile somehow catches on fire or something.
I really like the premise, and it's written well, but it drags a ton. I want to know what happens, but omg, move it along already! I bought the first three books, and don't think I'll continue to the third unless my TBR pile somehow catches on fire or something.
September 25, 2021
Fair
Not a bad story. Read many that were far worse. It's entertaining at least but at the time of reading wasn't kindle unlimited and it's not worth price.
Not a bad story. Read many that were far worse. It's entertaining at least but at the time of reading wasn't kindle unlimited and it's not worth price.
Read
April 7, 2025*i review via words, not stars*
When I finished book 1, I didn't even attempt to read anything else. I went online and bought book 2, audio style. First reason, Rob Brinkmann's voice is soothing and I could (and do) listen to it all day long.
I thought that Lucian was gathering his crew. That Emma, whom he met on the ship heading to the academy, would continue by his side. Even the hermits on the crazy island, why aren't they part of the Lucian Gang?
If this were a book on Dark Academia, it would hit the point. Because it's a book about The Chosen, in a field that's essentially going to blow up all the users... it's darker, somehow. We learned in book one that magic is not a good thing. The mandatory testing was to discover who had the inclination before they knew. And send the magic users to a special school where they could be nurtured and grow into useful magical beings of society. Wrong.
Lucian learns that no one wants him. Earth didn't even blink before turning him out. The fellow passengers were ready to expose him (to some horrible detriment) and now he's made it to the academy that doesn't want him. Why not? They aren't getting paid. Apparently 1 in a kadrillion humans becomes a mage so there can't be many mages in the universe. Emma vouched for him. It is only because Lucian drops a name that he gets to stay.
And then he's essentially abused. ARGH! Remember in Harry Potter when Mr. Weasley was asking him about the uses of muggle items? And yet they lived in a world that had Mrs. Weasley hand washing clothes, traveling by chimney, and patching up wands with tape. The point is, these schools aren't actually teaching anything useful. Can you boil a cup of tea with your mind? What about bind the worst magical being of all time while you are in your youth? That's it. Nothing about (in this case) the history of the universe, the reasons behind the last war, how to fly and/or maintain space craft, proper exercises for long term zero g, languages, finances....meh. We will teach our youth how to die.
That said, the "teachers" were really just fodder for frustration. The hermits were the real teachers!
When I finished book 1, I didn't even attempt to read anything else. I went online and bought book 2, audio style. First reason, Rob Brinkmann's voice is soothing and I could (and do) listen to it all day long.
I thought that Lucian was gathering his crew. That Emma, whom he met on the ship heading to the academy, would continue by his side. Even the hermits on the crazy island, why aren't they part of the Lucian Gang?
If this were a book on Dark Academia, it would hit the point. Because it's a book about The Chosen, in a field that's essentially going to blow up all the users... it's darker, somehow. We learned in book one that magic is not a good thing. The mandatory testing was to discover who had the inclination before they knew. And send the magic users to a special school where they could be nurtured and grow into useful magical beings of society. Wrong.
Lucian learns that no one wants him. Earth didn't even blink before turning him out. The fellow passengers were ready to expose him (to some horrible detriment) and now he's made it to the academy that doesn't want him. Why not? They aren't getting paid. Apparently 1 in a kadrillion humans becomes a mage so there can't be many mages in the universe. Emma vouched for him. It is only because Lucian drops a name that he gets to stay.
And then he's essentially abused. ARGH! Remember in Harry Potter when Mr. Weasley was asking him about the uses of muggle items? And yet they lived in a world that had Mrs. Weasley hand washing clothes, traveling by chimney, and patching up wands with tape. The point is, these schools aren't actually teaching anything useful. Can you boil a cup of tea with your mind? What about bind the worst magical being of all time while you are in your youth? That's it. Nothing about (in this case) the history of the universe, the reasons behind the last war, how to fly and/or maintain space craft, proper exercises for long term zero g, languages, finances....meh. We will teach our youth how to die.
That said, the "teachers" were really just fodder for frustration. The hermits were the real teachers!
July 26, 2021
I continue to love this series
First, I'm glad this is five books rather than the standard trilogy or endless until book sales no longer make it worth it to continue. West has a story to tell and it takes as long as it takes, no more and no less.
In the last book, Lucian made a choice at odds with what Vera wanted. Yet, it led him where he needed to go, learn what was necessary and made him aware of the path he was already walking. Once becoming a mage, every decision he made has been to further his path. Everyone he met unwittingly helped him along. Vera said he was meant for more and fate, or the Manifold, is pushing him forward.
At the Volsung Academy, Lucian was stubborn and slow to grasp how to use magic beyond what he'd done aboard the ship in the first book. He could never let go of what Vera had shown him until he realized the only way forward was to embrace where he was, even with internal misgivings. His doubts led to disaster but also toward the only path that molded him in a way that was necessary for him to survive and be placed where he needed to be.
The title of the book should offer an inkling about a discovery he made. We continue to discover what Starsea means, what happened in the Mage Wars and what role the Swarmers (they have a name but not the kind that rolls off the tongue or is easy to remember) play in all of it.
I've already purchased the third book and pre-ordered the last two, one of which will be out in a few days. I don't do pre-orders so this should tell you my feelings about it.
First, I'm glad this is five books rather than the standard trilogy or endless until book sales no longer make it worth it to continue. West has a story to tell and it takes as long as it takes, no more and no less.
In the last book, Lucian made a choice at odds with what Vera wanted. Yet, it led him where he needed to go, learn what was necessary and made him aware of the path he was already walking. Once becoming a mage, every decision he made has been to further his path. Everyone he met unwittingly helped him along. Vera said he was meant for more and fate, or the Manifold, is pushing him forward.
At the Volsung Academy, Lucian was stubborn and slow to grasp how to use magic beyond what he'd done aboard the ship in the first book. He could never let go of what Vera had shown him until he realized the only way forward was to embrace where he was, even with internal misgivings. His doubts led to disaster but also toward the only path that molded him in a way that was necessary for him to survive and be placed where he needed to be.
The title of the book should offer an inkling about a discovery he made. We continue to discover what Starsea means, what happened in the Mage Wars and what role the Swarmers (they have a name but not the kind that rolls off the tongue or is easy to remember) play in all of it.
I've already purchased the third book and pre-ordered the last two, one of which will be out in a few days. I don't do pre-orders so this should tell you my feelings about it.
February 22, 2024
Another enjoyable read
I didn't expect the twists this plot took. I did like the way it progressed through them.
As with the first book, the characters are well developed. They feel real, believable, faults and all. We get to meet various people at the Academy, we see their struggles, and their mistakes. The guys on the island are a trip!
I felt there was a balance of show and tell for back story and the history of the world. It felt organic, rather than forced or lectured.
I was surprised by the setting change and think it was well crafted and beautifully described. It allowed Lucian's character to grow. He's truly a different man at the end of the book than he was at the beginning.
This story moves at a steady pace. If you like on the edge of your seat action, that's not this story. If you like a more relaxed and sustainable progression, that is this book. There's not a lot of fluff just to have something happen. The story moves along in a more realistic life-like day by day pace, without boring us with scenes that don't move the character or plot along. Lucian is a fair bit reflective and contemplates life at times, but personally I didn't find that boring. I enjoyed seeing how his mind was working figuring out his world and plans.
I would recommend the series, but I'm also aware it may not be fast paced enough for everyone. It's worth giving it a try.
I didn't expect the twists this plot took. I did like the way it progressed through them.
As with the first book, the characters are well developed. They feel real, believable, faults and all. We get to meet various people at the Academy, we see their struggles, and their mistakes. The guys on the island are a trip!
I felt there was a balance of show and tell for back story and the history of the world. It felt organic, rather than forced or lectured.
I was surprised by the setting change and think it was well crafted and beautifully described. It allowed Lucian's character to grow. He's truly a different man at the end of the book than he was at the beginning.
This story moves at a steady pace. If you like on the edge of your seat action, that's not this story. If you like a more relaxed and sustainable progression, that is this book. There's not a lot of fluff just to have something happen. The story moves along in a more realistic life-like day by day pace, without boring us with scenes that don't move the character or plot along. Lucian is a fair bit reflective and contemplates life at times, but personally I didn't find that boring. I enjoyed seeing how his mind was working figuring out his world and plans.
I would recommend the series, but I'm also aware it may not be fast paced enough for everyone. It's worth giving it a try.
October 5, 2025
Another lackluster performance. I debated even reading book II after being mostly ho-hum with book I. Now I regret doing so. I really love the basic story. It's the telling that is getting me down. More errors in this one than in the first. By errors I mean, there isn't a spelling mistake in the whole book, but if all you got is spell checker you miss all the WRONG words that are correctly spelled, all the MISSING words that complete the sentence, all the wrong names that are spelled right but not attached to the character being discussed.
Anyway, it's a lot of words mostly going nowhere, that eventually get around to telling why it's important that the protagonist is exiled to a remote and deadly island and he eventually realizes that his best option is to accept further exile to a prison planet because ... he found an amazing relic.
Okay. There it is. Done.
Anyway, it's a lot of words mostly going nowhere, that eventually get around to telling why it's important that the protagonist is exiled to a remote and deadly island and he eventually realizes that his best option is to accept further exile to a prison planet because ... he found an amazing relic.
Okay. There it is. Done.
April 6, 2021
OMG, book 2 of this series was awesome. Our hero has amazing gifts but cannot seem to learn as instructed by his teachers; this causes him to be expelled from the Academy and sent to a place so barren that to survive there would be a miracle. Read this story to find out how he survives, who he meets there and what he learns from them, but the most important is who and what he discovers there. His fate is set, but is he strong and courageous enough to try and follow the path given him? I've given no spoilers, but the temptation to do so was great for there is so much more that happens in-between my words. The world building is amazing and is a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy, do not pass this adventure up.
August 28, 2023
GOOOOLLLDDD. This whole series is absolutely amazing, and the second book doesn't disappoint. Following Lucien who is now on Volsun we get to see what it's like to be an orthodox mage. I was a bit bruised by his decision to go to Volsun in the previous book, but looking back on it from the later books I like that we got a clear picture on how the mages trained by the Transcends go through their careers.
Altogether engaging and left me wondering how the series would pan out. And one thing I have as a hallmark of this series is that IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. I pride myself somewhat on being able to predict both generic and unique plots given all my experience as a reader but hats off to Kyle West, he goes above and beyond to baffle me in the best way possible every time.
Altogether engaging and left me wondering how the series would pan out. And one thing I have as a hallmark of this series is that IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. I pride myself somewhat on being able to predict both generic and unique plots given all my experience as a reader but hats off to Kyle West, he goes above and beyond to baffle me in the best way possible every time.
April 30, 2023
The protagonist is one of the most frustrating characters I have ever come across. The overall story is interesting but the "hero" is a fool. There seems to be no hope for him becoming any wiser no matter what happens to him.
Why isn't he suspicious of Emma? If his mother was an officer, a captain, in the galactic military why does he grow up alone in the slums? After he is betrayed by the transcendents, he comes to the baffling conclusion he should have become one of these scoundrels apprentice. I can only hope this gets better because as I said the concepts are interesting.
Why isn't he suspicious of Emma? If his mother was an officer, a captain, in the galactic military why does he grow up alone in the slums? After he is betrayed by the transcendents, he comes to the baffling conclusion he should have become one of these scoundrels apprentice. I can only hope this gets better because as I said the concepts are interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
I liked this book but I have issues with it.
I felt that the 'school' was unbalanced. There was no structure. These trials should have limits set before people can take part and why would they penalize people that tried them too soon and couldn't do it?
The Island of Madness seemed to be anything but, and why give us the whole build-up with the block for it to be pointless? I know it will probably be important later, but it just made the book thicker than it needed to be.
It was almost a daunting read.
I felt that the 'school' was unbalanced. There was no structure. These trials should have limits set before people can take part and why would they penalize people that tried them too soon and couldn't do it?
The Island of Madness seemed to be anything but, and why give us the whole build-up with the block for it to be pointless? I know it will probably be important later, but it just made the book thicker than it needed to be.
It was almost a daunting read.
March 15, 2025
book 2 - i just wanted it all to go well, but i guess that can't be when i'm only 15% through my kindle book.
Very interesting that the best of the best at what they do can be so petty and afraid.
Interesting fellas on the island and the tests they provide.
Definitely interesting what all will happen. Will they find each other, any of them, again. Will the quest be fulfilled??
Very interesting that the best of the best at what they do can be so petty and afraid.
Interesting fellas on the island and the tests they provide.
Definitely interesting what all will happen. Will they find each other, any of them, again. Will the quest be fulfilled??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
Overall it's good. The big twist Midway through the book was telegraphed pretty early on so I did roll my eyes a little when it happened. However the reveal of the orb was not expected, at least not the way it was. That I applaud. I'm starting on the third book so I enjoyed the 2nd well enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
This book was significantly better than the first! It tackled a lot of the ideas the first book planted, and finally is starting to feel like a series. If you can power through the first book, this one is definitely worth the read!
January 11, 2025
worlds slowest book series. we finally get a look at the magic system and its interesting, if kinda plain and boring. we also get a look at the overarching plot, which also feels very generic.
will not be reading the rest of the series.
will not be reading the rest of the series.
April 28, 2021
Good
I like how their are aspects of magic. I am always amazed how someone can thing of the things written in this book! Thanks
I like how their are aspects of magic. I am always amazed how someone can thing of the things written in this book! Thanks
June 1, 2021
Waste
Book two and I see this series will be one of endless poops with no ending. That wouldn't be so bad if there wherefore action. Boring. Almost as if written by computer.
Book two and I see this series will be one of endless poops with no ending. That wouldn't be so bad if there wherefore action. Boring. Almost as if written by computer.
Read
November 17, 2022Really good sci-fi fantasy.
The author's writing reminds me of Herbert, Card, and Donaldson. I enjoyed it immensely. I am in awe of West's craftsmanship.
The author's writing reminds me of Herbert, Card, and Donaldson. I enjoyed it immensely. I am in awe of West's craftsmanship.
January 10, 2023
Loved the twist in this book. Glad I continued after book one. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
June 20, 2023
I liked it.
August 8, 2023
It's like starwars meets Harry Potter. Love it! Second book is slower moving but the end pick ups quickly
December 19, 2024
Pacing of Book serves no purpose in subsequent storyline.
December 21, 2024
This world is getting so interesting. I really like where the story is going.
January 2, 2025
Ok follow-up of book one with again quite some different scenes. Tends to be long winded but interesting enough to start book 3
January 5, 2025
Intriguing and full of suspense!
Both book 1 and 2 have been fascinating to read, I look forward to following along Lucian’s adventures on the new world!
Both book 1 and 2 have been fascinating to read, I look forward to following along Lucian’s adventures on the new world!
February 8, 2025
Bit heavy on the explanation but I'm enjoying it enough to read the next one.
April 8, 2025
Not as good as the first one, but good enough I'll continue the series.
June 26, 2025
too much traveling, and it became boring. wint finish the series.
July 24, 2025
I enjoyed the book, but a lot of things were repetitive when it came to describing many things. After the initial introduction, I shouldn't have to reread a description I read 2 pages ago.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews