What do you think?
Zenith Academy #1
Zenith Academy Book 1
My name is James, but my mom’s the only person that can call me that. To everyone else, I’m JD—a struggling artist, working my fingers to the bone for my shot with one of the big comic book companies. Oh, and I work nights, managing a dive called Judson’s Bar and Grill. I know, the dream life. Things were boring, disappointing, even. Until one faithful night, when everything changed.
Why? Where do I start?
First: An odd woman showed up in a booth while I was trying to close for the night. Rude, but on its own, not so weird. She was dressed in a kimono and had a sword in her lap.
That part? Getting a little strange.
Second: It turns out she’s a mistress at a magical academy and had been looking for me. Right? Please pick up on my sarcasm. Except, she proved it, and with just a few violent swings of her very real sword, ensured I both didn’t have a job any longer, and more or less had to follow her into a scary, glowing portal.
Where did it take me?
A surreal place called Zenith Academy, and a life I’d only ever dreamt of. There I’ll learn how to cultivate mana and wield magic-like powers. And that is just the beginning. The tower imbues cultivators with visual prompts and game-like stats, making my new life feel like something straight out of a choose your own adventure novel.
But it’s not all for nothing. Evidently, they’ve been fighting a war for thousands of years, and I’ve just been drafted.
<>
Why? Where do I start?
First: An odd woman showed up in a booth while I was trying to close for the night. Rude, but on its own, not so weird. She was dressed in a kimono and had a sword in her lap.
That part? Getting a little strange.
Second: It turns out she’s a mistress at a magical academy and had been looking for me. Right? Please pick up on my sarcasm. Except, she proved it, and with just a few violent swings of her very real sword, ensured I both didn’t have a job any longer, and more or less had to follow her into a scary, glowing portal.
Where did it take me?
A surreal place called Zenith Academy, and a life I’d only ever dreamt of. There I’ll learn how to cultivate mana and wield magic-like powers. And that is just the beginning. The tower imbues cultivators with visual prompts and game-like stats, making my new life feel like something straight out of a choose your own adventure novel.
But it’s not all for nothing. Evidently, they’ve been fighting a war for thousands of years, and I’ve just been drafted.
<>
510 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 30, 2021
Actively frustrating to read
I usually have a lot of spare suspension of disbelief for these types of books, but genuinely this was actually painful to read. The protagonist is so dense and all characters are devoid of actual human personality... it's rough.
I usually have a lot of spare suspension of disbelief for these types of books, but genuinely this was actually painful to read. The protagonist is so dense and all characters are devoid of actual human personality... it's rough.
July 31, 2021
A really vibrant and intriguing world and compelling story with interesting characters and great sex scenes, let down by many, many errors. Grammatical errors litter every chapter. There are more than a few continuity errors, like people suddenly having skills and acting like they've had them all along. A few skills change names. "Game" mechanics just appear and change how they work: Party forming and Party Chat. And most obviously;
*Spoilers*
A day after MC kills someone and responds negatively to it, he is suddenly fine causing the deaths of four others. And then they have to save them because they're suddenly not "Bad" bad. And then suddenly in the middle of saving them, one of them is now the main antagonist and isn't all the things he was before.
*End Spoilers*
I think this book would have been better without the LitRPG elements, at least in the text. Also this may be a personal annoyance but there were way too many references to our media. They felt less like, "Oh! These people are from our world." and more like, "Hey reader! I've seen these movies, etc. too.".
I'm curious enough about the world and the story to read a sequel but I would strongly recommend a professional editor.
*Spoilers*
A day after MC kills someone and responds negatively to it, he is suddenly fine causing the deaths of four others. And then they have to save them because they're suddenly not "Bad" bad. And then suddenly in the middle of saving them, one of them is now the main antagonist and isn't all the things he was before.
*End Spoilers*
I think this book would have been better without the LitRPG elements, at least in the text. Also this may be a personal annoyance but there were way too many references to our media. They felt less like, "Oh! These people are from our world." and more like, "Hey reader! I've seen these movies, etc. too.".
I'm curious enough about the world and the story to read a sequel but I would strongly recommend a professional editor.
July 22, 2021
And done. About fifteen percent in and called it and here's why.
There is no effort to make a story. This is cobbled together instances, immediate relationships, and cliche experiences. I do not believe the main character. His internal narrative is at odds with his actions, all of them. This is an idea for a story with obvious setup, all without any proper foundation. That is why I quit so early.
There is no effort to make a story. This is cobbled together instances, immediate relationships, and cliche experiences. I do not believe the main character. His internal narrative is at odds with his actions, all of them. This is an idea for a story with obvious setup, all without any proper foundation. That is why I quit so early.
January 16, 2023
13% in and i just can't keep going. I can only roll my eyes at the TERRIBLE character interaction and stupid as fuck way that the author went about making the female characters. This is trash and while i like a certain amount of trash this took it so far that it was INSUFFERABLE.
2/10 the only redeemable thing in this was the magic system.
2/10 the only redeemable thing in this was the magic system.
May 28, 2023
Dropped this. Can’t stand the MC, first time reading something by this author… I do not know if I’ll ever come back to this… this MC is a complete idiot… I made it literally 7% of the book and couldn’t stand the man. His lame jokes, half attempts at perversion and just not being able to read a room… I couldn’t hang. Sighs, I’m literally batting 0 for 2 here. This could show so much promise, who knows, maybe it does later on? But I just can’t hang with the mc right now. Maybe I will return to this and maybe I won’t. The “mistress of finance” did nothing but threaten him and destroy his bar without talking to him, he did nothing but make lame jokes and stared at her chest while she threatened to kidnap him and do bodily harm to him. It was basically you WILL come with me or I will cut you up and break your bones. Also let me destroy your place of work so you have nothing to stay for… him well you have breasts, bouncy bouncy bouncy…. 💀💀… I don’t understand why authors do this… I don’t understand why authors choose to drop their characters in worlds and also not explain nothing. Sighs, anyways rant over. On to the next book. Onwards lads
July 15, 2021
A very entertaining cultivation novel with a twist
I really enjoyed this cultivation novel it was a lot of fun and to read and had a lot of exciting adventures and to intrigue as well as an intrepid hero trying to navigate the Waters of racism. I like the way the characters interact with each other each had their own distinct personalities and was interesting learning more about them as time went along. Had some good stats and that made sense to me and I enjoyed seeing how they progressed. Also the story had some good romance in it. The women that are in it were all strong characters some with weaknesses that they had to overcome and I like the way that the romance was different for each girl some was a little quick but it made sense and it had logical progression and the intimacy was interesting especially the double cultivation. Anyway I digress I really enjoyed reading this story and hope to read the second one soon.
I really enjoyed this cultivation novel it was a lot of fun and to read and had a lot of exciting adventures and to intrigue as well as an intrepid hero trying to navigate the Waters of racism. I like the way the characters interact with each other each had their own distinct personalities and was interesting learning more about them as time went along. Had some good stats and that made sense to me and I enjoyed seeing how they progressed. Also the story had some good romance in it. The women that are in it were all strong characters some with weaknesses that they had to overcome and I like the way that the romance was different for each girl some was a little quick but it made sense and it had logical progression and the intimacy was interesting especially the double cultivation. Anyway I digress I really enjoyed reading this story and hope to read the second one soon.
October 3, 2025
The start of what promises to be a wonderful book series!
I just finished reading this marvelous 1st book in this series, and let me tell you, it was a real bargain! Whisked away to another world (Isekai), cultivating to gain power, near-death-experienced-a-plenty, fights with weapons of all kinds (including magic), a multitude of races (from many genre), cultivation/bonding through love making (the male lead JD with his slowly forming harem is a total rockstar), and JD even manages to do things that are "impossible" for humans to do!
I'm gonna start on book 2 right now! I wish you all as wonderful an experience reading this as I had, if not better!
P.S. the only minor fault for me was a dozen or so misspellings throughout... no biggie! Keep up the great work, Cassius!!! Later and greater 😁
I just finished reading this marvelous 1st book in this series, and let me tell you, it was a real bargain! Whisked away to another world (Isekai), cultivating to gain power, near-death-experienced-a-plenty, fights with weapons of all kinds (including magic), a multitude of races (from many genre), cultivation/bonding through love making (the male lead JD with his slowly forming harem is a total rockstar), and JD even manages to do things that are "impossible" for humans to do!
I'm gonna start on book 2 right now! I wish you all as wonderful an experience reading this as I had, if not better!
P.S. the only minor fault for me was a dozen or so misspellings throughout... no biggie! Keep up the great work, Cassius!!! Later and greater 😁
November 18, 2022
I found this one really fun. I wouldn't call it well-written exactly, but the characters were multi-dimensional and felt real as did the dialog. World-building and setting were good, too. I almost rated 3 stars instead of 4 because of the frequent confusion I felt while reading this book. I feel like things got changed in an edit to the original manuscript without the kind of necessary care to continuity required. For example, it's mentioned early in the story that dwarves weren't present only for them to be mentioned as being around later on. The protagonist also seems to understand things about the setting that are never really explained to the reader leaving my constantly feeling like I'm probably missing some context or subtext.
April 13, 2023
MC is gathered into a fantasy world where in a kind of academy people learn cultivating to make dungeon raids.
The story starts weak.
The MC is a clown, the mistress from the academy that gathers him is not very smart either. (Could just tell him she is to recruit him instead of demolishing the whole bar)
The whole first chapters read like the author is maybe 14/15 years old. immature dialogue , harem stuff, inconsistencies and all...
Toward the end there is more interesting social interaction and skills/equipment stuff but the MC is of course OP and even gets the help of the academy head mistresses all the time, while all females just want to be with him.
The story starts weak.
The MC is a clown, the mistress from the academy that gathers him is not very smart either. (Could just tell him she is to recruit him instead of demolishing the whole bar)
The whole first chapters read like the author is maybe 14/15 years old. immature dialogue , harem stuff, inconsistencies and all...
Toward the end there is more interesting social interaction and skills/equipment stuff but the MC is of course OP and even gets the help of the academy head mistresses all the time, while all females just want to be with him.
August 11, 2023
Good, simple. But with writing issues. Highschool level dialogue is pretty cringe worthy.
The MC and supporting cast is rather predictable and boring. The dialogue between the characters is weak and childish, with constant affirmations of everyone's feelings... Just feels fake and pretentious. The book doesn't really offer any surprises but has a well-rounded story in the unique world that if you enjoy the genre it's not really a bad book, but it's definitely not a great book. I recommend reading it if you have nothing else but I don't know if it'll interest you to read more than the first book... It just wasn't that engaging.
The MC and supporting cast is rather predictable and boring. The dialogue between the characters is weak and childish, with constant affirmations of everyone's feelings... Just feels fake and pretentious. The book doesn't really offer any surprises but has a well-rounded story in the unique world that if you enjoy the genre it's not really a bad book, but it's definitely not a great book. I recommend reading it if you have nothing else but I don't know if it'll interest you to read more than the first book... It just wasn't that engaging.
May 12, 2022
Two strangers come together to over come the struggles an beat the odds against them .
JD was a bartender an manager of a local bar until a beautiful woman destroyed the bar an whished him off to a distant academy to survive an learn magic . He meets another human a female named Chloe . They are paired together the only humans at the academy . they form a personal intimate relationship for a new life together an to survive the academy at all cost .recommend reading excellent series .
JD was a bartender an manager of a local bar until a beautiful woman destroyed the bar an whished him off to a distant academy to survive an learn magic . He meets another human a female named Chloe . They are paired together the only humans at the academy . they form a personal intimate relationship for a new life together an to survive the academy at all cost .recommend reading excellent series .
June 7, 2026
FREAKING GREAT!!!!
I've read a lot of Harem books, but this by far has. got to be the best one yet. It has got the right amount of sexual activity, Harem activity, action and great humor. The humor and non stop action in this book just make it flow. Plus the humor is actually good, not lame like I see too many times in other Harem books. In fact, the way the author paces the humor, the action and the sexual antics make this book priceless to me. I sure hope the next one is as good.
I've read a lot of Harem books, but this by far has. got to be the best one yet. It has got the right amount of sexual activity, Harem activity, action and great humor. The humor and non stop action in this book just make it flow. Plus the humor is actually good, not lame like I see too many times in other Harem books. In fact, the way the author paces the humor, the action and the sexual antics make this book priceless to me. I sure hope the next one is as good.
July 24, 2021
Really great writing for the genre
I really enjoyed this book and the pragmatic approach it takes regarding the characters reactions to events in the story. Especially the first kill, so many books in this genre skip this over by saying something along the lines of "I just killed a man but felt nothing... oh well". This was a great start and I'm looking forward to the next addition
I really enjoyed this book and the pragmatic approach it takes regarding the characters reactions to events in the story. Especially the first kill, so many books in this genre skip this over by saying something along the lines of "I just killed a man but felt nothing... oh well". This was a great start and I'm looking forward to the next addition
July 25, 2021
2cool 4school
I love puns. This story is a litrpg harem cultivation mix set in I guess a university for lots of different races. Our M.C is just a average 24 year old trying to make ends meet when his life is changed forever with a offer to join a academy of magic.
The only issue is humans are despised by most all other races.
Well written and entertaining story that is well worth it as it's a long read and took a ages to finish.
Can't wait for book 2
I love puns. This story is a litrpg harem cultivation mix set in I guess a university for lots of different races. Our M.C is just a average 24 year old trying to make ends meet when his life is changed forever with a offer to join a academy of magic.
The only issue is humans are despised by most all other races.
Well written and entertaining story that is well worth it as it's a long read and took a ages to finish.
Can't wait for book 2
July 13, 2021
Great start to a cultivation series
I was a little leery of the start but it picked up . The characters have some depth and warmth to them. The enemies of the MC also are more complex which make for some surprises. I hope this story expands so we can learn about the matriarchs that run the academy.
I was a little leery of the start but it picked up . The characters have some depth and warmth to them. The enemies of the MC also are more complex which make for some surprises. I hope this story expands so we can learn about the matriarchs that run the academy.
July 18, 2021
Great new story
Just finished. It is definitely in my top 5 books have read/listened to this year.
Loved the pacing of the book, the character development was great for all characters. Had enough suspense going on through the story to keep you wanting more. And of course that dam cliff hanger was good.
Just finished. It is definitely in my top 5 books have read/listened to this year.
Loved the pacing of the book, the character development was great for all characters. Had enough suspense going on through the story to keep you wanting more. And of course that dam cliff hanger was good.
August 10, 2021
Looks like might be a fun series
Nothing super unique in the story and plot. However It is a fun and enjoyable read and I look forward to more in the series. There are enough ladies in the story to be fun but not overwhelming The reader. The power progression is fairly rapid but not overwhelmingly so. Leaves pretty of head room for the rest of the series.
Nothing super unique in the story and plot. However It is a fun and enjoyable read and I look forward to more in the series. There are enough ladies in the story to be fun but not overwhelming The reader. The power progression is fairly rapid but not overwhelmingly so. Leaves pretty of head room for the rest of the series.
October 10, 2023
Overall, I gave it 4 stars for the potential of the series. The world building is great, however, the majority of the book is telling us how to cultivate, what is going on in the world and background information. This made it boring and low stakes but with a setup like this, I’m looking forward to the next two. Hopefully I’m not let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2021
A true must read!!!
Impressive world building, awesome characters and dynamic adventures!!! Time will tell but I for one can't imagine this not becoming an amazing series!!! More more more !!!!!
Impressive world building, awesome characters and dynamic adventures!!! Time will tell but I for one can't imagine this not becoming an amazing series!!! More more more !!!!!
July 28, 2021
Alot of fun
Got the sample first. Took a few pages to get into it. After that, i hooked. Standard progression rules but each character is being fairly well developed. Enjoyed it.
Got the sample first. Took a few pages to get into it. After that, i hooked. Standard progression rules but each character is being fairly well developed. Enjoyed it.
August 5, 2021
Fun tower climbing romp
Good characters, interesting storyline. Does have harem tendency but also has a magic system that seems to be balanced and isn't overly powerful without drawbacks.
Good characters, interesting storyline. Does have harem tendency but also has a magic system that seems to be balanced and isn't overly powerful without drawbacks.
August 6, 2021
Great start
Ok, I'm not a gamer, but it is great watching the powers, skill and family evolve. Will have to buy Mabel free which should be interesting. Waiting for the last member to change the dynamic or can they go to 77?
Ok, I'm not a gamer, but it is great watching the powers, skill and family evolve. Will have to buy Mabel free which should be interesting. Waiting for the last member to change the dynamic or can they go to 77?
August 10, 2021
New Series, but not the same old tropes
This is a new dynamic in thinking of the way the different people and world building are utilized. I still like the underdog trying to get through the mess they were brought into to. This is a great read and will be a good series to have.
This is a new dynamic in thinking of the way the different people and world building are utilized. I still like the underdog trying to get through the mess they were brought into to. This is a great read and will be a good series to have.
August 20, 2021
Enjoyable
I liked this. The main character is likable. The supporting characters have development. Also the author shows elves has being more like all other races, which is a nice change from the common mythos.
I liked this. The main character is likable. The supporting characters have development. Also the author shows elves has being more like all other races, which is a nice change from the common mythos.
October 3, 2021
Good cultivation story
Little bit of everything! Can't wait to learn more about Old White. Seeing the characters develop was pretty cool, including learning spells and abilities
Little bit of everything! Can't wait to learn more about Old White. Seeing the characters develop was pretty cool, including learning spells and abilities
October 7, 2021
Hmmm
I can’t can’t take it from Cassius.The lovey dovey stuff is within reason given the genre(comes with the territory) and I was thoroughly entertained for the entire duration of the book.I see a lot of potential character and concept development as the series progresses.
I can’t can’t take it from Cassius.The lovey dovey stuff is within reason given the genre(comes with the territory) and I was thoroughly entertained for the entire duration of the book.I see a lot of potential character and concept development as the series progresses.
March 18, 2022
Really exciting storyline
Main characters are really great, granted they all have flaws and quirks, but they shine as they work together. This has some mysteries, and cool magical effects too. Nice fight scenes, and extra curriculum scenes too!
Main characters are really great, granted they all have flaws and quirks, but they shine as they work together. This has some mysteries, and cool magical effects too. Nice fight scenes, and extra curriculum scenes too!
March 23, 2022
Darn good read!
This is a good solid gripping story. Intense characters with emotional, both delightful and terrible, development. Stayed up till 4:30 in the morning as I couldn't put it down.
This is a good solid gripping story. Intense characters with emotional, both delightful and terrible, development. Stayed up till 4:30 in the morning as I couldn't put it down.
November 16, 2022
I dis enjoy the book, however the grammar errors and spelling mistakes did make for a few interesting sections whilst trying to figure out what was being said.
Over all a good story and entertaining read
Over all a good story and entertaining read
December 10, 2022
Enjoyed it!
I picked this book originally to have something to read while I waited for the next book in another series that I was reading. Ended up liking this series also and quickly read books one,two and three. Can’t wait to see where MC and his group end up in book four.
I picked this book originally to have something to read while I waited for the next book in another series that I was reading. Ended up liking this series also and quickly read books one,two and three. Can’t wait to see where MC and his group end up in book four.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews