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The youngest warlock to ever wield lightning, fourteen-year-old Anna Atticus Stone dreams of attending the prestigious Academy of Arcane Arts.

Except her life's a mess. She's friendless, her older sister keeps knocking her teeth out, and her parents constantly argue.

Anna endures the chaos by studying for the coming academy entrance trials. A pass will mean friends, warlock tournaments, and exploring a thousand-year-old academy—maybe even solving a mystery or two.

But when she discovers her father carries an ancient and powerful secret intended for only one daughter—a secret her sister will do anything to possess—Anna finds herself in a desperate fight for her family . . . and her very future.

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2021

368 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

About the author

Sever Bronny

16 books425 followers
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.

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5 stars
338 (68%)
4 stars
104 (21%)
3 stars
36 (7%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Sever Bronny.
Author 16 books425 followers
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December 3, 2021
I'm not going to rate it since I wrote it, but I just wanted to thank everyone for all their amazing support over the years. "Prodigy of Thunder"is my tenth book, a personal milestone for me, one that I am very proud to have written.

Anna was a joy to write. Although many of you know her as a 102-year-old powerhouse of a woman in "The Arinthian Line" series, she had a troubled youth, particularly with her family. And she was lonely, a loneliness she compensated for by immersing herself in her studies and talking to a childhood stuffy. This story aims to capture some of the struggles of that youth, and how Anna's path to becoming a legendary warlock began.

Profile Image for Amanda.
66 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2022
Someone else said that this book can't decide if it is fantasy or horror. I sort of liked the weird fusion. What really didn't work was that it reads like middle grade with incredibly violent horror thrown in. That is such a strange combination that I didn't think was all bad but I have no idea who the intended audience is here. I don't think librarians, parents, or publishers are going to want to give middle-grader readers something with this level of graphic violence. For adult readers, it is incredibly strange to read this horror-fantasy blend from the perspective of a 10-14 year old. It is also incredibly long.
What I really enjoyed was some of the world building and and the magic system. The experience of reading this was confusing but I think I enjoyed it somewhat?
31 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2021
Another great series in the making

TLDR: the book was great, obviously similar feel to the other series in this universe (should give them a read) but at a faster pace and a lot more familial and emotional drama.

Bit more extended explanation. This book follows Anna Atticus Stone who is a child prodigy (not a spoiler) and gives insight to an incredible character from Augums adventure. It focuses heavily on the WHO of Anna and a bit less emphasis on the magic as a whole (it is early in her life so expecting that to change). You'll really get attached to Anna and feel for her because Sever is very good at making you like the characters. All the action is perfect and is also a heavy portion of the book so if that's what you are into there's really something for everyone.

Note: I was on the advance reader team because I really like these books. I still feel my review is accurate and as unbiased as I could make it. Sever is just a very good author.
5 reviews
December 26, 2021
Excellent expansion story of a masterfully created world.

I have read all of the books about the adventures of Augum, Leera, and Bridget and fell in love with the world and it’s lore. The way that the magic fits into the world is wonderful and believable. The way magic is taught and learned creates a natural progression of character development throughout a series. Now I digress to this book specifically. Prodigy of Thunder creates a very believable back story to Anna. It’s action packed and a great story line to follow. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Way to go Sever!
32 reviews
December 7, 2021
I am writing this review as an Advanced Reader. I was provided a free copy as part of the advanced reader team, and I have posted this review on Amazon

I am a huge fan of the Arinthian Line series and Fury of a Rising Dragon series, so I just had to get this book. and I am very happy I did! I had my own ideas about what Anna Stone would be like in my head based on this series, but what she was actually like surprised me, in a good way! In many ways Anna is an exceptional young woman, and in many ways Anna is a normal, troubled soul, and this slowly develops as this story progresses. I kept turning pages, (I am on a kindle so.. swiping pages?) enjoying every twist and turn in the story.

This is an exceptional start to Anna's journey and i can't ait to read more! I highly recommend it for any fans of the Arinthian Line series and Fury of a Rising Dragon series. And if you haven't ead either series, go pick them up and read them!
667 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2025
Broken homes is a tragedy affecting young life's often disastrously. Such a pity, though.
Prodigy of Thunder relates the story of fourteen year old Anna Atticus Stone growing up in such a home where arguments and unhappiness between family members is the rule instead of the exception.
Author Sever Bronny certainly takes a lot of time building up a picture of the deceptions, heartlessness and pain that exists and the way the characters are affected by the daily wrangling....for a reason. That reason is called Anna,
Anna is a prodigy in the making. Not perfect. Not with a background such as hers. But still an amazing person and lovable anyhow.
It also relates the amazing talents she is developing whilst growing into womanhood and becoming a force majeure.
Prodigy of Thunder is in some ways a surprise venture by author Sever Bronny considering the intimate personal nature of Anna's young girl mature and personal growth, but an eye opener anyhow as one follows the life of a young legend in the making.
Hats off to author Sever Bronny for this.
Then there is the magic! And surprising challenges and deadly creatures and enemies that tend to give one chills from head to toe.
Wow!
Enjoy.
1 review
December 14, 2021
Long awaited storyline. How did Anna Atticus Stone, become who she was? What was her childhood like? Who were her friends? These and a few other interesting things are answered in this first of the series. A nice read, albeit I felt a tad bit sad as the book concluded. Maybe 'cause am one for those happy endings.
But then the story has just started and there's loads to read in the next few books planned in the series. Looking forward to those.

Note to the author: Please don't rush through the series to fit in just three books. This is a story worth telling in detail and your readers will love every bit of it. :)
73 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
I find myself becoming emotionally attached the characters in Sever’s books and this one is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and hated to finish so purposely rationed my reading to stretch it out as long as possible. I’ve completed the other series so it’s a pleasure to discover the details of Anna’s early years. Prodigy can stand on its own, but recommend starting with Arinthian. If you like this genera they are a great read as well. Only wish we didn’t have to wait a year for book 2. May have to read this one again. Thanks Sever! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Until December’22.
Profile Image for Trey richardson.
228 reviews20 followers
February 15, 2023
An Angry 5 yr old

Anna is absolutely atrocious and annoying. She isn’t a good person on any level which says a lot considering she is supposed to be the kind hearted sister. She is horrible to her friends, family, and teachers. The utter disrespect and lack of emotional control is not endearing. Nor does she learn a iota of true remorse or consideration for her actions. Despite her being academically smart this has to be one of the slowest characters I’ve ever read. She deserved everything that happened to her and more. I hope she looses her friends in the second book she doesn’t deserve them.
146 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2021
A Young Anna!

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it and the entire Arinthian series to all young adults and older. Though the fans of the series have grown to love an older Anna, her grandson and his friends, allies and enemies - this book is a perfect place to start before delving into the rest of the series. I would recommend reading this book and then moving on to Arcane.

I almost envy the new reader as they will have the entire series to read, while I will have to eagerly wait until next December to see what happens next in Anna's saga.
Profile Image for Richard.
296 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2021
This was better and worse than I thought. Thomas had a definite Brandon feel to him. Anna and her unrealistic view of her sister seemed a bit too optimistic, and her and Bun Bun too.

Obviously recognised William and Ning and appreciated the comments about not learning past the degree in the future.

I almost can't see why she was not put in more advanced classes than just the one if she knew everything - I appreciate they have strong candidates and she is not special as Ning said but then she does things no one else does which are exceptional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
December 29, 2021
Absolutely Amazing!

The Arinthian line series is by far my favorite series, when this book was first announced I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get my hand on it and it certainly did not disappoint. Being able to see the powerful Anna Stone as a child and seeing just a few parts that made her become who we all know and love was amazing. I can hardly put into words how much I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series. Hopefully it will go until the end when we first meet the trio and will provide insight from Anna’s perspective.
Profile Image for Teri Klaehn.
4 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2022
What an exceptional story Sever Bronny has once again crafted! In my mind, Anna Atticus Stone is an old lady as portrayed in the Arinthian books. However this tale has started filling in just how she became such a powerhouse of the Arcane arts. I would never have anticipated all the highs and lows and twists and turns this story took but willingly buckled in for the ride.
Kudos to you Mr Bronny for once again giving us well developed characters and an always interesting story line all set against the rich tapestry of Solia and the Academy.
Profile Image for Becky.
4 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
I love the idea of the books, but all the smacking gums and "this, and that's" made it feel like I was reading about a bunch of old ladies at a coffee morning. The other half was just young adults acting like toddlers having epic grade tantrums. Throw in the parents who let their oldest child get away with her monstrous behaviour while having tantrums of their own plus the youngest daughter one minute being a baby the next being high and mighty and I became exhausted and frustrated with the entire story. I hope book 2 is better, or I will give up entirely on this series.
45 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2021
Spectacular!

Wow, what a ride. I was pleasantly surprised with this book considering I wanted the trio to continue first but after reading this book I’m glad Anna one out. Seeing how hard Anna’s early life was and especially how hard her family life is was definitely not something I was expecting even from reading the previous books. Just goes to show how power can corrupt some people but not others. Really looking forward to the next Anna book!
Profile Image for Carole Eshenbaugh.
255 reviews
January 22, 2022
easy read

This story flowed well. Just when When you thought the story was going to get tedious, Anna was off on another adventure or misadventure. There was the usual “young teenager” problems that occur. Shows how boys don’t mature as fast as girls. The author is able to describe the loneness that was follow Anna all through the story. Good duels and helpful teachers. Expert ending.
Profile Image for Koffe.
736 reviews18 followers
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February 26, 2022
At first it seemed as if it had some promise but it quickly became apparent that there wasn't going to be any real world building or unique intricate magic system that would make the book interesting. In fact there is like 0 buildup too things happening or explanation why the sisters hate one another almost from the start. It's only somewhat explained later but even that was so shallow I gave up on this book. DNF at around 3 hours and 15 min into the book.
2 reviews
April 27, 2022
I love this introduction to a young Anna Atticus Stone! I feel like it lends substance to how she handled the young characters in the other two series.
I understand her need for her stuffed bunny, but hope at her age the need will resolve itself, as I would just prefer to hear her inner thoughts spoken to herself instead of a stuffed rabbit.
After I finished I was so sad that I had to wait until December for the next book.
84 reviews
March 7, 2024
Outstanding

This is the first book I've read about Anna Atticus Stone, and I enjoyed it enough to be very happy to discover that there are many others. The setting is at a warlock school beset with intrigue and troubles, and the protagonist is a young female prodigy with a few stalwart friends who is finding her way against daunting odds. It's reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, but in a good way, not a derivative way. I'm eager to get on with the next book.
Profile Image for Sue.
591 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2025
I stumbled across this looking for more Moira Quirk audiobooks. I thought it was supposed to be middle grade but the amount of violence against/between children and the frankly appallingly bad parenting/teaching negates that. The audiobook was spectacular but damn, this was dark. Definitely not for kids. I'm looking forward to reading about adult Anna but will probably go for the ebook version because the audiobook was terribly long.
158 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2021
Nice to know

It is nice to know the start of Anna's life. I have speculated from hints in the original series, but to read it is great. The story has much heart break and challenges. You do not need to read the original series to understand this book. It stands on its own and is excellent.
Profile Image for Kimberley B Pinzon.
30 reviews
December 12, 2021
Another Amazing Arinthian!

Getting to know Anna Atticus Stone’s backstory has been an adventure! I like how the author makes her loneliness and struggles relatable. Even though your heart will break for Anna, you also know that she will overcome, so that gives us readers hope for our own challenges, too! Enjoy!
6 reviews
May 4, 2022
An amazing start to another series!

Sever Bronny did it again! His first two series, Arinthian Line and Fury of a Rising Dragon, quickly became some of my favorite books I have ever read. Prodigy of Thunder surpassed my expectations, I couldn't put the book down! I can't wait for the next installment in the series to come out.
Profile Image for Mandy Wilson.
8 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2022
Good Story

The storyline was great! But it seems to me that Anna should be about 6, instead of 13-14 just from the way her naivety comes through, and the whole thing with the bunny. Sheltered or not, no one is that dumb about the world. And the way her parents and sister treat her throughout the book? Wow. Someone had issues…
Profile Image for Mani.
144 reviews
February 21, 2024
Youth - Arcane school and coming of age.

I enjoyed this prequel for the Arcane series by Sever Bronny. It was fun, and a great adventure in a magic school with young Anna. I think she's a little immature for her age, but children who live excluded are often a little younger versus their peers. Overall, this was written well, and I will read the rest of this trilogy.
13 reviews
December 17, 2021
Excellent book

I read the Arinthian line and the following sets of books through twice, loved them. This book is a good way to get the background on one of the main Characters. Looking forward to the next in the series
11 reviews
December 18, 2021
Good but has some little issues

If you like the first two series, this is definitely worth reading as a continuation in the Arinthian world. There are some little inconsistencies that don’t quite add up, but nothing that keeps you from enjoying.
465 reviews
December 29, 2021
Chronicles of Anna Atticus Stone.

This the Series about Anna Atticus Stone's youthful years at the academy and how she got the Arinthian scion I am looking for to the rest of her story.
12 reviews
January 7, 2022
Awesome!

Wonderful! All that I expected and more! Ahh, now the wait begins for the next book!!! Anna was one of my favorite characters in the entire series, and I can't wait to read more of her own story! ❤️

Profile Image for gj indieBRAG.
1,793 reviews96 followers
July 12, 2022
We are proud to announce that PRODIGY OF THUNDER (Chronicles of Anna Atticus Stone Books 1) by Sever Bronny has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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