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The Spoken Books Uprising #1
The Acktus Trials
"Reading Books can get you killed."
In the land of Oration, magic is cast by reading aloud words of power from Spoken Books. Only a select few, the Speakers, are born with the ability to do so. But after a disaster nearly destroyed Oration, society grew to fear the Speakers' power and they were hunted and enslaved, never taught to read. Now they live in oppression, unable to use their magic unless a spell is first read aloud to them.
Each year, young men and women from Oration's ruling Libraries compete in the Acktus Trials, a journey that takes them through the wilds of Oration to the ruined city of Tome. Once Oration's capital, it is now abandoned, though the Great Library at its center still holds a wealth of Spoken Books. As Speakers are no longer taught to read, they also cannot write, so new Spoken Books have not been created in hundreds of years. The discovery of a new Book is a coveted prize for any young noble.
Baztian is a slave to one of Oration's poorer Libraries. When he is selected to accompany his master on the Actkus Trials, he thinks his life is over. The wilds are treacherous, his master incompetent, and their fellow competitors set on winning, whatever the means. But Baz also has a secret—one that could get him killed, but one that also makes him the most valuable of assets during the Trials. Baz can read, and after he saves his master from certain death, he strikes a deal—his secret kept safe in exchange for aiding his master in completing the Trials. But can Baz really help a young man who thinks of him as property? And even if he can, there is much he doesn't know, like the evil that lies in wait beneath the ruins of Tome.
In the land of Oration, magic is cast by reading aloud words of power from Spoken Books. Only a select few, the Speakers, are born with the ability to do so. But after a disaster nearly destroyed Oration, society grew to fear the Speakers' power and they were hunted and enslaved, never taught to read. Now they live in oppression, unable to use their magic unless a spell is first read aloud to them.
Each year, young men and women from Oration's ruling Libraries compete in the Acktus Trials, a journey that takes them through the wilds of Oration to the ruined city of Tome. Once Oration's capital, it is now abandoned, though the Great Library at its center still holds a wealth of Spoken Books. As Speakers are no longer taught to read, they also cannot write, so new Spoken Books have not been created in hundreds of years. The discovery of a new Book is a coveted prize for any young noble.
Baztian is a slave to one of Oration's poorer Libraries. When he is selected to accompany his master on the Actkus Trials, he thinks his life is over. The wilds are treacherous, his master incompetent, and their fellow competitors set on winning, whatever the means. But Baz also has a secret—one that could get him killed, but one that also makes him the most valuable of assets during the Trials. Baz can read, and after he saves his master from certain death, he strikes a deal—his secret kept safe in exchange for aiding his master in completing the Trials. But can Baz really help a young man who thinks of him as property? And even if he can, there is much he doesn't know, like the evil that lies in wait beneath the ruins of Tome.
- GenresFantasyBooks About Books
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2022
About the author
D.T. Kane
7 books13 followersDaniel (D. T.) Kane grew up with a dad who read to him about wizards and dragons, and a mom who spent countless hours reviewing his book reports on novels about talking animals. He reads to himself now, but his taste in books hasn’t strayed far from his childhood days. Dan works in the legal field by day and spends nights and weekends working on his next novel. When he isn’t writing, he’s spending time with his wife, Linda, and dog, Buddy. They enjoy traveling, movies, and craft beer (Buddy sticks to water).
Dan also hosts a weekly podcast, D. T. Kane's Epic Fantasy Book Club, where he reads his fiction and discusses it with his audience. It's like a book club, except he does all the work for you! Find it on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Dan also hosts a weekly podcast, D. T. Kane's Epic Fantasy Book Club, where he reads his fiction and discusses it with his audience. It's like a book club, except he does all the work for you! Find it on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 8, 2022
How are there no reviews for this? I loved this book and I adored the MC’s, Baz, Deliritous and Rox. There is so much depth to these characters and the world building is great. I’m excited for the next book!
November 3, 2022
4/5 Stars
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Acktus Trials is book 1 in The Spoken Books Uprising series by D.T. Kane. A dangerous world with a deep history and a magic system that were captivating from the first page.
Baztian is a Speaker and slave. A young man born with the ability to speak the words of power from Spoken Books to cast magic. Only, people of Baz’s station are forbidden from learning to read. After a cataclysm nearly destroyed the land of Oration centuries ago, Speakers have been forbidden from learning to read or write. Instead, they are enslaved. When Baz must accompany his Master to compete in the Acktus Trials and retrieve a new Spoken Book, he is less than enthusiastic. For not only does he value his life, but he’s also hiding a secret that could get him killed – Baz can read.
The world-building and its history were captivating. From the first page, the reader is thrown into the incredible land of Oration and its magic. The society of Oration is broken into a hierarchy, where status is determined by family linage or abilities, making for dynamic relationships in a complex world. This created scenes that were gripping and an added tension to characters interactions as slaves are considered expendable.
We’re treated to a variety of characters, some witty banter, and tense moments. While the characters each had their own struggles, they were explored naturally throughout the story. There is one character I would have liked to see more exploration of. However, with more books in the series, there is plenty of opportunity for that.
There were characters I found myself rooting for, some I disliked but came to love and others who were unlikeable right from the start.
The story was easy to get lost in, with lots of action, magic and high stakes, the pacing made it hard to put down. Now while pacing was medium to fast, the progression of the story is done in a way that often had me saying “just one more chapter.”
This had self-discovery, mystery, a quest, dragons, magic, action, great characters, and an exploration of right vs wrong.
A fantastic start to the series with an incredible world and magic system. I’m looking forward to continuing with the series, as I already miss it.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Acktus Trials is book 1 in The Spoken Books Uprising series by D.T. Kane. A dangerous world with a deep history and a magic system that were captivating from the first page.
Baztian is a Speaker and slave. A young man born with the ability to speak the words of power from Spoken Books to cast magic. Only, people of Baz’s station are forbidden from learning to read. After a cataclysm nearly destroyed the land of Oration centuries ago, Speakers have been forbidden from learning to read or write. Instead, they are enslaved. When Baz must accompany his Master to compete in the Acktus Trials and retrieve a new Spoken Book, he is less than enthusiastic. For not only does he value his life, but he’s also hiding a secret that could get him killed – Baz can read.
The world-building and its history were captivating. From the first page, the reader is thrown into the incredible land of Oration and its magic. The society of Oration is broken into a hierarchy, where status is determined by family linage or abilities, making for dynamic relationships in a complex world. This created scenes that were gripping and an added tension to characters interactions as slaves are considered expendable.
We’re treated to a variety of characters, some witty banter, and tense moments. While the characters each had their own struggles, they were explored naturally throughout the story. There is one character I would have liked to see more exploration of. However, with more books in the series, there is plenty of opportunity for that.
There were characters I found myself rooting for, some I disliked but came to love and others who were unlikeable right from the start.
The story was easy to get lost in, with lots of action, magic and high stakes, the pacing made it hard to put down. Now while pacing was medium to fast, the progression of the story is done in a way that often had me saying “just one more chapter.”
This had self-discovery, mystery, a quest, dragons, magic, action, great characters, and an exploration of right vs wrong.
A fantastic start to the series with an incredible world and magic system. I’m looking forward to continuing with the series, as I already miss it.
May 16, 2022
This book was an avid reader's pure joy. A world where books are the main focal point of the story is heaven.
Kane takes you on this beautiful journey where Book Dragons are covered with words and can speak.
People are called Illit's because the hierarchy has banished people from ever touching books.
And once a year, the trials to bring back one spoken book takes place to make the library of their kingdoms triumphant.
Here you will encounter self-centered Deliterious, (The Reader), Baztian (his slave and Speaker), and Rox( The Enigman, Deliterious's protector)
This will only be the beginning of the road for these three, and what awaits them is nothing but betrayal, backstabbing, kindness, and understanding.
I cannot wait to get my hands on book two because this one will have you ready for the next volume.
EPIC WRITING!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kane takes you on this beautiful journey where Book Dragons are covered with words and can speak.
People are called Illit's because the hierarchy has banished people from ever touching books.
And once a year, the trials to bring back one spoken book takes place to make the library of their kingdoms triumphant.
Here you will encounter self-centered Deliterious, (The Reader), Baztian (his slave and Speaker), and Rox( The Enigman, Deliterious's protector)
This will only be the beginning of the road for these three, and what awaits them is nothing but betrayal, backstabbing, kindness, and understanding.
I cannot wait to get my hands on book two because this one will have you ready for the next volume.
EPIC WRITING!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2022
What an entertaining and unique story! I absolutely loved my time reading this book. Baz and Rox are some of my new fave characters and my bookworm heart absolutely thrived with the concept of Book Dragons.
The pacing was well done, and the world building and lore was the strength of this book. The plot twists were huge, but they were definitely jaw dropping.
For a first book I'm a series this was definitely solid and I look forward to continuing on!
The pacing was well done, and the world building and lore was the strength of this book. The plot twists were huge, but they were definitely jaw dropping.
For a first book I'm a series this was definitely solid and I look forward to continuing on!
January 29, 2025
5 🌟
I absolutely gobbled up this fantasy book about the power of books! Bought on a kobo sale and am looking forward to the other books in the series. Kind of like the hunger games but using books as weapons. Also a bit like Babel which I also loved.
If you love books about books and fantasy, pick up this book now!
I absolutely gobbled up this fantasy book about the power of books! Bought on a kobo sale and am looking forward to the other books in the series. Kind of like the hunger games but using books as weapons. Also a bit like Babel which I also loved.
If you love books about books and fantasy, pick up this book now!
April 23, 2022
I loved this book. I'm looking forward to the next. It was hard to put down until I finished it.
June 12, 2022
RATING : 4.5 Stars
CONVINCING YOU TO READ THIS IN 6 WORDS: Unique Concept, Amazing World Building, Dragons, Characters having their own voice & Lore
"Everyone is a product of their environment."
MY THOUGHTS:
Before I go into the whole details of this perfect book and why I loved it. Let me start with two things, this book is an under-rated gem and I forgot that I was reading. And I think that is exactly what I want from a book. I generally take some time to ease into series. This book? Nope. I was engrossed from the beginning. The Prologue? Perfect. The beginning of the story? Again. Perfection.
Now, onto why I loved this book and using words that are not just Perfect?
The concept behind The Acktus Trials is amazing right? You are reading a book where reading a book can get you killed? Just think about it -it is pretty cool.
"Keep breathing, Baz," Tax said, standing tall in the Harbour's shadow. "Keep surviving."
The characters? Oh I loved each one of them, even the one I wasn't a big fan of? Each of them had their own voice, their own personality. They definitely played the role of what was expected from them but that did not mean that they had no personality. In fact, that was the best part... all of them despite their own role which they did to the best of their abilities had different opinions on different things. And with each step when they learned something new, they changed. Maybe not completely but slowly they started changing. But not in the drastic scales. They started changing little by little, still not losing the sight of who they were or what was expected. I think this was the best part of the story. Especially because you can see the characters struggling, trying to find a place for themselves and yet being stuck in a same place. How their aspect of promises or oaths came before what they wanted. And how despite the fact Baz disliked his Master, he thought that he owed his life to him and was ready to cross bridges for him. While if we see the flip side of the coin, Deliritous despite being saved multiple times by Baz doesn't think this as any special occasion but rather moves on with his life as if that was expected. The constant contrast shows the difference between privileged and those who are not.
THE PLOT. On surface it can look like oh well, a book about not reading. But The Acktus Trials is so much more than that.! Since the society has divided the people between who can speak and write, new books are not written in decades, centuries probably and thus making all the spoken books as precious tressure. (As a lover of words, I understand this sentiment a lot). The trials are held so that you can acquire a new spoken book from the place where it all began. The journey towards to that book is not easy and in between you encounter so many things that you once counted as myth or a children's bedtime story. And you learn parts of the history that are wrong or just changed to serve the purpose of one group.
...But when your gods are constantly trying to kill you, all you can do is fight back. And once one has been killed, it must be put to use. Death for no reason is a Lie. Waste is a Lie.
There are so many aspects of the story that I want to talk about but I just have one thing to tell you. Read this book and you will forget that you were reading. I was sick when I started this book. And believe me, all I did was read. I read this book in just one day. The Acktus Trials didn't make me cry or worry too much. The stakes were not too much but I enjoyed every moment here. With each twist and turn and slowly how each part of history was reveled without any info dumping but just taking you through the parts...I loved every moment here.
Suffice to say, I didn't have a chill and started Book 2 right away. Have you read The Acktus Trials or are you planning to read it?
SPOILER ZONE:
I thought Tax died. And when we find out that he didn't, I SCREAMED.
The scene with Del telling Baz that he will have him Blinded too. And how Baz kind of anticipated it before. But still seeing Rox made him feel something. I loved that scenes so much. Baz and Rox together are a whole mood and I want to know more about them.
I also think it shows so much about how Del at this point is holding everyone to their oaths and promises and when situation turned to him, he bluntly spoke that you really should not have expected me to keep my promise.
I loved it so much.!
You can read the Summary for The Acktus Trials and other reviews on my website
CONVINCING YOU TO READ THIS IN 6 WORDS: Unique Concept, Amazing World Building, Dragons, Characters having their own voice & Lore
"Everyone is a product of their environment."
MY THOUGHTS:
Before I go into the whole details of this perfect book and why I loved it. Let me start with two things, this book is an under-rated gem and I forgot that I was reading. And I think that is exactly what I want from a book. I generally take some time to ease into series. This book? Nope. I was engrossed from the beginning. The Prologue? Perfect. The beginning of the story? Again. Perfection.
Now, onto why I loved this book and using words that are not just Perfect?
The concept behind The Acktus Trials is amazing right? You are reading a book where reading a book can get you killed? Just think about it -it is pretty cool.
"Keep breathing, Baz," Tax said, standing tall in the Harbour's shadow. "Keep surviving."
The characters? Oh I loved each one of them, even the one I wasn't a big fan of? Each of them had their own voice, their own personality. They definitely played the role of what was expected from them but that did not mean that they had no personality. In fact, that was the best part... all of them despite their own role which they did to the best of their abilities had different opinions on different things. And with each step when they learned something new, they changed. Maybe not completely but slowly they started changing. But not in the drastic scales. They started changing little by little, still not losing the sight of who they were or what was expected. I think this was the best part of the story. Especially because you can see the characters struggling, trying to find a place for themselves and yet being stuck in a same place. How their aspect of promises or oaths came before what they wanted. And how despite the fact Baz disliked his Master, he thought that he owed his life to him and was ready to cross bridges for him. While if we see the flip side of the coin, Deliritous despite being saved multiple times by Baz doesn't think this as any special occasion but rather moves on with his life as if that was expected. The constant contrast shows the difference between privileged and those who are not.
THE PLOT. On surface it can look like oh well, a book about not reading. But The Acktus Trials is so much more than that.! Since the society has divided the people between who can speak and write, new books are not written in decades, centuries probably and thus making all the spoken books as precious tressure. (As a lover of words, I understand this sentiment a lot). The trials are held so that you can acquire a new spoken book from the place where it all began. The journey towards to that book is not easy and in between you encounter so many things that you once counted as myth or a children's bedtime story. And you learn parts of the history that are wrong or just changed to serve the purpose of one group.
...But when your gods are constantly trying to kill you, all you can do is fight back. And once one has been killed, it must be put to use. Death for no reason is a Lie. Waste is a Lie.
There are so many aspects of the story that I want to talk about but I just have one thing to tell you. Read this book and you will forget that you were reading. I was sick when I started this book. And believe me, all I did was read. I read this book in just one day. The Acktus Trials didn't make me cry or worry too much. The stakes were not too much but I enjoyed every moment here. With each twist and turn and slowly how each part of history was reveled without any info dumping but just taking you through the parts...I loved every moment here.
Suffice to say, I didn't have a chill and started Book 2 right away. Have you read The Acktus Trials or are you planning to read it?
SPOILER ZONE:
I thought Tax died. And when we find out that he didn't, I SCREAMED.
The scene with Del telling Baz that he will have him Blinded too. And how Baz kind of anticipated it before. But still seeing Rox made him feel something. I loved that scenes so much. Baz and Rox together are a whole mood and I want to know more about them.
I also think it shows so much about how Del at this point is holding everyone to their oaths and promises and when situation turned to him, he bluntly spoke that you really should not have expected me to keep my promise.
I loved it so much.!
You can read the Summary for The Acktus Trials and other reviews on my website
August 17, 2022
The Speakers has long held the power of magic in the land of Oration. Their magic comes from reading from the Spoken Books. After a catastrophic event occurs, the Speakers are forbidden from reading or writing in the books. They become the hunted, they are captured and enslaved, all in the name of fear. Because they are forbidden to read or write, there are no new books. Until, one is newly discovered. So a competition is created and the prize is the new book. A highly coveted prize because of the magic written inside the book. This is a phenomenal new fantasy world. A remarkable plot and with great characters. A fast paced story, with action and suspense. I am looking forward to the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2022
I started reading this book without much hope. But I was surprised. The more I read, the more it captivated me. I like the world building, the plot, the adventure and characters of the story. Baz and Del's arguments and then trying to save each other was hilarious and heart touching as well. I really loved to read it. I recommend this book to those who are looking for an adventure story in a complete new world with less to no romantic plot or subplot.
November 27, 2023
Awesome read! Enjoyed this story immensely. I needed something a little less dark and gritty to read as a palate cleanser and this book didn't disappoint. This is full of charm, intrigue, adventure and suspense!
I loved Baz and Rox a lot. The characters were well fleshed out with unique personalities and I loved the writing style a lot. Would definitely recommend to fantasy lovers.
I loved Baz and Rox a lot. The characters were well fleshed out with unique personalities and I loved the writing style a lot. Would definitely recommend to fantasy lovers.
Read
May 21, 2022Read for SPFBO8! Review to come later!
August 22, 2022
Quite an enticing start of the series!
May 16, 2022
A literary Quest in a fantasy twist on Fahrenheit 451
The author was very creative with use of language to portray this society and its values (the capitalization was an excellent tool). It felt like reading 1984, especially with the revised history. Oh, and the expletives are like those of old skool Batman’s Robin!
Fave quote:
‘…Speaking isn’t enough. You have to Speak with intent’.
If only humanity respected its libraries and worked together to share knowledge.
Off to read the next in series!
The author was very creative with use of language to portray this society and its values (the capitalization was an excellent tool). It felt like reading 1984, especially with the revised history. Oh, and the expletives are like those of old skool Batman’s Robin!
Fave quote:
‘…Speaking isn’t enough. You have to Speak with intent’.
If only humanity respected its libraries and worked together to share knowledge.
Off to read the next in series!
May 24, 2022
WHAT A STORY!! Filled to the brim with fascinating, unforgettable locations, world lore, and characters! The relationships and struggles between the various characters and their factions keeps things exciting on every single page. This book is the highlight of 2022 for me so far, I cannot wait to read the sequel.
Update: Re-read this again a few months later for my book club and it still hits way above expectation. Highly recommended.
Update: Re-read this again a few months later for my book club and it still hits way above expectation. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2023
Chaos is often a human invention used to terrify and enslave mankind. A pyramid of power and wealth that stands on the shoulders of the man or woman beneath them. Plans of deception, or of ill will towards another person, city or state are whispered behind huge ornate oak doors. Only the most worthy or the lowest of persons shall ever be permitted to walk through those doors. It is the private residence of a King. Being the lowest member of the pyramid means you are no longer seen, it’s as if you don’t exist except when you’re needed to perform a service to those that sit higher than you.
And when you tire of being ignored, beaten, sold, or maimed is when the population of the lowest order realize they out number those above them and that can lead to only one thing – a revolt that leads to war.
And that is where Oration sits, on the precipice of magic and power being released to the masses who have been enslaved and denied even the most basic of needs.
The Acktus Trials is easy to get caught up in, with all the action, magic, high stakes and pressure that has been put on the line during these Trials. The pacing is medium to fast and carries the progression of the story nicely.
If you like great characters, a near impossible quest, magic, a hint of romance, and a dragon or two then you’ll enjoy The Acktus Trials by D. T. Kane. Even better would be to pick up The Spoken Books Uprising Box Set with books 1-3.
And when you tire of being ignored, beaten, sold, or maimed is when the population of the lowest order realize they out number those above them and that can lead to only one thing – a revolt that leads to war.
And that is where Oration sits, on the precipice of magic and power being released to the masses who have been enslaved and denied even the most basic of needs.
The Acktus Trials is easy to get caught up in, with all the action, magic, high stakes and pressure that has been put on the line during these Trials. The pacing is medium to fast and carries the progression of the story nicely.
If you like great characters, a near impossible quest, magic, a hint of romance, and a dragon or two then you’ll enjoy The Acktus Trials by D. T. Kane. Even better would be to pick up The Spoken Books Uprising Box Set with books 1-3.
July 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in The Spoken Books Uprising series and am looking forward to reading more. I think books about books and reading are always interesting, and this book was no exception. It took me a little while to understand the different roles in society, but once I figured it out (maybe 20 pages in), everything flowed pretty smoothly for me from then on. Baz is an interesting character whose motives and behaviors seem realistic and relatable. I wonder if the tattoos Tax gave himself will be explained in greater detail in the next book. As far as we know, he is the only Retiree who could Read, since everyone else was Retired because the Duke grew suspicious of them learning to Read. But he hasn’t Read or written anything in ten years, so how was he able to correctly tattoo himself? Also, where did he get the materials? I know his tattoos are in different colored elemental inks, which is what the Spoken Books are written in. Does that mean Tax could draw power from his own skin one day? I hope my questions get answered. I’m excited to find out more about that, and of course the mysterious prophecy of the Declaimer’s Transcendence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. This was an enjoyable read. I liked the character of Baz as well as his interactions with Rox and Deliritous; his reluctance to trust them or anyone else was understandable. The book was nicely edited, which is great to see for a change in an indie book. There were a lot of people and place names and history to remember in the first third or so. It did help when I started to see some of those terms in use during the scenes, though, terms like Reader, Speaker, Harbour, etc. At some points I got flavors of Harry Potter (Triwizard Tournament), Hunger Games (competing against brutal competitors), and Never Ending Story (the furry dragon)—but luckily the storyline kept traveling in more unique directions. I really enjoyed seeing how Baz saved himself and others in a variety of tough predicaments. Overall, there were some nice plot twists and turns. SMALL SPOILER: I was a little confused for a while, because the way it was written, I thought Baz’s brother was killed instead of having his eyes put out.
November 8, 2024
A world where books are the main focal point of the story is heaven.
Kane takes you on this beautiful journey where Book Dragons are covered with words and can speak. People are called Illit's because the hierarchy has banished people from ever touching books. And once a year, the trials to bring back one spoken book takes place to make the library of their kingdoms triumphant. Here you will encounter self-centered Deliterious, (The Reader), Baztian (his slave and Speaker), and Rox( The Enigman, Deliterious's protector)
This will only be the beginning of the road for these three, and what awaits them is nothing but betrayal, backstabbing, kindness, and understanding. Oration is a world that is controlling the power of spoken books and you will soon find on the road to tome just how vicious some of these characters can be. There is no amount of love loss between Deliterious and Baz not once you find out what was done to his brother in the early chapters of this book.
If you want the option to hear the author read his books and discuss them you can visit the you tube or the podcast links i have provided in the author bio. You can also support this author on Pateron. He recently had a baby with his wife so the podcast and youtube are on hiatus for now but the first two books are on there for you to enjoy.
Kane takes you on this beautiful journey where Book Dragons are covered with words and can speak. People are called Illit's because the hierarchy has banished people from ever touching books. And once a year, the trials to bring back one spoken book takes place to make the library of their kingdoms triumphant. Here you will encounter self-centered Deliterious, (The Reader), Baztian (his slave and Speaker), and Rox( The Enigman, Deliterious's protector)
This will only be the beginning of the road for these three, and what awaits them is nothing but betrayal, backstabbing, kindness, and understanding. Oration is a world that is controlling the power of spoken books and you will soon find on the road to tome just how vicious some of these characters can be. There is no amount of love loss between Deliterious and Baz not once you find out what was done to his brother in the early chapters of this book.
If you want the option to hear the author read his books and discuss them you can visit the you tube or the podcast links i have provided in the author bio. You can also support this author on Pateron. He recently had a baby with his wife so the podcast and youtube are on hiatus for now but the first two books are on there for you to enjoy.
July 20, 2023
The premise of this book, that of magic users who can not read and need someone to read the spells out for them so they can repeat them, is a fascinating premise, but as the story progresses you learn that there is more to this state of affairs than you first realise.
The prologue grabbed my attention with the introduction of a book Dragon, followed immediately by the introduction of the main characters in a manner which was a little unsettling, but which has lasting consequences for the coming story.
There is an interesting interplay between the main characters, whose personalities are quite complex, but well-written and engaging.
The plot was engaging also, being easy to follow, but without being simplistic or obvious about what would happen next, and moves along at a good pace.
As a first book in a series, it's a good solid start and I will be on the lookout for the next instalment.
The prologue grabbed my attention with the introduction of a book Dragon, followed immediately by the introduction of the main characters in a manner which was a little unsettling, but which has lasting consequences for the coming story.
There is an interesting interplay between the main characters, whose personalities are quite complex, but well-written and engaging.
The plot was engaging also, being easy to follow, but without being simplistic or obvious about what would happen next, and moves along at a good pace.
As a first book in a series, it's a good solid start and I will be on the lookout for the next instalment.
July 31, 2023
Different, special, exciting
Baz & his brother Tax are basically slaves to Readers. They aren't allowed to read books on their own. It's a very strict society. There are many different types of slaves to help the Readers. It's about power, who has it & who isn't allowed to have any of the power. The book was very interesting, striking, & plausible. If you think about it, there's an absolute possibility of this happening in the future. Read the book to find out what happens when Deliritous takes Baztian on the Acktus Trials with him! Seriously great read!
Baz & his brother Tax are basically slaves to Readers. They aren't allowed to read books on their own. It's a very strict society. There are many different types of slaves to help the Readers. It's about power, who has it & who isn't allowed to have any of the power. The book was very interesting, striking, & plausible. If you think about it, there's an absolute possibility of this happening in the future. Read the book to find out what happens when Deliritous takes Baztian on the Acktus Trials with him! Seriously great read!
August 13, 2022
The premise of this novel is intriguing, the characters are interesting but unfortunately the language used is simplistic making this book only suitable for a YA audience. I wish I'd come across this book when I was younger as the plot is engaging however, as things stand I am not in the target audience and will not continue with the series.
February 16, 2024
Interesting Read
Very different kind of story about a world where there is magic. The MC is mostly likable, and for the most part his behaviour is what you would expect from a person in servitude to another. It's a slow start and a little boring, but definitely picks up and is very good once the book gets going, through to the end. I highly recommend this book.
Very different kind of story about a world where there is magic. The MC is mostly likable, and for the most part his behaviour is what you would expect from a person in servitude to another. It's a slow start and a little boring, but definitely picks up and is very good once the book gets going, through to the end. I highly recommend this book.
June 3, 2024
Dystopian
For a lover of books like myself, this story took place in a truly dystopian world. Most folk were kept illiterate while others were slaves to repeat words read to them by what must be considered the ruling class who sought to board all books.
A good read, seriously messed up!
For a lover of books like myself, this story took place in a truly dystopian world. Most folk were kept illiterate while others were slaves to repeat words read to them by what must be considered the ruling class who sought to board all books.
A good read, seriously messed up!
July 3, 2022
this was a really well done fantasy book about dragons, it introduced the characters and their world really well. It left me wanting more in this world and from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2023
At first I wasn't convinced, but the more I read, the more I understood and the more I understood, the more I liked it. So yeah, in the end I want more. Looking forward to reading the series.
May 20, 2023
I really liked it.
September 2, 2023
DNF 5%
This seems like a creative fun MG series but it didn't click for me.
This seems like a creative fun MG series but it didn't click for me.
June 25, 2022
The Aktus trials has such a unique and intriguing plot. The land is divided into groups of people - speakers, readers and harbours. The accepted belief is that it is dangerous for speakers to be able to read. Young Baztian witnesses the brutal blinding of his brother Tax, all because his brother commits the sin of being able to read and speak. A decade later, Baz remains a slave of Deliritous, his master who ordered his brother's blinding and is forced to go on a journey with him to achieve greatness for the duchy.
The tale is well written, action packed and commands your attention from the very start. Great story that I highly recommend. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The tale is well written, action packed and commands your attention from the very start. Great story that I highly recommend. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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