I was hooked as soon as I saw the cover, and to top it all off as soon as I began reading the exert I did not want to stop.
Kellen is such an intriguing main character that I want to know more about immediately. Kellen's father is wildly renowned for his power and younger sister is proving to be just as powerful, but this is not the case for Kellen as he possesses presumably no magic at all. Kellen is driven by the prospect that if he does not pass the necessary trials by his 16th birthday he will fall into the serving class. But with seemingly no magical abilities Kellen has to come up with his own plan to pass the trials: a great con.
The narrative is smart, humorous, and entertaining throughout. I was quickly sucked into the opening chapter as it followed the fast-paced plan Kellen had to complete the first trial and I was not disappointed. The writing style reminded me somewhat of Rick Riordan, which is only to say that I loved it! As the main character, Kellen was easy to cheer for, everyone loves an underdog and his easy charm and clear intelligence made him all the better.
Side characters were nicely introduced and hold a lot of promise. Similar, as was the world, social system, and overarching plot without it all being bombarding. In fact, the chapter was well balanced between exposition and keeping the reader engaged with an exciting opening. I will be adding this book to my tbr pile for sure!
And if that hasn't sold you, remember, who doesn't love a good con?
Kellen is such an intriguing main character that I want to know more about immediately. Kellen's father is wildly renowned for his power and younger sister is proving to be just as powerful, but this is not the case for Kellen as he possesses presumably no magic at all. Kellen is driven by the prospect that if he does not pass the necessary trials by his 16th birthday he will fall into the serving class. But with seemingly no magical abilities Kellen has to come up with his own plan to pass the trials: a great con.
The narrative is smart, humorous, and entertaining throughout. I was quickly sucked into the opening chapter as it followed the fast-paced plan Kellen had to complete the first trial and I was not disappointed. The writing style reminded me somewhat of Rick Riordan, which is only to say that I loved it! As the main character, Kellen was easy to cheer for, everyone loves an underdog and his easy charm and clear intelligence made him all the better.
Side characters were nicely introduced and hold a lot of promise. Similar, as was the world, social system, and overarching plot without it all being bombarding. In fact, the chapter was well balanced between exposition and keeping the reader engaged with an exciting opening. I will be adding this book to my tbr pile for sure!
And if that hasn't sold you, remember, who doesn't love a good con?