Fifteen-year-old Soren Drystan has spent years pursuing a single dream: becoming Captain of the New Order, the kingdom’s elite military order.

Lacking the talent for offensive magic that others around him possess, Soren has instead dedicated himself to the sword, determined to prove that hard work can carry him where natural talent cannot.

When an unexpected opportunity gives young academy students a chance to earn early entry into the New Order, Soren finally sees the first real step toward his dream—and perhaps the chance to earn the recognition he has sought for years.

But beyond the academy and the life Soren has always known lies a vast world of rival races, ancient conflicts, and truths far closer to him than he could ever imagine.

For now, however, Soren has only one goal:

Earn his place in the New Order.