At the elite academy of Catenan, a young refugee uncovers complex mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by international bestselling author James Islington.

The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but it doesn’t know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I share that I became an orphan after a tragic accident three years ago and that only luck has led me to be accepted into their prestigious school. I say that after graduation, I would like to join the rest of civilized society and allow my strength, drive, and focus – what they call will – to be taken and added to the power of those above me. Just as millions have done before. Just as everyone must eventually do. I tell them I belong, and they believe me.

But the truth is, I was sent to the academy to find answers. To solve a murder. In search of an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that could tear the Republic apart. And that I will never surrender my will to the Empire that executed my family.

To survive, however, I must still rise through the ranks of the academy. I must smile, make friends, and pretend to be one of them to win. Because if I can’t do that, those who want to control me, who know my real name, will have no use for me. And if the Hierarchy finds out who I really am, they will kill me.