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illidia316's review against another edition
5.0
A Warden’s Purpose is an engrossing tale about two siblings that leave behind everything they know to follow their chosen path. I absolutely love everything about this book. The characters are amazing and the story itself is fresh and unique. I can’t wait to read more!
jessicafee86's review against another edition
4.0
Edit: Did a quick re-read and decided to bump this guy up to a 4, still a bit on the cheesy side but I really enjoyed it, so 4 it is!
This book was a very strong 3.5/5 for me. I'm always a sucker for school oriented stories and this was one of the more unique schools that I've read about. I loved the idea of magic, runes and engineering combining to create a host of cool inventions for me to read about.
The Pros:
This book has a lot of pros, so many that I will definitely be reading the next book in the series the first chance I get. Do you like school settings? A super smart MC? A bad ass female MC? Awesome action through out? Yeah, this book has all of those things.
"With rapid and fluid movement, not one motion wasted, the way Quinn scaled the wall would have made a lizard proud. She reached the top and grabbed the pulley handles with a thrust, her legs swinging wildly out as her momentum carried her down the long rope."
But while action scenes are fun, I always need to be able to like the books characters. If the characters aren't likable, I usually have a hard time getting into a book, but I didn't have that problem with Everson and Quinn. Everson is the first character that we're introduced to. He's trapped in a cell (we don't know why) and is forced to tell his story to his unknown captors. We're also told, with in the first couple pages, that our main character was born with a disability.
"Everson bit his lip as uncomfortable feelings surfaced, rising above the tension of the moment. His eyes lowered to his lap and saw pale thighs - scrawny, twisted, useless."
Everson's disability plays a big part in the overall story and shaped his character into something unique. Since he has trouble moving around, he spends his life building up his brain instead of his muscles (which is why he gets accepted to the school of engineering and magic).
The Cons:
There were two main things that made this book more of a 3 star, than a 4 star read for me. While I enjoyed the characters, the action scenes, and the overall plot, some of the interactions were a bit juvenile. There is one semi-romantic relationship in the book and the couples choices/reactions to each other were very reminiscent of middle school. Some of the interactions between Quinn and Everson are just as overplayed and middle school like. (Quinn being overprotective to the point of insanity being one example)
"Quinn felt a single tear run down her cheek - a tear of betrayal."
That, my friends, is some epic stringy cheese. But that was my only real gripe with this book. The cheese is strong, but the overall story and characters are stronger. This book has an intense young adult vibe, so if that's not your thing, A Warden's Purpose probably isn't for you.
Final Thoughts
I feel like if I had found this book when I was in middle school, or early highschool, it would have ended up a dog eared mess by the end of the year from constant re-reading. While some of the cheesy parts didn't pair well with my adult self, I would've loved it in my early years. It's a fun, easy read, and I can't wait to see what kind of adventures Everson and Quinn get into next. The way the story ended, I know the sequel is going to be a blast!
This book was a very strong 3.5/5 for me. I'm always a sucker for school oriented stories and this was one of the more unique schools that I've read about. I loved the idea of magic, runes and engineering combining to create a host of cool inventions for me to read about.
The Pros:
This book has a lot of pros, so many that I will definitely be reading the next book in the series the first chance I get. Do you like school settings? A super smart MC? A bad ass female MC? Awesome action through out? Yeah, this book has all of those things.
"With rapid and fluid movement, not one motion wasted, the way Quinn scaled the wall would have made a lizard proud. She reached the top and grabbed the pulley handles with a thrust, her legs swinging wildly out as her momentum carried her down the long rope."
But while action scenes are fun, I always need to be able to like the books characters. If the characters aren't likable, I usually have a hard time getting into a book, but I didn't have that problem with Everson and Quinn. Everson is the first character that we're introduced to. He's trapped in a cell (we don't know why) and is forced to tell his story to his unknown captors. We're also told, with in the first couple pages, that our main character was born with a disability.
"Everson bit his lip as uncomfortable feelings surfaced, rising above the tension of the moment. His eyes lowered to his lap and saw pale thighs - scrawny, twisted, useless."
Everson's disability plays a big part in the overall story and shaped his character into something unique. Since he has trouble moving around, he spends his life building up his brain instead of his muscles (which is why he gets accepted to the school of engineering and magic).
The Cons:
There were two main things that made this book more of a 3 star, than a 4 star read for me. While I enjoyed the characters, the action scenes, and the overall plot, some of the interactions were a bit juvenile. There is one semi-romantic relationship in the book and the couples choices/reactions to each other were very reminiscent of middle school. Some of the interactions between Quinn and Everson are just as overplayed and middle school like. (Quinn being overprotective to the point of insanity being one example)
"Quinn felt a single tear run down her cheek - a tear of betrayal."
That, my friends, is some epic stringy cheese. But that was my only real gripe with this book. The cheese is strong, but the overall story and characters are stronger. This book has an intense young adult vibe, so if that's not your thing, A Warden's Purpose probably isn't for you.
Final Thoughts
I feel like if I had found this book when I was in middle school, or early highschool, it would have ended up a dog eared mess by the end of the year from constant re-reading. While some of the cheesy parts didn't pair well with my adult self, I would've loved it in my early years. It's a fun, easy read, and I can't wait to see what kind of adventures Everson and Quinn get into next. The way the story ended, I know the sequel is going to be a blast!
celticmyst's review against another edition
3.0
This is a light, quick read, a classic coming-of-age story set primarily in a school. Apparently the author’s first series, Runes of Issalia, occurs chronologically earlier in the same world. I haven’t read that series, but had no issues understanding the story, so for those of you concerned about missing context, don’t be! (I do plan to go back and read that series at some point.)
The story centers around two siblings, Quinn and Everson. Quinn is a young warrior-in-training, fiery and bold and fiercely devoted to her adopted brother, Everson. Everson is crippled, and turns to his mind in order to excel. He’s intelligent and extremely skilled at thinking outside the box, which serves him well as he studies in the engineering and magic academy. While I liked Quinn (I have a huge soft spot for butt-kickin’ ladies), I think Everson was the better character, as his struggle with his disability made for a more interesting story. However, I still found the characters rather cardboard and had a hard time connecting with either of them. Even though we’re hearing the story through their POVs, the writing style felt a bit detached, like I was sort of floating above them rather than in their heads. The dialogue sometimes seemed unnatural and forced, which was more noticeable since so much of the story centers around character interactions.
We kick off the story with Quinn and Everson being taken captive in the middle of the night. They’re tied up in cells and forced to tell their captors about their childhoods and the events surrounding their training at an elite academy. (Not a spoiler—this literally happens within the first few pages.) The rest of the book is mostly a flashback, until the very end. It’s an interesting way to frame the plot, but I found it somewhat contrived, especially since I couldn’t find a good reason for Quinn and Everson to be talking about some of the information (such as their childhood crushes, family life, etc). Even at the end, when we discover why they’ve been taken captive and forced to recount their entire life stories, I still didn’t really buy that it was all necessary. Perhaps the reasoning will be explored further in the sequel.
For the most part, the story’s set in a fairly traditional fantasy school, with two separate campuses for physical fighting and engineering/magic. I particularly enjoyed the focus on using magic and engineering in tandem to create unique inventions. We don’t learn a lot about the specifics of the magic system. Overall the story keeps to a brisk pace, but there were still “slice of life” sequences that didn’t contribute much to the plot or character development. It almost felt like one giant set-up for the sequel, which seems to be where the story will kick off in earnest.
Prose quality was good, without any grammatical errors, but not great. There’s a lot of telling, not showing, plus numerous awkwardly worded and/or repetitive sentences. These prose issues tripped me up and prevented my full immersion in the story.
Despite these nitpicks, this is a fun read, and I’ll plan to pick up the sequel when it's released. I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy YA fantasy, coming-of-age stories, school settings, or unique magic systems. Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for a review!
Review breakdown:
Setting/Worldbuilding: 7/10
Characters: 6.5/10
Plot/Pacing: 7/10
Prose: 7/10
Overall: 6.88/10 -> 3.44/5 stars
The story centers around two siblings, Quinn and Everson. Quinn is a young warrior-in-training, fiery and bold and fiercely devoted to her adopted brother, Everson. Everson is crippled, and turns to his mind in order to excel. He’s intelligent and extremely skilled at thinking outside the box, which serves him well as he studies in the engineering and magic academy. While I liked Quinn (I have a huge soft spot for butt-kickin’ ladies), I think Everson was the better character, as his struggle with his disability made for a more interesting story. However, I still found the characters rather cardboard and had a hard time connecting with either of them. Even though we’re hearing the story through their POVs, the writing style felt a bit detached, like I was sort of floating above them rather than in their heads. The dialogue sometimes seemed unnatural and forced, which was more noticeable since so much of the story centers around character interactions.
We kick off the story with Quinn and Everson being taken captive in the middle of the night. They’re tied up in cells and forced to tell their captors about their childhoods and the events surrounding their training at an elite academy. (Not a spoiler—this literally happens within the first few pages.) The rest of the book is mostly a flashback, until the very end. It’s an interesting way to frame the plot, but I found it somewhat contrived, especially since I couldn’t find a good reason for Quinn and Everson to be talking about some of the information (such as their childhood crushes, family life, etc). Even at the end, when we discover why they’ve been taken captive and forced to recount their entire life stories, I still didn’t really buy that it was all necessary. Perhaps the reasoning will be explored further in the sequel.
For the most part, the story’s set in a fairly traditional fantasy school, with two separate campuses for physical fighting and engineering/magic. I particularly enjoyed the focus on using magic and engineering in tandem to create unique inventions. We don’t learn a lot about the specifics of the magic system. Overall the story keeps to a brisk pace, but there were still “slice of life” sequences that didn’t contribute much to the plot or character development. It almost felt like one giant set-up for the sequel, which seems to be where the story will kick off in earnest.
Prose quality was good, without any grammatical errors, but not great. There’s a lot of telling, not showing, plus numerous awkwardly worded and/or repetitive sentences. These prose issues tripped me up and prevented my full immersion in the story.
Despite these nitpicks, this is a fun read, and I’ll plan to pick up the sequel when it's released. I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy YA fantasy, coming-of-age stories, school settings, or unique magic systems. Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for a review!
Review breakdown:
Setting/Worldbuilding: 7/10
Characters: 6.5/10
Plot/Pacing: 7/10
Prose: 7/10
Overall: 6.88/10 -> 3.44/5 stars
yarnandcameras's review against another edition
3.75 stars which rounds to 4. :) Excellent plot, plus good world building and characters. Slow at the beginning and some of the writing is a bit stilted, but overall it’s good enough to get me to want to read the next one in the series.
—
I like the characters and the idea of a differently-abled person in the context of a less technologically developed world. Everson’s need to be useful absolutely makes sense as a driver for his character. I also liked having two main characters with opposite personalities and strengths, and it’s nice that the thinky inventor disabled one is a boy and the more impulsive enforcer physical one is a girl. Yay turning tropes on their head! Having different academies for each of them also made it less of a typical young-hero-goes-to-school story (I’m a bit tired of those). The world building is nicely done: the politics are interesting, there’s enough details about crafts and people’s everyday lives to be believable but not over the top, and the magic system and the way it interacts with mechanical engineering is excellent, and again makes sense without getting too information-dump-ish on the reader.
—
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, through Esme’s TBRindr list on r/fantasy.
—
I like the characters and the idea of a differently-abled person in the context of a less technologically developed world. Everson’s need to be useful absolutely makes sense as a driver for his character. I also liked having two main characters with opposite personalities and strengths, and it’s nice that the thinky inventor disabled one is a boy and the more impulsive enforcer physical one is a girl. Yay turning tropes on their head! Having different academies for each of them also made it less of a typical young-hero-goes-to-school story (I’m a bit tired of those). The world building is nicely done: the politics are interesting, there’s enough details about crafts and people’s everyday lives to be believable but not over the top, and the magic system and the way it interacts with mechanical engineering is excellent, and again makes sense without getting too information-dump-ish on the reader.
—
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, through Esme’s TBRindr list on r/fantasy.
observantraven's review against another edition
4.0
A Wardens Purpose is the sequel to The Runes of Issalia trilogy and it is set a number of years in the future after the end of that trilogy. When I found out Jeffrey was delving deeper into the world he first created in The Runes of Issalia trilogy by creating a sequel trilogy I was very intrigued to see what he was going to do due to how much I enjoyed the first trilogy.
When I first started reading A Wardens Purpose I wasn’t immediately enthralled by the story due to a slower pace and it took me a little longer to get used to the characters. However once I reached approximately 20-30% of the book this quickly changed as not only does the pace quicken but the truly interesting story points and aspects of the book start to reveal themselves.
One aspect of the book I thought was very interesting was that instead of going with main character like Brock in the original trilogy that was naturally very gifted here we are given the main character Everson who is struggling with who he is and discovering what his talents are and we get to see him develop those as the book progresses. Unfortunately Everson is disabled and this only makes things all the more difficult for him so when start to see him struggle you are emotionally drawn to the strife he is facing.
In The Runes of Issalia trilogy Brock was predominantly a fighter who specialized slightly in other areas but this time round we are presented with a main character who is more specialized in engineering and reading about this was a breath of fresh air. Too often in books we are not given knowledge of other character hierarchies other than the fighter, mage, ranger or druid so getting this perspective was very interesting to read about. The only slight gripe I have about this is that I would have liked the book to delve into the engineers lifestyle and work a bit more however the character as a whole was still very well done.
I know so far I have only mentioned the main character Everson but this book also has an additional POV who is his sister Quinn. This allows the book to open up the world even further as the world now has two schools one for those talented in magic wards and those in the various warrior specialties so it was very interesting to read about the different experiences our characters have in them.
One aspect of this book I thoroughly enjoyed reading was the multiple mysteries that followed our main characters and how Jeffrey slowly drew these out as the book progressed, they were certainly a times that I was surprised by twists in the plot.
I think Jeffrey has created a very interesting story perspective for this new trilogy and I certainly have a few favorite elements in A Wardens Purpose (e.g. the engineering competition) so I am definitely looking forward to see how he progresses it and what happens next. As it stands right now I still prefer The Runes of Issalia trilogy but I have no doubt that this could certainly change.
Overall I really enjoyed reading A Wardens Purpose and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. If you haven’t yet read The Runes of Issalia then I highly recommend you do as it is a very good trilogy that is well paced and quick to read.
When I first started reading A Wardens Purpose I wasn’t immediately enthralled by the story due to a slower pace and it took me a little longer to get used to the characters. However once I reached approximately 20-30% of the book this quickly changed as not only does the pace quicken but the truly interesting story points and aspects of the book start to reveal themselves.
One aspect of the book I thought was very interesting was that instead of going with main character like Brock in the original trilogy that was naturally very gifted here we are given the main character Everson who is struggling with who he is and discovering what his talents are and we get to see him develop those as the book progresses. Unfortunately Everson is disabled and this only makes things all the more difficult for him so when start to see him struggle you are emotionally drawn to the strife he is facing.
In The Runes of Issalia trilogy Brock was predominantly a fighter who specialized slightly in other areas but this time round we are presented with a main character who is more specialized in engineering and reading about this was a breath of fresh air. Too often in books we are not given knowledge of other character hierarchies other than the fighter, mage, ranger or druid so getting this perspective was very interesting to read about. The only slight gripe I have about this is that I would have liked the book to delve into the engineers lifestyle and work a bit more however the character as a whole was still very well done.
I know so far I have only mentioned the main character Everson but this book also has an additional POV who is his sister Quinn. This allows the book to open up the world even further as the world now has two schools one for those talented in magic wards and those in the various warrior specialties so it was very interesting to read about the different experiences our characters have in them.
One aspect of this book I thoroughly enjoyed reading was the multiple mysteries that followed our main characters and how Jeffrey slowly drew these out as the book progressed, they were certainly a times that I was surprised by twists in the plot.
I think Jeffrey has created a very interesting story perspective for this new trilogy and I certainly have a few favorite elements in A Wardens Purpose (e.g. the engineering competition) so I am definitely looking forward to see how he progresses it and what happens next. As it stands right now I still prefer The Runes of Issalia trilogy but I have no doubt that this could certainly change.
Overall I really enjoyed reading A Wardens Purpose and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. If you haven’t yet read The Runes of Issalia then I highly recommend you do as it is a very good trilogy that is well paced and quick to read.
hairymclary28's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly straightforward plot, nice developed main characters but a tendency to a lack of depth in side characters. Personally I didn't like the framing device but the story overall was satisfying.
wheels630's review against another edition
4.0
A really promising start for a new YA fantasy series
Likable protagonists and a great pace that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter! A nice twist on the magic school trope combining it with an engineering focus kinda makes it feel like a Hogwarts STEM Academy. Harry Potter fans might want to give this a chance!
Likable protagonists and a great pace that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter! A nice twist on the magic school trope combining it with an engineering focus kinda makes it feel like a Hogwarts STEM Academy. Harry Potter fans might want to give this a chance!
rustymiller's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first book I have read by Jeffrey Kohanek, and I was sent a digital copy of this in return for a fair and honest review. I went into the book with a clean slate and no expectations whatsoever.
Initially I was a bit confused by the interrogation scenes with Everson and Quinn. Fortunately, it made sense by the end of the book (no spoilers!), and it culminated with a nice amount of surprises and twists. More on that later.
What I did like from the beginning was the family dynamics, the redeeming qualities of Everson and Quinn, and the inclusion of a protagonist with a disability.
I loved how Evers and Polly adopted Everson, and loved him like a complete member of the family in all ways. I kept waiting for them to lose their patience with him, to complain about the extra care that Emerson needed because of his legs, or worse, but they consistently supported and cared for him, especially Quinn. It was refreshing actually reading a book where positive relationships were featured.
Specifically, Everson and Quinn have a very strong relationship with each other. She sees it as her mission to help and protect him physically, and he often brings her to a place of calm and peace. As the story develops, we get to see their strengths and weaknesses emerge, but they keep coming back to positive qualities of loyalty, integrity, honesty, and more. Again, it is a nice change to read about protagonists who consistently land on the side of what is good.
I also liked how the author handled Everson’s disability. Especially as voiced by his family, his non-functioning legs were what made him special and unique, not what made him less or a burden. Quinn would often choose to spend time with him rather than with friends. His father crafted braces and canes that would strengthen his legs and allow him to walk. Everson, while occasionally showing shame or embarrassment, is shown as full of determination and strength, not as an invalid or a cripple.
As the book went on, I found myself thinking that it was a charming story, even after Everson and Quinn arrive at the Academy. It was also somewhat of a primer for any readers who might not be very well versed with the fantasy genre as it took a little extra time explaining its magic system and types of weapons. Fight scenes were decent, but not the strength.
Finally, with the last 30 pages left, the ending came out of nowhere. It certainly tied together many of the loose ends from the book, but asked even more questions, paving the way for the sequel.
I definitely enjoyed this book and would like to read the second one later this year. Thank you, Jeffrey, for sending this to me. 4.2 / 5
Initially I was a bit confused by the interrogation scenes with Everson and Quinn. Fortunately, it made sense by the end of the book (no spoilers!), and it culminated with a nice amount of surprises and twists. More on that later.
What I did like from the beginning was the family dynamics, the redeeming qualities of Everson and Quinn, and the inclusion of a protagonist with a disability.
I loved how Evers and Polly adopted Everson, and loved him like a complete member of the family in all ways. I kept waiting for them to lose their patience with him, to complain about the extra care that Emerson needed because of his legs, or worse, but they consistently supported and cared for him, especially Quinn. It was refreshing actually reading a book where positive relationships were featured.
Specifically, Everson and Quinn have a very strong relationship with each other. She sees it as her mission to help and protect him physically, and he often brings her to a place of calm and peace. As the story develops, we get to see their strengths and weaknesses emerge, but they keep coming back to positive qualities of loyalty, integrity, honesty, and more. Again, it is a nice change to read about protagonists who consistently land on the side of what is good.
I also liked how the author handled Everson’s disability. Especially as voiced by his family, his non-functioning legs were what made him special and unique, not what made him less or a burden. Quinn would often choose to spend time with him rather than with friends. His father crafted braces and canes that would strengthen his legs and allow him to walk. Everson, while occasionally showing shame or embarrassment, is shown as full of determination and strength, not as an invalid or a cripple.
As the book went on, I found myself thinking that it was a charming story, even after Everson and Quinn arrive at the Academy. It was also somewhat of a primer for any readers who might not be very well versed with the fantasy genre as it took a little extra time explaining its magic system and types of weapons. Fight scenes were decent, but not the strength.
Finally, with the last 30 pages left, the ending came out of nowhere. It certainly tied together many of the loose ends from the book, but asked even more questions, paving the way for the sequel.
I definitely enjoyed this book and would like to read the second one later this year. Thank you, Jeffrey, for sending this to me. 4.2 / 5
wordybee's review
3.0
Note: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Warden's Purpose is a solid contribution to the YA fantasy genre. It has some wonderful worldbuilding, two very endearing main characters, and a plot that (while a bit predictable in terms of who will turn out to be evil in the end) is engaging. The classic fantasy elements are enhanced by enough unique touches to keep things interesting, and I really can't complain about much of anything. It has magic, it has fighting, it has betrayal, it has kids falling off roofs -- all the good stuff!
If 13-year-old me had gotten her hands on this book, she'd probably have devoured it and Jeffrey L. Kohanek's entire bibliography within a couple months, and I think that's as glowing a review as I can give. Honestly, the only thing keeping me from rating this book more stars is my own self-established grading scale that only awards four- and five-star reviews to the sort of books that changed my life or my perception of the world in some way.
For anyone who wants a legitimately entertaining and, as previously mentioned, solid YA fantasy story to read, this one's a great pick.
A Warden's Purpose is a solid contribution to the YA fantasy genre. It has some wonderful worldbuilding, two very endearing main characters, and a plot that (while a bit predictable in terms of who will turn out to be evil in the end) is engaging. The classic fantasy elements are enhanced by enough unique touches to keep things interesting, and I really can't complain about much of anything. It has magic, it has fighting, it has betrayal, it has kids falling off roofs -- all the good stuff!
If 13-year-old me had gotten her hands on this book, she'd probably have devoured it and Jeffrey L. Kohanek's entire bibliography within a couple months, and I think that's as glowing a review as I can give. Honestly, the only thing keeping me from rating this book more stars is my own self-established grading scale that only awards four- and five-star reviews to the sort of books that changed my life or my perception of the world in some way.
For anyone who wants a legitimately entertaining and, as previously mentioned, solid YA fantasy story to read, this one's a great pick.
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