Aspirant, Coming of Age: An Epic Fantasy Series

Legionnaires of the Wassirian Republic, Book 1

By: Jonathon C. James

Narrated by: Christian J. Gilliland

Length: 11 hrs

Publisher's summary

Legacy and duty, or the freedom to carve your own path?

A difficult choice that Charles “Chance” Jameson must reckon with.

Chance lives a life of both pain and privilege. A capable man yet still only 18, he is old enough to seize the world before him. Yet still too young to know what to make of his future.

His mind, bright like the sun; heart, brave like all the legionnaires that preceded him; character, unsullied by the follies of the world.

His soul, however, paints a different picture.

It's beaten and weary with longing for the father he lost to a brutal war all those years before. The father whose heroic legacy in the Legion he is expected to live up to.

Unfortunately, as Chance finds out the hard way, the choice is more complex than it seems.

Unsuspecting of the world around him, Chance is forced to prove himself the soldier worthy of filling his father’s shoes and, quite possibly, saving his republic.

For in the shadows, an enemy lurks. Using vile magics to hatch plots and scheme for a weakness in the country he must serve.

When destiny calls, will he answer?

Aspirant, Coming of Age by Jonathon C. James is the first installment to Legionnaires of the Wassirian Republic—an epic fantasy series for young adults and older listeners alike.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a colorful world filled with stories of magic, sorcery, war, adventure, love, and duty, then get ready to meet your next favorite series!

What’s inside?

A prolific epic fantasy series awaits adults and young adults alike!

Magic, sorcery, war, adventure, love, and duty come alive in Aspirant, Coming of Age: Legionnaires of the Wassirian Republic!

Here’s what you can expect:

• A thrilling coming of age story that any young adult can relate to

Charles “Chance” Jameson learns that the truths he held as a child are not necessarily the same truths you discover as an adult. Even those you love can hide things when they think they are doing what is in your best interests.

• An exciting blossoming romance that’s sure to excite passionate listeners

Sparks fly as Chance slowly and surely falls in love with his best friend, Natalie. Though he soon finds another vying for his attentions.

• A captivating tale of legacy, duty, and destiny

Chance works to grow into the shoes of his heroic father while exploring a world filled with a ton of surprises.

And more!

©2022 Jonathon C. James (P)2023 Royal Guard Publishing LLC

I highly recommend you check this one out

Right up front before you read any further just know that I hell of recommend this book to anybody looking at it. A little context for my review. I tend to take it easy on the first and last book of any series as not every series makes it to “The End” and the first of anything can be a shaky endeavor. I also try to make clear the distinction between the quality of the writing/performance of the author/narrator and my personal tastes should they differ. Yeah, I did not have to take it easy on this first entry. The narrator is one of my favorites and I have nothing bad to say about the writing, which was quality all around.

The world in which the story takes place is one in which there are a number of human enclaves. Humanity lives among various fantasy races and there is a hint that this is not where they started. There are elves with psychic powers and counted as allies though there is at least one who works to corrupt elements of humanity. The society in which our hero comes from is one structured in such a way that it makes corrupting their leaders difficult as they serve limited terms in each position and then must either move up the ranks or out of public service forever. Their society also requires every individual regardless of gender to serve in the military for a minimum of five years. There are no exceptions for disabilities and while you can refuse, you will be branded with a pair of Cs which stands for commoner but is treated in society as being a brand for coward. Citizens get benefits and should they run afoul of the law will only spend a little time in jail after paying a fine whereas a commoner would find themselves becoming indentured servants. Every member of our hero’s family has served but he is unsure of whether he wants to or not, which has put him at odds with his older brother. He simply does not want to end up like his father did who has never returned seemingly left on a battlefield somewhere to die.

I refrain from speaking about the second half of any book that I am leaving a review on as I do not want to risk spoilers. The first half of the book starts off with a prologue which I always appreciate and just for the record there is also an epilogue at the ending. The first half of the book is predominantly dominated by followed by the track to the Fort and the initial trials for placement before actually joining the legion. If you are following along with the eBook, then you will be able to enjoy the map provided at the beginning and there is a glossary or guide to the Republic at the back of the book. There is also bonus content and for the eBook there is a sneak peek at book two. The halfway point in the book culminates in a fight with our hero’s rival. A rival that is going to get a spinoff of his own where he is not a dick. I alluded earlier to the fact that the humans come from someplace else and in fact there is an eBook that gives some additional information about that available now titled “Unchosen Fate: Sacrifice of Pawns.” If you cannot wait for more of the story, parts of the second book are available starting at episode 64 on Kindle Vella. You can also check out the author's Patreon page which should have the map as well as some artwork. Just know that what you read there is not the finished product and may change. Lastly, I will say that I enjoyed the story immensely. I did take the time to read the foreword and dedication which was funny in and of itself. In my opinion, this is a strong entry into what appears to be the beginning of a much larger well-thought-out story. I am very much looking forward to what comes next, and I want to say well done to everybody who has had a hand in bringing this book to us the audible listeners and keep up the good work.

great series

Amazing series A love where the store is heading United has the patiently wait for book 2

took a gamble and won

I was insure on this when I got it and it blew me away! such a fun world a main character who is balanced, interesting and evolves.
a world that holds promise to grow and so much more.
the only minor complaint is a handful of areas the audio drops but beyond that the performance is wonderful as well.

Spartacus!

Aspirant is a very good book! You follow Chance and his friends as they join the military. Great character dialogue and great story. Looking forward to the second book.

The Roman legion mixed with fantasy elements

If you mix the Roman legions of old with Starship Troopers governmental leadership and toss in a fantasy world with magic, Elves, Dwarves, Goblins and other monsters you get this book.

We follow our MC as he is about to start his 5 years of military service to become a citizen. He is joined by several childhood friends, and they are all being tested to see what their roles in the legions will be. During their examination our MC starts to awaken a hidden power within him. What is this power and how will it affect our MC?

Really good narration by Christian J. Gilliland.

There are some romance elements, but they all fade to black when it gets to the steamy parts, and this is first and foremost a fantasy story.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Great start

This is an interesting start to a new series. I was hooked by the unique setting and am eager for more.

For the Roman military fans.

I'm not that into Roman military stories but James is a good writer and if you like military boot camp stories you're going to love this book.
Although elves, dwarves, orcs and goblins are mentioned throughout the book, nothing really shows up until the end of the book at the end of our characters' time in boot camp as "Aspirants."
I'm actually looking forward to book 2 and expecting magic and monsters to play a much bigger role. At least that seems to be the set up the author has alluded toin this one.
Good story and characters. A bit slow throughout.
It's basically the MC scared to go into the military, which is pretty much mandatory for everyone and then him and his friends, and enemies, going through boot camp.

5 stars

Well done. Well narrated.  will be looking forward to the next from this author. You should buy this book.

Feels like boot camp

Definitely feels like it was written by someone who served in the military, honestly it reminded me of the good times in service without any of the disappointment. It’s well written and performed by experts. We’ll worth the credit and is a book I can’t wait to continue

surprisingly decent

So I have to say the world building here is just amazing. I can actually tell the author too his time building everything around the character and not just the MC. Also the MC felt more human, unlike most books where the MC repeat themselves about getting strong and then never learn and continue to act as a kid, cough "surge caller" cough don't recommend BTW cough cough. always solid book only negatives is this is the only one out and although the audio was really amazing 90% of the time the other 10% it'd fade and get quiet and then go back to normal like the recorder pulled away over I'd rate
performance 4.5
story line+ mc 4.3
world building 5.0