Emerging Rebel

A LitRPG Academy Adventure (Shieldwall Academy, Book 2)

By: M. Zaugg

Narrated by: J.S. Arquin

Length: 23 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Pax is a student mage, not a hero.

But the empire is full of corrupt rulers and a city-breaking monster on the horizon. It’s time to join the fight.

An audacious street rat, Pax scrambles to develop powerful and forbidden magic before his enemies can capture and ruin him. A monstrous beast, capable of shattering the city's defenses, is coming. Panic ensues, and the capital mobilizes for war, pushing Pax's strategic abilities to their limits.

With time running out, the corrupt ruling families of the Astan Empire will stop at nothing to track down and extinguish any hint of rebellion. Pax races to strengthen his crew and navigate new alliances as the stakes skyrocket.

With the fate of the city and his friends hanging in the balance, can Pax unlock the secrets of light magic and gather enough people to his cause? Or will the empire's relentless grip, always brutal toward resistance, crush him?

Pick up this spellbinding tale of adventure, danger, and magic as Pax's epic journey continues. The fate of his city and everyone he cares about hang in the balance.

©2024 Misty Zaugg (P)2024 Misty Zaugg

Great academy series

First off, I love LITRPG. 2nd I love fantasy series. I am also a fan of academy series. I love seeing a group of characters develop friendship, bonds, enemies and alliances and to watch them grow in knowledge and strength. The intrigue and guile is handled very well. The powers and their progression are great. Especially the addition of pet companions. Really a great book and a great series. Well written and well narrated.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Even Better than the first

This book is beautifully written. The story grabs you and doesn't let go. You feel for Pax and his new "family" of friends. Incideus turns out to be a great instructor and a rebel. Pax reaches level 2. Galen is finally out the picture. Who is this new family trying to kill Pax now? I can't wait to find out more in the next book. Also, another slot for another beast?!? Crazy!

Awesome!

I want the rest of the story! I love how this book starts off with a recap and then continues to deliver intrigue and political machinations of all the people against the MC for so many reasons. The unique magic system is shaping up to be a fun one I feel like Pax is going to be creating epic gear. The cadre of friends are still there for him as he navigates the pitfalls and troubles of being a rebel with illegal magic. The sidekick pet is still cute but he gets some competition along that avenue. I think the part I like the most is the older brother snippets I have a feeling pax is going to outgrow his brother in power before they meet again.

Great story progression!

This second entry is still very strong with the world building and skills. I truly enjoyed the beast pet development as well. This Academy type story is well worth checking out.

Color

I guess I liked the story but the action and descriptions left me feeling like I was listening to what happened on the end of a phone. No color, little description and he barely describes the area or what folks wear but rarely. So it frustrated me but the last battle got a little better. So keep up the good work but please evaluate your current style of describing the world the people etc... Thank you.

Pretty series

It’s like a combo of Harry Potter, and the last Airbender… I like the story and where it’s going, can’t wait for book 3

Solid sequel

There is some really cool advancements in this book. We still se a decent amount of fighting against the aristocracy and it looks like that is going to be a common occurrence through the series. Beast taming also became a central topic. I didn’t think it would be as big of a thing as it became. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Holding off beast waves ramped up from the first book. The plot was entertaining and engaging. The narrator did a good job.

Love

I love the characters and the plot. How the author makes everything flow. Also how complex the storyline is but it all connects.

feels too juvenile

The power progression and everything is interesting but I feel like I'm forced through myself to read anytime there's an interaction with people

Engaging story, you just want to keep listening!

This sequel keeps up the fast pace of the first book, with an expanding group of friends and a mysterious group of enemies. The mysteries of the world and family get revealed bit by bit as Pax's magic grows. There is a great climatic battle and a satisfying confrontation to end the book. The LitRPG aspects are so natural they don't ever feel out of place, and improving levels and stats becomes a strong motivation for the characters. The reader does a great job with the different voices and is always clear and engaging.