Book Review: Join or Die (Heir to the Scion, #1) by J. Adrian Ruth
I’ve always been fascinated by magical academies and the idea of ordinary characters being thrust into extraordinary worlds. When I first came across Join or Die by J. Adrian Ruth, with its promise of a middle-class teen suddenly finding himself at a mystical institution in Kentucky, I felt a familiar twinge of excitement. It had shades of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, with a twist of pagan creatures and familial woes. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for gifting me an ARC via Netgalley, I couldn’t wait to dive into this adventure—buckle in, because it’s a wild ride!
The story revolves around Alex, a somewhat ordinary teenager from Vegas who discovers he’s not only a candidate for leadership among various magical factions but is also navigating the choppy waters of typical teenage angst—complete with a healthy dose of daddy issues. This character flaw is magnified by Alex’s often relatable yet slightly grating whiny demeanor about his father, which nearly made me put the book down early on. At just 14, his voice sometimes felt more mature, inconsistent with his supposed age, which made for a somewhat jarring read. Still, I pushed through, curious to see how Ruth would develop Alex’s character and explore this enchanting world.
Speaking of the world, Ruth constructs a vibrant tapestry of magical creatures that draws from diverse cultures, including dragons, succubi, and mythical beings from Japan and Hawaii. It’s an ambitious and often fascinating concept. However, there were moments where I found myself lost, particularly when it came to understanding the governance of this realm—certain intricacies felt glossed over, leaving me craving more detail. For a first book in a series, it seemed like an opportunity missed.
Ruth’s writing style struck me as refreshingly straightforward. There weren’t too many flowery descriptions, which I appreciated, but I felt some scenes left me wanting for more. For instance, the transitions between moments or character interactions sometimes lacked clarity, making it hard to visualize the action. I found myself wishing for those tiny details—like the reactions of Alex’s friends in pivotal moments—to solidify the landscape of the narrative.
Although there are plenty of familiar tropes—magical academy, parents who are either absent or disastrous, and a quest for one’s abilities—I didn’t find them overly off-putting. In fact, the interplay of these classic elements with Ruth’s unique world-building kept me engaged. The relationships among Alex and his peers were nuanced and relatable; I found myself particularly drawn to Elvy and Win, eager to witness their bond fully bloom throughout the series.
In conclusion, Join or Die is undoubtedly a mixed bag that may not resonate with everyone. If you’re a fan of magical academies, supernatural adventures, or stories filled with youthful rebellion and exploration of identity, you might just find a charm in Alex’s journey. While I left the story feeling somewhat unfulfilled due to unanswered questions, I also can’t deny the excitement for what’s to come. This first installment gets a solid 3.5 stars from me, and I can’t help but wonder what mysteries the next book will unveil. So, if you’re up for a creative twist on familiar tropes, give it a try—you might just find yourself enchanted!
Discover more about Join or Die (Heir to the Scion, #1) on GoodReads >>