Dax Nelson was destined to protect the empire. When he’s gifted the power of an unusual essence, everything changes. The Great Serpent grants a gift of powerful essence to those who come before him. The experience, and the gift, is unpredictable but all have a vision of the Great Serpent so they can understand the purpose of their essence. Not Dax. With his new essence, rather than learning from his father, he now must go to the Academy to learn to control his essence. It’s not fire as all in his family possess, but even the most powerful in the Academy don’t know what it is—or what it means for Dax. And the only thing he remembers from his visit to the Serpent Stairs may be key to stop an attack on the empire, if he can understand his essence in time. Don't miss the start of a new Progression Fantasy series from bestsellers Dan Michelson and D.K. Holmberg. This is coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power.

The Great Serpent has given a great gift—if only Dax can understand it in time. With the attack on the Great Serpent stopped, Dax and his friends return to the Academy having changed. They no longer fear the Cult of the Dragon, but the Order now knows of their involvement. The Academy can only protect them so much. When Dax discovers strange sentient creatures in the forest near the Academy, he fears the Order has a new plan to attack the empire. He’ll need to master his essence if he wants to have any chance to understand it. Even that might not be enough to stop the danger that’s coming. Don't miss this exciting Progression Fantasy series from bestsellers Dan Michelson and D.K. Holmberg. This is coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power.

A unique connection to essence is key to protecting the empire. Dax and his friends have settled into their roles at the Academy. They’ve stopped another attack, which has gained them notice, but also allows them a measure of freedom in their studies. With Desmond now serving as headmaster, they think everything will be different. Better. But the flows of essence are changing. Those who study such things don’t know what that means, but all agree it’s dangerous. When asked to travel north during the term break, beyond the unclaimed lands, Dax has little choice but to go. What he finds changes everything he knows about essence—and what it means to wield it. And it just might be the key to destroying the Order for good. Don't miss this exciting Progression Fantasy series from bestsellers Dan Michelson and D.K. Holmberg. This is coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power.

As Dax explores his new connection to essence, a new threat emerges. Dax is challenged by his new connection to essence. Not only does it change his focus in his classes, but he has to find a new fighting style in the arena. Unfortunately his essence use draws attention from those with a dangerous power. Dax and his friends need to master the connections he’s formed before this power changes him—or is changed by the others. If he fails, a deadly danger may destroy the empire from within. But how can he succeed when everything he’s learned in the Academy about essence fails him? Don't miss this exciting Progression Fantasy series from bestsellers Dan Michelson and D.K. Holmberg. This is coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power.