The Ring of Experience

The orbs choose the worthy ... and they’ve chosen him. Fifteen-year-old Taydis Fletcher can’t catch a break. His family is emotionally disconnected, his friends have turned on him, and his grandfather—his only positive role model—was killed in a supposed wild animal attack. Without his mentor, Taydis has lost his way. Everything changes when magical orbs appear and gift him the very thing he needs most, something humanity lost long ago: empathy. Before Taydis can make sense of his newfound ability, he’s whisked away to Arrendar Academy, an outdoor school once attended by his late grandfather. Chief among his studies? Learning how to survive in the wild, crafting magical armor, and ultimately, earning more orbs. For the first time in years, he feels like he belongs. But beneath the academy’s charm, danger lurks. An instructor harbors many secrets. The warden has a target on his back. Rivalries could turn deadly. And when Taydis discovers his grandfather may have actually fallen victim to foul play, he’ll stop at nothing to uncover the truth. This character-driven academy adventure is a mix of mystery, wonder, and self-discovery—set in a world where magic must be earned, and empathy just might change everything.