The Book of Spite

In Numera, where mages serve as either weapons or tradespeople, children are tested between the ages of 15 and 18 for magic aptitude. If they're able to use mana, they're bundled off to the capital, where they receive a mandatory education from the kingdom's academy and an illustrious, if narrowly tailored, career in service of the king. Zeek, a troublesome orphan raised by the village herbalist, arrives at the testing ceremony with no expectations other than a wasted afternoon and the remote chance of a celebratory feast. But when it comes time for his test, things begin to go awry, and no one but Zeek is able to see the bizarre result.  This is a story about a boy, born with magic, who gets swept up in a dangerous mystery going back to a legendary age of lost magic. Follow him as he uncovers long-lost secrets, becomes embroiled in politics, and learns a type of magecraft thought to be nothing more than myth. Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my story. I've been a long-time fan of fantasy, both indie and published. I found this site after binging Legendary Moonlight Sculptor a few years ago. Now I want to try writing something of my own. Feedback and criticism is very welcome. That said, here is a more detailed explanation of what I hope to write. Main Character: Intelligent, rational, brash from age, and, eventually, tempered by the experiences you'll read about.  Tone: Mystery, adventure, and action as the story builds. I really like books that let people speculate about what will happen.There will be comedic elements, but that won't be the focus. There will be fighting and death, but it won't be written gruesomely.  Story: I want to write this till the end. A pet peeve of mine are diversions from the main story. I'll try my best to make sure every chapter has relevance to the plot. That said, I have a few arcs in mind and each will take time to tell fully. I most enjoy stories that lead up to a moment you remember, and leave you satisfied.  What you will not find in this book: 1. Harems 2. Magic without rules 3. Endless side quests  4. Slice of life 5. Sexual assault 6. Gore Updates Monday-Wednesday-Friday (Subject to extra chapters when real life permits)