Cohorts

Scythe Series #1

by Justin Kaiser

Two thirteen-year-old orphans begin to uncover their families’ hidden pasts and the trail of secrets brings them face to face with mythical beasts of legend.

After graduating top of their class, Sprenger and Soekka thought they were ready to join the ranks of their village’s nature-dwelling warriors, but their lives become more complicated than they ever could have imagined. For the first time, they discover secrets hidden from them about their parents and the boys become obsessed with learning more. Little did they know that their families were intertwined with the darkest events in their village’s history, and many wished to keep the boys from discovering this. When their village’s most dangerous traitor returns to threaten everything they love, they must fight to protect what their parents died for. If they don’t succeed, it may mean the end of peace and the destruction of their home.

Explore an ancient and mythical land of natural wonders, meet its giant and fearsome beasts, and join Sprenger, Soekka, and all their classmates as they discover that their potential is greater than any that came before them.

Genres: Fantasy

550 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2014

About the author

Considering himself a “classic nerd”, Kaiser grew up loving the stories with fantasy worlds, mythical creatures, and plots that left Easter-eggs for the avid fan to dissect out after multiple re-reads. Clearly, he was that annoying friend that wouldn’t allow others to watch movie adaptations in peace without constantly bombarding them with trivia from the books. Falling in love with so many different fantasy worlds eventually inspired Kaiser to build one of his own.

Originally, Kaiser only wrote in the mornings and spent the remainder of his days in some form of academics, which included a bachelor’s, master’s, and a doctorate. Maybe if he spent that time studying, instead of making complicated worlds and plots, he would have gotten better grades. In any case, by the time he finished school, he had completed the first three books in the series.

Once he finished his master’s degree in London, Kaiser moved to Seattle, where the rainy weather was perfect for someone who was quite content staying in all day to read and write. It was here that he began the rigorous process of preparing his stories for publication. When he’s not writing or working as a veterinarian in the Seattle area, he loves to explore nature and dabble in art, including the maps of Cascadia featured in Cohorts.

Reviews

[Gianni Pratico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is like if Naruto met Harry Potter. It quickly became a very entertaining read, and I couldn't help but imagine every chapter as an anime. Sprenger and Soekka are great characters, and as they train and grow, the whole world and cast evolves with them. I'm eager to see where the 2nd book picks up, as this one left much still on the table. Alot of the overarching plot and story are hinted at and set up, but there is still much to be resolved. The action is quick and explosive, and the lore this book produces is enticing.

[Stephanie Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while. My 10 year old loves it. He says "This was even better than Harry Potter!"

[Glenn Severance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild ride

I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! It was never boring but always a page turner. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Brianna Beswick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to elementary school with the author, and reading this was nothing but a pleasure for me! I was brought back to our days of recess playing in forts we made in the woodchips. I haven't yet been able to figure out which character was based on me (jokes, jokes). At over 550 pages, book could have been tightened up and edited a bit, but I loved the world that was set up. I could certainly see the series being compelling on screen as well. Looking forward to what comes next!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging read of a debut! Loved the world building, the cast of characters, and the story line. Were a couple little things that could have been tightened up in editing, but very minor in the grand scheme of the novel. Looking forward to the next of the series!

(I am friends with the author, and am very proud of him for writing and publishing this while working full time in a demanding field. Kudos Justin!)

[Alison Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m very close to giving this book 4 stars but am held back by the beginning. It was a bit slow to get into after the first chapter pulled me in. The ending was worth the wait though and I can see myself reading the next book.

[Teresa Mercurio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very behind on my reading but the first chapter is great and I can’t wait to read more! The holidays dropped my tbr way way behind lol.