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The Age of Cain Saga #1
Scorpio Rising
Darkness chased him his whole life. Now, he sees it as his only guide.Colter Cain, tormented by unknown adversaries, stumbles into a life he never expected. Dovelets Academy of the Astrological Arts, a hidden haven for practitioners of the astrological order, reveals a shocking Colter is destined to wield dark magic with powers unlike any other – the power to grant immortality.
But the light of revelation casts a long shadow. Dovelets has a troubled past with dark magic, and Colter's abilities are viewed with both selfish intrigue and general suspicion. Meanwhile, whispers of Dovelets biggest adversary – the Fellowship of Dark Arts – reach Colter's ears. The Fellowship seeks to control the power he possesses, and they won't hesitate to claim it, by force if necessary.
Thrown into a world of intrigue and danger, Colter must navigate a treacherous path. Who can he trust? Who is friend, and who is foe? As he discovers the beauty in embracing the darkest parts of life, new questions How will Colter protect himself? As his powers develop, will he be capable of saving the reputation of Scorpio practitioners at Dovelets?
Join Colter on a thrilling journey of self-discovery in Scorpio Rising, the explosive first book of Anthony Scott’s Age of Cain Saga -- A Dovelets Story.
Read what people are
"There are so many fantastic characters in this story, it’s hard to pick a favorite! This book was fun and kept me engaged through the very end." - Taylor of the Instagram account @violenceindeedbookclub via goodreads.com
"I was so excited to follow these characters, because there’s a lot of them you’ll love to love. I just adore (dark) academia setting. It’s one of my favourite tropes to read. Anthony has done a fabulous job creating this world and bringing it to life." - @this_cat_lady_reads via goodreads.com
"This book was a fun, mysterious read ... it made me interested in dipping my toes into the fantasy realm ..." - @lilystinylibrary on Instagram
But the light of revelation casts a long shadow. Dovelets has a troubled past with dark magic, and Colter's abilities are viewed with both selfish intrigue and general suspicion. Meanwhile, whispers of Dovelets biggest adversary – the Fellowship of Dark Arts – reach Colter's ears. The Fellowship seeks to control the power he possesses, and they won't hesitate to claim it, by force if necessary.
Thrown into a world of intrigue and danger, Colter must navigate a treacherous path. Who can he trust? Who is friend, and who is foe? As he discovers the beauty in embracing the darkest parts of life, new questions How will Colter protect himself? As his powers develop, will he be capable of saving the reputation of Scorpio practitioners at Dovelets?
Join Colter on a thrilling journey of self-discovery in Scorpio Rising, the explosive first book of Anthony Scott’s Age of Cain Saga -- A Dovelets Story.
Read what people are
"There are so many fantastic characters in this story, it’s hard to pick a favorite! This book was fun and kept me engaged through the very end." - Taylor of the Instagram account @violenceindeedbookclub via goodreads.com
"I was so excited to follow these characters, because there’s a lot of them you’ll love to love. I just adore (dark) academia setting. It’s one of my favourite tropes to read. Anthony has done a fabulous job creating this world and bringing it to life." - @this_cat_lady_reads via goodreads.com
"This book was a fun, mysterious read ... it made me interested in dipping my toes into the fantasy realm ..." - @lilystinylibrary on Instagram
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
15 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 30, 2025
Um, what did I just read?! This is Harry Potter meets the Zodiac! And I am here for it! As I was reading this, I was SO impressed by how Anthony was able to include such small details to take this story to the next level! Colter starts off this book as a foster kid, but with a secret even he doesn't know about. He was given a blank journal by his parents upon entering foster care and told to keep it safe! UGH I don't want to give too much away, but this story was so great! 5/5 stars! But please read this! It was so amazing!!
October 2, 2025
As a lover of books like Zodiac Academy I LOVED this book! Plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested, and so many small details that come back later to round out the story. Obsessed and cannot wait to continue on in book two.
June 26, 2025
I don't feel this was marketed as clearly as it should have been. But it was still such a fun read, i can't even be mad.
Characters: There is one Main character and 2 very important side characters. They feel well rounded and easy to follow, and I can see that they are going to have good growth throughout the novels.
Plot: A young orphaned boy continues to run from danger, as every orphanage he has been to has been destroyed. Why? (read and find out). He is then taken in by some powerful people and taken to a magical school to be trained in his power. The powers individuals have are based on their Zodiac signs which I found unique. I did not expect our characters to me middle school aged. I thought they'd be like, 17-21 but was wrong. We continue to follow the MC as he learns the new world, dark secrets, and more about his past.
Setting: The book takes place at a magical school (think Hogwarts but cooler), and really follows the different dorms, and the world of the magical population.
Target Audience: Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, that don't want to support JKR. Lovers of Zodiac signs and fantasy will enjoy the book as well. This is the first in the series, so I am unsure if it gets to be more mature, or stays a YA level read.
Writing: The writing felt off at some times, there is a lot of real world lingo that generally makes me uncomfortable to read in a book, but it's not a be all end all. It was easy to read, and very enjoyable at that.
Pacing: The book felt slow in many points, but 99% of the time i feel that way about a book that is first in its series. The plot and characters felt well created, and made the pacing enjoyable. There were times I felt a conflict should have lasted longer, but it got wrapped up in a sentence, which was off putting, but thats also not a huge deal to me.
Rating/Overall Thoughts: 4/5 starts - definitely had some issues I found when reading, but overall a fantastic book, unique world and magic system, and a series I will continue to read.
Characters: There is one Main character and 2 very important side characters. They feel well rounded and easy to follow, and I can see that they are going to have good growth throughout the novels.
Plot: A young orphaned boy continues to run from danger, as every orphanage he has been to has been destroyed. Why? (read and find out). He is then taken in by some powerful people and taken to a magical school to be trained in his power. The powers individuals have are based on their Zodiac signs which I found unique. I did not expect our characters to me middle school aged. I thought they'd be like, 17-21 but was wrong. We continue to follow the MC as he learns the new world, dark secrets, and more about his past.
Setting: The book takes place at a magical school (think Hogwarts but cooler), and really follows the different dorms, and the world of the magical population.
Target Audience: Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, that don't want to support JKR. Lovers of Zodiac signs and fantasy will enjoy the book as well. This is the first in the series, so I am unsure if it gets to be more mature, or stays a YA level read.
Writing: The writing felt off at some times, there is a lot of real world lingo that generally makes me uncomfortable to read in a book, but it's not a be all end all. It was easy to read, and very enjoyable at that.
Pacing: The book felt slow in many points, but 99% of the time i feel that way about a book that is first in its series. The plot and characters felt well created, and made the pacing enjoyable. There were times I felt a conflict should have lasted longer, but it got wrapped up in a sentence, which was off putting, but thats also not a huge deal to me.
Rating/Overall Thoughts: 4/5 starts - definitely had some issues I found when reading, but overall a fantastic book, unique world and magic system, and a series I will continue to read.
April 14, 2025
Who is Colter Cain?
That’s the question at the heart of Scorpio Rising. This dark academia coming-of-age novel is the first in the Cain Saga series, and it does a solid job of setting up the characters, world, and long arc of the story to come.
We’re introduced to Colter Cain, a complex and orphaned teen whose past is murky and whose future seems tied to forces much bigger than himself. Scott doesn’t give us all the answers up front—Colter's identity, motivations, and connections are slowly revealed through a series of layered interactions and mysterious events. This slow-burn storytelling style keeps you hooked without rushing the payoff.
The book has a few simmering plotlines that don’t fully ignite here but definitely push the story forward. They're seeds planted for future installments, and while that might frustrate readers looking for immediate action or closure, it pays off if you're in it for the long game. Themes of ambition, power, identity, and loyalty are explored against the backdrop of an elite academic institution where everyone has something to hide.
Scorpio Rising doesn’t answer every question, but that’s kind of the point. It’s about watching Colter's world take shape while knowing there’s more beneath the surface. By the end, you’ll want to keep reading to find out how it all ends!
That’s the question at the heart of Scorpio Rising. This dark academia coming-of-age novel is the first in the Cain Saga series, and it does a solid job of setting up the characters, world, and long arc of the story to come.
We’re introduced to Colter Cain, a complex and orphaned teen whose past is murky and whose future seems tied to forces much bigger than himself. Scott doesn’t give us all the answers up front—Colter's identity, motivations, and connections are slowly revealed through a series of layered interactions and mysterious events. This slow-burn storytelling style keeps you hooked without rushing the payoff.
The book has a few simmering plotlines that don’t fully ignite here but definitely push the story forward. They're seeds planted for future installments, and while that might frustrate readers looking for immediate action or closure, it pays off if you're in it for the long game. Themes of ambition, power, identity, and loyalty are explored against the backdrop of an elite academic institution where everyone has something to hide.
Scorpio Rising doesn’t answer every question, but that’s kind of the point. It’s about watching Colter's world take shape while knowing there’s more beneath the surface. By the end, you’ll want to keep reading to find out how it all ends!
August 24, 2025
Loved how it is based on astrological signs. Love the positive characters and plot. It had me thinking one way but then……
August 13, 2024
Sarandon Silverstone, a headmaster at Dovelets Academy of the Astrological Arts, finds and brings Colter to the academy. Colter is the first Scorpio student at Dovelets academy in many, many years as The fellowship of dark arts is after Scorpio practitioners. The Fellowship is currently after Colter and seeks to control the power he possesses. As the school year progresses, Colter is learning more about himself and his capabilities while figuring out who he can and cannot trust. Headmaster Silverstone brought Colter thinking it was her only hope for her twins, Spencer and Simon, but other people have other ideas in mind. There are so many fantastic characters in this story, it’s hard to pick a favorite! This book was fun and kept me engaged through the very end. Now I need book two asap!
February 7, 2025
This is a great read for anyone who loves adventure, astrology, and academy based stories. The first in “The Age of Cain Saga,” this book lays the groundwork for the reader to understand the basics of the academy and magic system, including the four houses, through the perspective of Colter Cain - a prospective Dovelets Academy student.
This book introduces a promising coming of age story that highlights acceptance and found family, and I can’t wait to see how Colter and his friends develop over the course of the series!
This book introduces a promising coming of age story that highlights acceptance and found family, and I can’t wait to see how Colter and his friends develop over the course of the series!
March 10, 2025
This dark fantasy novel was such a fun read! Scorpio Rising is full of dynamic and loveable characters, detailed descriptions, fatastic explanations of the magic system, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat! I am excited to find out where this story is going next!
October 9, 2025
Reading Scorpio Rising by Anthony Scott felt like stepping into a dark, intoxicating world where fate, magic, and identity are constantly at war. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into Colter Cain’s life a young man haunted by shadows he doesn’t understand, yet compelled to follow them deeper into the unknown. The setting of Dovekeys Academy of the Astrological Arts is vividly built; it’s not just a school but a living, breathing world full of secrets, rivalries, and ancient forces that tug at every decision Colter makes.
What I loved most is how Scott doesn’t rush the story. He allows readers to really live inside Colter’s mind to feel his confusion, his isolation, and that fragile balance between fear and power. There’s a kind of poetic darkness in the way Scott writes about magic; it isn’t just about spells or rituals, but about confronting the parts of ourselves we try hardest to hide. The idea that darkness could be a source of truth rather than corruption really resonated with me.
The tension between Dovekeys Academy and the Fellowship of Dark Arts is handled beautifully it keeps the story pulsing with danger and mystery. You never quite know who’s on Colter’s side, and that uncertainty gives the book an edge that kept me turning pages late into the night. Every revelation feels earned, every character layered with motives that make you question their loyalties.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I realized Scorpio Rising isn’t just about magic it’s about transformation, acceptance, and the courage to embrace what others fear. It’s dark, emotional, and deeply human. Anthony Scott has created a world that feels ancient and modern at the same time, and I’m already eager for the next book in the Age of Cain Saga.
If you love stories that blend fantasy with psychological depth, this one is a must read.
What I loved most is how Scott doesn’t rush the story. He allows readers to really live inside Colter’s mind to feel his confusion, his isolation, and that fragile balance between fear and power. There’s a kind of poetic darkness in the way Scott writes about magic; it isn’t just about spells or rituals, but about confronting the parts of ourselves we try hardest to hide. The idea that darkness could be a source of truth rather than corruption really resonated with me.
The tension between Dovekeys Academy and the Fellowship of Dark Arts is handled beautifully it keeps the story pulsing with danger and mystery. You never quite know who’s on Colter’s side, and that uncertainty gives the book an edge that kept me turning pages late into the night. Every revelation feels earned, every character layered with motives that make you question their loyalties.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I realized Scorpio Rising isn’t just about magic it’s about transformation, acceptance, and the courage to embrace what others fear. It’s dark, emotional, and deeply human. Anthony Scott has created a world that feels ancient and modern at the same time, and I’m already eager for the next book in the Age of Cain Saga.
If you love stories that blend fantasy with psychological depth, this one is a must read.
October 13, 2024
This book has everything you could possibly want from a fantasy. The story is so unique and creative, the magic system is different than any other fantasy book I've read, and the characters are so loveable. The general theme of the zodiac playing into each individual person's magical ability is such a cool, interesting concept. Definitely recommend this book to any fantasy reader, and I can't wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews