What do you think?
Rate this book
Ren's Tale #1
Orphan's Price (Chronicles of the Seventh Realm #1)
Alternative cover edition of B07N63PZ9S
The new edition can be found here
An orphaned boy, uncontrollable magic, and a destiny to recover a nation’s honor.
For sixteen-year-old Ren, life was a brutal slog in the orphanage. His only aspiration was to become a sorcerer.
But with no family connections, he had no chance...
Until, a freak magical accident drew the attention of international authorities.
Will Ren evade the authorities, and take his one chance to pass the ritual required to join the Amethyst sorcerers?
Or will his low birth doom him and the world?
_______________________
Orphan’s Price is the first book in the Chronicles of the Seventh Realm, a bitesize epic fantasy series comprised of episodic short books. Ren may be the “chosen one”, but Chronicles of the Seventh Realm is a sprawling series of characters with many tales to explore. This is the first book of Ren’s Tale.
The new edition can be found here
An orphaned boy, uncontrollable magic, and a destiny to recover a nation’s honor.
For sixteen-year-old Ren, life was a brutal slog in the orphanage. His only aspiration was to become a sorcerer.
But with no family connections, he had no chance...
Until, a freak magical accident drew the attention of international authorities.
Will Ren evade the authorities, and take his one chance to pass the ritual required to join the Amethyst sorcerers?
Or will his low birth doom him and the world?
_______________________
Orphan’s Price is the first book in the Chronicles of the Seventh Realm, a bitesize epic fantasy series comprised of episodic short books. Ren may be the “chosen one”, but Chronicles of the Seventh Realm is a sprawling series of characters with many tales to explore. This is the first book of Ren’s Tale.
- GenresFantasy
110 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2019
116 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
N.A.K. Baldron
38 books146 followersNicholi (N A K Baldron) is the international best-selling author of the Chronicles of the Seventh Realm, where Science, Magic, and Two Worlds Collide.
He lives in a small town outside of Austin, Texas with his life partner Sabetha Danes and their daughter whom they homeschool. After years of living in the city with the big house, they chose to downsize to their tiny house and dedicate their lives to art. Their long-term goal is to live on a sailboat and see the world.
He lives in a small town outside of Austin, Texas with his life partner Sabetha Danes and their daughter whom they homeschool. After years of living in the city with the big house, they chose to downsize to their tiny house and dedicate their lives to art. Their long-term goal is to live on a sailboat and see the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 27, 2019
Wonderful read.
Power words lead you through part of an adventure that is far from over. From start to finish you are unable to put it down. Left me wanting more, Lucky for me, there is! Excellent read!
Power words lead you through part of an adventure that is far from over. From start to finish you are unable to put it down. Left me wanting more, Lucky for me, there is! Excellent read!
August 31, 2019
Wow! This was my first introduction to Nak Baldron's writing and he's a great storyteller! I got so caught up in his characters and their stories, especially orphan Ren and his mentor Brandon, that as soon I finished Book 1, I picked up Book 2 and I can't wait to continue their adventures in Book 3!
Orphan's Price is a fitting title as Ren has to count the cost to have a chance at a better life. He doesn't have the type of intelligence that is prized in his part of the world, but he has magic, which is prized in other lands. Life for Ren isn't fair and bullies make it almost unbearable for him, but Ren doesn't give up.
I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Orphan's Price is a fitting title as Ren has to count the cost to have a chance at a better life. He doesn't have the type of intelligence that is prized in his part of the world, but he has magic, which is prized in other lands. Life for Ren isn't fair and bullies make it almost unbearable for him, but Ren doesn't give up.
I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 1, 2020
I liked a lot Ren's little Journey as he starts to learn about his powers and how little things could separate him from his peers in magic club and even his instructor Brandon. I like also the idea of knowing that he has a long way to go and that it's up to him to be a master or a failure
September 29, 2019
This is a new genre for me. Fantasy and technology mixed together. It's also my first book by NAK Baldron. I enjoyed it and thought it a good read. Can't wait to read the 2nd book!
March 5, 2019
Not a bad way to introduce a character and a new world. Left me wanting more for sure. I am interested to see what happens next and where the story takes them.
January 3, 2020
An orphaned boy, uncontrolled magic. Put that together and you have an awesome story.
December 14, 2019
My first venture into the world of NAK Baldron. Ten is a great character. Loved the interested world the author has created. Will be back for more!
June 5, 2019
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel, the Pearl Nation has relegated itself to devoting its resources and people to scientific endeavors, as it has not produced a magic-user strong enough to pass the tests to become a full-fledged sorcerer in over 300 years—much to the country’s embarrassment. However, all that may be about to change with the unlikely character of Ren, a 16-year-old Orphan with nothing to his name. When he gets in a tussle with a classmate, his powers activate themselves as they never have before, which he admits to two diplomats from the Amethyst Nation—the country where sorcerers are trained. Now, Ren has to find a way to get himself to the Amethyst Nation to be tested and see if he can begin training to be a sorcerer, avoiding the various bullies in his life who would prefer to see him fail.
The first thing that grabbed my attention in this novel was the interweaving of magic and futuristic technology. I believe that NAK Baldron did an amazing job with giving us readers just enough information to pique our interest and yet still keep this fantasy world mysterious. I have so many questions! I want to know more about the magic system and why and how magic fled the Pearl Nation. And I also want to know more about the technological advances that the Pearl Nation has concocted in the last 300 years! There are Hovercars and paying with your thumbprint, but I want to see what else they have! Really, I just want to know more about this world.
I also want more character development. We get a pretty decent background of Ren, though I want more… Why did Professor Veldin abandon him? Did he die or simply leave Ren to survive on his own? And what about Brandon? We get a little bit of insight into his character with his small POV about halfway through the book, but I want more! He seems to be bitter about not having much magic in himself, so why does he take it upon himself to ensure that Ren, a reminder of everything that he is not, succeeds? Does he just care that much about Ren? Or is it national pride? What? I want to know more about these people!
As for the writing style itself, the novel read a bit choppily. It seemed to jump from events a smidgen too quickly, with occasionally awkward dialogue and little rationale behind the actions taken. I think that if this book had been lengthened, with a lot more added description in it, including detailed character- and world-building, my reading experience would have been greatly enhanced. But, even with this short novel as is, I definitely want to continue Ren’s adventure! Where will the next book take him? Count me in for the next book!
In this novel, the Pearl Nation has relegated itself to devoting its resources and people to scientific endeavors, as it has not produced a magic-user strong enough to pass the tests to become a full-fledged sorcerer in over 300 years—much to the country’s embarrassment. However, all that may be about to change with the unlikely character of Ren, a 16-year-old Orphan with nothing to his name. When he gets in a tussle with a classmate, his powers activate themselves as they never have before, which he admits to two diplomats from the Amethyst Nation—the country where sorcerers are trained. Now, Ren has to find a way to get himself to the Amethyst Nation to be tested and see if he can begin training to be a sorcerer, avoiding the various bullies in his life who would prefer to see him fail.
The first thing that grabbed my attention in this novel was the interweaving of magic and futuristic technology. I believe that NAK Baldron did an amazing job with giving us readers just enough information to pique our interest and yet still keep this fantasy world mysterious. I have so many questions! I want to know more about the magic system and why and how magic fled the Pearl Nation. And I also want to know more about the technological advances that the Pearl Nation has concocted in the last 300 years! There are Hovercars and paying with your thumbprint, but I want to see what else they have! Really, I just want to know more about this world.
I also want more character development. We get a pretty decent background of Ren, though I want more… Why did Professor Veldin abandon him? Did he die or simply leave Ren to survive on his own? And what about Brandon? We get a little bit of insight into his character with his small POV about halfway through the book, but I want more! He seems to be bitter about not having much magic in himself, so why does he take it upon himself to ensure that Ren, a reminder of everything that he is not, succeeds? Does he just care that much about Ren? Or is it national pride? What? I want to know more about these people!
As for the writing style itself, the novel read a bit choppily. It seemed to jump from events a smidgen too quickly, with occasionally awkward dialogue and little rationale behind the actions taken. I think that if this book had been lengthened, with a lot more added description in it, including detailed character- and world-building, my reading experience would have been greatly enhanced. But, even with this short novel as is, I definitely want to continue Ren’s adventure! Where will the next book take him? Count me in for the next book!
July 9, 2019
This book was my first introduction to this author, and I'm very happy after reading it. We meet the MC Ren at the very opening of the book in the midst of an odd occurrence. Blue lights on the beach, and there is a mother along with her small child. After being left alone Ren tries to fit in, but just can't seem to due to his magical abilities, but lack of math and science understanding. He may be the nation's best hope in hundreds of years to pass the test to enter sorcerer training with the Amethyst Nation, but first he has to get there and participate in the testing. I can't wait to see what happens next for Ren. I would recommend this book
July 7, 2019
We join Ren in the Pearl Nation, the story is confusing at first, but Ren's a tenacious bugger with an incredible power dwelling in him. Maybe even enough power to be trained as a Sorcerer! Trouble dogs this boy's heels though and it becomes a question if he'll be able to go to the examination.
Definitely recommend reading this !
Definitely recommend reading this !
April 14, 2020
Fast paced
This is like an origins story for Ren. The story keeps you engaged and curious. You definitely feel compassion for Ren considering his circumstances.The world building is interesting, with each nation having their own strengths.
This is like an origins story for Ren. The story keeps you engaged and curious. You definitely feel compassion for Ren considering his circumstances.The world building is interesting, with each nation having their own strengths.
November 28, 2020
Extremely short
More like a long extended chapter. As others have noted, there is no resolution at the end. From what I'm able to gather, the MC's story continues in book three, as book two deals with someone different. I guess it's like multiple POVs, but the point of view switches for each installment. I will be reading book three to continue the thread.
More like a long extended chapter. As others have noted, there is no resolution at the end. From what I'm able to gather, the MC's story continues in book three, as book two deals with someone different. I guess it's like multiple POVs, but the point of view switches for each installment. I will be reading book three to continue the thread.
August 11, 2020
This is my first reading of a book by NAK Baldron and I'm hooked! The characters are well-realized and I really like the protagonist, Ren. I have 2 more books from this series waiting for me on my Kindle and have already started book 2. I see a lot of NAK's books in my future! I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2019
Quick read that is a good start to what promises to be an interesting series. It has enough twists and turns to keep you interested while introducing you to the main character and the world he lives in.
January 23, 2020
My introduction to NAK Baldwin
Interesting start to a series about a young magic user who is being persecuted by his peers for those magic abilities.
Interesting start to a series about a young magic user who is being persecuted by his peers for those magic abilities.
Read
April 17, 2020This is a great short story
Ren is an orphan with some magic abilities in a place where magic is frowned upon. After getting beaten up by a classmate and returning the favor, it is discovered he has greater abilities than previously thought. He leaves to be tested for the academy.
Ren is an orphan with some magic abilities in a place where magic is frowned upon. After getting beaten up by a classmate and returning the favor, it is discovered he has greater abilities than previously thought. He leaves to be tested for the academy.
July 17, 2019
Ren's Tale drew me in from the first sentence. I love the use of prologues. The characters are well thought out and the action is not forced anywhere. Emotions are spot on for everyone in each scenario. I truly can't wait for the next installment of Ren's Tale. Off to read Akio's!
February 19, 2019
For me, too much science and technology
Ren was the only child in his generation to have magical abilities strong enough to gain him admittance to the Amethyst Nation. But with no family connections, he had no chance... Until, a freak magical accident drew the attention of international authorities. Will Ren evade the authorities, and take his one chance to pass the ritual required to join the Amethyst sorcerers? Or will his low birth doom him and the world?
The technology and science in this book were too much for me. And I lovelovelove YA but this was a bit too young for me. Not enough adventure. Yet, I dare say, because I do expect more in the future. Personally, I like more feelings as opposed to science. I’m aware of the fact that I’m NOT the target audience. I believe boys, younger people, and people who like science will love this and find this entertaining. The plot was good. Just too technical for me.
Ren was the only child in his generation to have magical abilities strong enough to gain him admittance to the Amethyst Nation. But with no family connections, he had no chance... Until, a freak magical accident drew the attention of international authorities. Will Ren evade the authorities, and take his one chance to pass the ritual required to join the Amethyst sorcerers? Or will his low birth doom him and the world?
The technology and science in this book were too much for me. And I lovelovelove YA but this was a bit too young for me. Not enough adventure. Yet, I dare say, because I do expect more in the future. Personally, I like more feelings as opposed to science. I’m aware of the fact that I’m NOT the target audience. I believe boys, younger people, and people who like science will love this and find this entertaining. The plot was good. Just too technical for me.
May 20, 2020
Not a bad little story to start a new series. A good introduction to the main character Ren, and a couple of twists and turns to keep you interested.
It was a very quick read but does hold the promise of great things to follow.
So yes I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next episode.
It was a very quick read but does hold the promise of great things to follow.
So yes I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next episode.
January 29, 2020
What a great introduction to NAKs books and his writing style.
I found myself drawn into the easy flow. The combination of science and magic is a truly different way to take on ScFi/Fantasy.
Highly recommended this and look forward to continuing the series.
I found myself drawn into the easy flow. The combination of science and magic is a truly different way to take on ScFi/Fantasy.
Highly recommended this and look forward to continuing the series.
August 7, 2019
This was my introduction to the writings of NAK Baldron, what a great start to what I am sure will be a grand adventure! If you are a fan of Fantasy/SciFi mixes, technology and magic, then you'll find home within these pages.
I would personally say this is comparable to a Harry Potter/Star Wars/Mistborn story, if Jim Butcher would tackle it as an epic YA fantasy.
I would personally say this is comparable to a Harry Potter/Star Wars/Mistborn story, if Jim Butcher would tackle it as an epic YA fantasy.
December 4, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this...
... Chapter. Really. The whole book was just the beginning of the story. That was really unexpected. I would have loved to have a conclusion. It is the same when filmmakers divide one story in two films to get more income. I checked, the second book is less than 100 pages as well. Let's call it a booklet.
... Chapter. Really. The whole book was just the beginning of the story. That was really unexpected. I would have loved to have a conclusion. It is the same when filmmakers divide one story in two films to get more income. I checked, the second book is less than 100 pages as well. Let's call it a booklet.
Read
December 3, 2020Very enjoyable!
This is a totally different book than I've read in the past. I enjoy the flow and the story really grabs you and pulls you in.
This is a totally different book than I've read in the past. I enjoy the flow and the story really grabs you and pulls you in.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews