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Xandon and the King's Scepter
"A magical read."—Goodreads review
The adventure begins on Xandon's twelfth birthday, on a cold night when a mysterious wisp brings a bad omen...
In the kingdom of Avondale, 12-year-old Xandon is an orphan and servant, whose only friends are animals. When Xandon sees a wisp—a glowing, floating ball of light purported to be a bad omen for anyone to whom they appear—the family he serves treats him with even more cruelty.
Xandon leaves for a new life at a guild, to train as a knight, but it is very similar to his old life. He remains the outcast, bullied and without friends until he forges an unlikely alliance with Persephone, a young, upper-class mage. Things seem to take a turn for the better until people start turning up dead.
As Xandon tries to identify the killer, the leader of the kingdom, Prince Val Haruk, steps up his political manipulations. He imprisons his fiancée, the Princess, and attempts to become king. Xandon comes closer to finding out the truth about the killer, but he discovers another, deeper secret about the Princess and his own past.
XANDON AND THE KING’S SCEPTER welcomes you into an enchanting world filled with unique magic, extraordinary mystery, and unforgettable characters.
The adventure begins on Xandon's twelfth birthday, on a cold night when a mysterious wisp brings a bad omen...
In the kingdom of Avondale, 12-year-old Xandon is an orphan and servant, whose only friends are animals. When Xandon sees a wisp—a glowing, floating ball of light purported to be a bad omen for anyone to whom they appear—the family he serves treats him with even more cruelty.
Xandon leaves for a new life at a guild, to train as a knight, but it is very similar to his old life. He remains the outcast, bullied and without friends until he forges an unlikely alliance with Persephone, a young, upper-class mage. Things seem to take a turn for the better until people start turning up dead.
As Xandon tries to identify the killer, the leader of the kingdom, Prince Val Haruk, steps up his political manipulations. He imprisons his fiancée, the Princess, and attempts to become king. Xandon comes closer to finding out the truth about the killer, but he discovers another, deeper secret about the Princess and his own past.
XANDON AND THE KING’S SCEPTER welcomes you into an enchanting world filled with unique magic, extraordinary mystery, and unforgettable characters.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2019
6 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 28, 2025
Xandon and the King’s Scepter is an immersive coming-of-age fantasy novel that begins with a seemingly ordinary orphan and gradually unfolds into a tale of identity, political corruption, and the hidden price of power. The protagonist, Xandon, lives in a world ruled by magic—except he alone is immune to it. That rare trait, feared and misunderstood, places him at the center of a conflict that goes far beyond spells and bloodlines.
What makes this story compelling isn’t just the world-building, but how the author interlaces power struggles, academic intrigue, and familial secrets. The novel explores themes of truth vs. control, corruption, chosen family, and legacy, all while keeping the pacing steady and emotionally resonant.
Xandon, raised as a stablehand, lives a quiet life until a chain of events—starting with the death of a scholar named Foza—forces him to flee and question everything he knows. With the help of a loyal dog, a water mule, a mysterious oracle, and several unlikely allies (including a talking bust!), he embarks on a journey toward the Avondale Guild—a magical academy deeply entangled in the politics of the realm.
Secondary characters like Professor Fenton, Zimy Zim, and Sir Versales Flynn add nuance and balance, each representing different worldviews and moral stakes.
The dialogue is witty without being forced, and relationships evolve organically, especially those forged at the Guild.
Identity & Belonging: Xandon's unknown heritage prompts the question: Are we defined by blood or by choice?
Truth vs. Control: The manipulation of history and knowledge becomes a battlefield.
Power & Corruption: Magical and political elites manipulate everything from tournaments to marriage for gain.
Resistance: Sometimes, the greatest threat to tyranny is someone who simply cannot be controlled.
The prose is clean and accessible, with moments of lyrical elegance. The author balances action, dialogue, and introspection well. Descriptions are vivid without overindulgence, and emotional beats land authentically.
A few chapters could benefit from slightly tighter pacing, particularly mid-way through the Guild scenes. However, tension steadily builds toward a satisfying and thought-provoking climax.
Please note that the total page count may vary depending on the edition and format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, Kindle, ePub). Therefore, the more consistent metric is the word count, which does not change between formats. [Insert word count if available.]
What I Loved:
excellent world-building and magic system
Strong, layered characters with evolving relationships
Subtle humor and emotional intelligence
Thematically rich and thought-provoking.
What Could Be Improved:
some secondary characters could be explored further
A few slower chapters could benefit from editing for pacing
Recommendation
This book is a great match for readers who enjoy Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, or politically layered fantasy with an academic twist like "The Name of the Wind."
It may not appeal to readers who prefer light fantasy without political complexity or those who expect fast-paced action on every page.
The grammar is clean, the spelling consistent, and the editing professional. I did not notice any glaring errors or typos that disrupted the reading experience.
Xandon and the King’s Scepter offers a fresh spin on the “chosen one” trope by giving us a hero who cancels magic rather than commands it. Through layered themes and compelling characters, it tells a story about what it means to belong, to resist, and to redefine legacy.
“The boy they forgot may hold the power to rewrite everything they remember.”
What makes this story compelling isn’t just the world-building, but how the author interlaces power struggles, academic intrigue, and familial secrets. The novel explores themes of truth vs. control, corruption, chosen family, and legacy, all while keeping the pacing steady and emotionally resonant.
Xandon, raised as a stablehand, lives a quiet life until a chain of events—starting with the death of a scholar named Foza—forces him to flee and question everything he knows. With the help of a loyal dog, a water mule, a mysterious oracle, and several unlikely allies (including a talking bust!), he embarks on a journey toward the Avondale Guild—a magical academy deeply entangled in the politics of the realm.
Secondary characters like Professor Fenton, Zimy Zim, and Sir Versales Flynn add nuance and balance, each representing different worldviews and moral stakes.
The dialogue is witty without being forced, and relationships evolve organically, especially those forged at the Guild.
Identity & Belonging: Xandon's unknown heritage prompts the question: Are we defined by blood or by choice?
Truth vs. Control: The manipulation of history and knowledge becomes a battlefield.
Power & Corruption: Magical and political elites manipulate everything from tournaments to marriage for gain.
Resistance: Sometimes, the greatest threat to tyranny is someone who simply cannot be controlled.
The prose is clean and accessible, with moments of lyrical elegance. The author balances action, dialogue, and introspection well. Descriptions are vivid without overindulgence, and emotional beats land authentically.
A few chapters could benefit from slightly tighter pacing, particularly mid-way through the Guild scenes. However, tension steadily builds toward a satisfying and thought-provoking climax.
Please note that the total page count may vary depending on the edition and format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, Kindle, ePub). Therefore, the more consistent metric is the word count, which does not change between formats. [Insert word count if available.]
What I Loved:
excellent world-building and magic system
Strong, layered characters with evolving relationships
Subtle humor and emotional intelligence
Thematically rich and thought-provoking.
What Could Be Improved:
some secondary characters could be explored further
A few slower chapters could benefit from editing for pacing
Recommendation
This book is a great match for readers who enjoy Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, or politically layered fantasy with an academic twist like "The Name of the Wind."
It may not appeal to readers who prefer light fantasy without political complexity or those who expect fast-paced action on every page.
The grammar is clean, the spelling consistent, and the editing professional. I did not notice any glaring errors or typos that disrupted the reading experience.
Xandon and the King’s Scepter offers a fresh spin on the “chosen one” trope by giving us a hero who cancels magic rather than commands it. Through layered themes and compelling characters, it tells a story about what it means to belong, to resist, and to redefine legacy.
“The boy they forgot may hold the power to rewrite everything they remember.”
February 19, 2026
Xandon and the King's Scepter is an immersive and engaging story following the adventures of Xandon, an orphan living in a world of magic. Xandon starts out as a stable boy surrounded by animals, living in servitude to a wealthy family. On his twelfth birthday, things begin to change, and he enters a chaotic world of imbalance, corruption and politics.
The world develops alongside the main character, Xandon's knowledge, leaving the author wanting more without being overloaded with the world's lore. The idea of the hero blocking magic rather than being a wielder of great power is a fun twist on many magical stories. This also helps keep the reader in suspense, as the traditional trope does not come to light.
The author does a great job of developing a variety of teenage characters with differing backgrounds, experiences, and emotional intelligence, providing readers with a mirror of their own young adult anxieties. The characters develop both individually and in their relationships with others, reacting appropriately to events and overcoming the expected trials and tribulations. Overall, the characters are well-developed and represent different moral stances and worldviews. Whilst the story gives the reader plenty to think about, including questioning one's identity and the role of truth or lies in creating control. The only character that fell short was the main antagonist; their language often felt scripted and unimaginative.
The writing is clear, with a good balance of description and dialogue. Though some grammatical errors were noted, the book is well edited for the most part, and no spelling mistakes were found. The pacing was good throughout the story, except for the last few chapters, which felt rushed, with too many big events happening in quick succession.
The reason for not giving this book a higher rating is the strong resemblance to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. There is a clear trio of main characters (Xandon, Persephone and Raben) who closely mirror Harry, Ron and Hermione. Not only in their character development but also in some of the storylines, a large section of the book closely resembles Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There is even a fourth, weaker character, Zimy, who could be likened to Neville. The antagonist has had a vendetta against the protagonist since his birth and the murder of his parents, like Voldemort and Harry. Furthermore, the separation of students in the guild and the teaching of magic hold many similarities to Hogwarts. The reflection of The Hunger Games is clear in the separation of the kingdoms, the overarching power that exerts control, and the competition between them.
The world-building and action-packed storyline are strong, but the lack of originality means this book falls short. 3 out of 5 stars.
Originally reviewed for the Online Book Club https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
The world develops alongside the main character, Xandon's knowledge, leaving the author wanting more without being overloaded with the world's lore. The idea of the hero blocking magic rather than being a wielder of great power is a fun twist on many magical stories. This also helps keep the reader in suspense, as the traditional trope does not come to light.
The author does a great job of developing a variety of teenage characters with differing backgrounds, experiences, and emotional intelligence, providing readers with a mirror of their own young adult anxieties. The characters develop both individually and in their relationships with others, reacting appropriately to events and overcoming the expected trials and tribulations. Overall, the characters are well-developed and represent different moral stances and worldviews. Whilst the story gives the reader plenty to think about, including questioning one's identity and the role of truth or lies in creating control. The only character that fell short was the main antagonist; their language often felt scripted and unimaginative.
The writing is clear, with a good balance of description and dialogue. Though some grammatical errors were noted, the book is well edited for the most part, and no spelling mistakes were found. The pacing was good throughout the story, except for the last few chapters, which felt rushed, with too many big events happening in quick succession.
The reason for not giving this book a higher rating is the strong resemblance to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. There is a clear trio of main characters (Xandon, Persephone and Raben) who closely mirror Harry, Ron and Hermione. Not only in their character development but also in some of the storylines, a large section of the book closely resembles Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There is even a fourth, weaker character, Zimy, who could be likened to Neville. The antagonist has had a vendetta against the protagonist since his birth and the murder of his parents, like Voldemort and Harry. Furthermore, the separation of students in the guild and the teaching of magic hold many similarities to Hogwarts. The reflection of The Hunger Games is clear in the separation of the kingdoms, the overarching power that exerts control, and the competition between them.
The world-building and action-packed storyline are strong, but the lack of originality means this book falls short. 3 out of 5 stars.
Originally reviewed for the Online Book Club https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
November 19, 2025
Xandon and the King's Scepter is a fantasy labeled for Young Adults, but other ages around it might also enjoy. It has a strong start, and you'll find the story to be full of adventures, friendships, and humour.
The relationships between characters, especially the main cast of children, was personally one of the best parts of the book. They had their ups and downs, and in that sense, the book was realistic. I hope that in the next book, there will be more scenes of them together, as it didn't feel like there was enough in this one. This was mainly because the book's number one focus is on Xandon's story, not the group. Even so, expanding on the stories of other characters, like Zimy and Amsel, would have added more depth. There were a few others that barely appeared, but were still given names when they weren't important to the story.
Throughout a book, especially one with lots of characters, I'll often have to go back some pages because I recognize the name of the character that shows up, but don't remember who they are.
Another realistic aspect about the book was that Hennimoth is mute, which showed how suffering affects different people. She was a cute character with a different personality from her sister, Deveka, and I hope they appear more in the second book as well. It would be interesting to see more sibling dynamics, as they can add more to the humour with pointless arguments, childhood memories, and overall, a different connection from others.
A very small detail I appreciated were the small actions Xandon would do out of habbit, but then remembered he was in the guild and not at the barn anymore. It was only added to make the scene more sad, but it was something I connected with, as it happened many times with me before.
What I didn't like in the story was that, not only there was an important scene that Xandon almost seemed to have forgotten about, but it puzzled me whenever something unusual happened around Xandon, he never questioned it. His reactions to some things were either deep, nonchalant, or would have a moment of shock before moving on just as quickly.
I found the book to be cliche, especially with Val Haruk. His dialogue and physical descriptions were very much like one sees in many fairytales, so whenever he said something threatening, it really didn't impress me.
Xandon and the King's Scepter is suited for those seeking an expansive world with adventure and action, so it's not the top choice for me. I'll be giving it three out of five stars because the story overall was enjoyable and there were many small things I did like about it, but the book went on for very long and wish there had been more to other characters, as the whole book was completely around Xandon, putting everything and everyone else aside.
The relationships between characters, especially the main cast of children, was personally one of the best parts of the book. They had their ups and downs, and in that sense, the book was realistic. I hope that in the next book, there will be more scenes of them together, as it didn't feel like there was enough in this one. This was mainly because the book's number one focus is on Xandon's story, not the group. Even so, expanding on the stories of other characters, like Zimy and Amsel, would have added more depth. There were a few others that barely appeared, but were still given names when they weren't important to the story.
Throughout a book, especially one with lots of characters, I'll often have to go back some pages because I recognize the name of the character that shows up, but don't remember who they are.
Another realistic aspect about the book was that Hennimoth is mute, which showed how suffering affects different people. She was a cute character with a different personality from her sister, Deveka, and I hope they appear more in the second book as well. It would be interesting to see more sibling dynamics, as they can add more to the humour with pointless arguments, childhood memories, and overall, a different connection from others.
A very small detail I appreciated were the small actions Xandon would do out of habbit, but then remembered he was in the guild and not at the barn anymore. It was only added to make the scene more sad, but it was something I connected with, as it happened many times with me before.
What I didn't like in the story was that, not only there was an important scene that Xandon almost seemed to have forgotten about, but it puzzled me whenever something unusual happened around Xandon, he never questioned it. His reactions to some things were either deep, nonchalant, or would have a moment of shock before moving on just as quickly.
I found the book to be cliche, especially with Val Haruk. His dialogue and physical descriptions were very much like one sees in many fairytales, so whenever he said something threatening, it really didn't impress me.
Xandon and the King's Scepter is suited for those seeking an expansive world with adventure and action, so it's not the top choice for me. I'll be giving it three out of five stars because the story overall was enjoyable and there were many small things I did like about it, but the book went on for very long and wish there had been more to other characters, as the whole book was completely around Xandon, putting everything and everyone else aside.
December 31, 2025
Xandon and the Kings’s Scepter is a fantastic fantasy book for readers who are unsure of the genera. There isn’t a whole lore dump at the start of the book, we learn it as the main character, Xandon, does. The magic system is there but not overpowering, and the adults actions in the book made sense even if the characters didn’t think so.
Personally I don’t read fantasy much but I found that this was the type I am looking for in the future and when I found out there is a second book coming out in the fall of 2025, I got excited. I honestly can’t wait to see what else I can learn about this world.
A way this book can be described is “hero’s journey meets Harry Potter and the goblet of fire meets hunger games.” The dynamics of those in power (and their off spring) and the “unwanted” is palpable from the first page, and as a mother truly broke my heart to see a whole population of children be labeled as “unwanted” when the history tells us that isn’t the case, just what is told.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start exploring the world of fantasy books, minimal romance (no spice) and easy to digest chapters and chunks. Perhaps the youngest I would go is 13 years old, I could see myself reading it to my older daughter to discuss family dynamics, politics and being a generally good person. The actions of Xandon made sense to him and the story but not to those around him, so being able to use this book to open the door about effective communication could also be a valuable tool.
All in all this was a fantastic books, I look forward to reading the next installment of this series and any other books by this author.
Personally I don’t read fantasy much but I found that this was the type I am looking for in the future and when I found out there is a second book coming out in the fall of 2025, I got excited. I honestly can’t wait to see what else I can learn about this world.
A way this book can be described is “hero’s journey meets Harry Potter and the goblet of fire meets hunger games.” The dynamics of those in power (and their off spring) and the “unwanted” is palpable from the first page, and as a mother truly broke my heart to see a whole population of children be labeled as “unwanted” when the history tells us that isn’t the case, just what is told.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start exploring the world of fantasy books, minimal romance (no spice) and easy to digest chapters and chunks. Perhaps the youngest I would go is 13 years old, I could see myself reading it to my older daughter to discuss family dynamics, politics and being a generally good person. The actions of Xandon made sense to him and the story but not to those around him, so being able to use this book to open the door about effective communication could also be a valuable tool.
All in all this was a fantastic books, I look forward to reading the next installment of this series and any other books by this author.
March 8, 2025
Xandon and the King’s Scepter” is a fantasy novel by Tyson Vonn Beck. The story follows Xandon, a young orphan whose life takes a drastic turn when he joins the Guild of Avondale. He soon becomes entangled in events beyond his imagination: a prestigious tournament (Magistrate Cup), the quest for the royal Scepter, and, most importantly, the mission to save his sister, the Princess of Avondale.
A captivating world, but lacking originality
The novel presents a rich and immersive universe with a diverse cast of characters such as Zimy, Emery, Malak, and Wynn. However, some aspects feel underdeveloped. The story is well-paced, featuring battles, conspiracies, and an initiation journey, but many elements bear a strong resemblance to Harry Potter, such as:
- The trio of main characters (Xandon, Persephone, and Raben) echoing Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
- The antagonist Val Haruk whose name is reminiscent of Voldemort.
- The magical training and guild system, which feel similar to Hogwarts.
Despite these similarities, the novel also brings some original ideas:
- The Wisps (spirit messengers of doom) and Alma spells.
- Fantastic creatures, such as Kumata, the Berune tiger.
- A political and social sphere explored through the Magistrate Cup and the guild system.
A sometimes-confusing narrative with missing details
Certain passages lack structure or key information, making the story harder to follow:
- Chapter 23, where Xandon spends two days in a cell before facing a barbaric judgment, but the charges and trial are unclear.
- Chapter 28, where Xandon and his allies set out to save the princess but encounter many obstacles that happen quickly one after another and were confusing to understand.
These inconsistencies disrupt immersion and make the plot feel uneven.
Xandon and the King’s Scepter is an enjoyable read for fantasy fans, featuring a detailed world and engaging characters. Tyson Vonn Beck demonstrates great potential as a writer, but the quality of his novel is brought down by heavy influences from Harry Potter, a lack of clarify in certain sections, and occasional writing inconsistencies. It was an entertaining story, but one that could have been much stronger with more originality and better editing, therefore I give it a 3,5 out of 5.
A captivating world, but lacking originality
The novel presents a rich and immersive universe with a diverse cast of characters such as Zimy, Emery, Malak, and Wynn. However, some aspects feel underdeveloped. The story is well-paced, featuring battles, conspiracies, and an initiation journey, but many elements bear a strong resemblance to Harry Potter, such as:
- The trio of main characters (Xandon, Persephone, and Raben) echoing Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
- The antagonist Val Haruk whose name is reminiscent of Voldemort.
- The magical training and guild system, which feel similar to Hogwarts.
Despite these similarities, the novel also brings some original ideas:
- The Wisps (spirit messengers of doom) and Alma spells.
- Fantastic creatures, such as Kumata, the Berune tiger.
- A political and social sphere explored through the Magistrate Cup and the guild system.
A sometimes-confusing narrative with missing details
Certain passages lack structure or key information, making the story harder to follow:
- Chapter 23, where Xandon spends two days in a cell before facing a barbaric judgment, but the charges and trial are unclear.
- Chapter 28, where Xandon and his allies set out to save the princess but encounter many obstacles that happen quickly one after another and were confusing to understand.
These inconsistencies disrupt immersion and make the plot feel uneven.
Xandon and the King’s Scepter is an enjoyable read for fantasy fans, featuring a detailed world and engaging characters. Tyson Vonn Beck demonstrates great potential as a writer, but the quality of his novel is brought down by heavy influences from Harry Potter, a lack of clarify in certain sections, and occasional writing inconsistencies. It was an entertaining story, but one that could have been much stronger with more originality and better editing, therefore I give it a 3,5 out of 5.
February 1, 2026
A coming-of-age fantasy where the lore is learned upon Xandon's adventure/journey. Xanadon happens to be an orphan whose life takes a turn for the worse. He ends up joining a guild and a lot of challenges unfold upon his adventure/journey. Now he is a part of something big and has to save a princess. The story itself does seem a bit cliche and underdeveloped. Though, if you enjoy an adventurous hero like self-discovery, guild, fantasy type of novels then I highly recommend this book. It is all told from Xandons POV and whenever some lore is found out or magic is being discovered, us as the readers don't know about it until Xandon does. This was an easy storyline to follow and had memorable characters. I feel like I would possibly re-read this book again. Just so, I could grasp a better understanding of the plot, characters, and overall story all together.
April 23, 2025
I recently finished reading Xandon and the King's Scepter, a historical fiction book about Xandon, an orphan who goes on an adventure filled with magic, challenges, and self-discovery, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I particularly appreciated the action, easy-to-follow storyline, and memorable characters. Xandon's maturity and determination also stood out to me. Overall, I rated it 4 out of 5 stars, with the deduction of one star due to a single error.
Am looking forward for more good book from you, Mr Tyson Vonn Beck.
I particularly appreciated the action, easy-to-follow storyline, and memorable characters. Xandon's maturity and determination also stood out to me. Overall, I rated it 4 out of 5 stars, with the deduction of one star due to a single error.
Am looking forward for more good book from you, Mr Tyson Vonn Beck.
July 17, 2019
Magical read
I’m not sure I can express in words how well written this book was. I am flabbergasted that this is his first book. It is so well written, thought out and just flat out enchanting you would never know this is the authors first book. I absolutely loved everything about this book and can not wait for the second one to come out.
I was pulled in from page one and could not put it down. It was imaginative, creative, and real even in its fantasy. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. Xandon is such a relatable character that you find yourself drawing on your own life experiences and commiserating with him and his friends.
This book has everything from magic to knights to fantastical creatures to wisps! It is definitely a must read for everyone. I can see this turning into one of my favorite series.
I’m not sure I can express in words how well written this book was. I am flabbergasted that this is his first book. It is so well written, thought out and just flat out enchanting you would never know this is the authors first book. I absolutely loved everything about this book and can not wait for the second one to come out.
I was pulled in from page one and could not put it down. It was imaginative, creative, and real even in its fantasy. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. Xandon is such a relatable character that you find yourself drawing on your own life experiences and commiserating with him and his friends.
This book has everything from magic to knights to fantastical creatures to wisps! It is definitely a must read for everyone. I can see this turning into one of my favorite series.
August 21, 2019
What a wonderful story
This book is so well written and interesting it's hard to put it down. It holds an identifier for everyone. This is a book I would read to my kids. The author is generous with his descriptions allowing the reader to get a complete visual while reading.
I am so proud of you Tyson. Your writing is so advanced. Every chapter left me wanting more... The story was Captivating. I giggled and laughed and smiled and cried. I can't wait for the second book in the series. Unbelievable writing for a first time author!
This book is so well written and interesting it's hard to put it down. It holds an identifier for everyone. This is a book I would read to my kids. The author is generous with his descriptions allowing the reader to get a complete visual while reading.
I am so proud of you Tyson. Your writing is so advanced. Every chapter left me wanting more... The story was Captivating. I giggled and laughed and smiled and cried. I can't wait for the second book in the series. Unbelievable writing for a first time author!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews