A Crucible of Souls: Book One of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence

Caldan, a young man raised in a monastery, accidentally injures a nobleman's son with a wooden sword and is expelled to survive on his own. His parents were murdered violently years ago, but he doesn't know why or how. Luckily Caldan received a well-rounded education from the monks, and his background in sorcery, tactical gaming, and craftsmanship enable him to snare an apprenticeship with the Sorcerers' Guild. When his city is attacked, Caldan and his friends must try to defend themselves from evil. Originally self-published, this fantasy novel won the Australian 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel. It's a perfect crossover adult fantasy title for teens—a coming-of-age story about a teenager with unknown powers and great friends. Caldan is a likable main character, and readers will root for him and hope that he finds love and happiness. Give this to teenagers who are patiently waiting for the sequel to Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind (Penguin, 2007). Caldan's world is shady and violent but not as menacing as that of Lev Grossman's The Magicians (Viking, 2009). This novel does end in a cliff-hanger—the second installment, Blood of Innocents, will be published in February 2016.