When he finds an unusual egg on the nearby beach, young Zee becomes the guardian of a strange little creature that will ultimately change his life.

Disclaimer: This review is based on an ARC copy provided by the author.

One thing to get out of the way first, several tropes are being used in this book. Admittedly they are done well and, in between my reading and this review, I’ve since learned that this is, at least partially, the point. This has the advantage of making the story easily accessible but it does run the risk of making certain plot events easier to foresee.

The book is a fairly straightforward read, benefiting from one of the tropes mentioned above. Since Zee is an inexperienced boy-boy and has lived a relatively sheltered life until he is forced to leave when his new ward is discovered readers get to discover the wider world at the same time and in the same manner that Zee does. Moving from the small township to life aboard a merchant vessel and finally to the elite military academy where the bulk of the storyline takes place, the world and its associated lore expands accordingly.

The relationship between Zee and Jessup, as the kraken comes to be called, takes centre stage throughout the novel, especially since 3/4 is told from Zee’s perspective. Initially, Jessup gives Zee someone to talk to and confide in, something he doesn’t seem to have beyond his parents or the family’s pig. Later, after they have been forcibly separated for a time, they each provide a sense or symbol of hope to the other that will be reunited. Finally, once they are together again, they give strength to each other, in more ways than one. There is also a downside to their bond as well, which is touched on briefly and, I suspect, will become more prevalent as the prospective series goes on. But, for the sake of spoilers, I won’t go into details for now.

Given that this is a progression fantasy, a fair bit of page time is given over to Zee and Jessup learning how to control or manifest their newly discovered abilities. While still very well written, and the magic system is interesting in itself; I did find some of this to be a bit repetitive. I feel like this is more of an issue with me rather than with the book but for those not accustomed to progression fantasy, it might be worth keeping in mind.

Overall, it’s a fun and predominantly easy read that will appeal to readers of multiple age groups. And, if you should happen to follow the authors on social media, a lot of easter eggs to spot.

4.5 out of 5 Dripping Buckets

Links: David Estes – Dyrk Ashton – Kraken Rider Z