Leoncrest Academy

An Academy Light Novel (Second Son of the 34th, Book 1)

By: Kal Griffith

Narrated by: Christopher Harbour

Zeke de'Godfrey was never meant to fight.

As the second son of a fading noble line, his job was simple, stay out of the way, enjoy the food, chase the girls, and let his older brother carry the weigh.

Artax did exactly that. Thirty-four Emblems. A blade that never broke. The last hope of House Godfrey.

Until he lost everything in a battle against Socrax the Frost Dragon. His Aura core shattered. His legend ended.

Now the knives are out, and their house is circling the drain.

Zeke makes a choice. Before the Senate, he speaks five words that change everything: "Then I'll become his sword."

Leoncrest Academy isn't built for second sons. It's for heirs, killers, and prodigies.

Zeke is none of those. He doesn't have a forged Aura. He's never held command.

But he's got a promise to keep, and no one left to make it but him.

The drills hurt. The spells backfire. The other students are faster, stronger, sharper.

But Zeke gets back up. Every time.

And in the cracks between duels and failures, something starts to form. A reason to fight that's his alone.

Leoncrest forges heroes.

Zeke's just trying to survive long enough to become one.

And maybe charm a few along the way.

©2025 Kal Griffith (P)2025 Kal Griffith

When The Hero Falls

I enjoyed this story a lot. I admired the worldbuilding. The descriptive phrases made me feel like I was in that world. I commended Artax for his honorable actions. I liked Zeke who volunteered to be his brother's sword but didn't want to take Artax's inheritance. I felt for Zeke as he went through his trials at the academy, and I appreciated Zeke's character arc. I thought Christopher Harbour's narration was great, and his performance kept my attention. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

A most enjoyable five star read/listen

Leoncrest Academy: An Academy Light Novel (Second Son of the 34th, Book 1), my tenth read from author Kal Griffith. A unique, captivating, page-turning, well-written read leaving you panting for more. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. As always, Christopher Harbour's narration is perfect for this book. I look forward to reading more from this author, with Mage Academy 5: A LitRPG Magic Academy Light Novel (Imperial Summoner) already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

exactly as described

This book was provided to me free of charge for review purposes.

Overall the story is just as the description reads. It's a slight twist on a coming of age story, with heavy emphasis on politics. It's worth the credit if you have a spare.

The Narration I believe helped bring the story to life. Some of the writing came off as flatt when I read the story on KU. But hearing it allowed the story to flow a little easier.