Publisher:
Mixed Plate Press

Publication Date:
08/01/2023

Copyright Date:
N/A

ISBN:
979-8-9850325-6-7

Binding:
Paperback

U.S. SRP:
15.95

THE RING ACADEMY: The Trials of Imogene Sol

By CL Walters

IR_Star-black
IR Rating:
4.5
In THE TRIALS OF IMOGENE SOL, CL Walters creates an exciting, intriguing science fiction world—one that gives the impression of having been alive and functioning long before the reader crosses paths with its brave but put-upon heroine.
IR Approved
As the series begins, Imogene Sol endures hardship and hatred for the sins of her parents. But with her final tests on the horizon, things are coming to a head, and the truth behind her trials is about to become clear.

In the sci-fi future of THE RING ACADEMY, many things are the same as they ever were. Growing up is tough, teens have to fight to be heard, and students can be absolutely brutal. This is especially true for Imogene Sol, a Seventh Year student at Serta’s Ring Academy. Her late parents are reviled across the galaxy for a bombing attack that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Despite Imogene’s hard work and best efforts, the “Sol” name weighs heavily on her. And as THE TRIALS OF IMOGENE SOL begins, it’s about to weigh a lot heavier.

 

The Seventh Year class—including Imogene and her circle of friends—is about to go into its grueling Final Trials. For most, these tests of physical and mental prowess, while difficult, are primarily a gauge of what sort of placement they can hope to achieve within the Federation. But Imogene’s whole life is on the line: she’s been framed for a horrible offense, and the only way she can clear her name and not end up incarcerated is by placing high in her class. As each trial plays out, everyone becomes a suspect, from best friends to long-standing enemies. The wild card is Timaeus Kade: a frenemy Imogene has been developing an awkward, slow-burn crush on. As their relationship evolves and secrets become clear, Imogene will learn more about her own past than ever before.

THE TRIALS OF IMOGENE SOL doesn’t read like a gateway to a new series as much as a mid-series payoff—and that’s not a bad thing. Author CL Walters plunges readers directly into the middle of a living, breathing world, both in terms of worldbuilding and character relationships. It’s easy to believe that Imogene’s life has been carrying on long before this book. The prose itself doesn’t read like a primer to a new series, either. While there are helpful notes about locations and non-human species between certain chapters, at no time does the book feel like it’s performing exposition or holding the reader’s hand.

While the ending offers ample surprises and plot twists, readers older than the intended demographic (especially code-cracking fans) may figure out some of the riddles ahead of Imogene. Fortunately, Walters doesn’t couch the entirety of the book’s value in the secrets it holds. Imogene’s struggles (internal and external), her burgeoning relationship with Kade, and the worldbuilding in action make this an engaging, rewarding read. The payoff, as an added bonus, is excellent.

THE TRIALS OF IMOGENE SOL could easily be an excellent stand-alone story. As the first in a new series, it holds a great deal of promise. There are many potential directions for the story to go in from here, any of which would be fascinating. For now, though, it’s a worthwhile read on its own.

In THE TRIALS OF IMOGENE SOL, CL Walters creates an exciting, intriguing science fiction world—one that gives the impression of having been alive and functioning long before the reader crosses paths with its brave but put-upon heroine.

~Kara Dennison for IndieReader

Publisher:
Mixed Plate Press

Publication Date:
08/01/2023

Copyright Date:
N/A

ISBN:
979-8-9850325-6-7

Binding:
Paperback

U.S. SRP:
15.95

THE RING ACADEMY: The Trials of Imogene Sol

By CL Walters

THE RING ACADEMY: The Trials of Imogene Sol, by C.L. Walters, is the first in a series and a mix of science fiction, mystery, and coming of age, but its most important drive is the romance in the story. The action is well-paced, the situations have a wonderful mix of tension and escalation, the characters are strong and interesting and funny. There’s a good balance of the science fiction elements with the mystery/thriller elements, and humor. But most of all, the book is above love–the love between friends, family, chosen family, and the enduring romantic love for which the characters long.