Description: In the contest to keep their magic, the only options may be die . . . or kill. Each year, the North American Confederation of Mages assesses every sixteen-year-old novice. Some will be chosen. The rest must undergo a procedure to destroy their magical ability unless they prove themselves in the mysterious and brutal Mages' Exam. Disadvantaged by her parents' low standing, Rocío Lopez has dedicated herself to expanding her considerable talent to earn a place in the Confederation. Their rejection leaves her reeling--and determined to fight to keep her magic. Long ashamed of his mediocre abilities, Finn Lockwood knows the Confederation accepted him only because of his prominent family. Declaring for the Exam instead means a chance to confirm his true worth. Thrown into the testing with little preparation, Rocío and Finn find themselves becoming unlikely allies--and possibly more. But the Exam holds secrets more horrifying than either could have imagined. What are the examiners really testing them for? And as the trials become increasingly vicious, how much are they willing to sacrifice to win? Contains mature themes.
Brief description: Austin Rising hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico-where he began acting at the age of four. After high school, he decided to take his passion to the University of Denver, where he studied theater. He then moved to Los Angeles to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the prestigious South Coast Repertory theater. In front of the camera, Austin can be seen in Better Call Saul, The Night Shift, In Plain Sight, New York Prison Break: The Seduction of Joyce Mitchell, Longmire, Hostiles, and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Behind the microphone, Austin has been narrating since 2015, amassing many critically acclaimed titles under his belt, such as the Last War series by Peter Bostrom, the Overworld Chronicles by John Corwin, and Models by Mark Manson. Being a gifted mimic since a very young age, Austin loves to perform young adult, science fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG titles which lend themselves to dynamic characterizations.