This was a great read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention the entire time. I loved getting to know Rory and watching her as she is yanked from life as she knew and thrust into something totally unexpected. She had no idea that she had magic of her own and that it wasn't like her adoptive Joymancer parents but instead Fearmancer. She is essentially kidnapped on their rescue attempt and had to watch her "rescuers" kill her parents that treated her well and loved her and she loved them. She is thrust into this world that thrives on causing fear in others in order to gain magic at Bloodstone University and told that she is the long lost heir to the Bloodstone Barony. She quickly becomes a target when she doesn't just jump at the offer Malcom and the other Scions give on her first day there after stepping in when she sees Malcolm bullying and scaring a younger teen. I really enjoyed getting to know Rory and watching her stand her ground though it is very shaky for her right now. She is learning the rules here at the University and doesn't like what she is seeing for sure. She has a lot to figure out and a lot to stand strong on in the midst of grieving for her parents and having to hide that from everyone. This story was well written and flowed smoothly. I was engaged with the characters and really love Rory and am excited to see how things turn out with the other Scions.