Divided

Kai Fortole is a young Magician born to a narcissistic, self-proclaimed King and a precognitive yet secretive mother. Tossed out of his family home at the age of ten and forced to live an isolated life below ground, Kai was promptly put on a path he never chose: to become the next King of a city renowned for its brutality. But an innocent child cannot rule, nor can someone without strength. As such, his father, Caville, begins creating a King out of Kai through perilous training spanning seven long years.

It is at this point the story begins, with a thoroughly beaten Kai still believing every lie his father tells him. Only when he fails to complete one of Caville's inscrutable tests does it dawn on him that his father is not an honourable man, but an exploitative one. And if Caville doesn't help others without benefitting in return, then the question must be asked: what does he gain by shaping Kai into a formidable and powerful King?

In the world of Divided, magic is a tangible power which can be stolen from the corpse of a Magician. Caville has not spent the last seven years strengthening and fathering Kai, but the magic within his body. And now that his magic is strong, Caville plans on harvesting the fruits of his labour by taking what he believes to be rightfully his: Kai's magic, and subsequently, Kai's life.

Obviously Kai does not wish to die, and thankfully his mother shares the same notion. Peyanne Fortole cherishes Kai above all else, even going so far as to defy Caville if it means keeping Kai alive. Walking meticulously on both sides of the family dispute, she carefully manipulates Caville while gently nudging Kai towards freedom, though never offers to divulge what the cost of attaining it may be.

Divided is a 90,000-word high-fantasy novel that is part of a planned trilogy. Any feedback would be appreciated as this piece is something I cherish and wish to perfect for it is my first attempt at a full sized novel and, subsequently, a series.