I previously reviewed Jeffrey Kohanek’s novel Rogue Legacy, which I absolutely loved. Rogue Legacy was the prequel for The Runes of Issalia Series starting with The Buried Symbol. Rogue Legacy had a Black Cauldron and Howl’s Moving Castle vibe, so I was expecting something similar, however, Kohanek has created a different feeling to this series, which can be difficult to achieve. Especially, when a story falls in the same world as an author’s other works. I really admire author’s that are able t

I previously reviewed Jeffrey Kohanek’s novel Rogue Legacy, which I absolutely loved. Rogue Legacy was the prequel for The Runes of Issalia Series starting with The Buried Symbol. Rogue Legacy had a Black Cauldron and Howl’s Moving Castle vibe, so I was expecting something similar, however, Kohanek has created a different feeling to this series, which can be difficult to achieve. Especially, when a story falls in the same world as an author’s other works. I really admire author’s that are able to create a realm and develop different stories throughout the ages and different characters but still stay consistent and new. I am discovering that Kohanek has the talent and ability to really build an awe inspiring and unforgettable world.



The Buried Symbol follows a young lad named Brock who is an Unchosen. He is someone who does not have a rune/symbol marking on his forehead. The rune is a symbol of the vocation someone will work towards and amount to in the future. Therefore, Brock has no future. Events in Brock’s life lead to him seeking out a new future, one that he decides.



Brock wants to make a difference and finds himself making a journey to Fallbrandt to enroll at the Academy to learn about hierarchies, lore, the art of ecclesiastic, engineering and Paladin training. He takes his best friend Tipper with him, who is also Unchosen. Tipper is full of life despite is lot in life and is always ready for an adventure. Together the two embark on an adventure that will change their futures.



Brock and Tipper meet many new people as they make their way to Fallbrandt and at the Academy. Once in Fallbrandt Tipper and Brock stay at The Quiet Lady, which is run by Dory, a vibrant, slightly pushy, but well intent woman who takes a liking to Brock and Tipper. Brock makes friends with 2 new students at the Academy. Benedict Hedgewick and Cameron. Benny is the intellectual type, but he is confident, outgoing and easily makes friends. Benny wants to be an engineer in the future and shows great promise. Cameron is a built young man, quick and loyal. He is working towards being a legendary Paladin. As the school year goes on Brock makes more new friends and his circle begins to expand. He also meets Ashland, his Ecclesiastic teacher’s assistant. They grow very fond of each. Ashland is a quiet, focused girl and very well trained in the art of healing.



SPOILER IN RED

Brock also gains a new rival in Corbin, son of the Archon (head of the Ministry). He is a skilled student but his skills are undermined by his ego and need for attention. He and Brock do not get along after an incident on Brock’s first day. He finds Corbin attempting to rape a student, Amber, in a bush. I don’t normally include spoilers in my review, but I thought this moment was important because Brock stood up for the female student. Not only that but this incident holds true to the current issues in the feminist movement, specifically the MeToo movement. Because Corbin is the son of a powerful figure, Brock is afraid to come forward and out Corbin, but when Amber comes to Brock to testify against Corbin, he can not deny doing the right thing. Unfortunately, Amber is silenced, by Corbin before she is able to speak her truth. This moment really resonated with me and I dwelled on it for sometime. I appreciated Kohanek’s viewpoint and for painting the real picture of how sexual assault accusations play out. Rarely does the individual see justice and retribution.



END OF SPOILER

There are many perceived character tropes in this book, but Kohanek actually expands and grows each character’s personality and complexities. It’s interesting to read how each character interacts and understand how each character is working towards their goals. Brock is not seen as the only “leader” or the only individual with amazing skills which was refreshing. Each character has their moment to stand out and Brock’s character steps aside figuratively and literally to let his friend’s have their moment.



Kohanek has judiciously chosen the name of this book, The Buried Symbol, because Brock discovers that the Ministry, the governing body of Issalia, has been hiding something from the public. The Ministry is buried in secrets and Brock has discovered a rune hidden deep in the foundation of the Academy. Kohanek does a good job at keeping focused on the character’s and the setting development, that whatever the Ministry is hiding is not at the foreground of this book but is setting up the series for the future. Again, a very specific skill that Kohanek exercises with precision and style.



Brock finishes his first year by the end of the book and has encountered many new challenges, obstacles and realities that he never thought would be possible, both positive and negative. Kohanek has done an amazing job setting up the series, and elicits the reader to develop feelings for the character’s and an understanding of the realm. Now I want to know what the Ministry is hiding and how will Brock and his friend’s face the challenge!