This prequel novella is set before the events of First Year (The Black Mage Book 1), following Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Readers discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy's most prodigal mage.
I read this after I finished book 3. For that I am so happy! I think if I would have read it before I would have looked at things a little bit differently. For me it was perfect. I loved seeing how Darren became the Darren we know to love (and loathe at times). To see how much he has riding on his shoulders and what he's gone through. It helped to understand the way he thought and his reasoning for things. I suggest anyone that reads this series to read this before they read the Last Stand! It really helped. Plus you can get this for free if you subscribe to Rachel E Carter's newsletter! It's a fair trade if you ask me. Or rather you're getting the better end of the deal.