For over twenty years, Evan Thorne and his mother, Elara, have endured humiliation as the unwanted bastard branch of a family. What no one knows is that Evan has secretly trained under three legendary sages, carrying enchanted weights so heavy that even his strength seems ordinary to him. When he strikes back against a cousin who insults his mother, Evan is threatened with having his hand crippled unless he wins the Holy Temple’s Knight Selection Trials. At the arena, arrogant champion Dorian Vance dominates the competition, while Evan is mocked as the weakest contender. But once Evan removes his weights, his true power shocks the crowd—and exposes the corruption protecting the Vance family. As corrupt officials try to steal his victory and cast out the Thornes, Evan’s masters reveal their identities, turning the tables on the Temple. Now, the underestimated outcast must claim his destiny and face enemies plotting revenge.
