The Paragon
The Paragon
Molly Collier
4.25⭐
Book 1: The Science and Magic duology
an advance read
Read: October 2025
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy and the opportunity to be an early reader. This book makes its debut in the world on October 17.
This is the story of two societies. In one, a Sacred Mirror that chooses a new Paragon/ruler every 10 years appears to be broken. Doha, a brilliant engineer, and a small group of people who know the Mirror chose wrongly this holiday, attempt to understand and repair the artifact. In another, Isla is a Mage with a tragic past. As prejudice against magic rises, she and those around her must decide whether to fight for the future.
That summary is oversimplified, but it’s a little hard to describe The Paragon by Molly Collier. It’s a story about love and loss, war and peace, found family, and societies built and destroyed. There was a lot to unpack and appreciate about this one.
Let’s start with where I struggled and why this wasn’t a five-star read for me, but absolutely could be for you.
I am realizing more and more that when books have an ensemble cast, I have a more difficult time connecting with all the characters. This one was lengthy enough that I formed emotional attachments, especially to Doha, but I think based on the novel’s description, I was expecting fewer characters and points of view. I knew I would get insight into Doha and Isla, but I wasn’t expecting to read the experiences of so many others, including people in both Doha and Isla’s circles. Awali, Mirai, Satya, Gavind, Ghara, and a host of others are given their moments in third-person perspective. This gave them depth and dimension, but sometimes I wanted to stay with them longer or understand more. Their revelations and character growth occasionally seemed sudden compared to their page-time.
Speaking of wanting more time, I wondered throughout the entire novel how these two storylines would intersect. I was wide-eyed at the reveal, and the conclusion of this book left me wanting more. When I read duologies, I often find myself liking book 1 and loving book 2. I have a feeling this will be the case here. Simmering worldbuilding and characterization fill the pages, and I feel certain this story’s conclusion will give me the sigh of relief and satisfaction I long for.
I would also like to note that while this is not a carbon copy of any fantasy or science fiction I’ve read before, it did have me recalling others in a good way. It put me in the mood to reread The Will of the Many (just in time for Hierarchy Book 2’s release in November), made me think back to Mistborn and Throne of Glass and others with large casts of characters, and even had me smiling during a scene that reminded me very much of Ryland Grace’s close encounters *wink wink* in Project Hail Mary.
Overall, The Paragon is a debut fantasy full of heart. As I was drowning in other advance reader copies, especially contemporary romances, it was the book I kept pausing, not because I was uninterested, but because I was saving the best for last. I wanted to give it my full attention and savor it. I look forward to its follow up.
This indie debut is available for pre-order now and releases on Friday!
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This book contains violence, multiple deaths, and vague fade-to-black sexual content.
