The Orion Division [Progression Fantasy]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Thea Shade must brave the deadliest school on the planet just because her brother was clever—or stupid—enough to entrust her with a dangerous mission.

One small problem: no one besides her even knows he exists.

The Hunter Association only takes the best candidates for their four divisions, and it's only the bravest who even dare to take the exam for the Orions. Fierce killers and bloodthirsty warriors, the lot of them, and the Orions are permitted to destroy to their heart's content so long as it's against the savage beasts that plague their lands.

If a few colleagues conveniently die in the process, no one will even bat an eye. It's at this kill-school that Thea must outwit and outkill the rest of her class in order to accomplish the mission her brother gave her.

She must become a monster herself in order to rise to the top and help her brother before it's too late.

CONTENT WARNING:

New chapters releasedevery day@ 2:00PM PST

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: Jesse_Gerlach

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 260
Views: 63,334

Chapters(59 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

smboyceRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall:
This engaging story combines a clear, simple narrative with a rich, detailed world, making it an immersive read. The plot moves smoothly, featuring mysteries and a special school that tests its students' abilities and resolve.
The well-crafted characters, with their relatable motivations and challenges, draw readers in. Despite some dialogue confusion and minor errors, the book's strong character development, fast pace, and detailed setting make it an enjoyable read that centers around themes of loyalty & survival.
The premise promises an adventure filled with peril, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of a mission shrouded in mystery. That’s what drew me to it in the first place.
Style:
The author's writing style is distinct in its clarity and simplicity, which makes the reading experience not only easy but also thoroughly enjoyable. This approach makes it so that the narrative progresses in a more movie-esque manner, with the focus on dialogue rather than complex imagery.
My primary critique, I suppose, is that there are moments within the text where the lines between dialogue and narrative blur, occasionally leading to some confusion regarding whether a character is speaking or if it's the author's descriptive narration. I don’t think this detracts from the overall quality of the story, and most probably won’t even notice.
I think that the author's commitment to a straightforward style enhances the book's charm. Its accessibility and engaging nature make it a compelling read, one that's difficult to set aside once you've started.
Grammar:
I've only spotted a couple of echoes and maybe one typo in everything I've read. It didn't ruin the story for me. Good job.
Story:
The pacing is steady and the worldbuilding is well done.
The author really knows how to bring a fictional world to life. He has a knack for weaving in mysteries and lore as he goes along, all without too much exposition to get the ball rolling. You get to uncover all these secrets and backs
ArcterianRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall (5 🌟) This is a captivating story of a young girl who is trying to find her brother, and uncover the deadly mystery he is involved in. She starts off with basically nothing to go on, and we get to follow her journey as she follows in her brothers steps by entering an insanely deadly military academy where friends betray you, and enemies are all too easily made, all in an attempt to figure out what her brother needs. The story is intense, with the threat of death or worse being fairly constant. Definitely read the content advisory warnings if you are easily triggered. This is not a kind world.
Style (4.5 🌟) The pacing of this story keeps you engaged, and rarely leaves you feeling like a paragraph isn't needed. The constant confusion of not knowing basic world information can be annoying at times (seriously, what really is a surge, a storm, a monster invasion, what?) but just like the main mysterious theme of the story clues are dropped periodically. Fights are intense, and you really wonder who will live, besides the MC. Thea does have plot armor as the only person in the world who remembers her brother, besides those hunting him, but it feels very minimal as she is frequently in danger and needs to get very creative to get out of her predicaments alive. Needing medical attention is all too frequent for her.
Story (5 🌟) The story is the real star here, from the bizarre creatures in the Wild, to the magic system, to the various races and the prejudices between them, the author is really good at making you feel like the world is alive and much bigger than your perspective. There is a definite sense of corruption in this world with nobility,while not fully protected, are definitely privileged and know it. The feeling of being involved in a society breaking mystery is very intense, and clues are limited, but the progression of discovery feels natural and not pushed. Antagonists abound and are evil and very powerful, making the stakes in the MC Thea's quest fee
JeniGRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Jesse Gerlach starts the action right out of the gate. It starts with a storm in a world that already sounds mysterious, with inverted rain and trouble with monsters Thea, a female lead character, is depicted as smart, quick to action, yet quickly gets into trouble as she and her family are captured. Jesse's style is full of incredible detail, so take your time, absorb the world he has created, learn the names of new creatures he has created, and jump into the adventure.
Thea's brother, Kaelin, is only present in the opening scene, urgently giving his sister a gift with strict instructions attached. The amulet gift she is to wear holds power that the reader must keep reading to find out what and how it will be used. As he disappears into a storm, Thea is left to process what is happening but this is cut short when she hears a blood-curdling scream from her mother downstairs and her father shortly after that. In an effort to escape, she uses all of her strength but it is not enough. An enemy has captured her and her parents. This enemy is actually seeking her brother, but Kaelin's instructions included acting as if she never knew him.
As the story unfolds, Jesse's unique writing still shows his intense love of descriptors, to give the reader as much information as possible to view the world he sees inside of his head. Jesse loves to use metaphors and images to bring to life his stories. You will find yourself wanting to read more and more as each chapter finishes.
Jesse, my son, has always been an incredible writer, but this book series is headed to be his best yet!
LeinadGerlachRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Jesse has a unique way of bringing forth a world in ways I've never read before. The way he shapes language and crafts story and worldcraft gives me inspiration just reading it. You can skim through his words or dissect every one, and either way, his style draws you into new ways of thinking, new pathways of illustrating, and makes you wish you had all the time in the world to just sit and read. it's quite empowering, like being taught new forms of dance, where the emotional, gripping choreo makes you hungry for each next step.
This story so far does not disappoint. The characters, in a world coated in mystery, are shown and not told, and you feel like you're in that house as its getting wrecked by the magical storm and assailed by mysterious military forces. It's just enough detail to know what's going on but not too much that I'm ever bored. I can't wait to get lost in the rest of the book.
I can see that the characters are going to be warriors, but there doesn't seem to be any archetypical stereotypes, which I appreciate. When I think "Main female lead" I didn't picture Thea, and I'm excited to see how her character develops, but so far, I've been delightful surprised at this dynamic character that already seems thoughtful, headstrong, caring, but ready to fight. Flower crowns and dramatic monologues be gone, I'm ready for the real heroic female lead we've all been waiting for.
Additionally,
I DEMAND PUFFLEMUR MERCHENDISE NOW!!!
Zach RoppRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Jesse Gerlach starts this epic story by painting a gripping and immersive picture of his main character’s high-stakes new reality. He beautifully sets up Thea’s character and showcases her feisty spirit and hero’s heart while contrasting it against the horrors that surround her, revealing a helpless girl who is bound for transformation and greatness. His writing style elicits vibrant imagery without getting bogged down with too many descriptors. In fact, the pacing of the storytelling makes it feel like you’re watching a sci-fi action thriller in your head.
The villain is altogether evil and already someone you love to hate, which I have found effective in sucking me into the story because I already long to see his poetic demise.
Jesse’s world building and magic system are organically introduced and playfully peppered into the narrative, showcasing creatures made up of pure imagination and a sure-to-be intricate checks and balances of runes and enchantments (also, the inverted rain was an incredibly original touch). His writing keeps you enraptured in the intensity of every moment of Thea’s fast-paced adventure making the story clip along at an excitingly engaging pace. I cannot wait to read more of this incredible story and see how Thea overcomes the giants in her way!
amyjoyislivingRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Fantasy fiction enjoyer here.
Love what this author has done to pull the reader into the story from the word "Go."
The story is enjoyable to delve into! I'm hooked!
Love the excellent and still subtle world-building elements that slowly draw up the boundaries around you until you feel like you're really in Thea's world.
Love what this author has done and look forward to more!
davidgerlachRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great start! Nice catch of my interest! It made me want to keep reading the next chapter. I'm certainly impressed with the author's imagination and world building. The Thea character sounds interesting. Her brother, sufficiently mysterious and ambiguous. Not sure where the hunters fit in, but I'm expecting to learn more as we move deeper into the plot. The surge storms sound interesting. I'm guessing we'll read more about them soon too. Not sure about the pet, but I’ll keep reading.
My suggestion for future work is that I'd encourage the author to ease off the embellishing adjectives, just a tad. As I'm trying to picture the scene in my head, I keep having to stop to figure out what the author means and figure out why he chooses that particular adjective, when a simpler one would be sufficient. My reader brain is assembling the scene as I read the words and if I have to pause for an unfamiliar adjective to describe the object, it slows me down as I’m trying to move along with the action.
Off to read the next chapter. Keep up the good work! I want to know what’s going to happen next! Way to go, Mr. Gerlach.
goopsRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have been absolutely floored by this novel so far. Every aspect of Jesse Gerlach’s storytelling has been golden and I can’t wait to find out more about the world and life of Thea Shade!
Stylistically, the writing is intense and gripping, while holding a delicate balance of emotional and relational depth that completely drew me in. I love the voice of Jesse’s writing, and think it fits so well with this genre, and the characters he has developed.
As far as the storytelling goes, I was hooked by the first sentence and have loved the pacing so far. It has been incredible and powerful to see the relational dynamics between characters shift and change as stakes raise and dangers arise. It’s been so engaging and just downright beautiful.
I haven’t noticed any grammatical errors whatsoever, and the flow of the writing is natural and clear.
One of the things that has impressed me the most so far in this novel is how beautifully and accurately Jesse has been able to write from a female perspective. Thea is badass, for sure, but has a depth and emotional complexity that feels honoring and accurate as a female reader. Every character is well-developed and has a depth that has left me wanting more.
All-in-all, this book is my newest obsession and even though I’m *slightly* biased, being Jesse’s wife and all, I hope you also fall in love with The Orion Division.
grcieRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’ve read a lot of YA fantasy books with female main characters, so I know firsthand what good and bad books from this genre look like. Already I know this is one of the good ones. The magic system and world are unique and fun to figure out and learn. There’s just the right amount of information told and information left to the reader to connect. I’ve had no trouble picturing the scenes in my mind and staying engaged with the world. Additionally, the dialogue flows very naturally. I’m a big fan of magic schools especially when they’re dangerous and this book delivers, but manages to remain unique and isn’t too trope-heavy. The characters are well-developed, consistent, and interesting. I already love Thea. The plot grabbed me right from the start and hasn’t let up since. The prose is sophisticated yet easy to follow and understand; very well suited for a YA novel. I’m also happy to report that I’ve noticed a blissfully low number of grammar mistakes; zero. It’s absolutely wonderful so far and I’m having a lot of fun reading it. I’m really excited to see how the story progresses and I can tell that it’s going to be just as fantastic as it’s been thus far. I highly recommend it!
AmphitriteRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
The Orion Division by Jesse_Gerlach delivers an intense and gritty entry into the progression fantasy genre, throwing readers into a brutal world where survival requires more than strength—it demands cunning, ferocity, and a willingness to embrace the darkness. Thea Shade’s mission thrusts her into the deadliest school on the planet, where aspiring hunters compete for the prestigious Orion Division. What sets her apart is the secret mission left by her brother—one that adds intrigue and mystery to an already cutthroat environment.
The story’s greatest strength lies in its world-building and relentless atmosphere. The Hunter Association, the Orion Division’s deadly ethos, and the savage beasts that plague the land create a tension-filled backdrop that keeps readers hooked. Thea’s struggle to rise through the ranks while keeping her brother’s existence a secret adds emotional stakes, making her a compelling protagonist. Her internal battle to "become a monster" without losing herself gives the narrative an added layer of complexity.
That said, the story leans heavily into its darker themes—violence, rivalry, and survival—and at times risks becoming one-dimensional. While the action is sharp and engaging, character relationships and deeper emotional exploration occasionally take a backseat to the bloodshed and progression. For some readers, the explicit violence and grim tone might feel excessive, though the story does its best not to overindulge in gore for its own sake.
Overall, The Orion Division is an engaging progression fantasy for fans of darker, high-stakes narratives where survival is earned through grit and blood. Jesse_Gerlach delivers an unforgiving world with a strong, resourceful protagonist at its core. While it may not be for the faint of heart, readers looking for intense action, layered mysteries, and a no-holds-barred competition will find much to enjoy here. A solid 3.5 stars with room for deeper character exploration as the story unfolds.