When those from beyond the stars came, the six Houses stood against them, saving the world from invaders intent on destroying it. Generations later, those same Houses form the bedrock of Lutov, a seemingly perfect society where all are provided for. Here, war is a myth and death, a choice. Yet here, no one questions their devotion to their chosen House.Zaeden will soon join a House, a choice he's dreaded since childhood. All he's ever wanted is to live outside of the Houses' control, to find freedom. Unfortunately, he's caught the attention of the legendary Lokke Vitras, the protector and shield of the homeland, and that man is determined to decide his future. Zaeden will serve as his replacement, becoming the Lokke Vitras in his own time, whether he likes it or not.As he goes through his training, Zaeden faces many trials and moral dilemmas, but the one that most challenges him is a question he's asked his whole life. How can he find freedom when the world insists on defining who he is?

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This story is for people who like snarky, clever protagonists with a dash of recklessness and extreme loyalty to those they love. It is for lovers of the self-critical, the idealistic, and what happens when such people are trapped in their own worst nightmare. Lastly, it is for those who enjoy reading about glittering societies that are not at all what they seem.

As with everything I write, The Art of Becoming is a slow-burn fiction with a heavy focus on characterization. There will be sexual content, but I am not graphic with that, and most of the scenes depicted serve to move the plot or character development along in one way or another. Also, Zaeden is pansexual, polyamorous, and most importantly, extremely social, so yes, there will be a romantic subplot. It is not, however, the main focus of the story.

The Art of Becoming takes place several centuries after one of my other fictions: Planetfall. Reading that story isn't necessary, and there will only be slight spoilers about the overall ending of that book in this one. I consider Planetfall to be the prequel for The Art of Becoming.

For the weekend of its release, I'll be uploading several chapters, but after that weekend, I will update with one chapter a day Monday-Friday at 1 pm PST.