If you’re a die-hard fan of urban fantasy—think magic woven into modern life, gritty cities pulsing with supernatural secrets, and heroines (and heroes) who don’t flinch when the shadows fight back—then The Hundred Halls Universe needs to be at the top of your TBR.

Spanning nine interlinked series and over 40+ novels, The Hundred Halls is an epic, emotionally rich, and endlessly creative magical universe that holds its own alongside the biggest names in the genre. Whether you're into magical academies, cyber-fantasy, supernatural espionage, or mythic showdowns, there's a hall for you.

Let’s break down why fans of other iconic series—like The Dresden Files, Kate Daniels, Shadowhunters, and A Court of Thorns and Roses—will find themselves spellbound by The Hundred Halls.

Like The Dresden Files? You’ll love the grit and mystery of The Reluctant Assassin series

Jim Butcher's Dresden Files are known for mixing noir-style detective work with magical mayhem. If you crave that mix of danger, moral complexity, and hidden power, meet Zayn Carter—reluctant assassin, shadow operative, and spell-slinging survivor in The Reluctant Assassin.

Much like Harry Dresden, Zayn doesn’t want to kill—but he’s very good at it. This series explores the ethical weight of magic in a world where the line between right and wrong is a moving target. Expect hidden agendas, magical black-ops missions, and an inner battle between who Zayn is… and who he’s becoming.

Why it fits: Urban magic meets cloak-and-dagger secrecy with a hero you can’t help but root for—even when he’s breaking the rules.

Like Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews? You’ll love the power clashes and magical politics of The Crystal Halls

Fans of Kate Daniels are no strangers to fierce heroines, explosive action, and intense enemies-to-lovers vibes. Pandora, the heroine of The Crystal Halls, checks every box—and then some.

Set in the Undercity of Invictus, where magical clans control powerful crystals known as faez, The Crystal Halls delivers cutthroat politics, gritty battles, and steamy slow-burn tension. Pandora and Kuma, heirs of rival clans, must navigate betrayals, violent feuds, and an ancient power struggle that could destroy everything.

Why it fits: Powerful artifacts, brutal martial magic, and high-stakes romance all set in a deadly underground society that fans of Kate and Curran will devour.

Like Shadowhunters or A Court of Thorns and Roses? You’ll love the magical legacy and chosen-one themes of The Hundred Halls flagship series

Cassandra Clare and Sarah J. Maas fans love sweeping magical academies, sibling bonds, and secret powers—just like what you'll find with Aurie and Pi Silverthorne, sisters navigating the hundred magical halls of Invictus.

This series is perfect for those who crave intense magical training, hidden prophecies, and dark secrets buried under shining institutions. Like Clary Fairchild or Feyre Archeron, Aurie and Pi are shaped by loss and forged through trials—together.

Why it fits: Magical schools, powerful bloodlines, and an emotional core of sisterhood that drives the narrative toward thrilling revelations and magical transformation.

Like The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs? You’ll love the wild magic and animal bonds in Animalians Hall

If shapeshifters, pack politics, and a deep connection to nature are your jam, Pax Nygard of Animalians Hall offers a fresh take on beast magic and animal kinship. Alongside her animal companion Kali, Pax dives into the primal halls of magic where survival depends on your ability to listen to the wild.

Why it fits: Heartfelt bonds, dangerous hunts, and the thrill of discovering power in unity with the natural world—all set against a backdrop of magical mystery.

Like Ready Player One or Warcross? You’ll love Gamemakers Online

If you're into virtual worlds where the game is more real than reality, Gamemakers Online stars Alexandria Duke, a player dropped into a high-stakes MMO with real-world consequences. But this isn’t just a game—it's life, death, and magic coded into every level.

Why it fits: Strong female lead, immersive worldbuilding, and twisty quests with danger around every pixel—perfect for fans of sci-fi/fantasy game-lit.

Like ensemble crossover stories? The Order of Merlin is your magical Avengers moment

Love it when all your favorite characters team up for a final showdown? The Order of Merlin pulls heroes from every Hundred Halls series—Aurie, Zayn, Pax, Alexandria, Moriganne—into an epic magical alliance to save the city of Invictus from annihilation.

Why it fits: Shared universe crossovers, escalating stakes, and emotional payoffs make this the perfect climax for fans who crave big battles and bigger hearts.

Why The Hundred Halls stands apart

What truly sets The Hundred Halls Universe apart is its commitment to character-driven storytelling, emotional depth, and thematic variety within a shared magical world. Each series offers a unique flavor—from healing magic to voice-bound stonework to high-stakes tournaments—all while building toward a cohesive, ever-expanding narrative tapestry.

And unlike most series, you’re not locked into one story thread. You can start with the mainline Hundred Halls, dive into the elemental magic of Stone Singers Hall, or go straight for the gritty underground in The Crystal Halls. Wherever you begin, you’re guaranteed a ride filled with danger, discovery, and transformation.

Ready to enter the Halls?

Find all the series at ThomasKCarpenterBooks.com. The books are widely available (but not in Kindle Unlimited), so you can pick your platform and start your magical journey today.

The Halls await. Step inside—if you dare.

If you crave morally complex protagonists, heart-racing magical intrigue, and a story where every shadow hides a secret, The Reluctant Assassin is your next obsession. Set in the richly woven Hundred Halls universe, this thrilling five-book series follows Zayn Carter—a magically enhanced assassin torn between who he is and what he was created to be.

Series Overview

The best assassins learn their magic at the Academy of the Subtle Arts. Everyone joins for their own reasons: to give death her proper due, to acquire outrageous fortunes, or to know that history bends to their blade—Zayn Carter joined to save his family.

Tropes You'll Love

• Reluctant Assassin 
• Found Family 
• Secret Organizations
• Redemption Arc
• Enemies-to-Reluctant-Allies 
• Magical Espionage 
• School of Magic... with Assassins 

Comparable Reads (Comps)

If you enjoy:

• Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
• The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
• The Magicians by Lev Grossman
• An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

...then The Reluctant Assassin is calling your name. Imagine a magical school thriller fused with dark espionage, and a protagonist you want to both hug and run from.

Zayn Carter: A Protagonist You Won’t Forget

“They made me into a weapon. But I still get to choose where I point the blade.”

Zayn isn’t your average urban fantasy hero. He’s introspective, dangerous, and emotionally raw. His past is a graveyard, but his future might still hold light—if he survives long enough to reach it.

Why Readers Love This Series

• Dark but Hopeful – A gritty, morally complex world where even assassins can seek redemption.
• Fast-Paced Action – From rooftop chases to magical standoffs, every chapter packs a punch.
• Emotional Stakes – Zayn’s trauma, guilt, and humanity give real weight to every decision.
• Expanding Universe – Intertwined with the rest of the Hundred Halls, Zayn’s story adds layers to the overarching mythos.

Series Titles

1. The Reluctant Assassin
2. The Sorcerous Spy
3. The Veiled Diplomat
4. Agent Unraveled
5. The Webs That Bind

Each installment deepens the stakes and pushes Zayn to the brink—of his morality, his magic, and his mortality.

Where to Read

The series is available wide across all major ebook platforms (NOT in Kindle Unlimited). You can also buy directly from the author at www.thomaskcarpenterbooks.com.

Final Word

The Reluctant Assassin is a magical character study wrapped in assassin noir, set in a dangerous world of arcane secrets. It's perfect for fans who want their fantasy with bite, heart, and just enough shadow to keep them turning pages long into the night.

Step into the world of the Hundred Halls—now as a strategic, magic-infused card game.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the urban fantasy book series or a newcomer looking for your next addictive tactical obsession, Champions of the Hundred Halls delivers a thrilling, deck-building experience straight from the magical streets of Invictus.

What Is Champions of the Hundred Halls?

Champions of the Hundred Halls is a cooperative strategy card game set in the same rich universe as the beloved Hundred Halls book series by Thomas K. Carpenter. You’ll take on the role of a Hall-trained mage, facing off against scenarios and strategies drawn from the world of the books.

Inspired by the elemental magic of the Stone Singers, the beast-bonding power of the Animalians, and the arcane healing arts of the Aura Healers, this game transforms the lore of the Hundred Halls into a compelling and competitive format.

Game Features:

• Strategic Deck Building: Choose your Hall, assemble your deck, and adapt your playstyle with powerful combos and game-changing abilities.
• Dynamic Arena Play: Battle the scenarios in the magical city of Invictus where the environment changes and challenges your tactics.
• Story-Driven Campaign Mode: Unlock cards and lore by progressing through battles inspired by key moments and characters from the books.
• Factions and Lore: Fight for your Hall—be it the Gamemakers, Stone Singers, or Crystal Halls—and represent your magical lineage with pride.

If You Like These Games, You’ll Love Champions of the Hundred Halls

This game is perfect for fans of:

• Magic: The Gathering – for its deep strategy and complex card synergies
• Slay the Spire – for its roguelike deck-building mechanics
• Legends of Runeterra – for its gorgeous art, unique factions, and reactive combat
• Gwent – for its lore-driven design and asymmetrical play

But what sets Champions of the Hundred Halls apart is its narrative depth and magical worldbuilding. Every card carries a story. Every duel unfolds in a world where magic is not just a tool—it’s an identity.

For Fans of the Hundred Halls Universe

If you’ve followed the journeys of Aurie and Pi Silverthorne, Zayn Carter, Pax Nygard, or Remi Wilde, Champions offers a new way to immerse yourself in the universe.

Use a Stone Singer’s seismic chants to crumble the battlefield. Summon ethereal beasts as an Animalian. Weave illusions and shadows as a Reluctant Assassin. The game is an open door to the spell-scarred streets of Invictus, and the ancient powers awakened in the Order of Merlin.

Why Gamers Should Pay Attention

With Champions of the Hundred Halls, we’re entering a new phase in fantasy game storytelling:

• Lore-rich gameplay optimized for immersive narrative
• Expandable content that mirrors the structure of serialized books
• Character-driven mechanics tied to emotional arcs, not just stats
• Emergent gameplay paths, perfect for evolving player interactions

Join the Battle

Ready to forge your fate?

Play Champions of the Hundred Halls and prove your worth in a city where magic is everything and only the strongest mages rise.

If you love magical academies with dark secrets, fierce rivalries, and enchanting worlds, this list is your spellbound ticket to adventure. Whether you’re craving trials by magic, twisted school politics, or fierce friendships forged in fire, these ten magical academy series are guaranteed to leave you begging for the next term to start.

1. The Hundred Halls Universe by Thomas K. Carpenter

Best For: Readers who love immersive worldbuilding, interconnected storylines, and a magic school system you’ll wish was real.

Spanning 9 unique series and over 43 books, The Hundred Halls Universe is a masterwork of magical storytelling. Set in the city of Invictus, each Hall teaches a different magical art—from illusion and healing to gaming enchantments and elemental song. Standalone entry points make it easy to jump in, but everything builds toward a jaw-dropping climax in The Order of Merlin series.

Start with: The Trials of Magic
Bonus spotlight: The Crystal Halls—A gritty underground academy of magical warriors, warring clans, and a smoldering enemies-to-lovers romance.

“If you liked The Magicians and Six of Crows, but wanted them to collide in a magical university system—this is your next obsession.”

2. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Best For: Fans of snarky heroines, high-stakes danger, and morally gray magic systems.

At the Scholomance, survival isn’t part of the curriculum—it’s the final exam. El Higgins, armed with destructive magic and a sharp tongue, must survive the monstrous halls of this deadly magical school without losing her humanity.

Start with: A Deadly Education

3. House of Night by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Best For: Paranormal romance lovers looking for a vampy twist on magical school life.

When Zoey Redbird is Marked by a vampire tracker, she’s whisked away to the House of Night, a boarding school where fledgling vampires come into their powers—if they survive the Change.

Start with: Marked

4. Cradle Series by Will Wight

Best For: Readers who crave progression fantasy, intense training arcs, and underdog heroes.

Sacred arts meet deadly stakes in this wildly popular series where cultivation-style magic reigns. While not a traditional academy, Cradle’s rigorous magical training, ancient mentors, and class-like systems scratch the same itch—with epic results.

Start with: Unsouled

5. The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman

Best For: Fans of magical realism, emotional complexity, and adult themes in fantasy.

Brakebills is no Hogwarts—it’s more cynical, more dangerous, and far more real. Quentin Coldwater learns that mastering magic means confronting both external enemies and inner demons.

Start with: The Magicians

6. Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Best For: Readers who love bully romances, elemental magic, and dark fantasy drama.

Twins Tory and Darcy Vega discover they’re Fae royalty—but they’ll have to survive the brutal trials of Zodiac Academy to claim their power. Think Mean Girls meets Harry Potter, with bite.

Start with: The Awakening

7. Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Best For: Urban fantasy readers who want magical creatures, mystery, and romantic slow burns.

While not a classic school setting, the magical training, mystical research centers, and university life elements in Crescent City earn it a spot. Bryce Quinlan navigates a modern world laced with ancient power—and secrets worth killing for.

Start with: House of Earth and Blood

8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Best For: Readers who savor lyrical prose, slow-burn storytelling, and a brilliant protagonist who learns magic the hard way.

At the University, knowledge is power—and power is dangerous. Kvothe is a gifted student with a mysterious past, desperate to uncover the truth behind the mythical Chandrian and master the arcane. This is magical academia wrapped in legend, music, and memory.

Start with: The Name of the Wind
Vibe: Dark academia meets poetic fantasy. Think Dead Poets Society with spellwork and trauma.

9. The Paper Magician Series by Charlie N. Holmberg

Best For: Fans of charming, unique magic systems and sweet mentor-apprentice dynamics.

Ceony Twill didn’t expect to be bonded to paper magic—but what starts as disappointment becomes a thrilling adventure when her mentor’s heart is stolen (literally), and she must journey through deadly magical realms to retrieve it. The Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined may seem quaint—but danger is just a spell away.

Start with: The Paper Magician
Vibe: Cozy magical academia with a whimsical twist and emotional core.

10. The Black Mage Series by Rachel E. Carter

Best For: Readers who love magic tournaments, ambitious heroines, and epic training montages.

Ryiah wants to become a battle mage—but the Academy only takes the best. Between brutal trials, rivalries, and a prince with a chip on his shoulder, Ry’s journey is filled with heartbreak, growth, and fireballs.

Start with: First Year

Series: Animalians Hall (Book One)
One girl. One bonded beast. A magic that runs wild—and a destiny that won't be tamed.

ABOUT THE STORY:

Pax Nygard didn’t come to the Hundred Halls to make friends. She came to survive.

Hunted for her rare bond with a mystical fox named Kali, Pax finds refuge in the Animalians Hall—where magic intertwines with the instincts of beast and human alike. But peace is short-lived. The moment she sets foot inside the school, Pax is swept into a storm of magical secrets, political intrigue, and savage rivalries.

As her connection with Kali deepens, so do the dangers stalking them both. A rogue faction wants to harness their wild magic for its own dark purposes, and the fragile balance of the Animalians Hall threatens to shatter. To protect her companion—and herself—Pax must master a primal power no one truly understands… and embrace the untamed spirit within.

Tropes

• Magical Academy
• Human-Animal Bond
• Found Family
• Secret Origins
• Hidden Magic
• Dangerous Magic Experiments
• Survival Against the Odds
• Coming of Age
• Girl and Her Magical Beast
• Emotionally Complex Female Protagonist

Details

AGE: 13+, Teen to Adult (YA-Crossover)
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Academy Fantasy, Animal Bond Magic, Coming-of-Age Adventure

READING ORDER: Wild Magic, Bane of the Hunter, Mark of the Phoenix, Arcane Mutations, Untamed Destiny. This is a standalone series within the larger Hundred Halls universe, but a perfect entry point for readers who love magical creatures and fierce heroines.

CONTENT NOTES:

• Magical Beasts & Animal Bonding
• Themes of Loyalty, Identity, and Trust
• Emotional Storylines & Personal Growth
• Light Romance Later in Series
• Fantasy Violence & Peril
• Themes of Found Family, Grief, and Resilience

Why You’ll Love It:
If you’ve ever dreamed of a fox companion who could read your soul, or longed to master a wild, untamed magic that pulses with life and instinct, Wild Magic will sweep you away. With high-stakes action, an unforgettable heroine, and the kind of animal companionship that makes your heart ache, Pax and Kali’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Step into the Animalians Hall—where the bond between human and beast could be the key to saving the world.
Pick up Wild Magic today at thomaskcarpenterbooks.com!

Series: The Hundred Halls (Book One)
Two sisters. One magical academy. A thousand ways to fail—and one chance to save each other.

ABOUT THE STORY:

Aurelia "Aurie" Silverthorne and her younger sister, Pi, are the two strongest mages to apply to the Hundred Halls in decades. But their parents' death when they were kids leaves them without an easy path to join the magical university.

Each Hall—the schools in charge of teaching specific kinds of magic—have expectations for entry. Pi wants to join Coterie of Mages, the most exclusive Hall at the school, but it requires sponsorship by an alumnus. In exchange for a recommendation, Pi is tasked with finding a lost artifact, but uncovering its location requires courting powerful allies and crossing forbidden lines. As the sisters delve deeper into finding the artifact—discovering they're not the only ones after it—they learn their past holds the key to the future and the survival of the Hundred Halls.

Tropes

• Magical Academy
• Sisters Fighting for Family
• Found Family
• Coming of Age
• Magic Systems
• Intrigue, Exams, and Dangerous Secrets
• Emotional Resilience
• “Gifted but Different” Protagonist
• Hidden Power / Secret Origins
• Female Protagonists with Strong Character Arcs

Details

AGE: 13+, Teen to Adult (YA-Crossover)
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Academy Fantasy, Coming-of-Age Adventure. Magical Academy

READING ORDER: Trials of Magic, Web of Lies, Alchemy of Souls, Gathering of Shadows, and City of Sorcery. This is Book One of a multi-series universe, but Trials of Magic is your perfect entry point.

CONTENT NOTES:

• Magic School Competition
• Themes of Family, Loyalty, and Identity
• Light Romance Later in Series
• Mild Language & Fantasy Violence
• Emotional Themes (grief, belonging, ambition)

More Series in The Hundred Halls Universe

• The Hundred Halls
• The Reluctant Assassin
• Animalians Hall
• Gamemakers Online
• Stone Singers Hall
• Aura Healers Hall
• The Order of Merlin
• The Crystal Halls
• Coterie of Mages
  
  Over 38 books. 8 interconnected series. One epic magical universe.

If Harry Potter grew up, moved to a magical city, and had to hustle to survive? Welcome to the Halls.

Excerpt

The bouncer took a long look at Pi's ID card.  He looked like a rhinoceros without the horn.  The reflection off a passing car made him blink.

"What kind of name is Pythia?" he grumbled.

"The kind that doesn't like questions," said Pi.

"You don't look like you're twenty-six," he said.

"And you don't look like you're smart enough to work the door at the Glass Cabaret, but Radoslav's still employing you, so that counts for something," she said.

The bouncer twitched.  Pi knew what he saw.  She had the body of a twelve-year-old boy, short dark hair, cutting blue eyes, and she was wearing tight black jeans, a white crop top, and glitter across the warm olive tones of her exposed shoulders.  She didn't even look seventeen, which was her age, let alone twenty-six.  Which either meant she was lying or had enchanted herself to look younger. 

Pi met his gaze until he looked away and unhooked the velvet rope so she could pass. 

"That's what I thought," she said, doing her best to strut into the bar, which felt a little ridiculous.

The inside reminded Pi of a noir film.  A faint mist, neither vapor nor smoke, hung in the air.  A small stage in the back was currently empty.  Some French sounding mood music was piped in.  Glasses clinked amid the occasional bass notes.

Radoslav was standing behind the bar, cleaning cherry guts off a cleaver with a rag.  He was everything she expected him to be: tall, thin, chalky-gray skin, hair so dark it absorbed light, and an expression so sour it would curdle milk at a hundred paces.  He was attractive, but in a way that made it hurt to look at him.

Pi summoned her courage and approached the bar, trying to maintain the arrogance that had gotten her past the bouncer.  It took one flickering glance of his gray eyes to dispel her ruse. 

"I don't deal with students," he said in a melodic voice.

The urge to sprint out the door nearly overwhelmed her.  Beneath the edge of the bar, she pinched her side.

"I'm not a student," she said.

He met her gaze.  She felt suffocated by it, as if she'd been dumped into a pit of asphalt fumes. 

"That's what I thought," he said, mimicking her tone with the bouncer.  He'd known she didn't belong even before she'd entered the bar.

"Hurry along now," he said.  "Wouldn't want mommy and daddy to worry."

Mention of her parents, long deceased, put steel into her spine. 

She couldn't meet his gaze, but she said with fervor, "I need a summoning focal."

A sharp laugh exited his lips.  He stared at her with amusement, revealing gleaming white teeth.

"What would a whelpling like yourself need with that?" he asked, suddenly devoting his every attention to her, which made her skin crawl.

"That's my business," said Pi, staring at the meticulously clean bar top.  Not one errant drop of liquid marred its surface.

"If you want a focal, then it's my business too.  I'd prefer not to have my bar shut down because some irresponsible youngling summoned something she couldn't handle and put people's lives at risk," he said.

Pi bit her lower lip.  "I need to summon a faez demon.  Nothing major.  But it has to be something above an imp."

Radoslav took another long look, as if he'd underestimated her yet again.  Wry amusement was perched on his lips like a carrion bird.

"You have no patron, which means you're either a fool to expose yourself to faez madness, or"—he tapped his chin with a manicured fingernail—"you aspire to the Cabal...probably the Coterie of Mages."

Pi didn't bother acknowledging the correct answer.  It would only annoy Radoslav further. 

"Assuming you can meet my price, can you perform the deed?  What's your barrier material?" he asked.

"Sea salt with a touch of silver dust," she said.

"Silver dust?  Oh, yes, no patron.  How savvy," he said.  "What about your mechanics?"

Pi produced two quarters from her pockets, flipping them both into the air to catch them on the back of her knuckles.  Then she started rolling them back and forth, making them dance across her fingers as if they were marionettes.  When she was finished, she threw them into the air and deftly let them fall into her back pockets. 

Radoslav clapped softly.  A modicum of pride welled up in her chest.  Then like a snake strike, he grabbed her arms.  He put his face up close and dug his fingernails into her wrists. 

Pi couldn't look away from his gaze.  She felt him probing her mind briefly before he broke away.

"More than sufficient power," he said, licking his lips.  "What's your Merlin score?"

"Never been tested," she said.

"Tell me then," said Radoslav.  "Why Coterie?  Why not another hall?  You don't strike me as the power-mad type."

The first thing that flashed into her mind was her parents' faces, followed by the years of various orphanages and foster families.  Pi rubbed the ropelike scar along her forearm.

"It's the only way to be safe," she said.

Radoslav drummed his fingers on the bar.  "I guess the only question now is can you meet my price."

"I assume that a favor from a future member of the Coterie won't suffice?" Pi asked hopefully.

"Despite your promising abilities, you have a long way to go.  Many a Coterie mage has disappeared due to hubris," said Radoslav.  "So I'd prefer my payment in something more immediate and binding."

The way he looked at her put a twist in her gut.  She felt like an antelope being sized up by a lion.

"I want your soul," he said.

“This series pulled me in and did not let go. The magic system is layered and fascinating, and the sisterly bond hit me right in the feels.”
— Megan

“Think magical college meets survival game. Add heart, danger, and sibling loyalty and you’ve got Trials of Magic.”
— Jordan

“I loved Pi so much. She’s neurodivergent-coded and just... real. Her arc is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to follow her story all the way.”
— Casey

Start Reading Today!

Looking for your next magical obsession? If you're a fan of Harry Potter, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Magicians, or The Mortal Instruments, then you need to dive into the sprawling, interconnected world of the Hundred Halls—a shared universe of over 43 books spanning dark magic, elite academies, wild adventures, and powerful emotional arcs.

From magical assassins to beast-bonded healers, there's a Hall—and a heroine—for every kind of fantasy lover.

1. The Hundred Halls Series

Like: Harry Potter meets Six of Crows
Main Appeal: Sisterhood, magical academia, shadowy conspiracies

Follow sisters Aurie and Pi Silverthorne as they uncover secrets buried deep within the most prestigious magical academies of Invictus. With a hundred different Halls of study—each with their own deadly secrets—the series captures the wonder of magical learning with the danger of cutthroat politics.

Start with: "Trials of Magic"
If you liked: House rivalries, underdog heroes, magical exams with life-or-death stakes

2. The Reluctant Assassin Series

Like: The Witcher + Killing Eve
Main Appeal: Reluctant heroism, morally grey magic, secret orders

Zayn Carter never wanted to be an assassin. But when he’s recruited into a magical black-ops program, his world turns into one of deadly contracts, arcane espionage, and soul-shaking choices. Perfect for fans of dark intrigue and hidden power.

Start with: "The Reluctant Assassin"
If you liked: Assassin training academies, internal conflict, conspiracies within conspiracies

3. Animalians Hall Series

Like: His Dark Materials + The Beast Player
Main Appeal: Animal magic, unbreakable bonds, coming-of-age

Pax Nygard has an unshakable connection to the wild—and her companion, the fierce psychic fox, Kali. At Animalians Hall, she learns to master magic through harmony with beasts. But the deeper she connects, the more dangerous the secrets she uncovers.

Start with: "Wild Magic"
If you liked: Strong animal companions, eco-magic, emotional journeys

4. Gamemakers Online Series

Like: Sword Art Online + Ready Player One
Main Appeal: Virtual reality, magical gaming, high-stakes adventures

Alexandria Duke dives into a fully immersive MMORPG to save her family—but the game is more real than she imagined. Magic, monsters, and moral choices blur the line between simulation and self-discovery in this action-packed series.

Start with: "The Warped Forest"
If you liked: GameLit, virtual stakes, fierce heroines rewriting the rules

5. Stone Singers Hall Series

Like: The Name of the Wind + Earthbender lore (Avatar: TLA)
Main Appeal: Elemental power, artistic magic, slow-burn mastery

Moriganne Charmer learns to wield the ancient art of song magic—carving power into stone with voice and intention. If you’re craving rich lore, elemental forces, and a heroine crafting her path with every note, this series sings to the soul.

Start with: "Song of Siren and Blood"
If you liked: Mythic storytelling, elemental balance, personal transformation

6. The Crystal Halls Series

Like: Shadow and Bone + Jade City
Main Appeal: Underground crime clans, forbidden romance, crystal-fueled combat

In the shadowy depths of the Undercity, two rival clans battle for control of faez crystals—gems that grant supernatural powers. Pandora is a spy caught between duty and desire, while Kuma is heir to a crumbling legacy. Their enemies-to-lovers arc unravels as war looms.

Start with: "Shadows in Amber"
If you liked: Clan warfare, magical drugs, romantic tension in dangerous places

7. Aura Healers Hall Series

Like: The Empath’s Crown + House of Earth and Blood
Main Appeal: Healing magic, emotional depth, unseen connections

Remi Wilde joins the Aura Healers for a heist—but finds a deeper calling. As she confronts trauma, love, and legacy, her magic becomes a mirror to the soul. This series is a balm for fans who want depth, vulnerability, and heart-aching beauty.

Start with: "Half-Pint Hex"
If you liked: Healing arcs, found family, emotional magic

8. The Order of Merlin Series

Like: Avengers: Endgame meets Mistborn Era 2
Main Appeal: Crossover chaos, epic finales, magical team-ups

The walls between Halls collapse as enemies old and new threaten Invictus. Heroes from across the universe—Aurie, Zayn, Pax, Alex, Moriganne—unite for a last stand against the forces of darkness. If you’ve followed their stories, this is where everything explodes.

Start with: "The Order of Merlin"
If you liked: Shared universes, emotional payoffs, epic magic wars

Why the Hundred Halls is Your Next Obsession

Diverse heroines with agency
A richly interconnected universe
Multiple subgenres: dark fantasy, game-lit, elemental magic, paranormal romance
Standalone series that all link together in surprising ways

Whether you're in the mood for shadowy assassins, elemental singers, or cyber-magic arenas, the Hundred Halls has a path—and a power—for you.

Where to Start Reading
All books are available from the author at www.thomaskcarpenterbooks.com and major online retailers.
No Kindle Unlimited? No problem—these books are widely distributed.

Step into the Hundred Halls. Master your magic. Rewrite your fate.

If you’ve ever wandered the halls of a magical academy in your dreams, imagined dueling with elemental forces, or found comfort in fierce friendships forged under fire, then the Hundred Halls Universe might already feel like home. Since the launch of the flagship series, The Hundred Halls, readers have been captivated by this expansive, interconnected world of magical mastery, found family, danger, and destiny. But don’t just take our word for it—let’s look at how fans on Amazon and Goodreads are responding to this ever-growing urban fantasy universe.

“This series ruined me for other magical academy books.”

Readers consistently praise The Hundred Halls for raising the bar on what a magical academy series can be. One reviewer on Amazon wrote:

“Aurie and Pi Silverthorne are such a refreshing duo—smart, capable, and emotionally complex. The way the series handles sisterhood and sacrifice is just so real.”

From Animalians Hall to Gamemakers Online, fans celebrate the sheer variety within the universe. Each Hall offers a unique flavor of magic and character journey, and readers are here for all of it.

“It’s like every series is a different door into the same enchanted world.”

Fans love the way the universe expands while staying interconnected. One Goodreads user noted:

“I thought I was reading a standalone until characters from other Halls started showing up. Suddenly I realized this was all one huge world, and I was obsessed. It’s like the MCU but for urban fantasy readers.”

That sense of scope and continuity is especially celebrated in The Order of Merlin, where heroes from across the series unite in a magical showdown that left many readers breathless and begging for more.

“More Damon Wolfhard, please.”

Among reader favorites is Damon, the tortured werewolf from Aura Healers Hall, who has his own fan base thanks to his vulnerable, brooding complexity. One reviewer joked:

“I didn’t come here to cry over a werewolf with a tragic past, and yet, here I am.”

Meanwhile, Remi Wilde’s emotionally charged arc has been described as “raw, healing, and quietly revolutionary.”

“The Crystal Halls is criminally underrated.”

Newer readers diving into The Crystal Halls are discovering a gritty, underground world full of betrayal, forbidden love, and magical warfare. With reviews calling it:

“Enemies-to-lovers perfection with a Hunger Games vibe”
“Street-magic meets Shakespearean family drama”

…it’s clear this series is gaining momentum. The Bloodstone Rebellion finale especially earned rave reactions for its high-stakes tournament, intricate plotting, and satisfying emotional payoffs.

“Gamemakers Online is dangerously addictive.”

Virtual reality fantasy meets life-or-death stakes in Gamemakers Online, and fans are devouring every glitch, battle, and quest. As one reader put it:

“This is the best LitRPG I’ve read in years—and Alexandria Duke is a legend. Can I be her when I grow up?”

The Verdict?

Across Amazon and Goodreads, readers are calling the Hundred Halls:

• “A magical universe you’ll never want to leave.”
• “Urban fantasy done right.”
• “The perfect escape for fans of found families, mysterious conspiracies, and complex magic systems.”

Ready to Enroll?

Whether you're just cracking open Web of Lies or diving into the dark alleys of The Crystal Halls, the Hundred Halls Universe offers an escape into a world that’s as imaginative as it is emotionally resonant.

Explore all the series and find your Hall at www.thomaskcarpenterbooks.com

Come for the magic. Stay for the characters. Lose yourself in the halls.

The Hundred Halls Universe is a vast and interconnected series of urban fantasy books written by Thomas K. Carpenter. Set in the magical city of Invictus, the Hundred Halls spans 9 major series, over 43 books, and features a rich cast of characters, thrilling magical systems, and deeply emotional storytelling.

Whether you're a longtime fantasy reader or a newcomer looking for a new universe to fall into, the Hundred Halls offers something for everyone: magical academies, virtual worlds, shape-shifters, assassins, elemental singers, and magical healers—all wrapped in a fast-paced, emotionally resonant narrative.

The Core Setting: The City of Invictus

At the heart of the Hundred Halls universe lies the city of Invictus. Known for its towering Halls—magical academies that train the next generation of mages—Invictus is a place of wonder, power, and danger. Each Hall specializes in a unique form of magic, from elemental control to healing arts, stone singing, animal companions, assassination, and more.

The Hundred Halls themselves are part of a vast magical academic system. These Halls serve as the training grounds for young mages seeking mastery over their gifts and a place in the city's ever-shifting power structure.

The Hundred Halls Series (Flagship Series)

Main Characters: Aurie and Pi Silverthorne

The flagship series, The Hundred Halls, follows two sisters, Aurie and Pi, as they enter the magical academies of Invictus. With their family legacy hanging in the balance, the sisters must face corrupt professors, magical duels, and deadly conspiracies.

Themes: Sisterhood, resilience, mystery, magical challenges.

The Reluctant Assassin Series

Main Character: Zayn Carter

In the Reluctant Assassin series, Zayn Carter is drawn into the dark world of magical espionage. A man who never wanted to be a killer finds himself at the center of secrets that could destroy everything he’s trying to protect.

Themes: Moral conflict, hidden power, reluctant heroism, magical espionage.

Animalians Hall Series

Main Character: Pax Nygard
Animal Companion: Kali

This series centers on Pax Nygard and her shape-shifting animal companion, Kali, as they navigate the primal magic of the Animalians Hall. Expect heart-pounding action, emotional bonds, and wild magic.

Themes: Human-animal bonds, wild nature magic, unity with the natural world.

Gamemakers Online Series

Main Character: Alexandria Duke

A high-stakes series set inside a magical VRMMORPG, Gamemakers Online blends sword and sorcery with video game logic. Alexandria Duke must level up fast, because in this game, death can be permanent.

Themes: Virtual reality, high-stakes quests, blurred reality, fierce female lead.

Stone Singers Hall Series

Main Character: Moriganne Charmer

In Stone Singers Hall, Moriganne learns the ancient art of awakening power through voice and stone. Her journey is one of inner harmony and unearthing truths buried deep in both the earth and herself while dealing with the dangerous elite family she's been stuck with.

Themes: Elemental power, ancient magic, voice and resonance, personal awakening.

The Order of Merlin Series

Main Characters: Ensemble cast (Aurie, Pi, Zayn, Pax, Alex, Moriganne)

This epic crossover event brings together major characters from all previous series to face an existential threat to Invictus. The Order of Merlin series is the explosive culmination of Season One in the Hundred Halls universe.

Themes: Magical alliances, world-ending stakes, destiny, teamwork.

The Crystal Halls Series

Main Characters: Pandora and Kuma Santos

Beneath the gleaming city of Invictus lies the Undercity, a shadowy world ruled by rival clans and powered by a mysterious resource known as faez crystals—rare gemstones that grant supernatural strength, speed, and agility to those who wield them.

Themes: Enemies-to-lovers romance, underground politics, clan warfare, magical crystals, identity and infiltration.

Aura Healers Hall Series

Main Character: Remi Wilde

Set after the events of The Order of Merlin, this emotional and gripping series follows Remi Wilde, a gifted young healer with a criminal past. As she trains in the Aura Healers Hall, she discovers that healing magic isn't just about the body—it's about the heart and soul.

Themes: Healing, the Fae, emotional depth, spiritual connection, magical medicine, trauma and redemption.

Coterie of Mages Series

Main Character: Iona Storm

Set in a deadly magical academy known as the Obelisk, Coterie of Mages is a dark and intense five-book series perfect for fans of magical schools with high stakes, brutal power struggles, and jaw-dropping twists.

Themes: Betrayal, dark academia, ambition, magical violence, survival.

Reading Order and Where to Start

While each series can be enjoyed on its own, the recommended starting point is the Hundred Halls series, beginning with Trials of Magic. From there, readers can explore each Hall in depth before diving into the interconnected final series, The Order of Merlin, and continuing with Aura Healers Hall and beyond.

Where to Buy the Hundred Halls Books

The entire Hundred Halls universe is available from Thomas K. Carpenter's official website:

www.thomaskcarpenterbooks.com

These books are not in Kindle Unlimited, but they are widely distributed across all major ebook platforms including:

• Amazon
• Apple Books
• Kobo
• Google Play
• Barnes & Noble

Conclusion

The Hundred Halls is more than a fantasy series—it's a living, breathing world full of magic, mystery, and meaning. With compelling characters, intricate worldbuilding, and emotionally rich plots, Thomas K. Carpenter's universe is perfect for readers who crave a mix of adventure, personal growth, and magical innovation.

Whether you're drawn to the bonds of sisterhood, the lure of secret societies, the power of healing magic, or the thrill of dangerous quests, there’s a Hall waiting for you.

Enter the Hundred Halls. Your magical education awaits.

Here's the next installment of our Metallum Nocturne story.  If you need to catch up on any of the previous episodes, click here.

Episode Fifty-Five

T

The induction crucible was crackling by seven in the morning, sparks leaping into the air above the liquid metal like fireflies at dusk.  Beneath the layers of protection, both physical and magical, Claire approached the bath with a preheated slag rake in her fist to remove the impurities before she added the night metal to the iron base.  She carefully scooped them off, making sure not to take good metal with her by letting the rake hang over the bath until the pure liquid had run off. 

After checking with a heat gun, Claire returned to the melter controls to increase the temperature by another three hundred degrees to prepare for the addition of the night metal.  Drenched in sweat beneath her protective gear, Claire felt at peace as she worked the metal, checking and adjusting, removing more slag, caring for the liquid that would become something new and interesting when she was done.  Two somethings, in fact.  The lost wax molds sat at the back of the area waiting until the liquid metal was ready for the pour.  Originally, she'd only been intending to make the ring, but the amount of material Nocturna had given her was enough for an additional item.  Not too large, but she wasn't looking for something big and flashy like the original hammer.

Time lost meaning during that day, only surfacing when she paused to grab a drink of water, or stuff a food bar in her face before returning to the crucible.  The nekyia filaments went in first, turning iridescent almost instantly before sinking beneath the surface.  Claire added two spells to the bath to maintain the effects of the reagent until she could make the pour in eight hours.  Then she changed the temperature again, down one hundred and eighteen degrees, before stirring in counterclockwise rotation using a ceramic ladle that wouldn't melt under the obscene heats.  Standing above the crucible meant she was getting hit with nearly three thousand degrees of radiant heat.  She kept her sanity by remembering how she'd acquired the filaments by saving Grayson from the Veil.  She hoped he was doing better, given his grief.  She knew what it was like to believe you'd lost everyone you ever loved.  Things got better, even when it seemed they never would.

The faeila dust went into the bath second.  The once-living glass settled on the top, surface tension holding it aloft while the heat broke down the structure.  The faeila dust melted into shiny metallic pools then spread out and dissipated into the bath.  She had to apply no further enchantments for another hour until she was readying for the final ingredient.

The preserved ghost-eye stalks would signal the start of the trickiest section of the day.  Their entry into the liquid metal would be simple with a short spell to keep them from burning too quickly, but then she had a long part where she had to manipulate the metal as it cooled, ensuring the phase changes were correct. 

Claire worked the crucible tirelessly for the next three hours, casting spells and adjusting the temperature five separate times as she maneuvered the liquid into a ready state.  The key to achieving the night metal's best characteristics was getting it to a certain state in liquid form and then pouring it before it lost that peak condition.  She would get one and only one chance to accomplish her goals for the project.

When the appointed moment came, she paused to rehydrate for a minute and prepare herself for the challenging pour.  She needed to ladle enough metal for both castings.  While the ring was small, the risering system to ensure no flaws remained required additional metal which would fill in the tiny gaps using gravity as it cooled. 

The ladle held thirty pounds of liquid modified night metal at the end of a long pole.  She scooped it up carefully, backfeeding to ensure no slag, and walked the ladle over to the two molds, one slightly larger than the other.  Three months ago when she first attempted to use night metal, the pour was the part she was most worried about because it required physical strength, but that was no longer the case.  She hefted the ladle easily, which gave her a better control over the pour. 

Claire set the notch of the ladle against the gate, letting the liquid metal run through the gap in a laminar flow.  The metal looked like dark chocolate in liquid form.  She counted in her head, predicting the moment the mold would be full and easing away before it overflowed. 

She moved the ladle to the second, larger mold without spilling a drop.  The second pour was as easy as the first, but this time she let the extra drain out on the top, forming a disc above the gate.  When she was finished, her arms shook briefly, a quiver of relief that she quickly got ahold of.  While the molds were poured, she wasn't finished working, as she had to drain the crucible and then bring it down to room temperature. 

The crucible was on a hinge.  She hooked the edge to a chain hanging from the ceiling and using a wench motor tilted it until it drained into a slag bin.  There was little remaining good metal.  She added a spell to the interior to keep the crucible from cracking while it air cooled.

The next two hours, she cleaned up the foundry.  The crucible was still warm, but no longer glowing.  She wasn't due to work on the castings until the following morning, so she left them in their molds. 

"Won't hurt if they stay there a bit longer."

With almost no one else in Metallum Nocturne, Claire made herself three cheeseburgers and a tray of fries in the kitchen, devouring them in short order.  The shower was a gift.  She stayed under the spray for an hour until a bone-deep exhaustion took hold. 

The next morning, Claire woke refreshed and not at all tired as she expected.  She returned to the foundry to find her molds intact.  After removing the case bolts, she broke the away the black sand, revealing the objects inside.  The smaller one was clearly a ring at the end of a narrow funnel.  She used a pair of pliers to snap the runner away from the ring and studied it in her palm before slipping it into her pocket for later processing. 

The second mold was larger, revealing a narrow blade with room for a short hilt.  The dagger would be medium length.  Claire knocked away the runners and used a grinder to shave down the excess. 

Claire finished the ring first.  The majority of the magic had been imbued into the metal but after she cleaned and polished the circular item, she added additional spells which would be captured by the metal matrix ensuring the ring would give her the properties she desired. 

The dagger took much longer.  Claire moved to the forge, where she had to heat the metal back to a faint glow before hammering it for hours, repeating the heating on a regular basis.  The selection of reagents had been specific to her desires for the final ring, but adding the blade had changed her calculations.  Claire used the forging time to layer more enchantments into the metal, giving it different properties than the ring. 

Finishing both items took three more long days in which she worked tirelessly, sleeping like the dead each night and waking in the morning with renewed sense of purpose.  As she neared the finish line, she allowed herself to contemplate the results of her efforts.  While the original night metal project would have given her a hammer of at least masterwork quality, and if she were lucky, maybe a minor artifact, the two she'd finished this week were certainly more than that. 

Five days after the initial pour, Claire examined the results of her labor.  The color of the ring was both silvery and black, like seeing the moon's reflection at night.  As she lifted the object, checking it against the light, it shifted between those colors. 

Slipping it over her right ring finger brought a sense of dislocation.  Vertigo.  Claire wavered on her feet before grabbing the edge of the table.  For a moment, she thought the ring was flawed, but then as her senses extended outward, she realized that it was only her body getting used to the additional information flooding in through the ring.  It was like having a personal radar system.  Claire closed her eyes and walked around the processing room without bumping into a single table or machine. 

She returned to the table to examine the short blade.  It ended up longer than she initially intended because the metal folded beautifully, allowing her to make it even thinner.  The hilt was nothing special.  A soft wrapping which would make it easier to hold.  In time, she would replace it with something more appropriate for the weapon, but she lacked the means for those additions. 

Claire was not an expert in wielding blades, but holding it felt comfortable, like an extension of her arm.  She made a few tentative swipes, seeing her arm blur into motion and grinning at the result.  In the brief battle with the Terrors, she'd survived only because she could see in the dark.  She needed more advantages if she was going to hunt people like them.  Skill would come in time, but she assumed she wouldn’t be given much more of a reprieve. 

With the two night metal items complete, Claire spent the next day cleaning up the equipment and packing her room.  She left with an overstuffed backpack and carrying a huge duffle bag.  The empty halls rang with her footsteps.  Claire hesitated before pushing through the double doors.  A chapter of her life was coming to an end. 

Outside Metallum Nocturne, the statue of Stephen Adolphus hit differently than it had in the past.  Not only had she met him in the realm of shadows, but she was soon to be no longer a member of his Hall.  But she didn't regret a single moment.  Not even the accident, despite it not being her fault.  As she walked away, the first Patron's words rang in her head like a hammer against steel.

May the seeds of your mistakes bear fruit tomorrow.

The End!