Rogue Community College follows Issac Frost as he joins a college for magical misfits with a secret mission to bring it down. As a fan of the Adam Binder series, I was really excited to see that world expanded upon and this book didn't disappoint. While this had enough elements of the previous series to please fans of that, I don't think having read them is necessary to enjoy this one. Any plot points or characters from the previous series are explained in this one and the main character is new to this book, so gets many things explained to him along with the reader. The extended cast of characters are all interesting, if a little shallow, but I expect them to get developed in future books. The school is an interesting setting with a personality of its own. Overall, this is a fun introduction to a new setting and set of characters and I'm excited to see where it goes. For fans of the Adam Binder series, it's a must read, but I'd also recommend it for anyone looking for a magic school series.

As a fan of the Adam Binder series, I’ve been excited to jump back into the universe since Rogue Community College was first announced. Although set in the same universe as the Adam Binder novels, we explore a different part of that world in RCC. Billed as a school for misfits and found families, I found RCC to be exactly that - a place where people who don’t belong anywhere else can come together and do good in their own way. While there are a few familiar faces that make appearances from time to time, we mainly follow a new cast of lovable characters as seen from the POV of the new MC, Isaac Frost. Originally sent to infiltrate and take down RCC, Isaac quickly finds himself meant for more as he unravels mysteries about himself and the true nature of the mission he’s been given.

From start to finish, RCC was an exciting romp. There was lots of humor and the chapter titles made me smile. The pacing was great and I was never bored. The new cast of characters was entertaining and I’m looking forward to getting to know them more as the series progresses. I’m not going to lie though, my favorite bits were the ones with Vran. He might be a chaos monkey, but he’s a lovable one. There’s just something about him that makes him incredibly endearing. I wanted more page time with him most of all.

There was so much to love about RCC, but at the same time, I found myself surprised with the YA feel of it. Despite the college setting, I felt the story had a high-school vibe. It wasn’t bad. It was just different than I had expected. Beyond that, I found a few things confusing, primarily the transitions into the dream-like sequences. Every time one occurred, I found myself confused. I didn’t realize what was happening and had to go back and re-read those sections. I’m unsure if that was the point or if it was just a “me” issue. Overall, Rogue Community College was a fun read and one I would highly recommend to fans of the Adam Binder series!

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love that this is for both the people who loved and wanted more from the Adam Binder world and those new to it. It's got all the immediate charm and draw of the original trilogy, with enough cameos and nods to previous events that returning readers will enjoy the shout-outs but nothing that is essential is unexplained (and even better, explained in such a way that returning readers feel like the explanation is redundant or clearly there for new readers).

As usual, we're following a group of misfits, magic users who otherwise would have either been dealt with poorly or fallen through the cracks, complete with a semi-sentient college building and plenty of mysteries, topped with a heaping dash of found family and finding your place in a world that's tried to put you in a specific box.

I think I'm hooked! I really enjoyed the Adam Binder series by this author so I was excited to check this out. I love books with chapter titles, so I was pleased to see that right away. It did take me a while to get into this book and feel fully invested. The start has a lot of characters, some of whom I couldn't keep track of. I also got a bit bored during the lengthy discussions about how magic and the various worlds work. But I ended up getting quite attached to some of the characters and felt some big emotions by the end. I think I would pick up the next book in the series to see where things go from here. I hope a certain character's story doesn't end here because they were my favorite! I will say that this felt more YA than I was expecting. The characters are meant to be college aged, but the college setting definitely feels more like a high school and the characters read pretty young to me. Overall though, I ended up enjoying it and will probably check out any forthcoming books in this series.

"Rogue Community College" is a spellbinding addition to David Slayton's Adam Binder universe, weaving a captivating tale of magic, morality, and self-discovery. Isaac Frost, an assassin with an extraordinary ability, takes center stage in this beautifully crafted spin-off that both newcomers and series fans will adore.
Slayton's masterful storytelling shines as he explores the complexities of power and choice through Isaac's journey at a magical school. The author's signature blend of humor, heart, and suspense creates an immersive reading experience that's hard to put down. The dynamic between Isaac and Vran, a mysterious Sea Elf, is particularly engaging, driving character growth and raising thought-provoking questions about redemption and identity.
What sets this book apart is its nuanced portrayal of college-aged characters grappling with weighty decisions, perfectly capturing the tumultuous nature of young adulthood. The subtle nods to the broader Adam Binder world are expertly woven throughout, enriching the story without overshadowing the new cast.
"Rogue Community College" is a testament to Slayton's evolving talent, offering a perfect balance of action, emotion, and world-building. It's a must-read for fantasy lovers seeking depth, diversity, and a touch of magic in their fiction. This book cements Slayton's place as a rising star in the genre, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enchanting series.

HOW DARE YOU RIP OUT MY HEART?! This book was so good. At first I was not sure if I would like it, but as I read, I found myself getting more and more drawn into the world. I cried so hard. ;;;;

I really loved this book and found it fast paced and engaging. If you read the Adam binder series first it will add background for some players that show up in this story, but I don't think you need to to enjoy.

It had a great balance of action scenes and some quieter scenes where we really get to know the main players. Issac is a great character to view the story though as he is not necessarily the good guy which adds some great conflict between him and the other characters.

The only part I struggled with is what age are the characters supposed to be? The book would be quite safe for the YA crowd, but the characters are college age or older. Some of the conversations and decisions made seem like they might be a little younger than I think they're supposed to be. Overall that's a small complaint.

I'm excited to continue the series with Issac and Vran and really hope we learn more backstory for our side characters. Maybe even a Vran viewpoint?

Thank you to Negalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Rogue Community College" by David Slayton is a thrilling addition to the Adam Binder series. Isaac Frost, an assassin with a unique power, infiltrates a magical school where secrets and danger await. With Slayton's signature humor and vivid characters, this fast-paced fantasy offers a fresh, engaging spin-off that's perfect for both new readers and fans of the original series.

A spectacular addition to the Adam Binder universe. Slayton’s characters are so fun and well-written. As ever, the worst thing about this book is how anxiously I await the next one. Bravo!

I loved the Adam Binder series and this is such a lovely addition to this world. Funny, sad and just wonderful - it carries on the themes of healing and helping others. I got an arc but with no pressure on reviewing!

DRS's mild is absolutely brilliant and this book in Adam Binder's world not only showcases that talent but is a masterpiece in character development and the juxtapositions that face morally grey characters. It's a poignant and deep reflection of the complex nature of power, system stability/fragility, and choices that result in hard fought and hard won battles.

The two main characters - Vran and Isaac - journey together and separately as they consider their futures, their past, and what decisions they have available to them. It's through this budding relationship that they are pushed to be a better version of themselves.

DJS's portrait of the characters is vibrant, as always, and he's done an excellent job in that portrayal of matching the age (or equivalent thereof) of the characters - college aged young adults, with enough brain power for self reflection but not enough life experience to really know what that means quite yet - with the tasks and decisions they make. The character growth is nuanced - it's not linear but is conducted by learning through both smooth and difficult experiences. The quiet changes happen, as well as the loud ones.

DJS's writing is always immersive but I felt it more so in RCC that any of his books to date. One of my favorite components of this book was the subtle presence of Adam, who has such a huge impact on this verse (it IS called the Adam Binder world, after all), but whose on page representation was not required for the story to unfold. The decisions he's inspired are some of the most important of the book and WOW does that make my Adam fangirl happy.

Ok, I could write A LOT more, but I will end with squealing at the KD Edwards nod - IYKYK.

Disclosure - I received a free ARC of this book both from the publisher/author and NetGalley. I have been a long time fan of DRS's and consider David a friend. None of these factors have played parts in my review, which is honest and reflects my true feelings. Feelings of LOVE AND ADORATION. But for real, I tried to be unbiased and honest about the book!

I’d read this author’s previous Adam Binder series, and I was so excited to see this new series by him. I was even more excited to realize that it takes place in the same universe. As I am writing this, I still don’t know how I feel about this book. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just I’m torn. First off, this book is well-written and engaging and hooks you from the beginning even if it was a little abrupt about how our MC gets into the academy. Second, that ending was so heart-rending that I was a little angry at the end but still have a little hope. All that aside, I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to see what the author has next in store for Isaac, his friends, and the academy. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Set in the world of the Adam Binder series, Isaac Frost is an Undertaker a group of boys with special powers and killers for hire. Issac is also a Phage, he can temporarily gain other's powers by tasting their blood.

After being sent the "rescue" and elf in trouble, he becomes a new student at Rogue Community College, a college for special people like him. But Issac has plans to do more than just learn at the school.

RCC is fun and exciting. It has humorous dialog and great cast of side characters, alone with a few familiar folks. I also enjoy a the queer-normative world the story takes place in.

I wasn't sure what to except starting this book but I shouldn't have worried as it had David Slayton's usual humor and humanity. The story was fast paced and kept me on my toes. It was left open for a sequel and I'd gladly read more of Issac's adventures with the other students at RCC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

David R. Slayton's books are always worth reading, and this was no exception. This story introduces a lot of characters I look forward to getting to know better as the series progresses (and, of course, the appearances by old friends were more than welcome). As is often the case, I suspect I won't fully appreciate all the intricacies of the plot until I've listened to the audiobook a few times—which I look forward to doing! I'm excited about this new series.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

An excellent addition to any library fantasy/science fiction collection, Rogue Community College offers a diverse and gently queer take on the ever-popular magical school. Author David Slayton does a fantastic job of balancing the "tell me more" energy of readers who have been waiting to return to Adam Binder's world against the "what have we here" attention of readers new to this universe, building a twisty narrative that nods to the past while jumping into the future. Libraries should ensure that the original trilogy is available as readers will undoubtedly want to continue their adventures in this universe, either reading the earlier books for the first time or returning to those books with a new perspective. A great recommendation for readers who enjoyed Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey, the Simon Snow books by Rainbow Rowell, or the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik and are looking for a new universe to explore!

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fantastic arc.

Another winner from Slayton! Fast-paced, great mix of characters, fascinating expansion of the Adam Binder-verse but strong enough to stand on its own as a spin-off series. Love Isaac as a lead and this is their perfect venue in which to showcase Argent as more of a lead character. Witty, charming, and genuinely moving, a great addition to Slayton’s catalog. Looking forward to more.