Proving Ground

Author: Emily G. Watson
Genre: Young Adult
Series: Arualian Archives #2
Pages: 315
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Publisher: Self-Published

A year has passed since the defeat of Clint Starnor. While Walter is eager for the chance to pursue a Proving Quest and knighthood, Aaron still questions whether he wishes to do the same. But there seem to be more important questions that need answering.

Wildfires have been plaguing Arualia for the last year. While most would blame it on the hot dry weather, the Knights of the Order of the Roses suspect there is something more sinister behind them. Then there are Aaron's dreams. Dreams of fire chasing him through hallways and tunnels. The fires seem to be following them – as does the woman's voice that mocks them from the flames. A voice that haunts the edge of Walter's memory.

And then a mysterious librarian reveals a startling secret about Aaron's sword. Trapped on an unfamiliar mountainside, the children find themselves at the whims and mercies of a fire-wielding witch. They must enter a desperate search to the heart of the mountain to find the secret of Aaron's sword before the witch claims the sword's power for herself – a power that could destroy the world.

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Reviewer: Diana Lea

I loved getting to adventure again with the Knights of the Order of the Roses! Some truly wondrous moments unfold in the wilderness of Arualia. In Proving Ground, Emily G. Watson gives us everything I loved about Volume 1—only more of it in Volume 2.

As I followed Walter, Airdella, Amy, and Aaron deeper into the Wolfmoon Mountains, I was quickly drawn into their growing reliance on one another in the midst of peril. While this is officially Walter and Aaron’s Proving Quest, Amy and Airdella play important roles in the journey. I loved the way they were there for each other in times of difficulty and danger. Bravery, self-sacrifice, teamwork, and heart all shine through in these characters. Even in the midst of danger, their shared sense of humor is a welcome touch and made me love them all the more.

Elroy, Chief of the Guardians, is active again in this volume. His conversations with Aaron about his calling were some of the most meaningful parts of the book for me. As I read about what it means to hear from God and act on what He has shown you, I found myself thinking what a powerful lesson this is for children, teens, young adults—and really, all of us.

Beyond the story itself, I enjoyed several of the design features. The cover art fits the story well, with a classic fantasy adventure feel and an old-world, storybook quality. The hand-drawn maps in the print copy were a lovely addition and helped me picture the world more clearly. I also enjoy when chapters have titles, and these got my brain working ahead, looking for how each clue would connect to the story as a whole.

The richly descriptive writing style makes this a good fit for later grade school through middle school readers and up. Older readers who enjoy faith-filled fantasy will find extra layers to savor. The spiritual truths emerge gently through Elroy’s timely wisdom—much like an Aslan-type figure—reminding the characters (and us) of God’s quiet presence and the courage it takes to step into a calling.

This book is best enjoyed after reading Prophecy’s Heirs, the first book in the series, but enough details from the previous adventure are woven in so new readers can still follow the characters’ connections and growth without feeling lost.

Altogether, this is a delightful, adventure-filled continuation that left me smiling, inspired, and eager for every book still to come in The Arualian Archives. I want the whole series! I recommend it warmly to individual readers as well as those looking for a wonderful family read-aloud.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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