Literature / The Maximus Universe

The Maximus Universe is a collection of Web Serial Novels written by Kevin Haulsee. At their core, they are a series of superhero-esque novels centered around individual protagonists in a high fantasy universe. It updates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the occasional Saturday. Each installment is also available through Amazon, for those who want the whole story all at once.

• ''Midnight'' is the story of Estelle Marona, a castaway taken in by a secretive order that trains her as an assassin.
• ''Spellweaver'' continues where Midnight left off, following the titular Belthor Spellweaver on his journey through wizarding school.

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The Maximus novels contain examples of:

Midnight

Trying to kill her was their first mistake. Failing was their second.

• Affably Evil:
  • Aurora and Ward don't speak an unkind word for the duration of the novel, but they also show no remorse for condemning their sixteen-year-old niece to death.
  • Vaneer is also quite sociable...until he takes Estelle and Luna captive.
• And the Adventure Continues: The book ends with Midnight racing off to rescue a set of hostages.
• Appropriated Appellation:
  • Estelle encourages Belthor to do this with Vivian's insulting nickname "Spellweaver". It sticks.
  • Later, Estelle does the same thing with her own nickname from the island, "Midnight".
• Authority Equals Asskicking:
  • Estelle is the youngest daughter of the late King of Nurem. She also survives for three years on an island with nothing but a bow and arrows she made herself.
  • Luna gets a moment in the finale, causing Kui to wonder if it's In the Blood.
• Badass Normal: Part of what kicks the main plot into gear: Estelle has no Gift, merely a talent for archery and hand to hand combat. Considering the Guiding Light had been secretly dosing her with potions designed to impart Gifts, they are very nonplussed.
• Disappeared Dad: Estelle's father is mentioned a few times, but died before the story begins.
• Fantastic Racism: Vivian is quite dismissive of Kui. While the most blatant, she's not the only one either.
• Forced to Watch: When Vaneer wants information from Estelle, he leaves her bound and has Jason torture Luna until Estelle yields.
• Heroic Sacrifice:
  • Callan Garredin pulling one of these is what really pushed Estelle into becoming such a great archer.
  • Estelle herself attempts one in the finale, but Kulkas rescues her.
• It Only Works Once: In one fight scene, one of Midnight's enemies performs a flawless Arrow Catch. Next time, another mook attempts the same tactic. The arrow promptly explodes.
• Jerk with a Heart of Jerk: Vivian is condescending, arrogant, and at least a little racist. When Belthor and Kui try to enlist her help in the finale, she almost literally laughs them off.
• The Medic: Belthor fills this role, as healing is the one power he has.
• My Greatest Failure: Luna considers her role in the Burning to be the worst thing she's ever done..
• Secret-Keeper: Kui knows Midnight's true identity. By the end of the book, so do Belthor, Andromeda, and Luna.
• Silk Hiding Steel: Andromeda is kind, motherly, and polite almost to a fault. When Vaneer begins torturing Estelle, Andromeda runs him through without a second thought.
• Stellar Name: Overlaps with Family Theme Naming: the Maronas are all named for the night sky and its inhabitants. Andromeda, Erebos, Hesperus, Estelle, Luna, Aurora, Leila... and Ward.
• Undying Loyalty: Kui stays by Estelle's side no matter what happens, and even the barest hint that someone means her ill launches him into action.

Spellweaver

They call him Spellweaver.