Book excerpt: One young boy must rise above adversity and attain the strength needed to defy fate. In a world where a cultivator’s prowess determines their social status, Wu Jian endures relentless bullying by his own kin for being perceived as a coward. As the heir to his clan, he is expected to be strong and unyielding—even at just 8 years-old, long before he will reach the Age of Majority, when young men and women can begin to cultivate. After a brutal beating by his older half-brother, Wu Jian’s life is forever changed when his best friend has a prophetic vision: if he cannot grow stronger, he will die and she will be stolen. But with years before he can even begin to cultivate, how can he possibly defy a destiny where the fate of all he holds dear is at stake? Witness the rise of one young man as he faces adversity, forms bonds of love and friendship, and prepares for the moment when he can finally take control over his own destiny. The path to true strength is long and arduous, but Wu Jian vows to be ready when the time comes. Severing Time & Space is a slow-burn light novel series that takes a character driven approach to the xianxia genre. Perfect for fans who want all the familiarity of a cultivation novel with a few twists.