3/5 stars
A former teenage assassin faces a fresh and terrifying challenge: high school. While the boy adjusts to normal life on an island metropolis, zealots from his past arrive to shatter the fragile peace of his new home, but an order of knights, men and women tasked with investigating magic crimes, stands in their way. Caught in the crossfire, a gang boss and an ex-investigator unite to answer the threats surfacing on their turf and the bodies left behind. Shadowy plans clash with the bravery of the few in a city of secrets. The beginning has come. Welcome to Elem.

sadly I couldn't really get into the world. I think I just had a hard time understanding the world building. but still a good book.

There's a lot of interesting ideas here, but the beginning of the book gets a little bogged down with introducing a lot of characters and concepts that can make it hard to get invested in the story. If you can get past that I think you might find something you like in this.

The worlds of magic and political drama collide in this aptly titled book, "Beginnings", but it does an excellent job of thrusting you into a brand new world without feeling as though you're stuck slogging through an introductory story. It's fast-paced with well appointed action which keeps the energy up throughout. Knowing it's to be a trilogy is wonderful, but I don't think it should stop there as there's so much more to be explored in this world. I liked the protagonist well enough and can't wait to see more of his story, but his comrades also deserve to have their stories told. Do we need it? No, the series will be fine without it. But I want it all the same! Excellent writing and a wonderful story overall, 4 out of 5 stars!

I was looking forward to this but I didn't quite for it for me. There is nothing wrong with the book itself it just wasn't up my alley

This was a strong start to the City’s Throne series, it had that element that I was looking for in this type of book. It does a great job in introducing us to the world and characters and making the reader care about what was happening. Justin Mynheir wrote this perfectly and enjoyed getting through this story. It uses the assassin element perfectly and glad I got to read this.

A fun take on the dark academia genre with strong characters and interesting worldbuilding! Thank you to Justin Nynheir and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!