Codex Alera

The Codex Alera is a fantasy series set in a world where the people of Alera bond with elementals called furies – forces of earth, air, fire, water, wood, and metal – to survive. Furies of Calderon introduces Tavi, a young man in the remote Calderon Valley who uniquely lacks furycrafting abilities. When the savage Marat horde threatens Alera, Tavi's courage and resourcefulness may be Alera's only salvation.

As the realm faces threats both internal and external, including attacks from across the sea and power-hungry High Lords, Tavi becomes embroiled in political intrigue and war. His lack of furies becomes both a weakness and a strength as he rises through the ranks and forges alliances. The later books see the arrival of an even greater menace that threatens the entire Aleran civilization.