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The Hero of the Valley #4
The Black Rose of Helvetia
Duncan and Rose travel to the Kingdom of Helvetia in search of training and adventure. There, Duncan meets a mentor, makes a lot of new enemies, and takes the next steps on his path to becoming a legendary hero.
- GenresFantasy
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2023
134 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 25, 2023
Give me more! This was much too short. I could read so much more if this series but it is getting a bit repetitive in the action at least.
Alternative title: I blink and fold space
Alternative title: I blink and fold space
April 23, 2023
I still enjoyed this, but this felt like a pretty weak entry to the series. More of a side story to check some cultivation trope boxes, but still necessary to the overall plot since it laid some additional groundwork for the next volume.
I'll say that I'm not a fan of Rose as a character or of including "mental health" as an industry in this story. Combining that with the heavy focus on cultivation shenanigans and this volume detoured from what I enjoy most in the series. While the repeated dungeon delving walks a line of growing tedious for some people, as long as it's used to display Duncan's progress, I'm fine with it. That being said, I really hoped for a bit more progress on the Grand Plot of this series than this book offered.
I imagine (and mildly hope) that Rose becomes a background character, much like the little precognitive girl I can't remember the name of. That way they can still serve as plot devices without expecting me to care overly much about their day-to-day lives.
This might sound like a bit of a negative review, but I would still rate this as one of my favorite gamelit/cultivation hybrids, probably on par with He Who Fights With Monsters, but time will tell.
I'll say that I'm not a fan of Rose as a character or of including "mental health" as an industry in this story. Combining that with the heavy focus on cultivation shenanigans and this volume detoured from what I enjoy most in the series. While the repeated dungeon delving walks a line of growing tedious for some people, as long as it's used to display Duncan's progress, I'm fine with it. That being said, I really hoped for a bit more progress on the Grand Plot of this series than this book offered.
I imagine (and mildly hope) that Rose becomes a background character, much like the little precognitive girl I can't remember the name of. That way they can still serve as plot devices without expecting me to care overly much about their day-to-day lives.
This might sound like a bit of a negative review, but I would still rate this as one of my favorite gamelit/cultivation hybrids, probably on par with He Who Fights With Monsters, but time will tell.
April 8, 2023
I'm loving this series. Duncan, the protagonist, is a joy for the reader to inhabit. His confidence is sky-high but there's also a dash of common sense that obviates the need for plot armor. He's a pit dog who knows little beside life and death fighting. When he comes into conflict with other beasts they mostly show themselves to be lap dogs. He's addicted to self-improvement, and it's fun to watch him develop new skills and techniques on his journey to become the ultimate all-rounder.
March 17, 2023
Great Progress
We got some great progress of the MC and he’s really coming into his own power. The new areas of the world we were introduced to in this book really showed how far we have to go. Can’t wait for more!
We got some great progress of the MC and he’s really coming into his own power. The new areas of the world we were introduced to in this book really showed how far we have to go. Can’t wait for more!
March 16, 2023
In book four Duncan of the Valley finally makes his way to Helvetia, a city-state with high walls and hundreds of experts to protect it. He and Rose both want to join a group, but for Duncan he also wants to keep delving dungeons.
Meanwhile, the undead and the warlord are making a lot of noise forcing groups to move from the east to Helvetia. Duncan notices but he's too busy expanding his soul to increase his mana to notice.
Book four has a lot less action than the previous three books. This book is similar to book two (?) where Duncan joined the Academy of Steel. There is plenty of time spent increasing his abilities, skills, and stats while trying to learn new space magic abilities and much more.
The action comes in near the end, although there are a few bits of action before that. We see the little girl that Duncan is protecting from past books and of course visit some new dungeons.
All in all, I really enjoyed this. It didn't hurt that I was humming Thin Lizzy's 'Black Rose' while reading, which is a fantastic song if you're never heard it.
The editing is very good, and the stats show up a few times for those who are interested. I can't give this anything less than 5/5*
Meanwhile, the undead and the warlord are making a lot of noise forcing groups to move from the east to Helvetia. Duncan notices but he's too busy expanding his soul to increase his mana to notice.
Book four has a lot less action than the previous three books. This book is similar to book two (?) where Duncan joined the Academy of Steel. There is plenty of time spent increasing his abilities, skills, and stats while trying to learn new space magic abilities and much more.
The action comes in near the end, although there are a few bits of action before that. We see the little girl that Duncan is protecting from past books and of course visit some new dungeons.
All in all, I really enjoyed this. It didn't hurt that I was humming Thin Lizzy's 'Black Rose' while reading, which is a fantastic song if you're never heard it.
The editing is very good, and the stats show up a few times for those who are interested. I can't give this anything less than 5/5*
November 15, 2025
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it definitely wasn’t this. For the most part, it felt like nothing really happened. Duncan grew more powerful, yes, but there was almost no character growth to go along with it.
One positive aspect was that Rose played a much smaller role in this entry since she was off at her own school cultivating her affinities. Duncan, meanwhile, joined the Red Blade Company to become a swordmaster—and at first, that seemed promising. But the story immediately undercut that whole setup when the master basically told him to just go back to dungeon delving because he wasn’t a “typical student.” That was incredibly disappointing.
He joins a company specifically to cultivate and become a master, yet the book just waves that away? It would’ve been far more interesting if this novel had spanned 5, 10, or even 100 years of Duncan learning under Master Tuechon, refining techniques, and developing his Blade Affinity. You can compress that timeline in the narrative without slowing down the pacing. Instead, the story completely disregarded the cultivation technique Master Tuechon had worked his whole life to develop, which made no sense.
Because of that, we fall right back into repetitive dungeon delves—something that’s really starting to wear thin. Even the ending sequence with protecting Bente didn’t feel impactful. There was no buildup earlier in the story, so the climax felt abrupt and disconnected. Duncan just arrives to delve a dungeon and ends up defending Bente from the undead with no real narrative setup.
Overall, this book could have been so much better. The plot was nearly nonexistent, and the character development was just not there.
With all that said, I’m still going to read the next one because these books are fun, easy reads that don’t require much thought. But I really hope the author gets back to meaningful plot and character growth—the kind he delivered so well in the second book, which I rated perfectly.
One positive aspect was that Rose played a much smaller role in this entry since she was off at her own school cultivating her affinities. Duncan, meanwhile, joined the Red Blade Company to become a swordmaster—and at first, that seemed promising. But the story immediately undercut that whole setup when the master basically told him to just go back to dungeon delving because he wasn’t a “typical student.” That was incredibly disappointing.
He joins a company specifically to cultivate and become a master, yet the book just waves that away? It would’ve been far more interesting if this novel had spanned 5, 10, or even 100 years of Duncan learning under Master Tuechon, refining techniques, and developing his Blade Affinity. You can compress that timeline in the narrative without slowing down the pacing. Instead, the story completely disregarded the cultivation technique Master Tuechon had worked his whole life to develop, which made no sense.
Because of that, we fall right back into repetitive dungeon delves—something that’s really starting to wear thin. Even the ending sequence with protecting Bente didn’t feel impactful. There was no buildup earlier in the story, so the climax felt abrupt and disconnected. Duncan just arrives to delve a dungeon and ends up defending Bente from the undead with no real narrative setup.
Overall, this book could have been so much better. The plot was nearly nonexistent, and the character development was just not there.
With all that said, I’m still going to read the next one because these books are fun, easy reads that don’t require much thought. But I really hope the author gets back to meaningful plot and character growth—the kind he delivered so well in the second book, which I rated perfectly.
March 17, 2023
Damn wish it was longer
Love this series. Love this book. And I wholeheartedly wish it was longer. That said it's not short And it is certainly a complete novel. I am just already impatient for the next book. Duncan is growing but As his levels and abilities and cultivation rise it slows his further progress. Duncan has to learn more about cultivation in this book And learn how to improve his skills.His gains are quantifiable but as his level grows His progress slows. However this is Duncan so it doesn't slow as much as normal people. Many of the bad actors in the overarching story line start to show their faces and more battlefield lines are drawn. Duncan is still very carefree He is Feeling more inclination towards Certain individuals and therefore willing to Defend them more. The intensity of combat in the series is remarkable and fun the battles are very descriptive and enjoyable. I hope Duncan learns to look for more strength within as opposed to just fighting it and finding it in a dungeon. Some of his most powerful abilities he discovered himself. But he doesn't seem to be looking for anything new within him Like I did early on in his career. Duncan strength have come from Leveraging Abilities he created Not one he found Crossing swords in a dungeon. Hopefully in the next book we'll see him discover more And leverage. Looking forward to it.
Love this series. Love this book. And I wholeheartedly wish it was longer. That said it's not short And it is certainly a complete novel. I am just already impatient for the next book. Duncan is growing but As his levels and abilities and cultivation rise it slows his further progress. Duncan has to learn more about cultivation in this book And learn how to improve his skills.His gains are quantifiable but as his level grows His progress slows. However this is Duncan so it doesn't slow as much as normal people. Many of the bad actors in the overarching story line start to show their faces and more battlefield lines are drawn. Duncan is still very carefree He is Feeling more inclination towards Certain individuals and therefore willing to Defend them more. The intensity of combat in the series is remarkable and fun the battles are very descriptive and enjoyable. I hope Duncan learns to look for more strength within as opposed to just fighting it and finding it in a dungeon. Some of his most powerful abilities he discovered himself. But he doesn't seem to be looking for anything new within him Like I did early on in his career. Duncan strength have come from Leveraging Abilities he created Not one he found Crossing swords in a dungeon. Hopefully in the next book we'll see him discover more And leverage. Looking forward to it.
March 24, 2023
This latest installment of Duncan's adventures reads a bit like a long training montage with some variety thrown in the last quarter of the book. I enjoyed the story overall and enjoyed the training montage more than the return to dungeon delving.
I felt the previous book was greatly improved by the addition of Rose and had hoped this signaled a progression to Duncan building a team or at least there being a greater focus on him not just being solo all the time. The solo dungeon delving was fun for a couple of books but I'm kind of over it. It feels like a waste of imagination to conjure all these different monsters only to have them all defeated by Duncan's omniscience, blink and space folds; cue the internal monologue about what a cheat his abilities are.
If you liked the last book, odds are you'll like this one as well. If you were looking to give the series one more chance, odds are this book won't change your mind. With book 5 the series is at a tipping point for me and I am not interested in reading another installment that sacrifices plot progression for repetitive solo delving.
I felt the previous book was greatly improved by the addition of Rose and had hoped this signaled a progression to Duncan building a team or at least there being a greater focus on him not just being solo all the time. The solo dungeon delving was fun for a couple of books but I'm kind of over it. It feels like a waste of imagination to conjure all these different monsters only to have them all defeated by Duncan's omniscience, blink and space folds; cue the internal monologue about what a cheat his abilities are.
If you liked the last book, odds are you'll like this one as well. If you were looking to give the series one more chance, odds are this book won't change your mind. With book 5 the series is at a tipping point for me and I am not interested in reading another installment that sacrifices plot progression for repetitive solo delving.
March 19, 2023
Book is too short, needs more story and more character development.
A great book, fast paced, a good mix between slice of life and action. The main characters need more character development, some personal introspection between the two characters and their relationships with each other. The stat are pretty weird in this book they need to be simplified quite a bit for those of us who are trying to understand them. and my last complaint is that the book was too short. Not enough, character growth, not enough power increase, not enough plot development. Hope this will pick up in the next book which I am going to eagerly await to read. Well worth the book, I’m going back to read the additional three books in the series. I think the time between, the third and fourth book was too long so somethings I have forgotten. Like I said, well worth the read.
A great book, fast paced, a good mix between slice of life and action. The main characters need more character development, some personal introspection between the two characters and their relationships with each other. The stat are pretty weird in this book they need to be simplified quite a bit for those of us who are trying to understand them. and my last complaint is that the book was too short. Not enough, character growth, not enough power increase, not enough plot development. Hope this will pick up in the next book which I am going to eagerly await to read. Well worth the book, I’m going back to read the additional three books in the series. I think the time between, the third and fourth book was too long so somethings I have forgotten. Like I said, well worth the read.
April 30, 2023
A step in the right direction (for me)
So first off I'll just say these are my own personal opinions on the book and others might not have the same complaints. The books just wayyyyy better when Duncan is interacting with people or fighting with enemies or eating or doing essentially everything except delving a dungeon. I was really hopeful when Turchon gave him the advice to be more human but it didn't really seem to stick. It's still a fun read but the fact that going through a single dungeon is a longer section than defending a city and fighting off the initial force of a warlord is a travesty and so many fun interactions could have been had there. All the characters just seem under utilized in the face of generic dungeon fights this book and it's a shame. Still worth reading but just not quite what I wanted it to be for me personally.
So first off I'll just say these are my own personal opinions on the book and others might not have the same complaints. The books just wayyyyy better when Duncan is interacting with people or fighting with enemies or eating or doing essentially everything except delving a dungeon. I was really hopeful when Turchon gave him the advice to be more human but it didn't really seem to stick. It's still a fun read but the fact that going through a single dungeon is a longer section than defending a city and fighting off the initial force of a warlord is a travesty and so many fun interactions could have been had there. All the characters just seem under utilized in the face of generic dungeon fights this book and it's a shame. Still worth reading but just not quite what I wanted it to be for me personally.
April 5, 2023
Review for the series.
3 books read and these are my thought so far.
1) main characters are quite generic and flat
2) the main content (90%?) is the hero solo delving dungeon, and fighting. These parts are very repetitive, and while the scenario changes a bit, the structure of these ministories are very very similar. While fun the first two times, it just starts feelinf like a slog (when you've read the same ministory 20 times, it gets tiresome.
3) There is a main story element here, and its moving forward, just very slowly. I want to find out what happens, and I'm going to keep reading the next book, but I find myself skipping large parts of the book.
3 books read and these are my thought so far.
1) main characters are quite generic and flat
2) the main content (90%?) is the hero solo delving dungeon, and fighting. These parts are very repetitive, and while the scenario changes a bit, the structure of these ministories are very very similar. While fun the first two times, it just starts feelinf like a slog (when you've read the same ministory 20 times, it gets tiresome.
3) There is a main story element here, and its moving forward, just very slowly. I want to find out what happens, and I'm going to keep reading the next book, but I find myself skipping large parts of the book.
March 16, 2023
Finally
It lulled a bit here and there. Felt like too much filler and then wham bam full throttle after about 3/4 of the book. Overall it didn't smack as well as previous titles in the series, for my own taste, at least. Duncan also felt wrong. Maybe that's purposefully done but it didn't seem organic and didn't flow well It could have been done much better. But I'm not an author and the book was fairly fine. Hopefully Mr. Spechko affords the next book more detail and better pacing. Looking forward to it.
It lulled a bit here and there. Felt like too much filler and then wham bam full throttle after about 3/4 of the book. Overall it didn't smack as well as previous titles in the series, for my own taste, at least. Duncan also felt wrong. Maybe that's purposefully done but it didn't seem organic and didn't flow well It could have been done much better. But I'm not an author and the book was fairly fine. Hopefully Mr. Spechko affords the next book more detail and better pacing. Looking forward to it.
March 23, 2023
Fantastic
This series — and this book — is great. Fantastic world building, characters that you care about, and a good plot. It’s well edited and I didn’t notice even a single typo or error, which is rare. It absolutely made my week when I noticed the new book was out, and I immediately left the other books I am reading to read this one straight through. If I have any gripes about the book (and I don’t really), it’s that this book seemed short and no doubt the time until the next one will seem long. *sigh*
This series — and this book — is great. Fantastic world building, characters that you care about, and a good plot. It’s well edited and I didn’t notice even a single typo or error, which is rare. It absolutely made my week when I noticed the new book was out, and I immediately left the other books I am reading to read this one straight through. If I have any gripes about the book (and I don’t really), it’s that this book seemed short and no doubt the time until the next one will seem long. *sigh*
March 16, 2023
Excellent
Another good story documenting Duncan's growth , he has found a mentor and is expending his cultivation and martial skills whilst Rose also has found a purpose healing , the story has slowed down and is a good mixture of dungeon delving and world growing but I must admit that book one is still my favourite and though I really like all the books I much prefer the story outside the dungeons.
Another good story documenting Duncan's growth , he has found a mentor and is expending his cultivation and martial skills whilst Rose also has found a purpose healing , the story has slowed down and is a good mixture of dungeon delving and world growing but I must admit that book one is still my favourite and though I really like all the books I much prefer the story outside the dungeons.
March 17, 2023
Fantastic Fun
I’ll make this short since I’m using my phone. The plot is fun. It is good to know that our hero is not perfect. The fight scenes are compelling and more importantly understandable! The author managed to show our ruthless killer of a main character’s heart and his awkwardness with love and all things gentle while keeping us entertained at the same time. Keep up the good work Gary Spechko.
I’ll make this short since I’m using my phone. The plot is fun. It is good to know that our hero is not perfect. The fight scenes are compelling and more importantly understandable! The author managed to show our ruthless killer of a main character’s heart and his awkwardness with love and all things gentle while keeping us entertained at the same time. Keep up the good work Gary Spechko.
March 19, 2023
It was okay
Essentially no character development, but I expected that.
The scenes jump around a bit. If I'm not reading closely, I'll suddenly be reading from another perspective for as little as a paragraph, before going back to MC. I didn't love it.
A lot of being told what's happening instead of experiencing stuff with the MC. There was a lot more of that in this book than I recall on the previous ones.
Essentially no character development, but I expected that.
The scenes jump around a bit. If I'm not reading closely, I'll suddenly be reading from another perspective for as little as a paragraph, before going back to MC. I didn't love it.
A lot of being told what's happening instead of experiencing stuff with the MC. There was a lot more of that in this book than I recall on the previous ones.
March 17, 2023
It went so fast.
Yes went so fast. This is such a great series, I get them when they come out and finish them in a day. And then spend the tongue of in betwreading other series and when I see this next one come in I re read the other books and remember how wonderful. It is. And so the weight continues but it's worthis series just gets better and better.
Yes went so fast. This is such a great series, I get them when they come out and finish them in a day. And then spend the tongue of in betwreading other series and when I see this next one come in I re read the other books and remember how wonderful. It is. And so the weight continues but it's worthis series just gets better and better.
March 20, 2023
A very solid transition piece.
This provides the set up for the next bit of story arc. This is sold writing with a fun story. The battles are well done, combining over powered abilities with realistic action is difficult to do. The character work is minimal, but given the tone and length of the book, that is fine. This is a fun read.
This provides the set up for the next bit of story arc. This is sold writing with a fun story. The battles are well done, combining over powered abilities with realistic action is difficult to do. The character work is minimal, but given the tone and length of the book, that is fine. This is a fun read.
April 1, 2023
really good
This was a really good story. Duncan is turning into a monster and his story line and skill set is flowing without feeling forced.
Rating : 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: Embrace creature comforts – enjoy good food, good sex, good company, good music. Find a hobby.
This was a really good story. Duncan is turning into a monster and his story line and skill set is flowing without feeling forced.
Rating : 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: Embrace creature comforts – enjoy good food, good sex, good company, good music. Find a hobby.
June 5, 2023
good fun
This is a well fleshed out world and story with an arc that encompasses a multi world battle between gods and Demi-gods. The main character is overpowered for his level but not in the sense of the overall story. This installment advances the greater ward and sees Duncan with good personal progress though less than in earlier books
This is a well fleshed out world and story with an arc that encompasses a multi world battle between gods and Demi-gods. The main character is overpowered for his level but not in the sense of the overall story. This installment advances the greater ward and sees Duncan with good personal progress though less than in earlier books
July 28, 2024
What can I say, I am a sucker for great fights.
What can I say, I am a sucker for great fights. That is what this authors gives, intense knowledgeable fights. The last four books have had a great story, lots of world building and great bones that support the fights one after another. Can't wait for more to come out.
What can I say, I am a sucker for great fights. That is what this authors gives, intense knowledgeable fights. The last four books have had a great story, lots of world building and great bones that support the fights one after another. Can't wait for more to come out.
March 15, 2023
I have to
It’s got a lots of great stuff. The writing is very clean. Clear progression.
But it’s so dry. There’s no emotional impact. There’s no ebb and flow to the narrative. It’s very matter-of-fact.
I want to read the next book. But I feel I should caution other readers.
It’s got a lots of great stuff. The writing is very clean. Clear progression.
But it’s so dry. There’s no emotional impact. There’s no ebb and flow to the narrative. It’s very matter-of-fact.
I want to read the next book. But I feel I should caution other readers.
March 16, 2023
Book four
This book felt a little short. It's mostly training with some dungeon runs.
There is one quick battle for a city at the end of the book. It's over quick and not much detail.
I still enjoy this series and will be watching for book five.
8/10
This book felt a little short. It's mostly training with some dungeon runs.
There is one quick battle for a city at the end of the book. It's over quick and not much detail.
I still enjoy this series and will be watching for book five.
8/10
March 17, 2023
Very good!
Has everything you like in a litrpg story. Creative story line dungeon runs and loot. I wish there was a pre-order available so I could be assured of receiving the next one.
Has everything you like in a litrpg story. Creative story line dungeon runs and loot. I wish there was a pre-order available so I could be assured of receiving the next one.
March 17, 2023
Wonderful addition to the series
Once again this author has added a well written and fun book to the series. Would like the MC to be a little more human in his actions but the reason he is so harsh is explained and makes sense. Looking forward to the next one
Once again this author has added a well written and fun book to the series. Would like the MC to be a little more human in his actions but the reason he is so harsh is explained and makes sense. Looking forward to the next one
March 19, 2023
So ya it's good.
Yes the mc is over powered but in a good believable and fun way. If you like Will Wights Traveler series you will love this. Thanks Gary and you should promote it. There is so much worse out there.
Yes the mc is over powered but in a good believable and fun way. If you like Will Wights Traveler series you will love this. Thanks Gary and you should promote it. There is so much worse out there.
March 19, 2023
Absolutely with reading
This this story was absolutely a excellent addition to the series. It furthered the plot points, it further the personal arcs of some of the characters, and it had enough action to keep you interested. Highly recommend
This this story was absolutely a excellent addition to the series. It furthered the plot points, it further the personal arcs of some of the characters, and it had enough action to keep you interested. Highly recommend
March 21, 2023
Awesome Actually
This story of a guy from a secluded village going into the Empire and rising to Hero power level was Fantastic. In this book he has to wear a black rose pendant to contain his killing aura.
This story of a guy from a secluded village going into the Empire and rising to Hero power level was Fantastic. In this book he has to wear a black rose pendant to contain his killing aura.
March 22, 2023
every one as good as the last
I gave this five stars. It deserves it. I will say I was hoping to see more growth of the MC, but I realize it is just me. He did grow and the story arc was amazing. The end leads into what I think will be another epic arc. Must read series.
I gave this five stars. It deserves it. I will say I was hoping to see more growth of the MC, but I realize it is just me. He did grow and the story arc was amazing. The end leads into what I think will be another epic arc. Must read series.
April 1, 2023
wow, great ending and need more
This one was really good again!!! I liked that the main character moved around and had old characters pop up here and there. It also was nice to see new growth within his character. Outstanding work and really need the next one soon!!!
This one was really good again!!! I liked that the main character moved around and had old characters pop up here and there. It also was nice to see new growth within his character. Outstanding work and really need the next one soon!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews