What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Spellbook #1
Sorcerer
Hello stranger, my name is Tal, and I’m not an adventurer—those people are crazy. I’m just a sorcerer who is masquerading as a wizard. Oh, and I’m searching for answers about my parents’ mysterious deaths. Also monsters and other foes seem to show up wherever I go.
…All right, I see it.
My new traveling companions are seasoned adventurers and are teaching me their ways—or at least they were before something happened to Time.
The same day is repeating itself over and over, and I’m the only one aware of the resets. If I ever want to get past this day—and the horrific hangover it always starts with—I’ll need to find a way out by myself.
It turns out there are mysteries aplenty to unravel in this remote forest town of Crossroads, where I’m living the same day over and over. But my most vital resource might already be in my possession. My previously useless Spellbook is starting to exhibit some very strange abilities, and they could be just what I need in my quest to escape this temporal prison.
This is my story. My diary of sorts. Don’t judge too harshly, I had a rough day.
…All right, I see it.
My new traveling companions are seasoned adventurers and are teaching me their ways—or at least they were before something happened to Time.
The same day is repeating itself over and over, and I’m the only one aware of the resets. If I ever want to get past this day—and the horrific hangover it always starts with—I’ll need to find a way out by myself.
It turns out there are mysteries aplenty to unravel in this remote forest town of Crossroads, where I’m living the same day over and over. But my most vital resource might already be in my possession. My previously useless Spellbook is starting to exhibit some very strange abilities, and they could be just what I need in my quest to escape this temporal prison.
This is my story. My diary of sorts. Don’t judge too harshly, I had a rough day.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
442 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 29, 2023
incoherent
This should have been a DNF, but I toughed it out till the end hoping it would gain a coherent plot. Unfortunately, it was just bad all the way through.
This should have been a DNF, but I toughed it out till the end hoping it would gain a coherent plot. Unfortunately, it was just bad all the way through.
May 13, 2023
worst time loop story yet
I almost put this down at the 30% mark but decided to push through because time loop stories are my favorite and I really wanted the story to change. Unfortunately it didn’t.
This isn’t really a time loop story. Let me rephrase that. The time loop isn’t the emphasis of this story. He gets stuck in a loop and decides to recount the days leading up to the loop. This accounts for 90%of the book!!!
Half of the days that include time loop content focus on him looking for a hangover cure. Most of the others focus on a battle that does nothing to add to the story! It was a recurring battle that he goes out of his way to fight that serves no purpose and brings him no benefit.
The magic system was fun and has a lot of potential that was wasted. Also the spell book this story was about was another example of a cool idea that wasn’t utilized or explored in the story as well as it should have been. I hate it when authors waste an awesome idea.
If you want an average fantasy story this is fine. If you want a time loop book, pass on this one. Very disappointing.
I almost put this down at the 30% mark but decided to push through because time loop stories are my favorite and I really wanted the story to change. Unfortunately it didn’t.
This isn’t really a time loop story. Let me rephrase that. The time loop isn’t the emphasis of this story. He gets stuck in a loop and decides to recount the days leading up to the loop. This accounts for 90%of the book!!!
Half of the days that include time loop content focus on him looking for a hangover cure. Most of the others focus on a battle that does nothing to add to the story! It was a recurring battle that he goes out of his way to fight that serves no purpose and brings him no benefit.
The magic system was fun and has a lot of potential that was wasted. Also the spell book this story was about was another example of a cool idea that wasn’t utilized or explored in the story as well as it should have been. I hate it when authors waste an awesome idea.
If you want an average fantasy story this is fine. If you want a time loop book, pass on this one. Very disappointing.
April 3, 2023
Could be good
I did not like how it was written at all I only got to 10 pages or so before I gave up I wanted to read this book but I just could not get into the way it was written
I did not like how it was written at all I only got to 10 pages or so before I gave up I wanted to read this book but I just could not get into the way it was written
April 11, 2023
This is one of those books that will divide opinions. But that just means that you should know what to expect going in.
The premise is that it is a story written in the pages of a magic spell book written by and about the previous owner. That can make it hard to follow as it jumps between a retelling of the day he just went through, the days leading up to how he got into the situation he finds himself in, and supplemental material he has found or picked up somewhere over his life.
I really enjoyed reading it. Different authors could take that premise and writing format and it could be great or awful. This one was great. Peter Lee has done a fantastic job weaving things together into to something that is very satisfying to read.
My only complaint is that the next book is not out yet.
The premise is that it is a story written in the pages of a magic spell book written by and about the previous owner. That can make it hard to follow as it jumps between a retelling of the day he just went through, the days leading up to how he got into the situation he finds himself in, and supplemental material he has found or picked up somewhere over his life.
I really enjoyed reading it. Different authors could take that premise and writing format and it could be great or awful. This one was great. Peter Lee has done a fantastic job weaving things together into to something that is very satisfying to read.
My only complaint is that the next book is not out yet.
March 31, 2023
Well thought out time loop goodness
Consistency in the world is key for these types of plots, and Lee’s main character has a lot of fun figuring out the intricacies and loopholes needed to move the world along despite the time resets. Good separate characters and depth of the world round out what looks to be a great series. Looking forward to the next entry.
Consistency in the world is key for these types of plots, and Lee’s main character has a lot of fun figuring out the intricacies and loopholes needed to move the world along despite the time resets. Good separate characters and depth of the world round out what looks to be a great series. Looking forward to the next entry.
April 6, 2023
great fun
This exploration of the time loop progression fantasy is fun and well-written in a genre where well-written is often hard to come by. The magic system is interesting and makes sense, and although the characters grow in strength quickly, it is not an insane power creep at all. Definitely worth a read!
This exploration of the time loop progression fantasy is fun and well-written in a genre where well-written is often hard to come by. The magic system is interesting and makes sense, and although the characters grow in strength quickly, it is not an insane power creep at all. Definitely worth a read!
January 25, 2024
This book got off to a slow start, but the action really picked up in the second half.
I love that this book has so much mystery. It's a time loop story, like a magical version of Groundhog Day but there's more to it than that. Like Bill Murray in that film, Tal is reliving the same day over and over again and only he seems to be aware of the loop. That mystery & several others that Tal investigates makes this a surprisingly engrossing book. I will continue the series because I need to find out what happens next.
I listened to this book and Travis Baldree's narration, as usual, is very enjoyable to listen to because he just does such a great job with the different voices.
I love that this book has so much mystery. It's a time loop story, like a magical version of Groundhog Day but there's more to it than that. Like Bill Murray in that film, Tal is reliving the same day over and over again and only he seems to be aware of the loop. That mystery & several others that Tal investigates makes this a surprisingly engrossing book. I will continue the series because I need to find out what happens next.
I listened to this book and Travis Baldree's narration, as usual, is very enjoyable to listen to because he just does such a great job with the different voices.
abandoned
January 29, 2024left at 6%
couldn't get over a elf named Trish
couldn't get over a elf named Trish
March 25, 2025
This book had good promise but just didn’t live up to it. It was way too long because half of the chapters were unnecessary info dumps.
April 4, 2023
well written fantasy
One of the best written progression books with humor, great characters and terrific world building. Takes the time loop concept and keeps it from being stale
One of the best written progression books with humor, great characters and terrific world building. Takes the time loop concept and keeps it from being stale
April 1, 2023
5 stars
Innovative magic system. I enjoy how the author put together the story and while I normally find flashbacks somewhat annoying, they work well here.
Innovative magic system. I enjoy how the author put together the story and while I normally find flashbacks somewhat annoying, they work well here.
May 25, 2023
Well written and witty. Exceeds Expectations
I'm always skeptical about books that are explicitly labelled as part of a sub genre (or even a sub sub genre). I understand that it's useful for some people but it feels artificial and limiting.
However, I really so much enjoyed this. It felt fresh and original and I never felt distracted by any clichés or genre tropes. The main character feels relatable and the storytelling device of a magical book works well. Flashbacks were nicely done to fill in the world and storyline without unnecessarily breaking up the action.
The mysteries have me hooked and I am excited to read more (both in the series and from this author).
I'm always skeptical about books that are explicitly labelled as part of a sub genre (or even a sub sub genre). I understand that it's useful for some people but it feels artificial and limiting.
However, I really so much enjoyed this. It felt fresh and original and I never felt distracted by any clichés or genre tropes. The main character feels relatable and the storytelling device of a magical book works well. Flashbacks were nicely done to fill in the world and storyline without unnecessarily breaking up the action.
The mysteries have me hooked and I am excited to read more (both in the series and from this author).
April 12, 2023
Went from loving this to completely disappointed.
The pace is very slice of life but the content does not support it. The characters are bland and the story is non-existent. The flashbacks are the best part and by the three quarters mark, you stop caring. The entire book seems drawn out. The ending is incredibly sudden and very unsatisfactory. Honestly it is horrible and ruins the mundane experience. This started as a five star book, it had a wonderful idea. It failed itself with distraction and filler.
The pace is very slice of life but the content does not support it. The characters are bland and the story is non-existent. The flashbacks are the best part and by the three quarters mark, you stop caring. The entire book seems drawn out. The ending is incredibly sudden and very unsatisfactory. Honestly it is horrible and ruins the mundane experience. This started as a five star book, it had a wonderful idea. It failed itself with distraction and filler.
May 22, 2023
Anyone else get a Sorcerer's Place flashback? Just me?
This is very DnD derivative but also a lot of fun in the ways it goes actually I'm different. Tal is a fun character, and while everyone is technically very stereotypical, I love all the glimpses to how they are not.
I look forward to going OH so THAT is what is going on in retrospect a lot.
Also bonus for opinions on love potions being rape potions because duh, and the fact that Roland being married to an Orc isn't seen as a lol she ugly joke but just as normal.
This is very DnD derivative but also a lot of fun in the ways it goes actually I'm different. Tal is a fun character, and while everyone is technically very stereotypical, I love all the glimpses to how they are not.
I look forward to going OH so THAT is what is going on in retrospect a lot.
Also bonus for opinions on love potions being rape potions because duh, and the fact that Roland being married to an Orc isn't seen as a lol she ugly joke but just as normal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
Dear Spellbook,
Are you looking for an amazing D&D inspired story(I think)
Want a timeloop progression fantasy?
Do you enjoy stories about a person slowly getting better and maybe going insane? Then Dear Spellbook is right up your ally, I’ve lost myself between the pages and I’m so glad there is royal road chapters after for me to plunge into
Are you looking for an amazing D&D inspired story(I think)
Want a timeloop progression fantasy?
Do you enjoy stories about a person slowly getting better and maybe going insane? Then Dear Spellbook is right up your ally, I’ve lost myself between the pages and I’m so glad there is royal road chapters after for me to plunge into
June 5, 2023
Dear Spellbook
DNF.. RESHELEVED after reaching the 3 entry to the "journal"
I was looking for a story, I've never read a time loop progression book.
This reads as a journal
and from the title this does make sense
But from the synopsis I was expecting a first person story.
We never get to really meet the other people
It is literally boring.
DNF.. RESHELEVED after reaching the 3 entry to the "journal"
I was looking for a story, I've never read a time loop progression book.
This reads as a journal
and from the title this does make sense
But from the synopsis I was expecting a first person story.
We never get to really meet the other people
It is literally boring.
July 28, 2022
not bad
October 28, 2023
It's a timeloop in a D&D setting. I recognize so many of the spells from D&D 5th edition and it's just all around awesome.
October 31, 2023
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes magical mystery and time loop type of books
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes magical mystery and time loop type of books
August 30, 2025
I'm interested.
November 27, 2025
As one of the few books I gave two-star rating despite a lot of good things going for it, I feel obligated to make review, probably brief. Also, I'm going to try the second book anyway, despite the rating.
The writing is good, better even. The author has nailed classical fantasy writing in a way very few people in the webnovel sphere has ever reached, his grasp on how to write is solid and shows acute knowledge of the craft. To my amateur-yet-experienced eyes, at least.
The idea behind the story is interesting. The characters are not off-putting. The world-building has been done, and with effort. The author is aware things should be done in balance, thus not shoving info-dumps randomly onto the reader. People are behaving in an authentic manner, the protagonist is an actual person.
So why the hell 2 stars? Because of all of this wasted potential. The book is, to be it bluntly, boring. It should be cut in half, condensed and thought out better in terms of its content. The story was barely here, all-in-all. It's as if the author knew he need action, therefore he added the back-story dripped here and there. But I was not interested in that. I honestly can't even tell about the entire backstory for the characters, because 2/3 through the events at Edgewater I started hard-skimming everything.
It wasn't what I wanted to read about, once I'd already started to read about the protagonist in the present. That story didn't hold my attention, despite being technically good.
The story, despite the authencity of the protagonist's behaviour, did not develop in an interesting way. Realistic in not the same as gripping, alluring, captivating, which a story should be, at least in some way.
I might be overtly harsh, but I the book had more vibes and appearances of a good book that actual content of one. Which is horrible, because the writing definitely has the potential to go there, just with, I don't know, change in direction?
Definitely less info-dumps, descriptions and fluff and more actual story, of interesting type.
Now that I think about it, I find it annoying the entirety of the protagonist's actions felt aimless to me. It all started decent, but ended up with him flailing around. At every point I waited eagerly for the story to start, but it didn't. An endless side-quest where you wait for the main one.
To end this disorganized review, I feel bad for giving the book 2 starts despite it having so many good qualities. But I won't fight my instinct and overall impressions. I hope the next book turns out better, because it would a crime if it didn't, with this potential.
The writing is good, better even. The author has nailed classical fantasy writing in a way very few people in the webnovel sphere has ever reached, his grasp on how to write is solid and shows acute knowledge of the craft. To my amateur-yet-experienced eyes, at least.
The idea behind the story is interesting. The characters are not off-putting. The world-building has been done, and with effort. The author is aware things should be done in balance, thus not shoving info-dumps randomly onto the reader. People are behaving in an authentic manner, the protagonist is an actual person.
So why the hell 2 stars? Because of all of this wasted potential. The book is, to be it bluntly, boring. It should be cut in half, condensed and thought out better in terms of its content. The story was barely here, all-in-all. It's as if the author knew he need action, therefore he added the back-story dripped here and there. But I was not interested in that. I honestly can't even tell about the entire backstory for the characters, because 2/3 through the events at Edgewater I started hard-skimming everything.
It wasn't what I wanted to read about, once I'd already started to read about the protagonist in the present. That story didn't hold my attention, despite being technically good.
The story, despite the authencity of the protagonist's behaviour, did not develop in an interesting way. Realistic in not the same as gripping, alluring, captivating, which a story should be, at least in some way.
I might be overtly harsh, but I the book had more vibes and appearances of a good book that actual content of one. Which is horrible, because the writing definitely has the potential to go there, just with, I don't know, change in direction?
Definitely less info-dumps, descriptions and fluff and more actual story, of interesting type.
Now that I think about it, I find it annoying the entirety of the protagonist's actions felt aimless to me. It all started decent, but ended up with him flailing around. At every point I waited eagerly for the story to start, but it didn't. An endless side-quest where you wait for the main one.
To end this disorganized review, I feel bad for giving the book 2 starts despite it having so many good qualities. But I won't fight my instinct and overall impressions. I hope the next book turns out better, because it would a crime if it didn't, with this potential.
February 6, 2024
Ironically, I started reading this one on or about February 2, without realizing the story is basically the same sort of time-loop plot as Groundhog’s Day, but in a fantasy setting.
This is an epistolary novel, and I think it’s the only modern example of one that I’ve read. So props for that. And for working in a seamless explanation for how the narrative could be told “in the moment” without the whole thing seeming dumb.
I saw a review or two that complained that the plot was confusing because of all the time-skipping. I had no trouble with this. There’s a straightforward narrative being told during the time-loops, with some clearly identified flashback sequences to the days leading up to the start of the time-loop.
Overall, I’m engaged and enjoying this story. I like the protagonist, and while I don’t feel like we’ve spent a lot of time with most of the other characters, I’ve liked the few others as well. There’s a lot of interesting happenings to try and piece together and the world seems well constructed.
The protagonist has a tendency to get sidetracked, and that can get a little old after a while. Since he’s stuck in a time-loop, most of his accomplishments are basically pointless. They just reset afterward. And if it takes him several loops to succeed, it can sometimes feel like a lot of energy and time has been invested in a largely pointless exercise. So far, I’m not too put out by this, but it’s certainly possible that things could get tedious.
This volume doesn’t resolve anything. The story clearly picks right up again in the next volume. I intend to continue.
This is an epistolary novel, and I think it’s the only modern example of one that I’ve read. So props for that. And for working in a seamless explanation for how the narrative could be told “in the moment” without the whole thing seeming dumb.
I saw a review or two that complained that the plot was confusing because of all the time-skipping. I had no trouble with this. There’s a straightforward narrative being told during the time-loops, with some clearly identified flashback sequences to the days leading up to the start of the time-loop.
Overall, I’m engaged and enjoying this story. I like the protagonist, and while I don’t feel like we’ve spent a lot of time with most of the other characters, I’ve liked the few others as well. There’s a lot of interesting happenings to try and piece together and the world seems well constructed.
The protagonist has a tendency to get sidetracked, and that can get a little old after a while. Since he’s stuck in a time-loop, most of his accomplishments are basically pointless. They just reset afterward. And if it takes him several loops to succeed, it can sometimes feel like a lot of energy and time has been invested in a largely pointless exercise. So far, I’m not too put out by this, but it’s certainly possible that things could get tedious.
This volume doesn’t resolve anything. The story clearly picks right up again in the next volume. I intend to continue.
March 25, 2023
In a time loop story especially when it’s short as this one , you really need to hook your audience . Spending so much time in having repetitive main characters in already repetitive loop scenario is to say the least repetitivex2 .
This story also takes a nod to The Hedge Wizard novels with
The magic book aspects. And there a ton of loop scenario, books out and about. Giving you a chance to mix up the best of all , but also a lot of traps and tropes to get bogged down in . Your making your main character passive in this story .
In my humble opinion you should have establish the backstory . Then have him take advantage of the infinite time and knowledge she has at hand , huge exploit . Characters list of things to do .. laughable . A few hundred loops and experiments .. all that knowledge, he doesn’t have to start OP
But should at least have kick butt energy. In my opinion , also
If the next book is going to be a similar length I’m probably reading it on kindle unlimited . Not to say anything is wrong with the audio version it’s kind of like a cost based thing.
It’s my going to the theaters for my ears . Im looking forward to see where the story goes !
This story also takes a nod to The Hedge Wizard novels with
The magic book aspects. And there a ton of loop scenario, books out and about. Giving you a chance to mix up the best of all , but also a lot of traps and tropes to get bogged down in . Your making your main character passive in this story .
In my humble opinion you should have establish the backstory . Then have him take advantage of the infinite time and knowledge she has at hand , huge exploit . Characters list of things to do .. laughable . A few hundred loops and experiments .. all that knowledge, he doesn’t have to start OP
But should at least have kick butt energy. In my opinion , also
If the next book is going to be a similar length I’m probably reading it on kindle unlimited . Not to say anything is wrong with the audio version it’s kind of like a cost based thing.
It’s my going to the theaters for my ears . Im looking forward to see where the story goes !
July 15, 2024
A fun wizard time loop book.
Tal is a young sorcerer and wizard (an important distinction in-world) who lost his parents several months ago from an attack on their caravan. Ever since, he’s been traveling with a group of adventurers as they get embroiled in an invasion from dark forces. The story is an epistolary where Tal records his memories in a spellbook. The spellbook enables perfect recall, which often lets the Tal writing the entry make discoveries that past Tal had missed, which was fun. The story starts when Tal realizes that he seems to have relived his previous day for no reason and he sets out to understand why. I really appreciated Tal’s proactive nature, he immediately takes a lot of smart steps, even is the story moves pretty slowly. Also, for a time loop fantasy book, there is a nice balance of plot with skill progression. This isn’t Mother of Learning with extreme use of the time loop to secretly train. Overall, I quite enjoyed this book.
Recommended if you want a fun wizard time loop story. It had progression fantasy elements, but I thought it was pretty approachable for a regular fantasy reader.
Tal is a young sorcerer and wizard (an important distinction in-world) who lost his parents several months ago from an attack on their caravan. Ever since, he’s been traveling with a group of adventurers as they get embroiled in an invasion from dark forces. The story is an epistolary where Tal records his memories in a spellbook. The spellbook enables perfect recall, which often lets the Tal writing the entry make discoveries that past Tal had missed, which was fun. The story starts when Tal realizes that he seems to have relived his previous day for no reason and he sets out to understand why. I really appreciated Tal’s proactive nature, he immediately takes a lot of smart steps, even is the story moves pretty slowly. Also, for a time loop fantasy book, there is a nice balance of plot with skill progression. This isn’t Mother of Learning with extreme use of the time loop to secretly train. Overall, I quite enjoyed this book.
Recommended if you want a fun wizard time loop story. It had progression fantasy elements, but I thought it was pretty approachable for a regular fantasy reader.
July 24, 2023
It seems everyone is doing these time loops books these days. But I'm sure many of them don't go through the finished work with a fine tooth comb looking for continuity errors.
I'm getting Hedge Wizard Vibes along with Mother of Learning Vibes (kind of).
I'm a couple of chapters in. Will have to give it some more time to see if I like it or not.
This isn't so bad, I can see myself reading the sequels. Although, a lot of what was mentioned in this book can't be resolved by the end. At the pace I see this going, it would be a rushed ending if everything is resolved.
After finishing this, I have a feeling that if I didn't read Mother of Learning before, this would have been confusing to read. The things that Mother of Learning put in place for the reader to understand seems to be lacking here, but maybe that is just me.
Will see how the sequel goes.
3/5 Stars
I'm getting Hedge Wizard Vibes along with Mother of Learning Vibes (kind of).
I'm a couple of chapters in. Will have to give it some more time to see if I like it or not.
This isn't so bad, I can see myself reading the sequels. Although, a lot of what was mentioned in this book can't be resolved by the end. At the pace I see this going, it would be a rushed ending if everything is resolved.
After finishing this, I have a feeling that if I didn't read Mother of Learning before, this would have been confusing to read. The things that Mother of Learning put in place for the reader to understand seems to be lacking here, but maybe that is just me.
Will see how the sequel goes.
3/5 Stars
September 15, 2024
Audible edition review
Nothing really happens.
I like time loops but the problem with this one is it is set in a fantasy town in the middle of nowhere which leaves the protagonist with not a lot to do. There are things to investigate but they are an hour or two ride away by horseback. There isn't much going on in the town for a 1 day time loop.
If the loop was 3 days or a week it would leave more possibilities but this is very limited. The best bits of the book relate to the backstory of how the characters came together because more can happen then. The entire book covers one day which starts late anyway because he wakes up hungover.
Groundhog day skipped a lot of this BS and whizzed through whereas this book goes over each day and many of them are very samey. The protagonist never has a fun/wild day or does anything crazy. It's just "I heard about monster, I investigate monster." "I heard about goblins, I investigate goblins."
I don't know why I didn't vibe with this one. It was competently written and well narrated but I never cared for the characters.
Nothing really happens.
I like time loops but the problem with this one is it is set in a fantasy town in the middle of nowhere which leaves the protagonist with not a lot to do. There are things to investigate but they are an hour or two ride away by horseback. There isn't much going on in the town for a 1 day time loop.
If the loop was 3 days or a week it would leave more possibilities but this is very limited. The best bits of the book relate to the backstory of how the characters came together because more can happen then. The entire book covers one day which starts late anyway because he wakes up hungover.
Groundhog day skipped a lot of this BS and whizzed through whereas this book goes over each day and many of them are very samey. The protagonist never has a fun/wild day or does anything crazy. It's just "I heard about monster, I investigate monster." "I heard about goblins, I investigate goblins."
I don't know why I didn't vibe with this one. It was competently written and well narrated but I never cared for the characters.
May 5, 2023
First off, the worldbuilding is excellent. Cool magic systems, cool world.
It is the nature of a time loop that "nothing happens" but this story truly drags. During many iterations of the loop, Tal just writes about the events leading up to the loop. Anything that happens already happened some time ago. He states they want to find someone named "Bearskin" but Bearskin isn't introduced in the recaps until much later in the book so it's hard to care. Every loop begins with a raging hangover, which gets annoying well before Tal finds a solution. Late in the book Tal starts finding "today" problems and figuring out solutions, so likely the second book will be better.
Audiobook complaint: Two of the characters have the same voice. They're rarely talking in the same scene, but when they are it gets confusing.
It is the nature of a time loop that "nothing happens" but this story truly drags. During many iterations of the loop, Tal just writes about the events leading up to the loop. Anything that happens already happened some time ago. He states they want to find someone named "Bearskin" but Bearskin isn't introduced in the recaps until much later in the book so it's hard to care. Every loop begins with a raging hangover, which gets annoying well before Tal finds a solution. Late in the book Tal starts finding "today" problems and figuring out solutions, so likely the second book will be better.
Audiobook complaint: Two of the characters have the same voice. They're rarely talking in the same scene, but when they are it gets confusing.
January 20, 2024
I went in expecting the usual progression fantasy tropes, so it took me about quarter of the book to get used to this classical style fantasy book. The writing was good, the mystery surrounding the time-loop will keep you hooked as will the nature of the spellbook. The main characters gets better in terms of his magical capabilities as well. It is just that I had been addicted to progression fantasy books with a lot more easy and visible power-ups.
Characters were done well. By the end of the book, you'd have a good idea of the main team as well as many of the side-characters. I wouldn't say the same for the worldbuilding - there were just too many details/descriptions and not really memorable. Overall, I did enjoy the book enough to look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
Characters were done well. By the end of the book, you'd have a good idea of the main team as well as many of the side-characters. I wouldn't say the same for the worldbuilding - there were just too many details/descriptions and not really memorable. Overall, I did enjoy the book enough to look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
August 29, 2024
Good premise. The entire first story feels like it's setting something up that never happens, and when MC is in the time-loop he essentially just does whatever whenever he feels like it with each thing ending up being cast aside before doing it again. Theres really only minor goals with no real advancement of plot. My favorite part of the book was the flashbacks, but considering they had 0 impact on the course of this book and no real purpose in the time-loop, that too felt unrewarding and overall pointless. Overall, Im excited for the second book. However, this book, at least when considered as a standalone, was pretty underwhelming.
December 13, 2025
This is a completed time loop progression fantasy series that does a good job maintaining stakes, not growing repetitive, and offering the reader a robust and interesting cast of characters
The biggest criticism I have are of the occasional worldbuilding interludes inserted into the text, as they often took place in different parts of the "timeline" and the question of how the Spellbook acquired them was distracting, but this critique was not enough to ruin my enjoyment.
Read for: a story with an emphasis on mental and emotional stakes and an interesting cast of characters
Avoid if: you can't stand time travel
The biggest criticism I have are of the occasional worldbuilding interludes inserted into the text, as they often took place in different parts of the "timeline" and the question of how the Spellbook acquired them was distracting, but this critique was not enough to ruin my enjoyment.
Read for: a story with an emphasis on mental and emotional stakes and an interesting cast of characters
Avoid if: you can't stand time travel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews