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The Hedge Wizard #4
The Hedge Wizard 4
Book 4 of a Progression Fantasy LitRPG/GameLit Series about a working-class wizard out to forge his own path and prove that one does not have to be Chosen to do great deeds.
About the Multiple magic systems, spells stolen from the gods, and an undefined path of progression, The Hedge Wizard brings a realism-focused spin to GameLit / LitRPG. Explore a world of long forgotten legends, where the Gods now reign and monsters roam.
About the Multiple magic systems, spells stolen from the gods, and an undefined path of progression, The Hedge Wizard brings a realism-focused spin to GameLit / LitRPG. Explore a world of long forgotten legends, where the Gods now reign and monsters roam.
708 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
365 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Alex Maher
5 books88 followersAlex is an avid fantasy fan from the UK, where he lives with his girlfriend and three cats. He started writing shortly after finishing school, and 8 years later, has never stopped.
If you'd like to get in touch with Alex and other fans, he is most active on Discord: https://discord.gg/8nqQ9SfRyf
If you'd like to get in touch with Alex and other fans, he is most active on Discord: https://discord.gg/8nqQ9SfRyf
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 19, 2024
Wizards! Gods! Dragons! An army of Undead! The Hedge Wizard 4 has all this and much more!
This was so much fun, but it was also a bit long. That and the fact that he still doesn't give enough character descriptions are what keeps this from being 5/5 from me.
I'm excited to get the next book as soon as it comes out.
4.5 stars out of 5
This was so much fun, but it was also a bit long. That and the fact that he still doesn't give enough character descriptions are what keeps this from being 5/5 from me.
I'm excited to get the next book as soon as it comes out.
4.5 stars out of 5
April 20, 2024
A fun entry in the series, although it had been awhile since I read the previous books so I didn’t always remember a lot of what was happening and why (and the the book didn’t do a great job of recapping). I will say that I’m a little annoyed with the continued will-they-won’t-they of the two main characters, when it has previously been firmly established as platonic (which is what I want, straight, male and female leads can conquer evil without falling in love!). If you liked the previous you’ll like this and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 15, 2025
Another great showing for hump. Dragons always make a book better. Did a great job setting up the next one can’t wait.
August 20, 2024
Once again so much pointless talking during the fights and the hero keeps getting saved. Once again the protagonist refuses to use his strongest spells for drama reasons..
The undead in this book are strange. They feel pain and even lowly ones fear about their continued existence and some even bleed..
The dragon riders don't know how to exploit the advantages given by their dragons. I found it rather shameful how bad at scouting and how slow to react they are. Given the revealed ancient back story I found it absolutely appalling how they could allow their enemy to become that strong..
The undead in this book are strange. They feel pain and even lowly ones fear about their continued existence and some even bleed..
The dragon riders don't know how to exploit the advantages given by their dragons. I found it rather shameful how bad at scouting and how slow to react they are. Given the revealed ancient back story I found it absolutely appalling how they could allow their enemy to become that strong..
April 23, 2024
more growth
A lot of growth - the main character doesn’t feel OP and the storyline seems strong. I like.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Narration: na
Favorite Line: He was in command of this agony. He did not simply bear it, he enhanced it.
A lot of growth - the main character doesn’t feel OP and the storyline seems strong. I like.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Narration: na
Favorite Line: He was in command of this agony. He did not simply bear it, he enhanced it.
August 19, 2024
Great series but takes too long for the next book
Why does it take the 2 year to see the next book in the series. Available for pre order 10 months from now. The author never does any refreshing from previous books just jumps right in and expects you to remember a book in the series you read a year ago.
Why does it take the 2 year to see the next book in the series. Available for pre order 10 months from now. The author never does any refreshing from previous books just jumps right in and expects you to remember a book in the series you read a year ago.
March 23, 2024
Didn't like it as much as the first three.
A few problems:
1) Continuity errors. Not a lot, but they're noticeable.
-Claiming Hump's master thought the Spirit Well was the secret to advancing to Rank 7 in his last note (he didn't).
-Skyfire's eyes show and then disappear, and then the next chapter Hump is suddenly talking to him. So why did it say the eyes disappeared?
-The concept of "scientific" versus ancient magic. That's never really come up before, and I'm confused on how Hump, an orphan who never had a formal education, understands the concept of gravity or gravity spells that he's never cast.
2) Power is spreading out more than I'd like. Now Hump has Nature affinity as well, physical enhancements, and a major healing artifact. It smells like an protagonist about to start doing everything well. Hump should be a mobile, fortified artillery. He shields and casts imprecise but massive and destructive spells with a high cost. He should keep specializing in that. And if he must find ways to shore up his weaknesses they should happen because of Hump's own efforts. Not because he got a magical macguffin that just fixes the weaknesses for him. And then it should immediately come with a new set of problems. Prog Fantasy characters should never have an unfettered power set until the very end of the story.
Note: Shortcuts with a toll are still shortcuts. Just because you pay a price doesn't mean it's not a shortcut. That's some weird sophistry the book is trying to push halfway through.
3) Hump really needs better motivations. The series lampshades this but that doesn't mean it's being solved. Finding all the mysteries of the world or being strong enough to protect his friends is vague. He needs to pick specific mysteries and specific power levels. And we need a ticking clock for him to race against for this upcoming war.
4) The antagonists were disappointing. Irons and Irila are barely present against the overall length of the series. They both kind of come out of nowhere and feel super disposable with little impact to Hump or the overall plot of the story. Irons is some random from Sheercliff whose powers are never explained and it's never explored why Irila chose NOW to attack Owalyn. She could have easily kept waiting until Drakalyn was even weaker.
Minor note: Why would an undead lich feel pain from being burned? That's weird. As liches go Irila had the power but she lacked the attitude in my opinion.
P.S. Hump should not get taller.
If he says he's content with this height then the story doesn't need to give him more.
A few problems:
1) Continuity errors. Not a lot, but they're noticeable.
-Claiming Hump's master thought the Spirit Well was the secret to advancing to Rank 7 in his last note (he didn't).
-Skyfire's eyes show and then disappear, and then the next chapter Hump is suddenly talking to him. So why did it say the eyes disappeared?
-The concept of "scientific" versus ancient magic. That's never really come up before, and I'm confused on how Hump, an orphan who never had a formal education, understands the concept of gravity or gravity spells that he's never cast.
2) Power is spreading out more than I'd like. Now Hump has Nature affinity as well, physical enhancements, and a major healing artifact. It smells like an protagonist about to start doing everything well. Hump should be a mobile, fortified artillery. He shields and casts imprecise but massive and destructive spells with a high cost. He should keep specializing in that. And if he must find ways to shore up his weaknesses they should happen because of Hump's own efforts. Not because he got a magical macguffin that just fixes the weaknesses for him. And then it should immediately come with a new set of problems. Prog Fantasy characters should never have an unfettered power set until the very end of the story.
Note: Shortcuts with a toll are still shortcuts. Just because you pay a price doesn't mean it's not a shortcut. That's some weird sophistry the book is trying to push halfway through.
3) Hump really needs better motivations. The series lampshades this but that doesn't mean it's being solved. Finding all the mysteries of the world or being strong enough to protect his friends is vague. He needs to pick specific mysteries and specific power levels. And we need a ticking clock for him to race against for this upcoming war.
4) The antagonists were disappointing. Irons and Irila are barely present against the overall length of the series. They both kind of come out of nowhere and feel super disposable with little impact to Hump or the overall plot of the story. Irons is some random from Sheercliff whose powers are never explained and it's never explored why Irila chose NOW to attack Owalyn. She could have easily kept waiting until Drakalyn was even weaker.
Minor note: Why would an undead lich feel pain from being burned? That's weird. As liches go Irila had the power but she lacked the attitude in my opinion.
P.S. Hump should not get taller.
If he says he's content with this height then the story doesn't need to give him more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Absolutely fantastic read probably the best of the series thus far & definitely the most exciting. I gave it five stars, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a couple small things that I didn’t like. I personally didn’t like the Yosemite Sam character. Or I should say I didn’t like the old western accent given to that character, but this is an audiobook only problem. I don’t know if this was something that the narrator took it upon himself to do or if this was requested by the author for the audiobook either way, I didn’t care for it. The other thing was Nisha. For animal as big as what a dragon or a wolf dragon is supposed to be I would expect it to be bigger much quicker than the way it was in this story. The descriptions were so puppyish and the fact that it seemed like there was barely any reference to her growing at all over the course of the story. I think there was one and a little bit about a growing appetite, but really I would’ve expected much more growth in the amount of time that they had her with them. Anywhere that’s only my own personal opinion. I still think the story was top notch.
April 19, 2024
Probably one of the better books in this series
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a great continuation of a truly weak main character who slowly grow stronger through hard work and fortuitous encounters. The writing is better than average, and I would encourage those who have previously read the books in the series, to definitely pick this up and enjoy.
If there’s one piece of criticism, I could offer the author, it is that the main antagonist in this book does not feel well developed throughout the entire novel. There are only two or three chapters with her perspective and her motivation. By the end of the novel, it just feels as if she was just crafted for the purpose of the main character to overcome, rather than her being a truly important character in the world that the author built. Nonetheless, I did truly enjoy this novel and this one criticism is not egregious enough for me to not recommend this book.
Enjoy guys!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a great continuation of a truly weak main character who slowly grow stronger through hard work and fortuitous encounters. The writing is better than average, and I would encourage those who have previously read the books in the series, to definitely pick this up and enjoy.
If there’s one piece of criticism, I could offer the author, it is that the main antagonist in this book does not feel well developed throughout the entire novel. There are only two or three chapters with her perspective and her motivation. By the end of the novel, it just feels as if she was just crafted for the purpose of the main character to overcome, rather than her being a truly important character in the world that the author built. Nonetheless, I did truly enjoy this novel and this one criticism is not egregious enough for me to not recommend this book.
Enjoy guys!
May 4, 2024
This took long enough to arrive that I almost forgot what preceeded it, but fortunately the story was strong enough that it hadn't faded into the undifferentiated mass of books I've read in the last few years.
Hump as an MC has struggled with his aquisition of power, and even here, where he's made great progress, he is not an OP Swiss Army knife who can solve everything. He needs his friends, not only for their complementary skills, but to have people he trusts to have his back. Overall he's relatable, and that something I value in an MC.
Not sure where this is going, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It looks to be heading for some Gotterdamerung-style escalation and had a mini/practice version of it in this book. Anyway, it kept me engaged and I like the main characters, even if the baby dragon acts entirely too much like a puppy. I'm no authority on the behaviour of juvenile fantasy lizards though, so I can't say that's wrong.
Hump as an MC has struggled with his aquisition of power, and even here, where he's made great progress, he is not an OP Swiss Army knife who can solve everything. He needs his friends, not only for their complementary skills, but to have people he trusts to have his back. Overall he's relatable, and that something I value in an MC.
Not sure where this is going, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It looks to be heading for some Gotterdamerung-style escalation and had a mini/practice version of it in this book. Anyway, it kept me engaged and I like the main characters, even if the baby dragon acts entirely too much like a puppy. I'm no authority on the behaviour of juvenile fantasy lizards though, so I can't say that's wrong.
March 30, 2024
Another great quest
I can tell that the author is a great dungeon master because he crafts a fantastic campaign. The book is great, and if you've read the previous books, know that the prose has improved significantly and the character development and action has become less flowery and more focused (less adjectives and smoother context). Hump has become less self deprecating and has started to grow into his strength. It's a great coming of age and power series, can't wait for book 5.
I can tell that the author is a great dungeon master because he crafts a fantastic campaign. The book is great, and if you've read the previous books, know that the prose has improved significantly and the character development and action has become less flowery and more focused (less adjectives and smoother context). Hump has become less self deprecating and has started to grow into his strength. It's a great coming of age and power series, can't wait for book 5.
April 9, 2024
professional Review
I noticed a few grammar mistakes likely missed by the editor but overall I’d say this is some of the best work I’ve seen in years. Alex Maher does great work keeping the reader engaged and doesn’t slack on both characters building and world building. There is great character development and steady progression. The theme is very novel and well thought out which lets the story really flow. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series and seeing how far you go Alex Maher. May your hand never cramp and your thoughts never stall.
Sincerely,
C.B.
I noticed a few grammar mistakes likely missed by the editor but overall I’d say this is some of the best work I’ve seen in years. Alex Maher does great work keeping the reader engaged and doesn’t slack on both characters building and world building. There is great character development and steady progression. The theme is very novel and well thought out which lets the story really flow. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series and seeing how far you go Alex Maher. May your hand never cramp and your thoughts never stall.
Sincerely,
C.B.
April 7, 2024
this is an awesome book series
I love the way the author brings the story to life. Everything is so vivid that you can see it in your minds eye as you read.
Hump is a great main character with a truly great story line.
Have fun reading and don’t forget to read the first three books.
I love the way the author brings the story to life. Everything is so vivid that you can see it in your minds eye as you read.
Hump is a great main character with a truly great story line.
Have fun reading and don’t forget to read the first three books.
April 17, 2024
Too many fights
There have been few books that have had too much fighting. But the war with the litch just went on and on. It would have been twice as good if it had been half as long.
And there was essentially no Bud. Just Hump and Celine.
I am hoping that the next one is better. Tom out
There have been few books that have had too much fighting. But the war with the litch just went on and on. It would have been twice as good if it had been half as long.
And there was essentially no Bud. Just Hump and Celine.
I am hoping that the next one is better. Tom out
May 13, 2024
The books get better and better
A small gripe, but not worth removing a star : the start of the book doesn't lead to understand that all the action will happen in the same "place".
Also, I'm starting to losse track of relative power levels and their rarity.
Can't wait to get some news from the others :)
A small gripe, but not worth removing a star : the start of the book doesn't lead to understand that all the action will happen in the same "place".
Also, I'm starting to losse track of relative power levels and their rarity.
Can't wait to get some news from the others :)
June 10, 2024
Best Entry So Far
The hedge wizard series has been a pleasure to read since its first installment but this one takes the cake. The world building and character progression was very well done in this book and I felt very rewarded for finishing it. I can’t wait to see where Hump goes next and what sort of spells he learns.
The hedge wizard series has been a pleasure to read since its first installment but this one takes the cake. The world building and character progression was very well done in this book and I felt very rewarded for finishing it. I can’t wait to see where Hump goes next and what sort of spells he learns.
September 8, 2024
The build up, the foreshadowing, the soft magic system and interactions between friends and foes were like eye candy to me. The few snippets of old lore are making me impatient for more.
Although, the story could be improved with proper character descriptions because imagining the characters is kinda difficult with only a phrase or two.
Cheers! I hope the next entry will be just as great!
Although, the story could be improved with proper character descriptions because imagining the characters is kinda difficult with only a phrase or two.
Cheers! I hope the next entry will be just as great!
November 24, 2024
Each gets better
From the side of a road to the city sorrowing death, the puzzle of the spellbound. Travel, adventure, friendship. Magic, danger, and struggle with self, fellow humans, magic dangerous dungeons. The books continue developing
the struggle -- between good and evil.
WELL PACED!
From the side of a road to the city sorrowing death, the puzzle of the spellbound. Travel, adventure, friendship. Magic, danger, and struggle with self, fellow humans, magic dangerous dungeons. The books continue developing
the struggle -- between good and evil.
WELL PACED!
June 16, 2025
Truly a great progression tale.
The first book almost had me dropping the series right at the beginning but it has picked up and never slowed down. Read all four books back to back and it’s brilliant. Watching jump get stronger in both power and character has been nothing but superb.
The first book almost had me dropping the series right at the beginning but it has picked up and never slowed down. Read all four books back to back and it’s brilliant. Watching jump get stronger in both power and character has been nothing but superb.
March 21, 2024
I love this series! I think this is one of the best modern Litrpgs/progression fantasy series. The progression is a part of the world, the characters are interesting and fun, the world itself is alive.
March 21, 2024
Another fantastic entry
Hedge Wizard is honestly my favourite series so far, I adore how human the characters are and the world that's been build. Book 4 is no different with an introduction to a new culture of people and another great antagonist.
Hedge Wizard is honestly my favourite series so far, I adore how human the characters are and the world that's been build. Book 4 is no different with an introduction to a new culture of people and another great antagonist.
March 21, 2024
AMAZING SERIES
Love this series. Great characters, twists and turns, an awesome magic system, fighting for and against various gods, love it all.
Can’t wait to see where they go next!
Love this series. Great characters, twists and turns, an awesome magic system, fighting for and against various gods, love it all.
Can’t wait to see where they go next!
March 23, 2024
A very good continuation!
The series keeps improving with every book! The breadth and depth of the world and characters keep expanding to a beautiful degree!
If you have read this far into the series, you know what I mean!
The series keeps improving with every book! The breadth and depth of the world and characters keep expanding to a beautiful degree!
If you have read this far into the series, you know what I mean!
March 23, 2024
A great fantasy read.
A great fantasy series .fun likeable characters, brutal action and engaging story. With a realistic view of the darker consequences of living in a world of magic and monsters.
A great fantasy series .fun likeable characters, brutal action and engaging story. With a realistic view of the darker consequences of living in a world of magic and monsters.
April 1, 2024
Best of the series so far.
I’ve enjoyed this series, kept me guessing plus entertained. The author needs to get busy getting book 5 finished,please? Wizards, dragons and warriors, what’s not to like?
I’ve enjoyed this series, kept me guessing plus entertained. The author needs to get busy getting book 5 finished,please? Wizards, dragons and warriors, what’s not to like?
April 1, 2024
It's good
This series has been a slow burn, building with each book. It avoids many of the tropes in the genre while presenting meaningful character development. I look forward to the fifth installment.
This series has been a slow burn, building with each book. It avoids many of the tropes in the genre while presenting meaningful character development. I look forward to the fifth installment.
April 1, 2024
hedge wizard 4
I really enjoy reading this book. It was exciting and held my interest all through the story. I love how the characters are developing and growing. I am really looking forward to book 5.
I really enjoy reading this book. It was exciting and held my interest all through the story. I love how the characters are developing and growing. I am really looking forward to book 5.
April 5, 2024
I love this series!
If you're reading this review, you're probably new to the series. Do yourself a favour and go and read book one. This series has solid world building, well written characters, and a solid story arc.
If you're reading this review, you're probably new to the series. Do yourself a favour and go and read book one. This series has solid world building, well written characters, and a solid story arc.
April 11, 2024
another outstanding book
This series is the best I have read in years. I love the action and adventure mixed with a coming of age tale. I would recommend this series to anyone listening ok’ing for a great read.
This series is the best I have read in years. I love the action and adventure mixed with a coming of age tale. I would recommend this series to anyone listening ok’ing for a great read.
May 2, 2024
Another Great Read
Every single one of the hedge wizard series has been brilliant so far. This one sees a lot of growth for Hump, and provides some tantalizing glimpses into the future of the series.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
Every single one of the hedge wizard series has been brilliant so far. This one sees a lot of growth for Hump, and provides some tantalizing glimpses into the future of the series.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews