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The Hedge Wizard #3
The Hedge Wizard 3: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure
Scarred by the Remnant Realm, Hump must reclaim his soul.
Hump and his companions return to Sheercliff City to find a region plagued by monsters—bad news for most, but for a hedge wizard, it’s just good business.
With the gorger dead, and the bond with his unhatched dragon growing quickly, Hump looked forward to some ordinary adventures. Yet trouble finds him as the Inquisition arrives, accusing him of his master’s murder. It seems there is more to the old man’s death than he believed.
Countess Daston offers him a way out—in exchange for her protection, his party is enlisted to fight the monster surge. Warlocks walk the city streets, and newly spawned dungeons threaten the city’s existence. To survive, Hump must consolidate his strength and delve deeper into the potential of the Book of Infinite Pages.
The White Flame will be born.
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.
Hump and his companions return to Sheercliff City to find a region plagued by monsters—bad news for most, but for a hedge wizard, it’s just good business.
With the gorger dead, and the bond with his unhatched dragon growing quickly, Hump looked forward to some ordinary adventures. Yet trouble finds him as the Inquisition arrives, accusing him of his master’s murder. It seems there is more to the old man’s death than he believed.
Countess Daston offers him a way out—in exchange for her protection, his party is enlisted to fight the monster surge. Warlocks walk the city streets, and newly spawned dungeons threaten the city’s existence. To survive, Hump must consolidate his strength and delve deeper into the potential of the Book of Infinite Pages.
The White Flame will be born.
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.
722 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2023
328 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Alex Maher
5 books85 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 56 reviews
August 19, 2023
Best Book if the Series!
By far the best book of the series. The progression of Hump & his team. The elevation of his peers & the people his consults. The fights he survives & triumphs in. Even his new moniker. So good.
Rating : 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: “Adventurers die so that others don’t have to.
By far the best book of the series. The progression of Hump & his team. The elevation of his peers & the people his consults. The fights he survives & triumphs in. Even his new moniker. So good.
Rating : 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: “Adventurers die so that others don’t have to.
May 13, 2023
Good continuation.
I enjoyed this continuation of the series. If you liked the previous two books you should like this one. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed this continuation of the series. If you liked the previous two books you should like this one. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 25, 2025
Best book so far in the series. Really wraps things together and ends well. Looking forward to book four, seems like Hump is gonna level up. #HumpDay
May 17, 2023
Beefed up sequel
This book is bigger in every way than the previous books. The page count has gone up, the world is expanded hugely, power levels increase significantly, the cast of characters expands and it’s all to very good effect.
The charming dialogue and endearing relationships between the characters I loved in the previous books is still there and so is the not too light not to heavy tone I enjoyed This book is slightly darker in terms of the large scale tragedy that takes place in it but it’s not oppressively grim by any means. There’s still plenty of fun to be had and the expansion to the world in terms of the warlocks, powerful mysterious wizards, the fallen god and the true nature of hump’s book are very compelling. I really loved almost every bit of this. It did start to dip slightly at one point before they got their first real mission in the city but it was not enough to deduct a star for me.
Hump is significantly stronger at the end of this book and so far from where he started the series too but it feels earned. Overall top notch sequel and I was happy to have the treat of an unexpectedly long page count here. Do hope that Eliana gets some more development though — I liked her but she doesn’t quite slot in as organically as Dylan did and does. Don’t really doubt that this will happen though in the next book and she’s most of the way there.
This book is bigger in every way than the previous books. The page count has gone up, the world is expanded hugely, power levels increase significantly, the cast of characters expands and it’s all to very good effect.
The charming dialogue and endearing relationships between the characters I loved in the previous books is still there and so is the not too light not to heavy tone I enjoyed This book is slightly darker in terms of the large scale tragedy that takes place in it but it’s not oppressively grim by any means. There’s still plenty of fun to be had and the expansion to the world in terms of the warlocks, powerful mysterious wizards, the fallen god and the true nature of hump’s book are very compelling. I really loved almost every bit of this. It did start to dip slightly at one point before they got their first real mission in the city but it was not enough to deduct a star for me.
Hump is significantly stronger at the end of this book and so far from where he started the series too but it feels earned. Overall top notch sequel and I was happy to have the treat of an unexpectedly long page count here. Do hope that Eliana gets some more development though — I liked her but she doesn’t quite slot in as organically as Dylan did and does. Don’t really doubt that this will happen though in the next book and she’s most of the way there.
December 3, 2023
The best book in the series with a great expanded cast and finally starting to uncover the total series plot.
Hump and friends want a break from near death adventures so they decide to rest in the major city of Sheercliff. Of course, things spin out of control (plus Bud’s fiancé is finally introduced and she’s great). I thought this was the best one yet, with a great cast, a fun setting, and nice progression of all the characters. The agents behind the scenes are finally getting uncovered and Hump is starting to become a real threat. One quibble, this is the book were Hump goes from just some hedge wizard to The Guy(tm) which was a little annoying, as what has positioned him as an interesting character to this point is his actions and response to adverse circumstances, but now its largely his inherited spellbook is uber special and its very chosen one. But the mystery is still set up very well and I’m very excited to find out whats actually happening (and for Hump to break rank 7, obviously).
I highly recommend the series for fantasy fans.
Hump and friends want a break from near death adventures so they decide to rest in the major city of Sheercliff. Of course, things spin out of control (plus Bud’s fiancé is finally introduced and she’s great). I thought this was the best one yet, with a great cast, a fun setting, and nice progression of all the characters. The agents behind the scenes are finally getting uncovered and Hump is starting to become a real threat. One quibble, this is the book were Hump goes from just some hedge wizard to The Guy(tm) which was a little annoying, as what has positioned him as an interesting character to this point is his actions and response to adverse circumstances, but now its largely his inherited spellbook is uber special and its very chosen one. But the mystery is still set up very well and I’m very excited to find out whats actually happening (and for Hump to break rank 7, obviously).
I highly recommend the series for fantasy fans.
October 5, 2023
This book is the best I've read this year.
* The story is suspenseful and and action is frenetic from the first pages.
* The protagonist and his supporting characters, well established in the first books of the series, are three dimensional, sympathetic, engaging, and all individuals.
*The antagonists are varied and range from petty to existential threats, each with his or her own goals and plans.
* All the successes of the main heroes are earned with effort and pain, not given by author fiat, and there are definite costs.
* The world in this series continues to grow in depth and complexity.
This series is a progression fantasy, in that there are power levels for items, spells, and characters. But there is essentially nothing in the way of explicit game content — no character dashboards or explicit skill level changes.
Highly recommended, along with the rest of the series.
* The story is suspenseful and and action is frenetic from the first pages.
* The protagonist and his supporting characters, well established in the first books of the series, are three dimensional, sympathetic, engaging, and all individuals.
*The antagonists are varied and range from petty to existential threats, each with his or her own goals and plans.
* All the successes of the main heroes are earned with effort and pain, not given by author fiat, and there are definite costs.
* The world in this series continues to grow in depth and complexity.
This series is a progression fantasy, in that there are power levels for items, spells, and characters. But there is essentially nothing in the way of explicit game content — no character dashboards or explicit skill level changes.
Highly recommended, along with the rest of the series.
May 26, 2024
A climactic third volume in the series
The hedge wizard Hump has been through a lot in the last two books, and his power has grown from the experience, but the conflicts of this third book in Maher's LitRPG series are bordering on apocalyptic and the growth of its main character is verging into the legendary.
LitRPG books can stumble when raising the stakes from goblins to gods, but so far Maher has managed a smooth progression where Hump is continually in over his head with moments of real danger and huge consequences coming to bear.
The only complaint I have is purely technical: the books really really needed a capable proofreader. The typos and misused words (likely spell check errors) throughout each book are distracting and I can only hope the hit rate improves as the series goes on.
The hedge wizard Hump has been through a lot in the last two books, and his power has grown from the experience, but the conflicts of this third book in Maher's LitRPG series are bordering on apocalyptic and the growth of its main character is verging into the legendary.
LitRPG books can stumble when raising the stakes from goblins to gods, but so far Maher has managed a smooth progression where Hump is continually in over his head with moments of real danger and huge consequences coming to bear.
The only complaint I have is purely technical: the books really really needed a capable proofreader. The typos and misused words (likely spell check errors) throughout each book are distracting and I can only hope the hit rate improves as the series goes on.
January 18, 2024
Enjoyable, but slow and over-explaining at times.
I like the series as they're fun and well written. The main characters are the best part, especially the protagonist,the young wizard Humphrey. I find the author over explains in the character's inner dialogue repeating things that the reader knows and is aware of and it becomes tedious and you lose the books pacing. However the action scenes are written crisp and fun, and very well illustrated with minimum words.
It's a good series overall and worth the read. I hope the series focuses more on just Humphrey as the other characters, although needed to build the plot and world building, or just not that interesting and it's hard to care about them.
I like the series as they're fun and well written. The main characters are the best part, especially the protagonist,the young wizard Humphrey. I find the author over explains in the character's inner dialogue repeating things that the reader knows and is aware of and it becomes tedious and you lose the books pacing. However the action scenes are written crisp and fun, and very well illustrated with minimum words.
It's a good series overall and worth the read. I hope the series focuses more on just Humphrey as the other characters, although needed to build the plot and world building, or just not that interesting and it's hard to care about them.
August 19, 2024
An aggravating slog
It's great that protagonist has to work for his skills and spells unlike in other stories.
I felt annoyed by the one-sided repetitive ramblings against nobles while ignoring that most of te other rich and powerful people do and act the same way, I felt the same about the moronic progressive musings about the poor murderous bandits who even if they starved condemn other peasants who they rob to starve as weak.. At the hostage scene I face palmed again..
Bud is an absolute moron for his misconcepted chivalrous behaviour against a proven murderer, rapist, torturer, robber and slaver!
The fights feel like they are turn based as the protagonist's party always seems to wait for the enemy to act and exchange platitudes with them and like absolute brain dead seemingly ALWAYS let them use special attacks! It is truly aggravating!
It's great that protagonist has to work for his skills and spells unlike in other stories.
I felt annoyed by the one-sided repetitive ramblings against nobles while ignoring that most of te other rich and powerful people do and act the same way, I felt the same about the moronic progressive musings about the poor murderous bandits who even if they starved condemn other peasants who they rob to starve as weak.. At the hostage scene I face palmed again..
Bud is an absolute moron for his misconcepted chivalrous behaviour against a proven murderer, rapist, torturer, robber and slaver!
The fights feel like they are turn based as the protagonist's party always seems to wait for the enemy to act and exchange platitudes with them and like absolute brain dead seemingly ALWAYS let them use special attacks! It is truly aggravating!
November 19, 2025
I think the problem with this series is that we don't see the improvements with the characters. The author tells us that they are stronger because the main character has learned a new spell or the party members have achieved a new chosen circle. But when a new fight arises and it's a slow slog. Fight takes forever and the characters nearly die every time.
One of the big plot points is the dragon egg that the main character is bonding. Three books in and this egg is nothing but a glorified hand warmer.
This series is focusing entirely too long on personalities and paying a lot of lip service about development without actually developing.
One of the big plot points is the dragon egg that the main character is bonding. Three books in and this egg is nothing but a glorified hand warmer.
This series is focusing entirely too long on personalities and paying a lot of lip service about development without actually developing.
May 19, 2023
best of the bunch
This is a fun read. The quests are interesting and layered, the twists are well crafted, and the relationships between characters are earned. Though at times Hump feels a bit too Mary sue, any burst in power or happenstance comes with consequence. Characters must earn and learn their skills and abilities, giving the story weight and gravitas when a breakthrough is achieved. Pick up the series if you're looking for a great coming of age (they're all under 20) adventure
This is a fun read. The quests are interesting and layered, the twists are well crafted, and the relationships between characters are earned. Though at times Hump feels a bit too Mary sue, any burst in power or happenstance comes with consequence. Characters must earn and learn their skills and abilities, giving the story weight and gravitas when a breakthrough is achieved. Pick up the series if you're looking for a great coming of age (they're all under 20) adventure
April 6, 2024
5 out of 5!
Wow, just wow! "The Hedge Wizard 3" by Alex Maher didn't just meet my expectations; it blew them right out of the water. Saying this book is good is an understatement—it's phenomenal. This series just keeps getting better with every installment, proving itself a standout in the progression fantasy genre.
This installment has secured its spot as the best book I've read this year, hands down. The blend of fantasy elements, character development, and plot progression is masterfully done. Maher has a way of making you feel right at home in this world, cheering for Hump and his companions through every challenge they face.
I'm eagerly looking forward to diving into the next book sometime this summer. If you're on the fence about continuing the series, let this be your sign to absolutely go for it. "The Hedge Wizard 3" isn't just a great read; it's an experience that leaves you craving more. It’s a solid 5 out of 5 stars from me—unquestionably the best reading decision I've made this year.
Wow, just wow! "The Hedge Wizard 3" by Alex Maher didn't just meet my expectations; it blew them right out of the water. Saying this book is good is an understatement—it's phenomenal. This series just keeps getting better with every installment, proving itself a standout in the progression fantasy genre.
This installment has secured its spot as the best book I've read this year, hands down. The blend of fantasy elements, character development, and plot progression is masterfully done. Maher has a way of making you feel right at home in this world, cheering for Hump and his companions through every challenge they face.
I'm eagerly looking forward to diving into the next book sometime this summer. If you're on the fence about continuing the series, let this be your sign to absolutely go for it. "The Hedge Wizard 3" isn't just a great read; it's an experience that leaves you craving more. It’s a solid 5 out of 5 stars from me—unquestionably the best reading decision I've made this year.
May 13, 2023
AMAZING
An absolutely incredible series!!!
The characters are interesting and deep- they grow throughout the series, and the magic systems grow as well.
The fighting is great, with the combat described incredibly well and mixed with thoughtful moments between. It’s nice that their reasoning for fighting isn’t cloying or unrealistic, and there’s a great mix of development between combat.
Absolutely can’t wait for the next one!
An absolutely incredible series!!!
The characters are interesting and deep- they grow throughout the series, and the magic systems grow as well.
The fighting is great, with the combat described incredibly well and mixed with thoughtful moments between. It’s nice that their reasoning for fighting isn’t cloying or unrealistic, and there’s a great mix of development between combat.
Absolutely can’t wait for the next one!
May 15, 2023
This one seemed a step above the first two books, so the author is trending in the right direction. Story and character progression are meaningful, with a recognizable story arc to end on, not a cliffhanger.
Hump in particular is a more evenly mature presence, as opposed to a cynical middle-aged guy in a 16 yr-old body. Kept my attention, with some real dramatic tension in the apex of the story arc. I look forward to book 4 and some fresh adventures.
Hump in particular is a more evenly mature presence, as opposed to a cynical middle-aged guy in a 16 yr-old body. Kept my attention, with some real dramatic tension in the apex of the story arc. I look forward to book 4 and some fresh adventures.
May 18, 2023
I loved this book so much. This book has honestly been one of my favorite books that I have read in the past year. I love Hump, Bud, Dylan, and Celaine so much that their interactions make the story stand out. I think the magic system is fantastic, and I love how each character expresses different aspects of that system. I highly recommend this book and series, and I can not wait for the next one.
November 25, 2023
For me one of the criteria for an epic fantasy novel of this type is how good the adventuring party is and in this case Alex Maher has made a practically perfect party. I love every member and as a whole they are really great together. What is more the level of enemy and the increase in powers has ramped up perfectly. As for the action -every promised delivered.
High standard to take forward to the next book and I am really looking forward to it.
Thank you for a great read Alex.
High standard to take forward to the next book and I am really looking forward to it.
Thank you for a great read Alex.
June 1, 2023
An enjoyable read
I found this book to be great fun, with a good pace to it. At no point did I want to stop reading or put it down. It is not high or epic fantasy but it is a great book to enjoy by a fire or relaxing to take your mind off heavier things. Truely am looking forward to the next book.
I found this book to be great fun, with a good pace to it. At no point did I want to stop reading or put it down. It is not high or epic fantasy but it is a great book to enjoy by a fire or relaxing to take your mind off heavier things. Truely am looking forward to the next book.
June 4, 2023
Keeps getting better!
This series just keeps getting better! I know right? Normally the first book of a series is the best and then it’s down hill. Not so with this series. This last installment was exciting with a good ending- not a cliffhanger! Of course the story is going to continue but it ended in a satisfying note.
This series just keeps getting better! I know right? Normally the first book of a series is the best and then it’s down hill. Not so with this series. This last installment was exciting with a good ending- not a cliffhanger! Of course the story is going to continue but it ended in a satisfying note.
July 1, 2023
Great Read
I enjoyed book one and two, but this book felt much more polished. There were multiple story lines and developments and I felt like they all progressed in a balanced and believable way. Wizard Hump has progressed, the relationships and characters were all meaningful. Thumbs up.
I enjoyed book one and two, but this book felt much more polished. There were multiple story lines and developments and I felt like they all progressed in a balanced and believable way. Wizard Hump has progressed, the relationships and characters were all meaningful. Thumbs up.
May 9, 2024
Enthralling!
I have truly been drawn into this series. While it has many familiar traits and styles, the function and method of magic are unique and well developed. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well thought and identifiable. Hump is someone you can cheer for as he grows in strength and ability.
Well done. I can't get enough.
I have truly been drawn into this series. While it has many familiar traits and styles, the function and method of magic are unique and well developed. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well thought and identifiable. Hump is someone you can cheer for as he grows in strength and ability.
Well done. I can't get enough.
May 17, 2023
hedge wizard adventures
A little confusing to understand how magic works in this world but it’s really a grand adventure adventure to read.highly engrossing story and characters series is a must read
A little confusing to understand how magic works in this world but it’s really a grand adventure adventure to read.highly engrossing story and characters series is a must read
May 20, 2023
A solid third book
I enjoyed this book. There's nothing heavy about the story, just good old fun and solid characters. If you're this far into the series you're going to read it anyway, but if you haven't I recommend going back and reading the lot.
I enjoyed this book. There's nothing heavy about the story, just good old fun and solid characters. If you're this far into the series you're going to read it anyway, but if you haven't I recommend going back and reading the lot.
May 21, 2023
This is how you ends an arc with a solid transition.
The series has always been okay, but never all that impressive. This book has changed that. This is a great ending and a substantial boost to the next arc.
The series has always been okay, but never all that impressive. This book has changed that. This is a great ending and a substantial boost to the next arc.
May 23, 2023
Truly spellbinding plot
A real page turner! The author’s ability to spin a tale is peerless. I loved the twists and turns and the introduction on characters. Looking forward to the Book 4. Waiting 1 year is gonna be hard.
A real page turner! The author’s ability to spin a tale is peerless. I loved the twists and turns and the introduction on characters. Looking forward to the Book 4. Waiting 1 year is gonna be hard.
May 23, 2023
The best one yet.
I think this is the best one yet because of the growth the characters go through. It’s not the end. It’s not the beginning of the end, but it may be the end of the beginning.
I think this is the best one yet because of the growth the characters go through. It’s not the end. It’s not the beginning of the end, but it may be the end of the beginning.
June 11, 2023
Good read
I have come to like Hump and his friends.
A dark time falls on the kingdom. Warlocks abound and new dungeons are popping up. Hump and company defend the lands, and little people, from monsters and traitors. Tom out
I have come to like Hump and his friends.
A dark time falls on the kingdom. Warlocks abound and new dungeons are popping up. Hump and company defend the lands, and little people, from monsters and traitors. Tom out
June 29, 2023
Good Good Good
This is a great fantasy series. Not enough good fantasy these days. Actual fantasy, not just litrpg or progression fantasy, which are awesome as well. This is real gods damned fantasy
This is a great fantasy series. Not enough good fantasy these days. Actual fantasy, not just litrpg or progression fantasy, which are awesome as well. This is real gods damned fantasy
July 6, 2023
Brilliant and still going strong!
Honestly this was even more engaging than the second book! Definitely continues to be a thrilling adventure and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Honestly this was even more engaging than the second book! Definitely continues to be a thrilling adventure and I’m looking forward to the next book!
July 9, 2023
Best series in a good while
Words that tell tales of adventures imagined by talented authors. Pleasure to read but now I have to wait till next year. Heck I’m 66 years old, I may never find out the end tale.
Words that tell tales of adventures imagined by talented authors. Pleasure to read but now I have to wait till next year. Heck I’m 66 years old, I may never find out the end tale.
July 17, 2023
weighty
I enjoyed many parts of this, but it also felt like it dragged a bit. Too often paragraphs were spent - even in the midst of combat - considering and planning.
I will still likely buy and read book 4.
I enjoyed many parts of this, but it also felt like it dragged a bit. Too often paragraphs were spent - even in the midst of combat - considering and planning.
I will still likely buy and read book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews