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Tower of Cards #1
Spell Thief: A Deck Building Progression Fantasy
Stack your Deck. Climb the Gaia Tower. Defeat its Guardians.
Almost half a century has passed since prison ships en route to Australia discovered the mysterious Tower rising out of the Indian Ocean, known as Gaia. Monarchies, republics, and trading giants came together to build a city around it, and contain the monsters spilling out of the rune-covered structure.
The few that dared enter and climb it learned the magic of Gaia's runic cards.
Now, most people enter the tower seeking fame, fortune, or power. Not Diya Sen. He climbs hoping to find clues about his missing brother and to solve Gaia's mysteries. However, the warring noble houses stand in his way.
His mission won't be easy. Many sources of power are outside his reach as an ordinary man. But if the direct approach doesn't help Diya achieve his goals, perhaps the talents of a Spell Thief will.
Don't miss the start of the TOWER OF CARDS series from bestseller J Pal. This is Progression Fantasy utilizing a runic card-based magic system with tons of customization. Perfect for fans of All the Skills and Towers of Heaven, as well as games such as Slay the Spire , Hearthstone, and Gwent.
Almost half a century has passed since prison ships en route to Australia discovered the mysterious Tower rising out of the Indian Ocean, known as Gaia. Monarchies, republics, and trading giants came together to build a city around it, and contain the monsters spilling out of the rune-covered structure.
The few that dared enter and climb it learned the magic of Gaia's runic cards.
Now, most people enter the tower seeking fame, fortune, or power. Not Diya Sen. He climbs hoping to find clues about his missing brother and to solve Gaia's mysteries. However, the warring noble houses stand in his way.
His mission won't be easy. Many sources of power are outside his reach as an ordinary man. But if the direct approach doesn't help Diya achieve his goals, perhaps the talents of a Spell Thief will.
Don't miss the start of the TOWER OF CARDS series from bestseller J Pal. This is Progression Fantasy utilizing a runic card-based magic system with tons of customization. Perfect for fans of All the Skills and Towers of Heaven, as well as games such as Slay the Spire , Hearthstone, and Gwent.
482 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2023
391 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 6, 2024
I fizzled out of this at about four-fifths through. Okay, fine, it was exactly four-fifths and I looked it up to be sure. Because I am a nerd. Anyway, this fizzled because I stopped caring and that is entirely the author's fault. Every time we attach to somebody, the author takes them away and we get some new person in Diya's party. I liked his initial companions. They were fun and they were kind. And then the cowardly brother wins and everything goes to crap with a best-friend, good-guy in a coma that becomes the MacGuffin for the rest of the action.
It felt manufactured to get there. So every time the next person I liked got taken out of Diya's orbit for stupid reasons I just got more and more resentful. And that made me care less about the quest (which was dumb enough to begin with) and then less and less about Diya. Until I put the book down and just don't feel like picking it back up again.
Seriously, author, don't give me people to like only to put them completely out of reach again. It's wearing and if you do it, you'd better make it count. This story did not make it count. It just made it the first in a string of loss until I stopped caring.
It felt manufactured to get there. So every time the next person I liked got taken out of Diya's orbit for stupid reasons I just got more and more resentful. And that made me care less about the quest (which was dumb enough to begin with) and then less and less about Diya. Until I put the book down and just don't feel like picking it back up again.
Seriously, author, don't give me people to like only to put them completely out of reach again. It's wearing and if you do it, you'd better make it count. This story did not make it count. It just made it the first in a string of loss until I stopped caring.
May 19, 2023
Book one
The editing of this book isn't the worst I've seen, but it isn't that good either.
The story is interesting and the cards are very neat. This is why the book got four stars instead of three. Better editing is definitely needed though. To many authors are in a hurry to make a quick buck and don't take the time to correct mistakes. This is not a good thing when the story comes from somewhere like Royalroad, because I know that readers will point out every mistake in the comments.
7/10
The editing of this book isn't the worst I've seen, but it isn't that good either.
The story is interesting and the cards are very neat. This is why the book got four stars instead of three. Better editing is definitely needed though. To many authors are in a hurry to make a quick buck and don't take the time to correct mistakes. This is not a good thing when the story comes from somewhere like Royalroad, because I know that readers will point out every mistake in the comments.
7/10
September 7, 2024
Awesome card system and upgrade processes!
This was awesome. I am growing to love these CardLit stories more and more. The sheer diversity of the card system and upgrade process made this story super fun.
The only downside is that the MC has so many abilities that some tend to get forgotten quite frequently. Like the spell thief one. That is minor though. This was a blast to read!
This was awesome. I am growing to love these CardLit stories more and more. The sheer diversity of the card system and upgrade process made this story super fun.
The only downside is that the MC has so many abilities that some tend to get forgotten quite frequently. Like the spell thief one. That is minor though. This was a blast to read!
July 21, 2023
Ok
This beginning was overall enjoyable however it suffered from poor editing and inconsistency. Specifically in chapter 42 things are described as happening and the a few paragraphs later the same thing is described as if it wasn't mentioned before. After that chapter it becomes a difficult and frustrating read. I wanted to like this more and I think it has potential but the quality is lacking.
This beginning was overall enjoyable however it suffered from poor editing and inconsistency. Specifically in chapter 42 things are described as happening and the a few paragraphs later the same thing is described as if it wasn't mentioned before. After that chapter it becomes a difficult and frustrating read. I wanted to like this more and I think it has potential but the quality is lacking.
August 23, 2023
It would have been a 5/5 if it weren't for the complete stupidity/naivety of the main characters.
Oh, someone has been trying to kill you the entire book? Best to never attack or outright kill them in self defense or otherwise. I'm sure they'll change their mind eventually and everything will work out...
So. F'ing. Stupid.
Oh, someone has been trying to kill you the entire book? Best to never attack or outright kill them in self defense or otherwise. I'm sure they'll change their mind eventually and everything will work out...
So. F'ing. Stupid.
July 13, 2023
Good story
Liked the story. Nice to see a tower climbing progression fantasy set in the past rather than the present.
The MC seems pretty intelligent and likable.
One negative I noticed is the editing. There were quite a few typos and even multiple spots where there were spaces between the words and the punctuation at the end of sentences.
Will definitely check out book two.
Liked the story. Nice to see a tower climbing progression fantasy set in the past rather than the present.
The MC seems pretty intelligent and likable.
One negative I noticed is the editing. There were quite a few typos and even multiple spots where there were spaces between the words and the punctuation at the end of sentences.
Will definitely check out book two.
May 22, 2023
awesome mix of tower and card-style magic
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book. It is great take on a tower climb. The Mc isn’t OP. It develops at a nice pace. You aren’t racing up the tower. Though it is still full of action.
The real star is the magic system. Card based magic system tend to suck, but this one is done well. Without giving too much away, you can mix and match them for more effects to create a deck or sorts. However, cards grant limited skills, which are flexible in use. It makes combat more fluid and dynamic.
Highly recommend if you like tower climbs or card based litrpg.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book. It is great take on a tower climb. The Mc isn’t OP. It develops at a nice pace. You aren’t racing up the tower. Though it is still full of action.
The real star is the magic system. Card based magic system tend to suck, but this one is done well. Without giving too much away, you can mix and match them for more effects to create a deck or sorts. However, cards grant limited skills, which are flexible in use. It makes combat more fluid and dynamic.
Highly recommend if you like tower climbs or card based litrpg.
May 7, 2024
Spell Thief (Tower of Cards #1):
Spell Thief by J. Pal plunges readers into a mesmerizing world where magic and danger intertwine in a thrilling tale of deceit and redemption. Pal's debut novel casts a spell of its own, weaving together intricate plot threads and vibrant characters that captivate from start to finish.
Characterization:
Pal excels in crafting multi-dimensional characters with complex motivations and flaws. From the enigmatic Mara to the charming rogue Finn, each character adds depth and nuance to the story, making them feel both relatable and compelling.
World-building:
The Tower of Cards universe is richly detailed, brimming with magic, political intrigue, and danger at every turn. Pal's vivid descriptions breathe life into the world, immersing readers in its sights, sounds, and secrets.
Comparison to Contemporaries:
Spell Thief stands out among its contemporaries with its fresh take on the fantasy genre and its emphasis on intricate plot twists and morally ambiguous characters. While reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series in its blend of magic and heist elements, Pal's debut offers a unique flavor all its own.
Final Verdict:
Spell Thief is a spellbinding debut that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Tower of Cards series. With its gripping narrative, memorable characters, and immersive world-building, J. Pal has crafted a must-read fantasy adventure that will delight fans of the genre.
May 18, 2023
I actually love J Pal's work, so I gave the Spell Thief a go. I found that I enjoyed the book a lot, inspite of the very slow start as the world and character building progressed. Dia was a very thoughtful and respectful young man, even if it crossed against his own opinion.
His plan was to climb the tower to get stronger inorder to prove his brother's innocents. The goal never changed but became more immediate when his best friend's life is threatened! But first beating the tower, will be no easy task. Filled with both monsters, and greedy noble houses ready to stop him no matter the cost.
This is only the second gamelit I've read that plays around with cards instead of stats to get stronger. The first one being Jake's Magical Market and I still find it quite unique, and fun style of gamelit writing.
So yeah, grab the book and see what you think.
His plan was to climb the tower to get stronger inorder to prove his brother's innocents. The goal never changed but became more immediate when his best friend's life is threatened! But first beating the tower, will be no easy task. Filled with both monsters, and greedy noble houses ready to stop him no matter the cost.
This is only the second gamelit I've read that plays around with cards instead of stats to get stronger. The first one being Jake's Magical Market and I still find it quite unique, and fun style of gamelit writing.
So yeah, grab the book and see what you think.
May 23, 2023
A great book in need of serious editing
The story is great, the characters are great, and the ideas are great. But this story badly needs an editor. Extra spaces are common and typos scattered about. Even a few moments where the same thought is repeated in the same paragraph. Definitely worth reading however.
As for the plot itself, it's great, with the exception that there are too many coincidences. The main character just keeps running into his enemies despite the world being massive.
The story is great, the characters are great, and the ideas are great. But this story badly needs an editor. Extra spaces are common and typos scattered about. Even a few moments where the same thought is repeated in the same paragraph. Definitely worth reading however.
As for the plot itself, it's great, with the exception that there are too many coincidences. The main character just keeps running into his enemies despite the world being massive.
June 29, 2023
Lots of potential
The start of the story is a bit slow and filled with exposition drama, but when the MC starts his journey things get interesting.
The card based magic system is cool, the male characters are well written, the female characters are lacking in depth but some are real badass.
As for the story, it feels like there is lots of potential to it, I hope the author will keep the good work.
The ending is a bit random, it's got the feel of the end of a chapter and not of an arc or a book.
All in all I enjoyed it very much.
4/5
The start of the story is a bit slow and filled with exposition drama, but when the MC starts his journey things get interesting.
The card based magic system is cool, the male characters are well written, the female characters are lacking in depth but some are real badass.
As for the story, it feels like there is lots of potential to it, I hope the author will keep the good work.
The ending is a bit random, it's got the feel of the end of a chapter and not of an arc or a book.
All in all I enjoyed it very much.
4/5
May 24, 2023
Decent start
It's a neat idea for the start of a series. There's some minor mess ups using him instead of her and vice versa. It did feel like it was rushing threw floors rather then "traveling the path less take" as the Mc tries to say he's doing.i hope the next book takes some time to explore the floors rather then just saying it took a few days to get someplace. Other then those points I enjoyed the story.
It's a neat idea for the start of a series. There's some minor mess ups using him instead of her and vice versa. It did feel like it was rushing threw floors rather then "traveling the path less take" as the Mc tries to say he's doing.i hope the next book takes some time to explore the floors rather then just saying it took a few days to get someplace. Other then those points I enjoyed the story.
June 4, 2023
An adaptive approach to LITRPG
J Pal continues to astound with the ever-connective nature of the Disk Verse and its’ subsequent attachments. In Spell Thief, we get to see an underdog dealt the short hand by Gaia herself, however, he refuses to let it bar him from uncovering a hidden truth that has plagued his mind. Along the way he makes several lasting connections that help him navigate the treacherous tower
J Pal continues to astound with the ever-connective nature of the Disk Verse and its’ subsequent attachments. In Spell Thief, we get to see an underdog dealt the short hand by Gaia herself, however, he refuses to let it bar him from uncovering a hidden truth that has plagued his mind. Along the way he makes several lasting connections that help him navigate the treacherous tower
July 31, 2023
Help me read more books
Not a bad showing. I think this is the first one I've read from this author, and it's interesting enough that I'll probably read more. It's another card deck building LitRPG, something that isn't my favorite subgenre, but it works, and the story isn't a bad one, so it's worth following it to see where it goes.
If you're a card deck story fan, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
Not a bad showing. I think this is the first one I've read from this author, and it's interesting enough that I'll probably read more. It's another card deck building LitRPG, something that isn't my favorite subgenre, but it works, and the story isn't a bad one, so it's worth following it to see where it goes.
If you're a card deck story fan, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
February 9, 2025
It started off a bit rough but gets better the longer it goes. The card powers were much more restrictive than I've seen elsewhere but had some distinct advantages. Everyone has a personal "soul" card of 1 of 4 types/levels was interesting. Where this series really shows its willingness to grow is by granting the MC a very weak seeming soul card and forcing him to overcome a lot of different biases to make his way.
May 20, 2023
Surprisingly good
A great first novel for this author, I was pleasantly surprised with how well structured and written the story was. I’m definitely going to pick up the second one, and hope that the decision to not do a romance continues as those portions were the weakest of the novel.
A great first novel for this author, I was pleasantly surprised with how well structured and written the story was. I’m definitely going to pick up the second one, and hope that the decision to not do a romance continues as those portions were the weakest of the novel.
May 22, 2023
KU Review
Very interesting premise and the historical setting is definitely a fun twist. MC is well developed with a great backstory driving his motivations.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Very interesting premise and the historical setting is definitely a fun twist. MC is well developed with a great backstory driving his motivations.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
September 25, 2023
Fun entry from a good author
J Pal has crafted a solid fusion of the deck building and tower climbing genres. Good pacing and fun action sequences mixed with a system that is well-explained and has a good variety of power sets, as well as a likable MC and friends that grow at a believable pace, make for a good read! Highly recommended!
J Pal has crafted a solid fusion of the deck building and tower climbing genres. Good pacing and fun action sequences mixed with a system that is well-explained and has a good variety of power sets, as well as a likable MC and friends that grow at a believable pace, make for a good read! Highly recommended!
November 1, 2025
Riveting and intriguing but it could have used another pass by an editor. A couple times sentences were missing connecting words. Other times, homophones were used such as “teaming” instead of “teeming” and “hostels” instead of “hostiles”. Overall though an interesting and fun magic system and it left enough to chew on and want more.
May 19, 2023
great first entry
A fresh take on the tower and litrpg genres. The story, characters and systems were all developed well. I think a little more editing in future installments would help - but that’s a nitpick.
A fresh take on the tower and litrpg genres. The story, characters and systems were all developed well. I think a little more editing in future installments would help - but that’s a nitpick.
September 1, 2023
New series with promise
Well this is a new series that so far I am enjoying. The character interactions are very interesting. I look forward to the next one and wonder if things are gonna go with the direction I expect.
Well this is a new series that so far I am enjoying. The character interactions are very interesting. I look forward to the next one and wonder if things are gonna go with the direction I expect.
September 8, 2023
A fun and creative progression novel
Tower of Cards does an excellent job of introducing an interesting main character with real problems in a well-realized environment. A hidden gem in progression fantasy, I highly recommend.
Tower of Cards does an excellent job of introducing an interesting main character with real problems in a well-realized environment. A hidden gem in progression fantasy, I highly recommend.
October 6, 2023
Meh it's ok just barely
Really did not enjoy this tale , a lot of crap gets piled on the mc and he makes mistakes someone with his exp wouldn't. He is also underpowered and it's just too much hate on the mc
Really did not enjoy this tale , a lot of crap gets piled on the mc and he makes mistakes someone with his exp wouldn't. He is also underpowered and it's just too much hate on the mc
November 1, 2023
Fun Read
This story had a cool fusion of ideas and a good story to go with the world building. It was a little light on the numbers compared to my usual reads but was well worth the read.
This story had a cool fusion of ideas and a good story to go with the world building. It was a little light on the numbers compared to my usual reads but was well worth the read.
August 27, 2024
incredible
Incredible plot. The story is riveting. The characters are as diverse as all get out and full of depth. All wrapped up in a colorful and expansive world that is both fantastical while still maintaining its own brand of logic.
Incredible plot. The story is riveting. The characters are as diverse as all get out and full of depth. All wrapped up in a colorful and expansive world that is both fantastical while still maintaining its own brand of logic.
May 20, 2023
I could tell from the way they set up Edgar what kind of a story it was going to be, and I was right. Miserable.
May 22, 2023
Solid writing. A bit YA but well-edited and looking to see how they progress in Book 2
June 26, 2023
DNF-- the story tripped a couple of my pet peeves early and failed to grab my interest later. Diya is (should be) a side character, not an MC.
July 6, 2023
Great start of a new series. I liked the main characters and magic system. Interested in learning more about the world in the next book
July 8, 2023
Interesting
A good opening for a series. Intriguing power system, politics and star cross ....I'm looking forward to the next book
A good opening for a series. Intriguing power system, politics and star cross ....I'm looking forward to the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews