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Legends of the Tainted #1
The Mage From Nowhere
Not a legend. Not a protector. Not even a sorcerer. Tarak was just fine with that, until, in a single day, his whole world was taken from him.
Tarak is thrown into a strange city with just a few coppers in his pocket and the tainted shadow of his family following him. At least the ale is better, but famine and poverty make it a little hard to enjoy that. With no one to call his friend and almost no knowledge of sorcery, Tarak will have to compete with the best sorcerers if he wishes to remain free.
Tarak had done a pretty good job of avoiding what his single-minded father called his “destiny” for seventeen years, but now his identity is revealed, and it's drawing more attention than a tear through the rump of his pants.
It’s looking like an uphill road, but there are some major bonuses. It turns out sorcery is not as complicated as his father made it seem, and not every sorcerer has to be as virtuous as the old dog.
Tarak is thrown into a strange city with just a few coppers in his pocket and the tainted shadow of his family following him. At least the ale is better, but famine and poverty make it a little hard to enjoy that. With no one to call his friend and almost no knowledge of sorcery, Tarak will have to compete with the best sorcerers if he wishes to remain free.
Tarak had done a pretty good job of avoiding what his single-minded father called his “destiny” for seventeen years, but now his identity is revealed, and it's drawing more attention than a tear through the rump of his pants.
It’s looking like an uphill road, but there are some major bonuses. It turns out sorcery is not as complicated as his father made it seem, and not every sorcerer has to be as virtuous as the old dog.
742 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2023
1009 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 4, 2023
Rubbish
Didn’t like it at all. Tried very hard to read it and got about a third of the way through. Then I had to give it. Honestly, it felt as if it was written by a child. So disjointed.
Didn’t like it at all. Tried very hard to read it and got about a third of the way through. Then I had to give it. Honestly, it felt as if it was written by a child. So disjointed.
July 22, 2023
Quit two thirds in.
Between the poor description of the setting and the bland characters, this is incredibly boring. The main character is very unlikable and predictable. The whole thing is just tedious.
Between the poor description of the setting and the bland characters, this is incredibly boring. The main character is very unlikable and predictable. The whole thing is just tedious.
May 6, 2024
Could only stand 100 pages.
Every character in this book was thoroughly unappealing and unlikable. Around page 80 I forced myself to read to page 100 to see if it got better. It didn't get better, so I will be moving on to a book by (hopefully) a better author.
Every character in this book was thoroughly unappealing and unlikable. Around page 80 I forced myself to read to page 100 to see if it got better. It didn't get better, so I will be moving on to a book by (hopefully) a better author.
July 8, 2024
2.5 stars rounded down.
It's... a book. It sure is a book. The magic system was marginally interesting, if superficially implemented. The characters only seemed to have depth if I squinted, as did the setting. It's bizarre and facile that these centuries-old godlike sorcerers are walking around making judgments on who is "good" or "bad" or "wicked," rather than who is "righteous," "justified," "tyrannical," etc. And then on the next page, they change their minds on a whim, and it doesn't matter anyway. Because this book takes place in a larger narrative, I did feel left out of a lot of the events and characters that I'm sure played a part in the other series. Picked this book up on a whim, but won't be continuing.
It's... a book. It sure is a book. The magic system was marginally interesting, if superficially implemented. The characters only seemed to have depth if I squinted, as did the setting. It's bizarre and facile that these centuries-old godlike sorcerers are walking around making judgments on who is "good" or "bad" or "wicked," rather than who is "righteous," "justified," "tyrannical," etc. And then on the next page, they change their minds on a whim, and it doesn't matter anyway. Because this book takes place in a larger narrative, I did feel left out of a lot of the events and characters that I'm sure played a part in the other series. Picked this book up on a whim, but won't be continuing.
April 25, 2024
The Characters behave idiotically. I guess this behavioural portrayal to be the authors attempt at comedy and drama but it falls flat in the extreme.
Also I have never read a story where the Sorcerers/Mages - (Also make up your mind as to what sort of magic user they are Mage, Sorcerer, Wizard ...) - are so inept especially the MC.
Main character is in a small battle at the end of the story - It was just so poorly executed/written that I found it impossible to imagine what was going on. It felt more like a turn based game with conversations, as to actions planned and taken, than a combat action of any sort. Also the area it takes place so lacks description as to make it even worse.
The magic system in the story, as a whole, also never felt understandable to me the way the characters make use of it. I was asking myself ¨Wtf are these morons doing!?¨ just about all the time.
Also I have never read a story where the Sorcerers/Mages - (Also make up your mind as to what sort of magic user they are Mage, Sorcerer, Wizard ...) - are so inept especially the MC.
Main character is in a small battle at the end of the story - It was just so poorly executed/written that I found it impossible to imagine what was going on. It felt more like a turn based game with conversations, as to actions planned and taken, than a combat action of any sort. Also the area it takes place so lacks description as to make it even worse.
The magic system in the story, as a whole, also never felt understandable to me the way the characters make use of it. I was asking myself ¨Wtf are these morons doing!?¨ just about all the time.
June 23, 2024
Don't know what was worse, the writing or the narrator, but apparently the mc is not actually a spoiled, whiny 12 year old, but a 17 year old who is just extremely lazy, and whiny...
July 5, 2023
Good fantasy (with one dumb flaw)
B.T. Narro has written a good fantasy, clearly the first of a series. It has interesting world building, an interesting (if annoyingly self-centered) protagonist, and a take on magic and spell casting that I haven’t seen before.
Unfortunately, the author persists in referring to the royal sorcerers, who range in age from the protagonist’s mere 17 years through their early-mid 20s, as “boys and girls”, despite the fact that all but the protagonist fought in the recent war. This is essentially the same as calling a platoon of combat-experienced Marines “boys and girls”— it’s clearly both inaccurate and a demeaning.
I only hope that in subsequent volumes of this series the author manages to refer to his characters as young men and women (which they clearly are).
B.T. Narro has written a good fantasy, clearly the first of a series. It has interesting world building, an interesting (if annoyingly self-centered) protagonist, and a take on magic and spell casting that I haven’t seen before.
Unfortunately, the author persists in referring to the royal sorcerers, who range in age from the protagonist’s mere 17 years through their early-mid 20s, as “boys and girls”, despite the fact that all but the protagonist fought in the recent war. This is essentially the same as calling a platoon of combat-experienced Marines “boys and girls”— it’s clearly both inaccurate and a demeaning.
I only hope that in subsequent volumes of this series the author manages to refer to his characters as young men and women (which they clearly are).
August 26, 2023
Good Read
Tarak is the son of a god like being. He doesn't get along with his father. His father tries to teach him his magic but it doesn't take. Tarak's opinion of his father's teaching methods is not fit for public consumption. It probably doesn't help that Tarak is lazy and only interested in drinking and sleeping. He is thrust into the world on his own and finds friends, learns magic, protects, but retains his roguish character. Mischief, study, battle, and romance ensue. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Tarak is the son of a god like being. He doesn't get along with his father. His father tries to teach him his magic but it doesn't take. Tarak's opinion of his father's teaching methods is not fit for public consumption. It probably doesn't help that Tarak is lazy and only interested in drinking and sleeping. He is thrust into the world on his own and finds friends, learns magic, protects, but retains his roguish character. Mischief, study, battle, and romance ensue. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
December 19, 2023
Hated the MC
This is the second time I tried to read this book but stopped cause of the dislike of the mc
This is the second time I tried to read this book but stopped cause of the dislike of the mc
October 23, 2023
It's a decent book, but it didn't quite resonate with me. It has its strong points, but also some shortcomings that led me to stop here and forego continuing with the series. It's essential to note that this is a young adult book, and my opinion is likely influenced by the fact that I might have appreciated it more in my teenage years. So perhaps it's a case of the right book at the wrong time.
Putting the generational aspect aside, let me share my thoughts. The story follows Tarak, a teenager who is the son of a great mage but has never paid much attention to his magical heritage. Due to a major war among the mages, his father propels Tarak into the future to ensure his survival and fulfill his potential.
A significant portion of the book revolves around Tarak adapting to this new reality. He makes friends, learns to harness some of his powers, and goes on a few small adventures. It's not bad, but it's not particularly outstanding. Just after the 75% mark (yes, let's talk about slow-paced books), the real challenge finally presents itself.
Once again, I must emphasize that it's not a bad book. The writing flows smoothly, the setting is intriguing, Tarak is a well-developed character, and the secondary characters are adequate. However, it feels like an extended, overly long introduction to something more substantial.
Now, the youthful atmosphere of the book. Every character in the story acts their age, and there are plenty of pranks and puns. Everything is resolved in a positive and constructive manner, akin to a life lesson on how great the world is. There's a lack of darkness, significant conflict, deep struggles, or surprising twists.
Regarding the magic system, while there is a considerable amount of magic, it's described in a lengthy and somewhat tedious manner. At times, it felt like I was learning the rules of a board game rather than immersing myself in a fantasy novel.
Lastly, there is only one mention of a queer character, and it felt entirely disconnected from the story and unnecessary. This is a heteronormative book, which is acceptable, but the representation of this character and the most "positive" reaction towards his orientation being, "It doesn't matter to me; I'll keep your secret," felt like a letdown. Given the numerous moral messages conveyed throughout the book, this response was far from satisfactory.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a well-written, slow-paced young adult fantasy book, you might enjoy it. Despite my criticisms, I did find some redeeming aspects in the story, and I plan to explore other titles by the same author. However, if you, like me, prefer something more mature and less youth-oriented, it might not be the best choice for you.
Putting the generational aspect aside, let me share my thoughts. The story follows Tarak, a teenager who is the son of a great mage but has never paid much attention to his magical heritage. Due to a major war among the mages, his father propels Tarak into the future to ensure his survival and fulfill his potential.
A significant portion of the book revolves around Tarak adapting to this new reality. He makes friends, learns to harness some of his powers, and goes on a few small adventures. It's not bad, but it's not particularly outstanding. Just after the 75% mark (yes, let's talk about slow-paced books), the real challenge finally presents itself.
Once again, I must emphasize that it's not a bad book. The writing flows smoothly, the setting is intriguing, Tarak is a well-developed character, and the secondary characters are adequate. However, it feels like an extended, overly long introduction to something more substantial.
Now, the youthful atmosphere of the book. Every character in the story acts their age, and there are plenty of pranks and puns. Everything is resolved in a positive and constructive manner, akin to a life lesson on how great the world is. There's a lack of darkness, significant conflict, deep struggles, or surprising twists.
Regarding the magic system, while there is a considerable amount of magic, it's described in a lengthy and somewhat tedious manner. At times, it felt like I was learning the rules of a board game rather than immersing myself in a fantasy novel.
Lastly, there is only one mention of a queer character, and it felt entirely disconnected from the story and unnecessary. This is a heteronormative book, which is acceptable, but the representation of this character and the most "positive" reaction towards his orientation being, "It doesn't matter to me; I'll keep your secret," felt like a letdown. Given the numerous moral messages conveyed throughout the book, this response was far from satisfactory.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a well-written, slow-paced young adult fantasy book, you might enjoy it. Despite my criticisms, I did find some redeeming aspects in the story, and I plan to explore other titles by the same author. However, if you, like me, prefer something more mature and less youth-oriented, it might not be the best choice for you.
June 9, 2024
Strong start, quickly loses itself.
The protagonist is Tarak, a sort of rebellious good-for-nothing teenager who would rather gamble, drink, and sleep around than do any work. He's interesting enough at the start, and I found myself wanting to see how he would deal with the problems that would arrive due to his personality. He has an interesting way of making coin, which is illegal lumbering, and I found it funny. It gets him into trouble, and his personality only deepens it. The highlight of the book is when they try to force him to cooperate or to pay for his crimes. That is also when the book implodes, because so far, Tarak had shown himself to be a rebel that would resist at all costs to being forced to do something against his will, yet here he simply submits. He never recovers after this, he simply becomes unrecognizable. For the rest of the book, he feels like a completely different person. He shifts from a rebellious scoundrel to a "noble barbarian" sort of character. It's very jarring.
At about this point, warning signs started blaring in my mind. A bunch of out-of-place scenes just forced into the story that felt disjointed from the rest of the book. I started rolling my eyes at yet another instance of a story lost to medieval californication.
The protagonist is Tarak, a sort of rebellious good-for-nothing teenager who would rather gamble, drink, and sleep around than do any work. He's interesting enough at the start, and I found myself wanting to see how he would deal with the problems that would arrive due to his personality. He has an interesting way of making coin, which is illegal lumbering, and I found it funny. It gets him into trouble, and his personality only deepens it. The highlight of the book is when they try to force him to cooperate or to pay for his crimes. That is also when the book implodes, because so far, Tarak had shown himself to be a rebel that would resist at all costs to being forced to do something against his will, yet here he simply submits. He never recovers after this, he simply becomes unrecognizable. For the rest of the book, he feels like a completely different person. He shifts from a rebellious scoundrel to a "noble barbarian" sort of character. It's very jarring.
At about this point, warning signs started blaring in my mind. A bunch of out-of-place scenes just forced into the story that felt disjointed from the rest of the book. I started rolling my eyes at yet another instance of a story lost to medieval californication.
May 20, 2024
It's the writing.
The story structure is all over the F***ING place.
No coherence, no logic and no progression.
If it came out as written by AI i would absolutely believe it.
The idea is there, I think. But it has no magic, no interest in giving you any fantasy and a LOT of interest in giving you characters to hate.
The protagonist skirts the hate simply by encountering people that force him to be the least of the bad options.
And it goes on. You get new characters introduced every 7 pages for about 15 pages then new ones come in.
The plot is stopped to make sure those harry stu and marie sue secondary characters get their time in the sun and we get no idea what NEEDS to happen.
The "Mage" does not magic and we certainly know where he comes from but i guess the asshole from the hole in the ground would have been a little too on the nose.
Hard pass. hard pass so hard DO try to to get an AI to rewrite it please.
The story structure is all over the F***ING place.
No coherence, no logic and no progression.
If it came out as written by AI i would absolutely believe it.
The idea is there, I think. But it has no magic, no interest in giving you any fantasy and a LOT of interest in giving you characters to hate.
The protagonist skirts the hate simply by encountering people that force him to be the least of the bad options.
And it goes on. You get new characters introduced every 7 pages for about 15 pages then new ones come in.
The plot is stopped to make sure those harry stu and marie sue secondary characters get their time in the sun and we get no idea what NEEDS to happen.
The "Mage" does not magic and we certainly know where he comes from but i guess the asshole from the hole in the ground would have been a little too on the nose.
Hard pass. hard pass so hard DO try to to get an AI to rewrite it please.
June 18, 2023
Tarak is not the typical hero, but he works so well as the lead in this story. I really enjoyed the more relaxed, comedic elements in this book, and I hope it will be a trend across the entire series. I found myself completely immersed in this new storyline and couldn’t put the book down! It’s a big book too, with plenty to keep you busy and entertained. Now I just can’t wait for the next one to come out!
October 21, 2023
Time
Time it controls everything in a person's life. But also with time a person grows and learns as did our friend Tarrk. Now he must face all the hardships that life has put in front of them and all the rewards that come With those hardships. The author has done a great job a blending all this together into 1 book you'll find by reading it that you will be blessed by the words thank you.
Time it controls everything in a person's life. But also with time a person grows and learns as did our friend Tarrk. Now he must face all the hardships that life has put in front of them and all the rewards that come With those hardships. The author has done a great job a blending all this together into 1 book you'll find by reading it that you will be blessed by the words thank you.
December 21, 2023
Meh
Protagonist is kind of annoying and that he had all this time to learn from the father and wasted it. And with almost no effort what's lever, he's instantly able to do all kinds of magical spells but also at the same time that's almost no experimenting to learn new spells which is easily within this ability to do. Then his mother shows back up and for swearing. He was leaving forever and just give everyone every answer to every magical question ever.
Protagonist is kind of annoying and that he had all this time to learn from the father and wasted it. And with almost no effort what's lever, he's instantly able to do all kinds of magical spells but also at the same time that's almost no experimenting to learn new spells which is easily within this ability to do. Then his mother shows back up and for swearing. He was leaving forever and just give everyone every answer to every magical question ever.
September 22, 2024
The characters are about as shallow as a puddle on the sidewalk and you'd think the author is in junior high by the hackneyed writing style. I gave it two stars because I did like the creative explanations of spell casting and notes.
If you like poorly written books with characters who live in medieval times but who talk like 21st century Jr highers, then this could be your jam. But if you like we'll written books, opt for anything by Craig Johnson.
If you like poorly written books with characters who live in medieval times but who talk like 21st century Jr highers, then this could be your jam. But if you like we'll written books, opt for anything by Craig Johnson.
November 14, 2024
While this book has 220 5 star reviews on Goodreads, of the 10 on the first page, 8 are 1 or 2 stars -- they're the most upvoted ones. Pretty strong hint that the author paid for those 5 star reviews...
Anyway, the book itself. Writing was awful, characters were awful, not one thing enjoyable about this book. The main character's name is Tarak, which sounds more like a caveman name than a powerful mage with a "destiny".
DNFed early on.
Anyway, the book itself. Writing was awful, characters were awful, not one thing enjoyable about this book. The main character's name is Tarak, which sounds more like a caveman name than a powerful mage with a "destiny".
DNFed early on.
October 12, 2024
Oh I loved this book. It's funny and it made me smile. The magic system is unique with the notes system and it was interesting seeing the main character learn it and get all kinds of cool powers.
I liked the perspective of the book, as the main character learns the world as we do and he sees how fucked up it is because he's not from there.
I liked the perspective of the book, as the main character learns the world as we do and he sees how fucked up it is because he's not from there.
June 21, 2023
The Return
Such a wonderful world this is. So many surprises, intrigue, and action. I must go back and reread the other books to fulfill my desire to reacquaint myself with everyone again. Thank you to BT Narro for this exciting new chapter to his fantastic series.
Such a wonderful world this is. So many surprises, intrigue, and action. I must go back and reread the other books to fulfill my desire to reacquaint myself with everyone again. Thank you to BT Narro for this exciting new chapter to his fantastic series.
July 12, 2023
Excellent read
A great premise with a believable main character. I really liked how the main character did seem like a man out of time for a good part of the book. It took him time to learn "modern" language and made the character very believable and relatable.
A great premise with a believable main character. I really liked how the main character did seem like a man out of time for a good part of the book. It took him time to learn "modern" language and made the character very believable and relatable.
August 9, 2023
Fun book
This had a lot of character development, and a fun concept. I really enjoyed it, Tara’s is such a character makes me laugh all through the book. If you haven’t read this one yet give it a try.
This had a lot of character development, and a fun concept. I really enjoyed it, Tara’s is such a character makes me laugh all through the book. If you haven’t read this one yet give it a try.
August 19, 2023
A good / great story. But confusing at times.
The story takes a long time to really get going and the characters were confusing as to who was who. But I knew if I stuck with it, the problem would take care of itself, and it did.
I am looking Vira a
The story takes a long time to really get going and the characters were confusing as to who was who. But I knew if I stuck with it, the problem would take care of itself, and it did.
I am looking Vira a
September 10, 2023
Very interesting
This story kept me intrigued. Often I will read three or more books simultaneously. When I get bored with the chapter in one, I jump to another. This story is interesting because while I am not crazy about the world or its setting, the story has me hooked.
This story kept me intrigued. Often I will read three or more books simultaneously. When I get bored with the chapter in one, I jump to another. This story is interesting because while I am not crazy about the world or its setting, the story has me hooked.
October 7, 2023
it’s worth the read
I found this by accident, and only read it thru the other reviews that said it was worth the read. I’ll share it is worth it. Interesting characters and world building, whilst limited in scope, it interesting and entertaining.
I found this by accident, and only read it thru the other reviews that said it was worth the read. I’ll share it is worth it. Interesting characters and world building, whilst limited in scope, it interesting and entertaining.
January 27, 2024
Fantastic read
I have been reading Narros books for a while. The writing gets better with every page. I enjoy how he took characters from another series and is slowly bridging alot of the world's he has previously written about. Excited to see the next book
I have been reading Narros books for a while. The writing gets better with every page. I enjoy how he took characters from another series and is slowly bridging alot of the world's he has previously written about. Excited to see the next book
June 25, 2023
Pretty good story
Fun and exciting easy read. Characters can be bit shallow at times but the story is interesting. Not a bad read at all.
Fun and exciting easy read. Characters can be bit shallow at times but the story is interesting. Not a bad read at all.
July 5, 2023
Fantastic
So far B.T. Narro has not disappointed. I have read every single book he wrote and cannot get enough of the characters and the world he has created!
So far B.T. Narro has not disappointed. I have read every single book he wrote and cannot get enough of the characters and the world he has created!
August 1, 2023
Growing up is hard to do.
A very good book. Well written with great character development and world building. I really cared for the characters and their dilemma.
A very good book. Well written with great character development and world building. I really cared for the characters and their dilemma.
August 13, 2023
Excellent
I really enjoyed this story and looking forward for the next book. I m know u write quickly. Get busy .
I really enjoyed this story and looking forward for the next book. I m know u write quickly. Get busy .
August 19, 2023
Great start of a new book. Like the world and the characters. Very unique magic system which i like a lot and can not wait to read the next book. Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews