I know what I am. But what am I to become? I’ve left the life of an adventurer behind. I’m now the captain of a powerful mercenary company, in pursuit of much bigger prizes. But the city of Avanasia is not like the wilderness I once wandered. Its politics are as opaque as the river that flows through it. My enemies are many and hidden, and the identity of my friends is unclear. The Thieves Guild wants things from me, as do the fanatical tribes of the desert, with their allegiances to gods I little understand. And that matters. Because the gods of this world lie behind my challenges. They have plans for me. Plans for me to become something I can barely perceive. Perhaps even to become one of them. Warlord of Empyrea is an isekai fantasy adventure in the theme of classic barbarian pulp fiction.
Michael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
I very much liked the first two books. This is a significant step down sadly. Cayden takes his next step in his way to the top of Empyrea. However the way it happens is entirely unrealistic. Everything just falls into his lap.
He gets a ship as a present. Someone offers to bring him into the city for free. Then he gets half a mercenary company from a complete stranger. People that have never met him before want to form alliances with him. People who‘s comrades he killed suddenly decide to follow him. A random power up in the middle of a fight.
What I liked about these books so far, was that Cayden actually was a realistic protagonist, that had to work for what he got. No op abilities. No larger amount of plot armor. In this book tho, the author gave the protagonist all the plotarmor and power ups he held back and then some… He also added 3 new women to his harem, which is too much in too short an amount of time. I can’t even remember the name of the last one. -> 2,5 stars
A five star story for sure. Action, adventure, intrigue, battles and love.
An excellent story from the first page of book one to the last page of book three. The graphics in the story really added to the missive. I especially appreciated the picture of the croc-kin, tamsadi. I also enjoyed how the storyline intersected with the Master of thieves trilogy.
Im just sad that so far as I know there's only one more book in this excellent series. I have read many of the author's series and have enjoyed them, though I did give up on the Makalang series after book 3, but now that I have read more of his work I may revisit it.
I have enjoyed this story and the development of all the characters, often times only the main character is developed but each of the wives have their time in the sun so to speak. The way his orc wife keeps the other wives in line...it will be interesting to see what happens next! If you haven't read this series do so, you will be pleasantly surprised. On to the next one!
Volume 3 is all about Cayden making his way in Avanasia and sorting out the issues of the various factions. The plot expands and complicates rapidly, and we’ve gone way off track from the barbarian shenanigans that I was originally hoping for. He does continue to tend his harem with the aid of magical Viagra, so whatever I guess.
MC continues to build a solid team of friends and allies in large elven-dominated city. Tensions mount and old grudges erupt, forcing unexpected changes. Hard to say much without spoilers. Excellent editing. Ready for book 4.
In this book we see Cayden’s rise as a leader and more an add a few more friends to his band of followers, some epic fights will have him carve his place in the world
The characters are just a lot of fun to spend time with and get to know better. The plot swirls and twists like a raging river and you never know where the rocks will show up. Bring on Book 4!
This book adds some twists and turns as well as resolving a few issues that came up in previous volumes of the series. I especially like the cameos from other series. It helps fill out the world.
I have liked this series from this author. I have read several of his books and liked most of them with the exception of the Goblin series, which I didn't care for.