Dark Lord of the Farmstead: A High Fantasy Slice-of-Life LitRPG

Dark Lord of the Farmstead #1

by John Broadway

Once feared as the Dark Lord, I now seek a fresh start as a humble farmer. Isekaied into a level 86 Necromancer-King's body, I leave his life of war behind in favor of peace in the idyllic Borderlands. Upon meeting the elven maiden Narya Summerdew and a razor-toothed half-elven child, the three of us form an unlikely improvised family in the hopes of remaining anonymous. As we embrace the eccentric community of Gelderham, we find happiness in simplicity…But my past casts shadows on our growing bonds. How will Narya react when she learns her new husband was once the evil king set on destroying her people? In this heartwarming tale of farms, villages, side quests, and level progression, unexpected bonds help a trio of charming characters learn the importance of love and family as secrets are unveiled and hearts are healed. Dark Lord of the Farmstead is a cozy slice-of-life LitRPG. Enjoy a wholesome story fit for people who enjoy slow life fantasies with lower-than-average stakes and fun but flawed characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Slice Of Life, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Audiobook

488 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2023

Reviews

[Shreyas Deshpande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings:-🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

[No Name · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet book. Starts a bit slow and a few early mistakes by the MC made me cringe but then it hit its stride and was so sweet and such a great change of pace. It’s very much written as a man’s fantasy of the perfect life: simple life as a pillar of his community with a gorgeous wife who adores him and an adorable child. Also powerful magic, of course. To that end, Narya, the love interest, may not be appealing to female readers because she’s definitely a man’s idea of the perfect wife, not a woman’s, but she always felt like a real person to me. Meeko felt less real (the daughter) but was cute nonetheless. Papa Fish was the MVP.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was "okay". It was better written than I expected, but the cover is huge false advertisement. I though the protag would have been using the undead tor farm with, but that is far from the case.

I may pick up the sequel.

3/5 Stars

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok. Romance is very forced, and doesn't feel organic. Characters aren't well fleshed out. The main characters are, at best, two dimensional and the supporting characters are one dimensional. The whole plot is basically deus ex machina, with the system pulling all the strings.

The system is intentionally nerfed for the secondary class, which just feels a bit crap.

[Roberto Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, relaxing read. This has no major surprises but is still a very good story. Very easy to knock out in an afternoon.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, this is a bonkers set up :}

DNF at 50%. Kind of boring once the set up finished :/

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like 3 stars is rather generous for this one. It had a good premise and fairly interesting beginning but the execution was just lacking.
The MC gets isekaid. He wakes up in the body of the witch lord, not fully remembering his old life only to the point where he knows he is from another world. The memories return slowly over time and get explored. The witch lord is a cruel necromancer, who has led a war for many years against the humans and especially the elves in the new world. Only moments before MC takes over, the lord commands the beginn of the final battle to whipe out his enemies for good in a cruel and gruesome battle. The MC now confronted with potential genocide at his hands decides to pull the breaks. He fakes his own death, dismisses the summoned army and makes a run for it. On the road he meets the FMC and an elf that gets chased from bandits and saves her. The two, through the involvement of a rather peculiar system and magic decide to travel together, as the both have the same goal of finding a nice place and settling down for a bit to escape their past. The elf seems to be of noble background and to have lost quite a bit due to the war of the witch lord. Along the way they pick up some lost child from the side of the road. Boom now they‘re a happy family - father, mother, daughter. They find a village and begin their new life. So far so good. Shows quite a lot of potential.
Now it goes downhill.
The two main characters never really bond with each other or rather bond way to quickly. They got magic and system-quests that already tell them they are the perfect match so they instantly start flirting. The daughter seems to be a plot device. Not much character but the apparently adorable mascot for the story and glue to the two MC. The decision to put her into the story early despite not having established the personality and relationship of the MCs - questionable. The MC doesn’t have much personality except for the flat „good guy“ traits. For some reason he developes guilt over the deeds of his predecessor. This serves as the first obstacle to the romance, but tbh I dont get that part. Why would he feel guilty for something he never did. Makes no sense. Potential worries of her finding out about his identity without believing the isekai part would be way more logical. The timing of events feels off. Romantic moments get destroyed by the indecisiveness of the MC. Instead what gets used as big moment of revelation, is a simple cocking session together, without much buildup. The big secret apparently not so big as the fmc found out the other world part herself. Destroyed a potentially important bonding moment for me. Generally there is a lack of initiation on the MC’s side throughout the whole story, only adding to his bland personality. This lead to the romance falling asleep for well over 50% of the story. When something finally happened it didn’t feel built up through some flirting. More like „Well its been a month. Lets get it over with.“ The originally interesting system doesn’t get properly explored, reducing it to a simple plot device. The second class „Farmer“ and its potentially creative combination with the first class „necromancer“ gets neglected.

The characters are enjoyable but not fleshed out; The romance is cute at first but quickly gets boring and only stays shallow. The author created light hearted story, but it lacks something that really makes it stand out. The romance could be handled better.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Romanticism in form of slice of life romance in fantasy farmstead setting. Having have found himself in the body of the demon lord who's one step away from eradicating neighboring kingdom and securing regional dominance with his kingdom suffering from extended warfare, MC fakes demon lords death forcing both sides into tenuous peace and putting an end to a genocide on nation's scale. Pursuing slow life, MC sets out into the country side looking to take up farming.

The looks of main characters involved in the romance plot and the moments of intimacy are described with detail and appreciable sensuality. Taking in stride a world where RPG elements, e.g. voice announcements of status changes and quests, are natural phenomena author's take on this phenomena developing a religious following seems realistic. The wild child's antics when selecting class serve as a good background world building for how RPG elements are just a part of natural world in this literary world. The chaos witch class seems underappreciated and underutilized.

For a village on the borderland of two nations that are in a prolonged active military conflict the easy going and trusting attitude of villagers towards outsiders felt undeserving, personally, lacked extreme scrutinizing and paranoia. For a world with class system, what's more for a nation on prolonged if not existentially important for the nation war footing, individuals choosing classes freely in the open is unrealistic. If only two classes can be chosen then dynasties/clans would be the natural cultural norm, where craft, art, trade would be cultivated across generations and only complete hillbillies wouldn't aim to specialize. Also, for a village of several hundred the exceptionally talented folk seems to be too many. Every negative remark, observation could be rebuffed with 'It's the work of the system(/fate/destiny)', what immediately sours the story.

Conclusion: 2/5. Listened on Audible 1 credit, Narrated by: Jonathan Waters, Jessica Threet. Personally, missing horrific consequences to feel emotional involvement for the story. Slice of life youthful romance with questionable age difference between the romantic partners who adopt a child while both being in dangerous circumstances with questionable qualifications to be parents. Bad value per hour for this book - 2.88$/hour (33.90$ /11 hrs and 47 mins).

Expectations:
I don't intend to read the following books in the series due to the price and consequences as mentioned in 'Conclusion' paragraph.
1) Originally thought that the village where demon lord set roots would become an interim staging point for the two nations to heal, and unite in the end with a marriage between demon lord and high elf giving it political backing.
2) Something shady is behind village heads superior magical capabilities in the village (individual bags of holding for every villager that work in the whole valley where village is located, crafting system, credit system), would love if this were to be explored but I have a gut feeling that 'it's the work of the system' type of character without deeper forethought.
3) Wild soul child's past and soul's origin could be explored, but honestly nothing in book 1 sew the seeds to grow the interest in this possible plot point.
4) Necromancy controlled skeletons could be great manual laborers (think light novel 'Overlord' Ainz Ooal Gown's undead), but this is quickly forgotten in book one and instead we get to read how for months MC mines in quarry.

[Cody Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly, almost weirdly great book. Let's see, what do we have here:

● Absolutely bonkers setup. The title is...not wrong. And it becomes even more hilarious midway through the book when it turns out the protagonist settles in a town which basically has literal Stardew Valley mechanics (or Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, etc.) This is basically "what if Arthas Menethil moved to Stardew Valley and started trying to figure out how to use his skills to grow wheat", and it has no business being this great.
● Speaking of which, this is obviously a book with a strong LitRPG system (classes, levels, quests, crafting menus...), but it's well done, and used to help the plot, not drown it in numbers. If you love such things, you might wish there was a little more focus on XP and levelling and skill trees, but if they normally leave you cold, you'll probably still like this one.
● Really good romance plot. For the curious, there's a single romantic relationship. By the end of the book it's not been consumated, but they're deeply in love, have admitted their feelings, and are kissing regularly. And it's too cute for words.
● An actual good slice-of-life story, which (unlike in some books) isn't just an excuse for nothing to happen or an entire book of exposition, but instead means the entire book focuses on a handful of characters becoming friends, settling in, and building a new life.
● I think this is a novice writer's first book, but if so the writing skill and editing is shockingly decent, and more than good enough to carry the weight of what's being attempted here.

There's just not much to dislike here. If this book is your cup of tea, you'll love it. If it's not...you're still going to enjoy it. It's just cute and fluffy and nice.

If there's an issue, it's that the book is so fun that I want to read the sequel immediately, but it's not coming out for another month.

[Angelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely loved this so much, it's not a perfect book but it is amazing. I also HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. I started reading the book using kindleunlimited but ended up going back and forth between the two because I found the narration so wonderful, the different character voices truly bring the story to life.

I was a bit nervous going into this book, I've been looking for a cozy fantasy to hit as well as Demon World Boba Shop or Heretical Fishing and so far nothing had satisfied that itch — until now that is. It feels a little odd describing this book as cozy as there are some VERY dark topics going on in the background, but the author does a pretty good job at focusing in on the sweet slice-of-life elements while balancing the history. I'm writing this after completing book 2 and the story truly only gets cozier.

I will say at first impression of Narya comes off very much as a vain princess, to the point it's almost excessive, but it's amusing as Gray calls her out on it, it also does calm down to a level where, like Gray, we can see it to be as an adorable trait rather than a red flag.

I sped through this book then jumped right into the 2nd one, if you're someone who knows they like this genre and are seeking a funny slice-of-life story that maintains a good balance between calm and chaos...then this is the book for you.

Also if you're someone with an Audible subscription or otherwise have access to the audiobook, it really is a delightful experience. Although a couple chapters of the ebook have additional character art that I loved and am glad I didn't miss out on.

[Andy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Lord of the Farmstead

Gray is suddenly aware that he is a new person. With all of his own and all of the original owner’s memories. At that moment, he realizes that he is the necromancer Witch King who is about to launch his armies of the dead and living soldiers to the final push to complete the high elven genocide. Naturally, his first instinct is to get out of there! During his escape across the countryside, he meets a new person to start a life with in hiding. She also happens to be a high elf.

This was a great cozy litrpg! The primary focus is on relationship building and found family. As a father, it really hit the right notes! I’m glad that I already bought book 2 in the last sale! Jonathan Waters and Jessica Threet do a fantastic job as narrators. It’s always a pleasure when there is a male and female narrator working together on an audible!

Content warning: none

[Obione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic 1st Book from a new Author
John has really created a fascinating book with really fleshed out characters both, male and female protagonists are really interesting to follow even the child is a full character!
The interplay with the 'system' is hilarious and a great light hearted take on LITRPG elements.

The best part is this is a great isakei/litrpg/Romance book that hits each of those elements and keeps you reading, a little bit for everyone.

I really loved the interplay with the village and quests that made the characters interact and the obsessive nature of the female protagonist was hilarious

Noticed the 2nd one is up for pre order so really excited to see how it continues!
I think John Broadway is one to watch!

[Frank Bertino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Read

Gray is transported into the body of an evil King who is determined to wipe out all the High Elves. This does not sit well with him so he plots an escape. A kink in his plan is his capable General who seems close to his host persona. He does not want to kill her, so he fakes his own death. In his escape he rescues a beautiful elf maid. It is fun to watch their relationship deepen as time and circumstances pass. They decide to pose as husband and wife to obscure their true identities. Rescuing a small elf child expands them into a faux family. Both have secrets that they are reluctant to tell the other. Secrets will out in the end however. Will their burgeoning relationships survive? I like the plot, relationship development, and action. I look forward to another book.

[Richard Kendrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got strong erotica vibes from the early parts of this novel, but it never actually turned out to be a thing. Some of the early scenes were pretty meta and had me chuckling. However, as the story progressed it got a little more tedious. I appreciate slice-of-life, but this wasn’t exactly holding my attention. Also, I had more than a little trouble suspending disbelief about how quickly and completely the elf fell for the (mysterious and mostly unknown) protagonist. Actually, the family unit came together rather too conveniently and easily, as well. Overall, the story was okay, but I don’t think it was compelling enough to tempt me to keep reading the series.

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good characters that I empathize with and want to succeed. An average story with a variety of weak sections, including an unsatisfying climax. And unfortunately rather weak writing, especially in the early part of the book.

There's a pretty good chance I'll continue this series at some point, but it's not strong enough for me to make that a priority.

Note: The audio book has excellent readers that elevate the experience substantially.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the magic system is pretty close to Stardew Valley, this was NOT the farming litRPG I was expecting, and that was disappointing to me. Mostly it's a romance, and one that's not overly heavy handed.

I liked the world building and, for the most part, the characters. It was a cozy, quick read. Overall: great vibes, and I wish the balance of farming to relationships was altered.

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This book is about second chances and found family. And is cozy as heck. Meeko is one of the best characters in the story and the progression of how Narya and Gray build a new life together is beautiful. I know that their past will rear its head again in the future but together I am certain they will overcome whatever it throws at them.

[Dp2k · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite good, with a fun slice-of-life plot that had a little tension and drama but not much at all. I didn't like the MC as much because he was a wimp, but the LI was great and a lot of fun to read. The MC also handled things very poorly, so badly in fact that he had to have everything forced onto him in order for him to make any progress at all. Total wimp, so I took a star off for that.

[Amalga Mat1on · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way More than What I Thought it Would Be.

I expected a typical western version of the common OPMC isekai trope. Instead, this was a wholesome experience with great characters and a well developing story set at the end of a war.

[Laura Quevedo]

DNF at 48%...

This is actually my favorite genre, and the setting is exactly what I like... a slice of life,cozy farmer life in a magical world with game elements....
But I just couldn't connect with the main leads, I didn't care for them nor what would happen next so I'll just stop reading.

[Logan Horsford · Rating 1 out of 5]

The MC is kind of a tool.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too schmaltzy for my tastes

[Richard Crossan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great wee story, extremely heartwarming and some good comedy.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts really slow but was interesting by the end

[Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75☆

[Puzzle The Giraffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

There is a lot of work the author could do to improve, but the story is there.

I can’t wait to see how this goes.

[Wetdryvac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much fun.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up because I actively wanted to read the whole series. Super-cozy traditional OP-moves-to-charming-village.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. the characters of Meesha was so much fun to read about. I laughed alot. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Merel · Rating 3 out of 5]

the romance is a teenager boys fantasy. the rest of the story is fun to read