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The Shatterfist #1
The Retired S Rank Adventurer
★Adventurers never die, they just fade away★
They called him Sven, the Shatterfist.
A legend. A man among men.
Somebody admired. Respected. A hero.
And he's finally returned home after a decade of battle.
It's time to start over.
But for someone like Sven, life isn't what it used to be.
Adventuring isn't what it used to be.
Things have changed. He's changed. The world has changed.
The next step? Settle down. Retire.
Enjoy the good life and all that comes with it.
But whatever he decides, he'll have friends to do it with.
For Fans of - Slice of Life, Mature Main Characters, Personal Growth, The Friends We Make Along the Way, Found Family, Tavern Life, Return From War
They called him Sven, the Shatterfist.
A legend. A man among men.
Somebody admired. Respected. A hero.
And he's finally returned home after a decade of battle.
It's time to start over.
But for someone like Sven, life isn't what it used to be.
Adventuring isn't what it used to be.
Things have changed. He's changed. The world has changed.
The next step? Settle down. Retire.
Enjoy the good life and all that comes with it.
But whatever he decides, he'll have friends to do it with.
For Fans of - Slice of Life, Mature Main Characters, Personal Growth, The Friends We Make Along the Way, Found Family, Tavern Life, Return From War
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2023
1423 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
June 16, 2021
Terrible characters and dialog
DNF around 60%, I don’t know where all the 5 star reviews of this come from. The characters are all 1 dimensional, all pretty much there to mock the MC because somehow they don’t believe he’s an S rank despite apparently having badges to tell ranks? The dialog is so stilted and awful, none of them sound like real conversations. The MC wants to run a tavern but somehow gives away everything for free every night and wonders why he’s not making money. Standard half baked idea for kindle unlimited.
DNF around 60%, I don’t know where all the 5 star reviews of this come from. The characters are all 1 dimensional, all pretty much there to mock the MC because somehow they don’t believe he’s an S rank despite apparently having badges to tell ranks? The dialog is so stilted and awful, none of them sound like real conversations. The MC wants to run a tavern but somehow gives away everything for free every night and wonders why he’s not making money. Standard half baked idea for kindle unlimited.
April 8, 2021
This was a prologue, not a book.
The twist was uninspired. The ending was terrible. The overall story was boring. There was nothing here to rate a go at another book.
The twist was uninspired. The ending was terrible. The overall story was boring. There was nothing here to rate a go at another book.
April 29, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book, but it bored me to tears.
Plot: I can't say for sure because I skipped large chunks of this book. Nothing drew me into the story.
Characters: No hook to make me care about the characters or what they did.
6/10 dropping the series.
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book, but it bored me to tears.
Plot: I can't say for sure because I skipped large chunks of this book. Nothing drew me into the story.
Characters: No hook to make me care about the characters or what they did.
6/10 dropping the series.
May 17, 2021
Hit home
I have a saying that I picked up years ago ofter joining the military and your afterwords hit it on the head.
Once you you leave home, you can never go home.
For wherever you go your a stranger.
Move someplace....your the new guy, not a true part of the local history and never fully fit in.
Go back to your home town....people will seem to be stuck in a time loop or moved on. They don't understand or can't comprehend your experiences and your new point of views.
Your only connections that would understand are the "adventuring " party you have left behind in one way or another.
For a simple story it is deeper than it looks without seeming to be.
I have a saying that I picked up years ago ofter joining the military and your afterwords hit it on the head.
Once you you leave home, you can never go home.
For wherever you go your a stranger.
Move someplace....your the new guy, not a true part of the local history and never fully fit in.
Go back to your home town....people will seem to be stuck in a time loop or moved on. They don't understand or can't comprehend your experiences and your new point of views.
Your only connections that would understand are the "adventuring " party you have left behind in one way or another.
For a simple story it is deeper than it looks without seeming to be.
May 19, 2021
I liked what they were trying to do, but it didn’t really work for me. Too vague and slow-paced. Didn’t appreciate the bit at the end where they try to blackmail you into giving five stars, either.
June 18, 2021
Couldn’t make it to the end
Gave it a solid try. Over 50% complete, but not worth the time. Bland predictable characters and minimal plot development. Maybe a story concept here but execution was lacking.
Gave it a solid try. Over 50% complete, but not worth the time. Bland predictable characters and minimal plot development. Maybe a story concept here but execution was lacking.
February 18, 2025
A Thrilling and Nostalgic Fantasy Tale
The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I, penned by Wolfe Locke, is a delightful and enthralling journey into a nostalgic world of fantasy and adventure. Set in a realm brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and heroic exploits, this paperback delivers a rich and immersive reading experience for fantasy enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of The Retired S Ranked Adventurer is its well-crafted world-building. The author skillfully constructs a vivid and diverse fantasy universe, complete with detailed landscapes, magical systems, and an array of fantastical beings. Readers are effortlessly transported to this fantastical realm, where every page offers new opportunities for exploration and discovery.
The protagonist, a retired S Ranked adventurer, adds a refreshing and unique perspective to the story. His experiences as a seasoned warrior inject a sense of wisdom and depth into the narrative, while also showcasing the toll a life of adventure can take on a person. Wolfe Locke expertly delves into the protagonist's past and emotions, forging a strong emotional connection between readers and the central character.
The plot of Volume I is a thrilling tapestry of adventure, suspense, and personal growth. The retired adventurer's quest to regain his lost memories keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also unraveling secrets and unveiling hidden truths about the world he once roamed. The pacing is well-balanced, and each chapter offers something new to keep the narrative engaging.
Additionally, the writing style in The Retired S Ranked Adventurer strikes a perfect balance between descriptive and engaging, allowing readers to vividly visualize the fantastical world and the characters within it. Wolfe Locke's prose is elegant yet accessible, making the reading experience smooth and enjoyable.
In comparison to its contemporaries in the fantasy genre, The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I holds its own as a compelling and nostalgic read. While some fantasy novels may boast more intricate political machinations or morally complex characters, this series embraces a more traditional approach to storytelling, appealing to readers who appreciate classic fantasy elements.
In conclusion, The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I is a thrilling and captivating fantasy tale that skillfully transports readers to a world of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. Wolfe Locke's expertise in world-building and character development shines through, making this paperback a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic and immersive adventure.
The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I, penned by Wolfe Locke, is a delightful and enthralling journey into a nostalgic world of fantasy and adventure. Set in a realm brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and heroic exploits, this paperback delivers a rich and immersive reading experience for fantasy enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of The Retired S Ranked Adventurer is its well-crafted world-building. The author skillfully constructs a vivid and diverse fantasy universe, complete with detailed landscapes, magical systems, and an array of fantastical beings. Readers are effortlessly transported to this fantastical realm, where every page offers new opportunities for exploration and discovery.
The protagonist, a retired S Ranked adventurer, adds a refreshing and unique perspective to the story. His experiences as a seasoned warrior inject a sense of wisdom and depth into the narrative, while also showcasing the toll a life of adventure can take on a person. Wolfe Locke expertly delves into the protagonist's past and emotions, forging a strong emotional connection between readers and the central character.
The plot of Volume I is a thrilling tapestry of adventure, suspense, and personal growth. The retired adventurer's quest to regain his lost memories keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also unraveling secrets and unveiling hidden truths about the world he once roamed. The pacing is well-balanced, and each chapter offers something new to keep the narrative engaging.
Additionally, the writing style in The Retired S Ranked Adventurer strikes a perfect balance between descriptive and engaging, allowing readers to vividly visualize the fantastical world and the characters within it. Wolfe Locke's prose is elegant yet accessible, making the reading experience smooth and enjoyable.
In comparison to its contemporaries in the fantasy genre, The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I holds its own as a compelling and nostalgic read. While some fantasy novels may boast more intricate political machinations or morally complex characters, this series embraces a more traditional approach to storytelling, appealing to readers who appreciate classic fantasy elements.
In conclusion, The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume I is a thrilling and captivating fantasy tale that skillfully transports readers to a world of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. Wolfe Locke's expertise in world-building and character development shines through, making this paperback a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic and immersive adventure.
August 29, 2021
There is a lot of stupid in this book due to really poor expression of character motivation. For example, the MC is trying to convince a bunch of kids that a dungeon is too dangerous for them, instead of just saying he's an S-Ranked adventurer, instead of saying that they can just ask others to confirm his credential, he just spouted literally everything else.
There's a lot of scenes here that's pretty much the same, it's like the author wanted things to happen even though it didn't make sense for them to happen unless everyone involved is outright idiotic.
There's a lot of scenes here that's pretty much the same, it's like the author wanted things to happen even though it didn't make sense for them to happen unless everyone involved is outright idiotic.
July 29, 2021
This was basically just a intro to the series that present many many more questions than it answered. I am very intrigued with what was presented to us but nothing really is happening.
Book would have been quite boring if it was any longer, and it was already getting there. I can see the next one being better, as long as they answer some of the questions posed in this one.
Book would have been quite boring if it was any longer, and it was already getting there. I can see the next one being better, as long as they answer some of the questions posed in this one.
September 8, 2021
Nothing happened. Like, NOTHING. Very boring.
October 26, 2024
DNF 44%
I have two questions
What does it mean that he was known as the pauper adventurer "but not in a good way"?
Why doesn't he have friends? He seems like a nice guy and would have friends in every town and the only person he knows are other S ranked adventures and a single brewer?
I have two questions
What does it mean that he was known as the pauper adventurer "but not in a good way"?
Why doesn't he have friends? He seems like a nice guy and would have friends in every town and the only person he knows are other S ranked adventures and a single brewer?
March 28, 2021
Good read
Great book and I can't wait to see where things go. I really appreciate these more grown themes and melancholy atmospher. Alot of the gamelit/ progression fantasy centers around teens and what not, so this book is definitely refreshing.
Great book and I can't wait to see where things go. I really appreciate these more grown themes and melancholy atmospher. Alot of the gamelit/ progression fantasy centers around teens and what not, so this book is definitely refreshing.
March 27, 2021
great book
I really enjoyed this one. It's a different take on the whole adventurer trope in a good way. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this one. It's a different take on the whole adventurer trope in a good way. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2021
Engaging and Refeshing
This author (s) confesses that they are part-time hobbyist / enthusiast writers. Having recently read many works by similarly such self-professed writers, this series is gratifying and refreshing. They take a more adult perspective to telling a story and don't just pursue they self-indulgent fantasy approach to the fantasy genre that many aspiring authors tend to embrace. After reading this book, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next volume in this series and wish to support this author in their future endeavors. I recommend this book to anyone who is fond of the fantasy isekai genre, even though this is not an actual isekai story. The writer seems to very much wish to impart some of the wisdom they have learned in life rather than just tell a story of how they feel things "should" be. Take the time to try this series, I think that it is worth your time.
This author (s) confesses that they are part-time hobbyist / enthusiast writers. Having recently read many works by similarly such self-professed writers, this series is gratifying and refreshing. They take a more adult perspective to telling a story and don't just pursue they self-indulgent fantasy approach to the fantasy genre that many aspiring authors tend to embrace. After reading this book, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next volume in this series and wish to support this author in their future endeavors. I recommend this book to anyone who is fond of the fantasy isekai genre, even though this is not an actual isekai story. The writer seems to very much wish to impart some of the wisdom they have learned in life rather than just tell a story of how they feel things "should" be. Take the time to try this series, I think that it is worth your time.
August 23, 2024
A depressed drunk, a mary sue and too many fools
DNF at 79 %
Omg - this book really is dull. Constant lamenting and caring for fools but nothing interesting happens..
Rofl - very bad editing! Page 30 is repeated on page 45..
So. The bored hero happens to find a big threat from an area he has personal relations to but decides to ignore it and rather starts building a bar? Way of a hero 's quest!
An overly generous bar owner with anger issues who loves to get drunk. Whatever could go wrong..
Half through the book i really got tired of the drunk has- been primadonna who is constantly upset that nobody remembers him..
It is hard to believe that in a world that uses instant travel teleports between areas nobody has been able to learn more about the threat in months..
DNF at 79 %
Omg - this book really is dull. Constant lamenting and caring for fools but nothing interesting happens..
Rofl - very bad editing! Page 30 is repeated on page 45..
So. The bored hero happens to find a big threat from an area he has personal relations to but decides to ignore it and rather starts building a bar? Way of a hero 's quest!
An overly generous bar owner with anger issues who loves to get drunk. Whatever could go wrong..
Half through the book i really got tired of the drunk has- been primadonna who is constantly upset that nobody remembers him..
It is hard to believe that in a world that uses instant travel teleports between areas nobody has been able to learn more about the threat in months..
April 27, 2021
What happens when all the adventuring is done, all the dungeons conquered, and a hero has nothing left to do?
Start an inn of course. Train new adventurers, and try to keep some of them safe from themselves, and a system that wants to throw them away.
Of course, 90 percent of the story is the washed up all done adventuring guy trying to fit in to society again, and it's only the last couple chapters where we begin to find out what might be happening, and only the last few pages where we find out it's much worse than anyone expected.
Of course, this builds it up nicely for the next book, which now that all the world building is done promises to be quite the adventure. I'm waiting....
Start an inn of course. Train new adventurers, and try to keep some of them safe from themselves, and a system that wants to throw them away.
Of course, 90 percent of the story is the washed up all done adventuring guy trying to fit in to society again, and it's only the last couple chapters where we begin to find out what might be happening, and only the last few pages where we find out it's much worse than anyone expected.
Of course, this builds it up nicely for the next book, which now that all the world building is done promises to be quite the adventure. I'm waiting....
March 22, 2022
This was a very fun read, set in an intriguing world and packed with action, adventure and wit. I especially enjoyed the world development and The Shatterfist himself, as he's extremely admirable and chivalrous.
Based on this read, I would read more by this author, as well as more into this world.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
Great delivery, performance and voice. I thoroughly appreciated the narrator. Can't wait to listen on.
Based on this read, I would read more by this author, as well as more into this world.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
Great delivery, performance and voice. I thoroughly appreciated the narrator. Can't wait to listen on.
April 11, 2022
Very slow first half (so slow I've stopped reading for a few months) and also in extreme need of good proofing (I've lost count of the many obviously missing words and 'sounds like this' spelling).
Nothing ground breaking or excitingly new world building wise or with character development, it was an ok book and a short read, I'll consider getting the next one.
Nothing ground breaking or excitingly new world building wise or with character development, it was an ok book and a short read, I'll consider getting the next one.
November 22, 2022
unsuitable subpar naration
April 24, 2025
I don't know how to feel about this one. I really enjoyed the world and setting in which this story took place. The idea of this powerful adventurer becoming a tavern owner is also a cool premise, if not a bit overused.
However, the main character kinda ruined this book for me. He got angry so many fucking times because someone didn't know who he is or how powerful he is. As soon as introduced himself, he listed off his accolades and why people should know who he is. I swear to god, these are actual quotes from hi :
"How could they not know me? I'm S Ranked!"
"She at least knows me."
"Please, it's not like the guild has much to say about me, either, apparently. Hardly anyone knows who I am. What are you teaching them these days?"
"They should have already known me."
Like, okay, I get it. S ranked adventurers are very powerful and very rare. More than half the book is just drilling that into your brain over and over again. This dude is arrogant as hell and always gets pissed off when people don't know him. He kept going on about the "war" he fought in, but that war is never expanded much on. Why should we, as the reader, feel any respect for him and his accomplishments when we know nothing about any of it? I know, I know, this is only part one.
With that said, I'm tempted to not continue this because he's just that annoying. How someone can say, "I'm not a hero" and then spend the majority of the book talking about how much of a hero he is and how everyone should know his name. Like, come on, bro.
Choosing a female narrator for a male main character is also a weird choice. Not saying she did a bad job, her male voices were quite good, it's just strange. Typically, narrators are chosen based off the gender of the main character.
Also, she kept pausing on certain parts. It was really jarring and weird. For example:
Another arrow notched into her... wooden bow. There was a quick flash as another... light arrow went flying in a flash.
It wouldn't be such an issue if it only happened once or twice, but it happens a lot throughout the entire book. Is it written that way? If so, why? Is she taking liberties here? Having several pauses IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENTENCE takes the listener out of the story and it's really strange. I would start getting interested in the fight only for her to pause for a full ass 4 seconds between words. Why?
The writing wasn't bad. The world isn't bad. But between the arrogant, annoying main character and the quirk of the narrator, it was a struggle to get through.
However, the main character kinda ruined this book for me. He got angry so many fucking times because someone didn't know who he is or how powerful he is. As soon as introduced himself, he listed off his accolades and why people should know who he is. I swear to god, these are actual quotes from hi :
"How could they not know me? I'm S Ranked!"
"She at least knows me."
"Please, it's not like the guild has much to say about me, either, apparently. Hardly anyone knows who I am. What are you teaching them these days?"
"They should have already known me."
Like, okay, I get it. S ranked adventurers are very powerful and very rare. More than half the book is just drilling that into your brain over and over again. This dude is arrogant as hell and always gets pissed off when people don't know him. He kept going on about the "war" he fought in, but that war is never expanded much on. Why should we, as the reader, feel any respect for him and his accomplishments when we know nothing about any of it? I know, I know, this is only part one.
With that said, I'm tempted to not continue this because he's just that annoying. How someone can say, "I'm not a hero" and then spend the majority of the book talking about how much of a hero he is and how everyone should know his name. Like, come on, bro.
Choosing a female narrator for a male main character is also a weird choice. Not saying she did a bad job, her male voices were quite good, it's just strange. Typically, narrators are chosen based off the gender of the main character.
Also, she kept pausing on certain parts. It was really jarring and weird. For example:
Another arrow notched into her... wooden bow. There was a quick flash as another... light arrow went flying in a flash.
It wouldn't be such an issue if it only happened once or twice, but it happens a lot throughout the entire book. Is it written that way? If so, why? Is she taking liberties here? Having several pauses IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENTENCE takes the listener out of the story and it's really strange. I would start getting interested in the fight only for her to pause for a full ass 4 seconds between words. Why?
The writing wasn't bad. The world isn't bad. But between the arrogant, annoying main character and the quirk of the narrator, it was a struggle to get through.
May 15, 2022
This was a really enjoyable story, and I liked where it was heading by the end of the book... However, that being said, I can't help but be disappointed.
The blurb and title promised the story of a 'Retired' adventurer, seeking a way to leave his adventures behind so that he could settle down, lay down some roots, and start a small business, in this case, a tavern. This is a concept for a story that got me excited because I hadn't read it's like before. The idea of someone coming from an action-packed life of adventure and trying to settle down, maybe even exploring concepts of how he could fit into a more normal existence, how he could use his retried skills to make his small business thrive, were all really interesting to me. In fact, on the few occasions that this story sticks to that premise, they continue to fascinate me.
However, this book is not about that. This is the book of a Retired S Rank Adventurer who says he wants all that, but then goes off on a load of adventures with the promise of even more adventures to come.
My frustration here is one that I keep coming across time and again on my search for a fantasy story that's different from the norm. Adventures, wars, and all that other fun stuff have been done a million times over within this genre, and while I do love those stories, I am increasingly excited by stories that have the potential to give us something else. Therefore I get frustrated at books like this that promise that other type of story but then just goes back to one we have read many times before.
This is doubly frustrating here because there are some interesting twists in this story that makes it stand out on its own merits, and it didn't need the bait and switch to get me reading.
Overall, this was a fun book that I enjoyed reading and has done enough to keep me reading, but I can't help but be disappointed at the story we could have had.
The blurb and title promised the story of a 'Retired' adventurer, seeking a way to leave his adventures behind so that he could settle down, lay down some roots, and start a small business, in this case, a tavern. This is a concept for a story that got me excited because I hadn't read it's like before. The idea of someone coming from an action-packed life of adventure and trying to settle down, maybe even exploring concepts of how he could fit into a more normal existence, how he could use his retried skills to make his small business thrive, were all really interesting to me. In fact, on the few occasions that this story sticks to that premise, they continue to fascinate me.
However, this book is not about that. This is the book of a Retired S Rank Adventurer who says he wants all that, but then goes off on a load of adventures with the promise of even more adventures to come.
My frustration here is one that I keep coming across time and again on my search for a fantasy story that's different from the norm. Adventures, wars, and all that other fun stuff have been done a million times over within this genre, and while I do love those stories, I am increasingly excited by stories that have the potential to give us something else. Therefore I get frustrated at books like this that promise that other type of story but then just goes back to one we have read many times before.
This is doubly frustrating here because there are some interesting twists in this story that makes it stand out on its own merits, and it didn't need the bait and switch to get me reading.
Overall, this was a fun book that I enjoyed reading and has done enough to keep me reading, but I can't help but be disappointed at the story we could have had.
August 16, 2022
This was kind of a hybrid between straight up fantasy and lit-rpg. It was a pleasant enough read and the first in a series.
There are LOTS of gaps in this story and I imagine that some of those will be filled in in future books. There is magic in this world, but it is not clear how any of it works or what the source of power is for the people in the story.
The main character is an S ranked adventurer who has been adventuring for a very long time. His life is kind of at a crossroads and he is trying to figure out where he fits in in the world. He is still strong enough to take on the baddies and he is more capable than most anyone else he encounters. But he is also tired and not as into the life as he once was. And there is something else wrong that he cannot figure out.
Others like him seem to be going missing. Or they are just zapped from the world as if they never existed. People no longer remember them. Even the MC has difficulty remembering some of them, at times. He does not know why this is and we do not figure it out in this book.
This book has a very "soft" ending. You do not really find out what is going on and will not unless you read further. The events of this book are not neatly tied up, but there is no real cliffhanger, either. With books like this, I feel it is almost always better to just wait for a box set. If you enjoy the book, you will not want to stop. If you do not like it, though, or if you do not like books in a series that do not resolve the storyline from THAT book, you are probably going to be frustrated by this one.
This is neither the best nor the worst lit-rpg that I have read. It was a pleasant enough distraction, though, and I will probably read more of the series at some point.
There are LOTS of gaps in this story and I imagine that some of those will be filled in in future books. There is magic in this world, but it is not clear how any of it works or what the source of power is for the people in the story.
The main character is an S ranked adventurer who has been adventuring for a very long time. His life is kind of at a crossroads and he is trying to figure out where he fits in in the world. He is still strong enough to take on the baddies and he is more capable than most anyone else he encounters. But he is also tired and not as into the life as he once was. And there is something else wrong that he cannot figure out.
Others like him seem to be going missing. Or they are just zapped from the world as if they never existed. People no longer remember them. Even the MC has difficulty remembering some of them, at times. He does not know why this is and we do not figure it out in this book.
This book has a very "soft" ending. You do not really find out what is going on and will not unless you read further. The events of this book are not neatly tied up, but there is no real cliffhanger, either. With books like this, I feel it is almost always better to just wait for a box set. If you enjoy the book, you will not want to stop. If you do not like it, though, or if you do not like books in a series that do not resolve the storyline from THAT book, you are probably going to be frustrated by this one.
This is neither the best nor the worst lit-rpg that I have read. It was a pleasant enough distraction, though, and I will probably read more of the series at some point.
July 7, 2025
This was not at all what I expected - which is neither good nor bad, but did leave me a bit confused. In case anyone else is in the same boat, I don't want to spoil things but I will say that the last sentence of the plot summary on Amazon is pretty important and explains an awful lot of how people interact with Sven.
Also, Sven the Shatterfist is so on the nose, and called out perfectly as being the name that a 15 yr old would think would make them sound tough.
A few issues with continuity in the past - I thought Sven at one point says he adventured for 25 years. He started as a cabin boy at 15, so I was putting him at 40 and thinking that wasn't how he felt. Maybe it's 25 years from when he joined the adventurers guild some number of years after being a cabin boy?
A few odd loops - I think one chapter had like 2.5 pages that read close enough to identically to the start of the previous chapter that I had to make sure it wasn't a bug in the kindle version, and another time we loop back around into a dungeon run. I suspect there's a reason for the looping, but I haven't figured it out - the reason may just be "literary device".
Either way, a quick (3 hr) read that I enjoyed, so I will read more.
Also, Sven the Shatterfist is so on the nose, and called out perfectly as being the name that a 15 yr old would think would make them sound tough.
A few issues with continuity in the past - I thought Sven at one point says he adventured for 25 years. He started as a cabin boy at 15, so I was putting him at 40 and thinking that wasn't how he felt. Maybe it's 25 years from when he joined the adventurers guild some number of years after being a cabin boy?
A few odd loops - I think one chapter had like 2.5 pages that read close enough to identically to the start of the previous chapter that I had to make sure it wasn't a bug in the kindle version, and another time we loop back around into a dungeon run. I suspect there's a reason for the looping, but I haven't figured it out - the reason may just be "literary device".
Either way, a quick (3 hr) read that I enjoyed, so I will read more.
Read
May 4, 2022So I'm only 4% into this audiobook, but I'm not sure I can keep going. While I have minor eyerolls about the book itself, I also know that I am in chapter 1 and its still setting the story, so it likely gets better.
The real problem I'm having is with the reader. She keeps pausing every time she says an item or skill or type. I assume its because 'Broadsword' is written in the way LitRPG books write it, with brackets or something to denote its an item. Which, when reading, its fine. But hearing her pause Ever. Single. Time. Got old really, really quickly.
He clutched his... axe... and ran. He raised his... axe... to swing. He hit the... fire... lizard. I can't.
If it was just the first time an item showed up, perhaps? But I can only assume there are going to continue to be items, and I cannot deal with it happening for the entire book. Normally with audiobooks, they only do the stilted speech like that when reading out notes from the system, or the stat screen, which is fine, and works. But every time an item is mentioned? Especially in a battle scene when they use their... sword... to hit things? I can't do it.
The real problem I'm having is with the reader. She keeps pausing every time she says an item or skill or type. I assume its because 'Broadsword' is written in the way LitRPG books write it, with brackets or something to denote its an item. Which, when reading, its fine. But hearing her pause Ever. Single. Time. Got old really, really quickly.
He clutched his... axe... and ran. He raised his... axe... to swing. He hit the... fire... lizard. I can't.
If it was just the first time an item showed up, perhaps? But I can only assume there are going to continue to be items, and I cannot deal with it happening for the entire book. Normally with audiobooks, they only do the stilted speech like that when reading out notes from the system, or the stat screen, which is fine, and works. But every time an item is mentioned? Especially in a battle scene when they use their... sword... to hit things? I can't do it.
May 16, 2021
I went into this book with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the premise and I think it is a fairly unique one within the genre. The author should really get an editor though.
The story takes awhile to get off the ground, but the foundations of the plot are set up in the meantime while the reader follows a retired hero, Sven the Shatterfist, as he returns home after a career of adventuring. The city is different, people are different, and hardly anybody even knows of Sven or the sacrifices he made on their behalf. There are a lot of parallels with soldiers returning home and attempting to re-acclimate to civilian life. These are the main elements that feel very unique to this story.
The biggest gripe with this story is that the writing could use a lot of polish. There are lots of grammar errors, missing punctuation, and general syntax problems. With some professional editing, I might have ended up giving this 5 stars.
The story takes awhile to get off the ground, but the foundations of the plot are set up in the meantime while the reader follows a retired hero, Sven the Shatterfist, as he returns home after a career of adventuring. The city is different, people are different, and hardly anybody even knows of Sven or the sacrifices he made on their behalf. There are a lot of parallels with soldiers returning home and attempting to re-acclimate to civilian life. These are the main elements that feel very unique to this story.
The biggest gripe with this story is that the writing could use a lot of polish. There are lots of grammar errors, missing punctuation, and general syntax problems. With some professional editing, I might have ended up giving this 5 stars.
May 13, 2021
Enjoyable and Engaging
I usually skip any book that pops up as trending in Teen and Young Adults, but the authors profile was relatable for me. I'm glad I gave the book the chance. The world, the story, and the characters all had depth. Unfortunately for Amazon's rating system, I am quite selfish with five star reviews. I require near flawless grammar and mechanics as well as subjective enjoyment of the content. In this case, there are a few sparse editing mistakes, such as repeated sentences and incorrect word choice, and, while objectively a well written and enjoyable story, it lacked certain things for me to fully enjoy it, such as more mature relationship development. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who might be teetering on whether or not to give it a try.
I usually skip any book that pops up as trending in Teen and Young Adults, but the authors profile was relatable for me. I'm glad I gave the book the chance. The world, the story, and the characters all had depth. Unfortunately for Amazon's rating system, I am quite selfish with five star reviews. I require near flawless grammar and mechanics as well as subjective enjoyment of the content. In this case, there are a few sparse editing mistakes, such as repeated sentences and incorrect word choice, and, while objectively a well written and enjoyable story, it lacked certain things for me to fully enjoy it, such as more mature relationship development. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who might be teetering on whether or not to give it a try.
March 23, 2023
i’m giving this five stars because the story and the characters are excellent.
I enjoyed the story very much. It is fast paced, lighthearted, and fun. The MC and the supporting characters are likable. There is a mystery here concerning the MC, and the mystery itself seems intriguing. There is some world building, but not enough to get you bogged down. There are some issues with time management in the book probably has to do with editing. Either the MC has met the flower girl several years ago or as he mention later months ago. The only other issue I found with editing was the Lich battle, either the MC is throwing rocks or fireballs which one is it? and the only other issue I have is the book could’ve been longer. That’s how enjoyable it was, it ended too soon. I will read the next one when it comes out.
I enjoyed the story very much. It is fast paced, lighthearted, and fun. The MC and the supporting characters are likable. There is a mystery here concerning the MC, and the mystery itself seems intriguing. There is some world building, but not enough to get you bogged down. There are some issues with time management in the book probably has to do with editing. Either the MC has met the flower girl several years ago or as he mention later months ago. The only other issue I found with editing was the Lich battle, either the MC is throwing rocks or fireballs which one is it? and the only other issue I have is the book could’ve been longer. That’s how enjoyable it was, it ended too soon. I will read the next one when it comes out.
May 3, 2023
Narration Style Distracts from Enjoyment of Audio Book
I had high hopes for this audio book, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. While Sierra Kline has done good work in the past, I found her narration in this book to be distracting and frustrating. Whenever an item or the enemy was mentioned, there was an awkward pause and a voice change, like a game of Mad Libs. This pattern persisted throughout the first eight chapters and became increasingly irritating as I continued listening.
Despite my initial hope that this issue was only temporary, it never stopped, and ultimately it proved to be too much of a distraction for me to continue listening to the book. While the story itself may have been interesting, the narration style was too disruptive for me to enjoy it fully.
I had high hopes for this audio book, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. While Sierra Kline has done good work in the past, I found her narration in this book to be distracting and frustrating. Whenever an item or the enemy was mentioned, there was an awkward pause and a voice change, like a game of Mad Libs. This pattern persisted throughout the first eight chapters and became increasingly irritating as I continued listening.
Despite my initial hope that this issue was only temporary, it never stopped, and ultimately it proved to be too much of a distraction for me to continue listening to the book. While the story itself may have been interesting, the narration style was too disruptive for me to enjoy it fully.
July 14, 2023
This was a very fun read, set in an intriguing world and packed with action, adventure and wit (which it gets right down to, straight away). I especially enjoyed the world development and The Shatterfist himself, as he's extremely admirable and chivalrous.
Packs a strong, witty lead, as well as lots of other fun elements, such as:
🗡️ LitRPG.
✨ Monsters.
🗡️ Judgemental dwarf.
✨ Multi-headed / head-sprouting hydra.
🗡️ Slice-of-life vibes.
✨ A slight hint of romance.
🗡️ Mages, elves, creatures of all kinds.
✨ Barkeeping / inkeeping.
🗡️ Magic.
Based on this read, I would read more by this author, as well as more into this world. I particularly enjoyed Locke’s brand of storytelling, as it felt like being lost in a fairytale at times.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
Great delivery, performance and voice. I thoroughly appreciated the narrator. Can't wait to listen on.
Packs a strong, witty lead, as well as lots of other fun elements, such as:
🗡️ LitRPG.
✨ Monsters.
🗡️ Judgemental dwarf.
✨ Multi-headed / head-sprouting hydra.
🗡️ Slice-of-life vibes.
✨ A slight hint of romance.
🗡️ Mages, elves, creatures of all kinds.
✨ Barkeeping / inkeeping.
🗡️ Magic.
Based on this read, I would read more by this author, as well as more into this world. I particularly enjoyed Locke’s brand of storytelling, as it felt like being lost in a fairytale at times.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
Great delivery, performance and voice. I thoroughly appreciated the narrator. Can't wait to listen on.
Read
March 23, 2021The Retired S-Ranked Adventurer (The Shatterfist Book 1), my second read this month from author Wolfe Locke, an author I'd not heard of before receiving the opportunity to read Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG. December seemed to be my month for new authors, January & February continued the trend, and now March. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read leaving you panting for more. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author and in the Pandemonium - The Dark Lords - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
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