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Battle Mage Farmer #7
Separation
Urey Lotheric, Supreme Mage of the Cabal of the Broken Gate has been vanquished, and the valley has been saved from certain destruction.
But none of that will matter if John can’t find a way back to Candle Scholar Tower.
Stranded in the void with Ferdie and Ellie, John has to find a way to get access to the valley, or risk being separated from his farm forever.
Even if he does make it back, he’ll be jumping feet first into the fire as he faces down a mysterious religious figure of awe inspiring power named the Celestial and the six disgruntled Mage Families that support the tower.
But none of that will matter if John can’t find a way back to Candle Scholar Tower.
Stranded in the void with Ferdie and Ellie, John has to find a way to get access to the valley, or risk being separated from his farm forever.
Even if he does make it back, he’ll be jumping feet first into the fire as he faces down a mysterious religious figure of awe inspiring power named the Celestial and the six disgruntled Mage Families that support the tower.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
622 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 17, 2024
I was disappointed. A slow start led to a zero-risk conflict that was resolved super easily. In the final quarter, John is warned that planting the world shard is very dangerous and he must take three specific companions to have any hope of success. When the danger comes he mostly does what he always does and burns the problem to ash. Sigh. Where's the tension?
February 4, 2024
Let me preface this by saying, I love Seth Ring's books. Battle Mage Farmer was gifted to me by my nephew. We have very similar taste in books. I devoured it and the next two in the series, then I had to wait and have been anxiously awaiting all of the others as they come along. To assuage my appetite, I read Nova Terra - then had to wait for several of those as well, then on to The Tower and Dreamer's Throne.
The prose is excellent, the stories are captivating and the characters keep you coming back for more.
So, now you may be asking yourself, "Self - if that's the case, then why was this one only rated a three?"
The not so good about this story. It felt rushed. The prose felt incomplete, the issues being dealt with were resolved with minimal effort and there wasn't any real danger for any of the characters. It felt as if - "Oh man, I have to write this story because my publisher is demanding it and the readers are expecting it. I'll just put this out there as quickly as I can so I can move on to other projects."
I think Seth, that I would rather wait a little longer and have a compelling story that draws me in, has actual consequences, and makes me feel for the characters, than have a story "Just because it's time."
The prose is excellent, the stories are captivating and the characters keep you coming back for more.
So, now you may be asking yourself, "Self - if that's the case, then why was this one only rated a three?"
The not so good about this story. It felt rushed. The prose felt incomplete, the issues being dealt with were resolved with minimal effort and there wasn't any real danger for any of the characters. It felt as if - "Oh man, I have to write this story because my publisher is demanding it and the readers are expecting it. I'll just put this out there as quickly as I can so I can move on to other projects."
I think Seth, that I would rather wait a little longer and have a compelling story that draws me in, has actual consequences, and makes me feel for the characters, than have a story "Just because it's time."
January 28, 2024
Losing Quality Over Time
I've enjoyed this series since it started and read every book within a week or so of it releasing. This book was pretty good, but the editing quality has dropped severely. There are constantly buts where multiple characters are talking in the same paragraph or even the same set of quotation marks. There were also a number of spots where it seemed like multiple actions were squished together or contradictory, as if the scene was changed but not fixed properly.
Honestly I'm really disappointed and I hope this isn't a sign of how future books from the author are going to. I worry that he's pumping out too many books and isn't taking the time to make sure they're ready for release.
I've enjoyed this series since it started and read every book within a week or so of it releasing. This book was pretty good, but the editing quality has dropped severely. There are constantly buts where multiple characters are talking in the same paragraph or even the same set of quotation marks. There were also a number of spots where it seemed like multiple actions were squished together or contradictory, as if the scene was changed but not fixed properly.
Honestly I'm really disappointed and I hope this isn't a sign of how future books from the author are going to. I worry that he's pumping out too many books and isn't taking the time to make sure they're ready for release.
February 2, 2024
Awesome Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and always find myself panicking at 97% completion with every book. The world building is incredible and when I think it can't get better it does. John is changing...look out universe! On to Patreon for a few more sips of his magic. Get this series..no regrets will be there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and always find myself panicking at 97% completion with every book. The world building is incredible and when I think it can't get better it does. John is changing...look out universe! On to Patreon for a few more sips of his magic. Get this series..no regrets will be there.
November 5, 2024
Another more than solid installment in the series. Good to be back in the valley if only for a bit. 👍🏽👍🏽
November 29, 2025
When you are all powerful and nearly indestructible what do you fear? Intrigue and red tape! A great look at giving some consequences and adversaries that cannot be defeated with strength of arms.
June 15, 2025
First read: The first half felt like filler but the second half was more cohesive.
Second read: Having such a great part of the book be filler was actually quite beneficial in getting reacquainted with the world and characters. For some reason I retained very little of this installment after my first read. This probably has something to do with how this one felt like the start of a new arc and relied little on previous events.
Second read: Having such a great part of the book be filler was actually quite beneficial in getting reacquainted with the world and characters. For some reason I retained very little of this installment after my first read. This probably has something to do with how this one felt like the start of a new arc and relied little on previous events.
January 25, 2024
Yeah, this one hit it just right.
I like the direction it took to wrap up some loose ends and set up the next arc. This was a good transition.
I like the direction it took to wrap up some loose ends and set up the next arc. This was a good transition.
October 31, 2024
Some series have trouble progressing their story after growing to epic-scale conflicts. Think of the problem with Marvel movies at the moment. The MCU's first decade started with small stories of exceptional individuals becoming superheroes, then those superheroes joining up to fight as part of a bigger team, and eventually, it grew to a threat in Infinity War that literally spanned the known universe. It was on a course of constantly one-upping itself, always trying to tell a story that was bigger than the one before. This sort of growth is unsustainable, and you either understand that and let your stories shrink in scope again so that you can relieve the pressure and let your series build up momentum naturally once more, or you can keep pushing past the danger point (like expanding beyond a universe into the nonsense that is Multiverse storytelling) and see your series implode.
I bring this up because this book has recognised this issue and taken the wiser course of action. On its surface, that might seem like a crazy suggestion. After all, this is a story about two supremely powerful beings saving a world and doing incredible things. But when you really look at it, that is all just situational circumstance, and not really what this story is about.
This story is about two people who have overcome a massive obstacle in their lives and are now escaping to a new life to start over. The impossible pressure of avoiding armageddon has been removed from their shoulders, and they can start over with a new story about establishing a new normal. Adjusting expectations to the level of a newly married couple with near god-like power, you soon realise that this was actually an almost intimate story about Ellie and John that I found myself really enjoying.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't put it down, and found no issues significant enough to warrant the removal of a star, so it's a full 5-stars for this outing.
I bring this up because this book has recognised this issue and taken the wiser course of action. On its surface, that might seem like a crazy suggestion. After all, this is a story about two supremely powerful beings saving a world and doing incredible things. But when you really look at it, that is all just situational circumstance, and not really what this story is about.
This story is about two people who have overcome a massive obstacle in their lives and are now escaping to a new life to start over. The impossible pressure of avoiding armageddon has been removed from their shoulders, and they can start over with a new story about establishing a new normal. Adjusting expectations to the level of a newly married couple with near god-like power, you soon realise that this was actually an almost intimate story about Ellie and John that I found myself really enjoying.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't put it down, and found no issues significant enough to warrant the removal of a star, so it's a full 5-stars for this outing.
January 27, 2024
Great story, but seems to have drifted a bit from it's core
The first few books, it was a more mature story about a guy who had been summoned across worlds, fought a huge ugly war, and finally was able to settle down and deal with the crap he went through, while starting over as a farmer. Some minor system elements, but nothing insanely crunchy.
But after book 4 or 5 (whenever the apocalypse point arc began) the story has started to heavily lean towards pulpy tropes with a heavy dose of xianxia.
Entertaining, but not quite what I expected. I also got a bit thrown off by some inconsistencies like "there are no mages here" followed by the protagonist literally flying in front of them and they don't bat an eye. Cuz flight is a normal thing humans do? Little things like that.
The first few books, it was a more mature story about a guy who had been summoned across worlds, fought a huge ugly war, and finally was able to settle down and deal with the crap he went through, while starting over as a farmer. Some minor system elements, but nothing insanely crunchy.
But after book 4 or 5 (whenever the apocalypse point arc began) the story has started to heavily lean towards pulpy tropes with a heavy dose of xianxia.
Entertaining, but not quite what I expected. I also got a bit thrown off by some inconsistencies like "there are no mages here" followed by the protagonist literally flying in front of them and they don't bat an eye. Cuz flight is a normal thing humans do? Little things like that.
February 10, 2024
Dropped fully into Grinding Out the Word Count
On the positive side this installment is still well structured in both plot line and grammar. Something many other genre authors become sloppy about as sustaining a series becomes a wearisome repetitive task. But the energy and interesting character interaction of story details frequently struggles. There are still moments of such bright details in this book but for the most part it is neither as bright nor sustained very long.
Perhaps it's time to wrap the series in the next book or put the series on hiatus. Of course resumption after lengthy time can present it's own challenges even if creative inspiration returns - like maintaining series historic continuity and personality without the author rereading their own entire series before filling in plot outlines.
On the positive side this installment is still well structured in both plot line and grammar. Something many other genre authors become sloppy about as sustaining a series becomes a wearisome repetitive task. But the energy and interesting character interaction of story details frequently struggles. There are still moments of such bright details in this book but for the most part it is neither as bright nor sustained very long.
Perhaps it's time to wrap the series in the next book or put the series on hiatus. Of course resumption after lengthy time can present it's own challenges even if creative inspiration returns - like maintaining series historic continuity and personality without the author rereading their own entire series before filling in plot outlines.
November 2, 2024
Okay, Seth Ring is still so amazing his writing prowess is on god-tier level and Michael Kramer's narration is right there with him, as his nuanced performance of John and Ellie's story is absodamnlutely perfect 🥰!!! Yes I actually managed to wait 'til the audiobook arrived (good on me) and soon enough I'll have audio for bk8 too.
After John and Ellie managed to save the world or at least the parts of the world that was important to John. He and Ellie and Ferdie take off into the void to find the right spot to plant the world shard that they'd saved a spot that wouldn't destroy any other beings but would have the mana needed to not only stabilize the world but to allow everyone including the Beasts to grow magically stronger!
But to find out how everything shakes down, you'll hafta get the book! And do yourself a favor pick-up the audiobook.
After John and Ellie managed to save the world or at least the parts of the world that was important to John. He and Ellie and Ferdie take off into the void to find the right spot to plant the world shard that they'd saved a spot that wouldn't destroy any other beings but would have the mana needed to not only stabilize the world but to allow everyone including the Beasts to grow magically stronger!
But to find out how everything shakes down, you'll hafta get the book! And do yourself a favor pick-up the audiobook.
November 21, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
I like the way this series is progressing. I was a little worried early on in the series. I loved the first book but then it seemed to lose its way for a while. There were a couple of books where progression of the story happened very slowly through most of the book and then all of a sudden in the end. Not the greatest way to keep a reader interested. For the last couple of books, I have found renewed enjoyment. Storylines were finished up and new adventures were there to be had. There is more balance now. There is the farming aspect that has come back into play, but also new worlds. John and Ellie are now married, so that aspect has expanded. There is the normal fighting and having John be insanely OP is still a thing. Overall, I like the progression of the series.
I like the way this series is progressing. I was a little worried early on in the series. I loved the first book but then it seemed to lose its way for a while. There were a couple of books where progression of the story happened very slowly through most of the book and then all of a sudden in the end. Not the greatest way to keep a reader interested. For the last couple of books, I have found renewed enjoyment. Storylines were finished up and new adventures were there to be had. There is more balance now. There is the farming aspect that has come back into play, but also new worlds. John and Ellie are now married, so that aspect has expanded. There is the normal fighting and having John be insanely OP is still a thing. Overall, I like the progression of the series.
January 10, 2025
The early books in this series were quite good, with appropriate levels of conflict and puzzle-solving difficulty for the characters, interesting world development, and excellent character development.
Perhaps this book is intended to start a new arc with a similar progression, but this book is a long exercise in "look at how powerful our protagonists have become". There is no real challenge for the characters, the obstacles placed in the characters' paths seem to create difficulties only because the author is unwilling to let them use their full power.
There is a reason that victory laps in races are single laps, not complete reruns of the race. If Ring starts a new series that sounds interesting, I might start it, but I think I'm done with this series.
Perhaps this book is intended to start a new arc with a similar progression, but this book is a long exercise in "look at how powerful our protagonists have become". There is no real challenge for the characters, the obstacles placed in the characters' paths seem to create difficulties only because the author is unwilling to let them use their full power.
There is a reason that victory laps in races are single laps, not complete reruns of the race. If Ring starts a new series that sounds interesting, I might start it, but I think I'm done with this series.
May 2, 2024
This series is just a joy to read. It's silly, it's fun, the stakes get higher always even tho i think they cant go any higher. I love the characters. The romance has increased and Ellie does seem more independent character.
I get nervous because John seems indestructible but eventually some hit will be done right? Will the universe be in danger next? Like what's the next thing that will be worse than what already is the big thing now?
I always have an absolute great time reading this series.
I get nervous because John seems indestructible but eventually some hit will be done right? Will the universe be in danger next? Like what's the next thing that will be worse than what already is the big thing now?
I always have an absolute great time reading this series.
November 8, 2024
This one didn't quite do it for me. The first half of the book lacked both battle and farmer so it was just mage, with not a lot going on. Or more I should say it was an empty feeling of what was going on and I had the mistake of thinking this was the last book. I blame audible's numbering showing x of x out so I saw 7 of 7, dangit. I have no time to sit down and read so it's only audiobooks for me and can't always keep up.
Anyway I'm glad to see it'll continue and hope the next will hold my attention better!
Anyway I'm glad to see it'll continue and hope the next will hold my attention better!
December 11, 2024
Book 7 of Battle Mage Farmer. This is truly a book of two stories. Yes they tie together but more can be tied together loosely. Really, you’re getting two stories in one book. There is a lot of fun as our favorite overpowered farmer continues to take on bigger and bigger foes. This ends odd because it feels like the story is going to take a drastic turn. This next book should be the builder to finish the series and frankly I can’t wait. Overall this is a fun series and not too unlike the author’s protagonist in the Tower series. A great read.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
January 25, 2024
Enjoyed the story (some potential spoiler alerts)
Overall I really enjoyed the read. That being said, pick one way to spell things. In this book Ellie is spelled 3 different ways. It's annoying. Plus, in the Coral tower you first describe the gardians as having mertales and the in the next section talk about them having legs. I know these are potentially minor issues but if you're paying someone to proofread the manuscript they are missing things.
Overall I really enjoyed the read. That being said, pick one way to spell things. In this book Ellie is spelled 3 different ways. It's annoying. Plus, in the Coral tower you first describe the gardians as having mertales and the in the next section talk about them having legs. I know these are potentially minor issues but if you're paying someone to proofread the manuscript they are missing things.
January 28, 2024
A best one.
I can't say this is THE best one, but it's definitely in the running. I kind of love/hate it when I find that I don't want a book I'm reading to end. I love that it's that good, but hate that the number of unread pages are dwindling. ;-). The homestead scene near the end was worrisome. It was such a perfect "final" scene that I feared I had come to the end of the series. Ever so happy to find the adventures continue.
I can't say this is THE best one, but it's definitely in the running. I kind of love/hate it when I find that I don't want a book I'm reading to end. I love that it's that good, but hate that the number of unread pages are dwindling. ;-). The homestead scene near the end was worrisome. It was such a perfect "final" scene that I feared I had come to the end of the series. Ever so happy to find the adventures continue.
March 6, 2024
OP adventures galore
Alternate universe, magic, LitRPG light, OP MC, portals, technology
John continues his goal to protect his world from those who would bind or destroy him and those he loves. New friends, and some OP challenges. The marriage feels rather chaste, with hugs and hand holding and sometimes some cuddling, but again, not even fade to black scenes, which is consistent with previous books in the series. Well edited. Awaiting book 8.
Alternate universe, magic, LitRPG light, OP MC, portals, technology
John continues his goal to protect his world from those who would bind or destroy him and those he loves. New friends, and some OP challenges. The marriage feels rather chaste, with hugs and hand holding and sometimes some cuddling, but again, not even fade to black scenes, which is consistent with previous books in the series. Well edited. Awaiting book 8.
April 13, 2024
Ferdie Go Moo
Another enjoyable trip through the life of the Battle Mage Farmer & His Closest Friends.
All Hail The Eternal Flame...but do not get Ferdie angry.
Good plot.
Enjoyable worlds.
Nice that the reserved MC does not know everything and makes mistakes.
The antagonists are appropriately bad and smacking them with the proverbial rod is satisfying.
The next one will likely be excellent in my experience, and I eagerly await the next book.
More please Mr. Seth Ring.
Another enjoyable trip through the life of the Battle Mage Farmer & His Closest Friends.
All Hail The Eternal Flame...but do not get Ferdie angry.
Good plot.
Enjoyable worlds.
Nice that the reserved MC does not know everything and makes mistakes.
The antagonists are appropriately bad and smacking them with the proverbial rod is satisfying.
The next one will likely be excellent in my experience, and I eagerly await the next book.
More please Mr. Seth Ring.
May 12, 2024
Entertaining and idyllic
I thought this book was entertaining and definitely had a better feel than the last one. I did enjoy it, but felt that the plot was too meandering and didn’t have great cohesion with each distinct sub section. The language itself also doesn’t lend itself well to being immersed in the world and instead feels as if I’m being told what’s happening step by step.
These are minor issues I have with the book, but otherwise would recommend!
I thought this book was entertaining and definitely had a better feel than the last one. I did enjoy it, but felt that the plot was too meandering and didn’t have great cohesion with each distinct sub section. The language itself also doesn’t lend itself well to being immersed in the world and instead feels as if I’m being told what’s happening step by step.
These are minor issues I have with the book, but otherwise would recommend!
December 11, 2024
I have no memory of how John became Jod and so overpowered. The final scene contained characters that I similarly have no memory of from prior books. My "real" rating for this would be closer to three stars but I have rounded up because I put some blame on myself for not recalling important events from past novels. That said, very little happens in this book up until the final scene, which sets the stage for the next installment.
January 25, 2024
I Love this Series
Two stories in one. I love that as they are looking for a location to plant the shard it leads them to another shard where the bearer was in a similar situation. They learn what not to do and assist in correcting the problem. I enjoy that just as you think John has reached the top level of growth, he finds That there is more to learn and grow. Awesome book
Two stories in one. I love that as they are looking for a location to plant the shard it leads them to another shard where the bearer was in a similar situation. They learn what not to do and assist in correcting the problem. I enjoy that just as you think John has reached the top level of growth, he finds That there is more to learn and grow. Awesome book
January 25, 2024
I thought John couldn’t find a god fight still …
Yet, he did. A couple fun ones, and a great one. It, as always, it isn’t sll about a good fight. John explored and learned about the endless worlds, his power, and even uncovered some surprising new aspects about how everything works.
Yet, he did. A couple fun ones, and a great one. It, as always, it isn’t sll about a good fight. John explored and learned about the endless worlds, his power, and even uncovered some surprising new aspects about how everything works.
January 25, 2024
An amazing continuation
This series is one of a kind. Mixing magic, physical fighting, and of all things farming into an evolving universe that is still expanding and establishing itself. I would highly recommend this book and all its predecessors to any that have an open mind and a yearning for a new type of adventure.
This series is one of a kind. Mixing magic, physical fighting, and of all things farming into an evolving universe that is still expanding and establishing itself. I would highly recommend this book and all its predecessors to any that have an open mind and a yearning for a new type of adventure.
January 27, 2024
This was a fun and creative twist on the Battle Mage Farmer series. After saving the world where they lived, John and Ellie go on their honeymoon, into the chaotic void. They're transported by their faithful super-bull Ferdinand and guided by Ellie's prescient sense of direction.
Eventually, they end up in a confusing cluster of planets where there is a nest of vicious void beasts.
What a start to a honeymoon!
This creativity continues for the rest of the book.
Enjoy!
Eventually, they end up in a confusing cluster of planets where there is a nest of vicious void beasts.
What a start to a honeymoon!
This creativity continues for the rest of the book.
Enjoy!
January 27, 2024
stretched thin
How do you make a plot interesting when the main character is essentially a good with unlimited power? The earlier books did it by forcing him to avoid using his power. Those handcuffs are off and every problem gets solved with blue flame. Not so interesting after awhile.
How do you make a plot interesting when the main character is essentially a good with unlimited power? The earlier books did it by forcing him to avoid using his power. Those handcuffs are off and every problem gets solved with blue flame. Not so interesting after awhile.
January 28, 2024
Wonderful!
Seth continues to deliver in a big way! Separation was a wonderful continuation of John and Ellie's story, as well as a great next step in fleshing out the wider world. I'm excited to see how this eventually ties in with the tower series (or the greater universe in general). Much love to Seth and the many hours he puts in to these works.
Seth continues to deliver in a big way! Separation was a wonderful continuation of John and Ellie's story, as well as a great next step in fleshing out the wider world. I'm excited to see how this eventually ties in with the tower series (or the greater universe in general). Much love to Seth and the many hours he puts in to these works.
January 30, 2024
Not a restful farmer
John and Ellie are growing, and their journeys are going a lot further than they imagined. I agree with Ellie that it's nice to see John creating happiness for himself. I didn't expect the side adventure, and the revenge/justice is tame. The ending scene was a surprise.
John and Ellie are growing, and their journeys are going a lot further than they imagined. I agree with Ellie that it's nice to see John creating happiness for himself. I didn't expect the side adventure, and the revenge/justice is tame. The ending scene was a surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews