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Heart Master
By stealing the jewels from the temple of the goddess of luck and death, Draven seeks to prove himself to his rivals. As fortune would have it, he escapes with only his life, and a magical gauntlet that bonds to his arm. Hunted by an entire city, haunted by the spirit of the ancient knight imbued within the relic, and unable to remove the artifact, Draven finds his history of poor choices catches up to him. He reluctantly finds himself in a war between the gods.
On one side a brutal warlord, bent on resurrecting an empire and pledged to the god of conquest, raises an army of fanatics. Opposing him are a handful of champions, struggling to answer the urgent call to serve their impatient gods.
But luck is fickle. When a cursed artifact enters the picture, the odds tip towards total destruction. Even the champions and their powerful relics may not be enough to save the world.
On one side a brutal warlord, bent on resurrecting an empire and pledged to the god of conquest, raises an army of fanatics. Opposing him are a handful of champions, struggling to answer the urgent call to serve their impatient gods.
But luck is fickle. When a cursed artifact enters the picture, the odds tip towards total destruction. Even the champions and their powerful relics may not be enough to save the world.
- GenresFantasy
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 14, 2025
Heart Master is a gripping and imaginative fantasy that masterfully blends high-stakes adventure with divine intrigue. Draven’s journey, from a reckless thief to a reluctant player in a war between gods, is both thrilling and deeply engaging. The magical gauntlet and the spirit of the ancient knight add a fascinating layer of complexity, forcing Draven to confront the consequences of his choices in ways that feel both epic and personal. The world-building is exceptional the clash between gods, champions, and cursed artifacts creates constant tension, and the stakes feel immense without ever overwhelming the story. I especially appreciated how the story explores themes of luck, responsibility, and the ripple effects of one’s actions. Fans of action-packed fantasy with clever twists, compelling characters, and a rich mythological backdrop will find a lot to love here. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
November 17, 2023
What‘s a disreputable thief to do when he becomes bound to a valorous knight by a worthless bauble that has chosen him as a deity's champion and simply will not let go? Draven must decide as he is about to face the test of his life.
Heart Master is an epic journey detailing the trials of God-chosen champions converging to fight the spirit of an evil King, embodied in a deliciously darkened champion who has strayed from good. This opponent comes stocked with all kinds of unimaginable powers, and an evil spirit’s ability to weild them.
The thief, Draven, must choose whether he will join the other champions and protect the world from the rule of a brutal King or continue down his self-serving path for his own benefit.
This book has completely entranced me. The author, Nikolas Everhart, won me over with his snarky, swashbuckling, dashing MMC. Characterization is painted in great contrast. No simpering maidens to be found. The female characters are strong to badass.
Imagery is a strong suit for Everhart. The reader is taken on a journey with various character povs, illuminating the contrasting ways of the various Gods. The settings are brought to life through each sensory detail.
The plot moves at an adventurous clip, never floundering in exposition. The build up to the climax of the story is well-paced, and the resolution is satisfying.
One thing I really loved about this story is the snarky arguing between Draven and the knight he carries with him.
One thing I would wish for in the continuation of this epic saga is more romance. But that may just be me.
Nevertheless, Heart Master has mastered my heart. I enthusiastically recommend this novel.
Heart Master is an epic journey detailing the trials of God-chosen champions converging to fight the spirit of an evil King, embodied in a deliciously darkened champion who has strayed from good. This opponent comes stocked with all kinds of unimaginable powers, and an evil spirit’s ability to weild them.
The thief, Draven, must choose whether he will join the other champions and protect the world from the rule of a brutal King or continue down his self-serving path for his own benefit.
This book has completely entranced me. The author, Nikolas Everhart, won me over with his snarky, swashbuckling, dashing MMC. Characterization is painted in great contrast. No simpering maidens to be found. The female characters are strong to badass.
Imagery is a strong suit for Everhart. The reader is taken on a journey with various character povs, illuminating the contrasting ways of the various Gods. The settings are brought to life through each sensory detail.
The plot moves at an adventurous clip, never floundering in exposition. The build up to the climax of the story is well-paced, and the resolution is satisfying.
One thing I really loved about this story is the snarky arguing between Draven and the knight he carries with him.
One thing I would wish for in the continuation of this epic saga is more romance. But that may just be me.
Nevertheless, Heart Master has mastered my heart. I enthusiastically recommend this novel.
November 16, 2023
If you were asked to do something for the greater good—up to and including sacrificing yourself—would you? I think most people would do what we can. But I bet most would have trouble giving their life for the greater good. Heart Master is a story just like that. The fantasy novel from Nikolas Everhart, is an interesting story about a self-centered thief pulled into a much larger holy war by a heist gone wrong. I defiantly recommend the book as I was thoroughly entertained by the characters, engaging story and interesting setting, though I do still have questions about the world I felt should have been answered sooner.
The story has multiple point-of-view characters that help tell the tale. While most chapters are from the thief Draven’s perspective, we also get time with two other holy champions; Helena, a warrior with anger management issues, and Kell, a man with aspirations to be his mountain clan’s chieftain but instead called to action in the larger world unwillingly by his god. All three characters have very unique voices and world views which adds their own take on the plot. There’s also Seguris, the once-enslaved Merktwin sent on a mission of conquest. Seeing him change throughout the story and develop into the main antagonist was super interesting.
And while the plot took a short while to get going, once it did, I was hooked. Draven is almost a reluctant, morally gray character forced into this holy conflict, while Helena is the exact opposite, having regular conversations with her goddess. Seeing how different characters goals align (sometimes better than others) with others boosted my engagement with the story, not only leading me to care about their quest, but them as people, too.
With such an engaging plot and characters I cared about, I was a little disappointed to see how some bigger questions relating to the world and faith were left unanswered. I’ll admit that I’m used to reading fantasy works more akin to epic fantasy, and I felt this had the trappings of that: story set not on Earth, a large world filled with different people and cultures, at least one race/species of people different than others, a pantheon I knew nothing about. But it was those last two points I felt were lacking.
Starting with the the Merktwin, they are the only race of people called out as darker skinned, and one of the first things said about them was that many are still slaves. I wondered where they were from and what caused them to be in their situation, what truly made them different from others. We did get some answers, but they still feel like just another race of people in the world. And the fact that the only black characters are slaves or villains kinda rubbed me in an awkward way.
Finally, there is clearly a lot of lore that the author knows about the holy conflict, but very little is shared with the audience. There were a number of times that some god or other pushed someone to do something and I didn’t understand the motivation. It even felt like the god-characters were working against their own worshipers, which made me pause and ask questions. Since they were never answered in this book, this is the biggest thing I hope is addressed in the next.
And I do believe another is coming. And I really do see that as a good thing. With this story and characters are interesting as it is, I want to find out what happens next. Yes, I have some questions and concerns, but it isn’t enough to stop me from being excited for this book’s release and publication of the next. And I hope we get it soon.
The story has multiple point-of-view characters that help tell the tale. While most chapters are from the thief Draven’s perspective, we also get time with two other holy champions; Helena, a warrior with anger management issues, and Kell, a man with aspirations to be his mountain clan’s chieftain but instead called to action in the larger world unwillingly by his god. All three characters have very unique voices and world views which adds their own take on the plot. There’s also Seguris, the once-enslaved Merktwin sent on a mission of conquest. Seeing him change throughout the story and develop into the main antagonist was super interesting.
And while the plot took a short while to get going, once it did, I was hooked. Draven is almost a reluctant, morally gray character forced into this holy conflict, while Helena is the exact opposite, having regular conversations with her goddess. Seeing how different characters goals align (sometimes better than others) with others boosted my engagement with the story, not only leading me to care about their quest, but them as people, too.
With such an engaging plot and characters I cared about, I was a little disappointed to see how some bigger questions relating to the world and faith were left unanswered. I’ll admit that I’m used to reading fantasy works more akin to epic fantasy, and I felt this had the trappings of that: story set not on Earth, a large world filled with different people and cultures, at least one race/species of people different than others, a pantheon I knew nothing about. But it was those last two points I felt were lacking.
Starting with the the Merktwin, they are the only race of people called out as darker skinned, and one of the first things said about them was that many are still slaves. I wondered where they were from and what caused them to be in their situation, what truly made them different from others. We did get some answers, but they still feel like just another race of people in the world. And the fact that the only black characters are slaves or villains kinda rubbed me in an awkward way.
Finally, there is clearly a lot of lore that the author knows about the holy conflict, but very little is shared with the audience. There were a number of times that some god or other pushed someone to do something and I didn’t understand the motivation. It even felt like the god-characters were working against their own worshipers, which made me pause and ask questions. Since they were never answered in this book, this is the biggest thing I hope is addressed in the next.
And I do believe another is coming. And I really do see that as a good thing. With this story and characters are interesting as it is, I want to find out what happens next. Yes, I have some questions and concerns, but it isn’t enough to stop me from being excited for this book’s release and publication of the next. And I hope we get it soon.
November 15, 2023
Whether you are new to fantasy, or a swords and sorcery enthusiast, Heart Master wins the tourney. We follow Draven, our unlikely hero, and his cast of unforgettable characters in a high-stakes quest where good must triumph over evil. The gods speak, their magic-imbued relics are collected, and compelling friendships are forged. Underpinning the action is the torment of lost love, the angst of competition, and the self-doubt that courage is built upon.
For those sensitive to adult themes, this book was written with you in mind. Nik took care to craft the story without profanity, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content. But don’t think for a moment that he cut corners on adventure, intrigue, humor, action, romance, or tension. It’s all there, folks.
On a more personal note, I found Draven’s voice to be clever and compelling. His humor is laced with sarcasm and his anecdotes had me smirking on some occasions and outright chortling on others. Heart Master, of course, is fascinating. I’d rather like to have a magic, commutative, pulsing gauntlet, and you will too if you read the book. The other characters are varied and nuanced. Those we hear from individually have clear arcs. They interact with each other in unexpected ways that feed our innate need for camaraderie. But what I loved most about this book was the snappy dialog (i.e the back-and-forth banter with Ansalon) and strong female characters (like, every one of them).
Heart Master is an ideal book to engage reluctant readers. While the characters are adults, and some vocabulary is advanced, Heart Master’s themes appeal cross-generationally, and the definitions can be deduced from context. The action begins on the first page and the plot moves quickly. The story is intricate enough for adult fantasy fans, but not so complicated that you need a spreadsheet to keep names straight. Nik’s use of brief chapters works especially well if you are encouraging reading in short segments. My 12-year-old nephew is getting a copy for Christmas. :)
I’m not generally a reader of high fantasy as I get lost in complicated lore and have trouble engaging in magical worlds. But Heart Master succeeded where most other fantasies have failed. My reality evaporated, and I got trapped between the pages of something larger than myself–the power of skillful storytelling.
For those sensitive to adult themes, this book was written with you in mind. Nik took care to craft the story without profanity, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content. But don’t think for a moment that he cut corners on adventure, intrigue, humor, action, romance, or tension. It’s all there, folks.
On a more personal note, I found Draven’s voice to be clever and compelling. His humor is laced with sarcasm and his anecdotes had me smirking on some occasions and outright chortling on others. Heart Master, of course, is fascinating. I’d rather like to have a magic, commutative, pulsing gauntlet, and you will too if you read the book. The other characters are varied and nuanced. Those we hear from individually have clear arcs. They interact with each other in unexpected ways that feed our innate need for camaraderie. But what I loved most about this book was the snappy dialog (i.e the back-and-forth banter with Ansalon) and strong female characters (like, every one of them).
Heart Master is an ideal book to engage reluctant readers. While the characters are adults, and some vocabulary is advanced, Heart Master’s themes appeal cross-generationally, and the definitions can be deduced from context. The action begins on the first page and the plot moves quickly. The story is intricate enough for adult fantasy fans, but not so complicated that you need a spreadsheet to keep names straight. Nik’s use of brief chapters works especially well if you are encouraging reading in short segments. My 12-year-old nephew is getting a copy for Christmas. :)
I’m not generally a reader of high fantasy as I get lost in complicated lore and have trouble engaging in magical worlds. But Heart Master succeeded where most other fantasies have failed. My reality evaporated, and I got trapped between the pages of something larger than myself–the power of skillful storytelling.
December 31, 2023
Heart Master (The Legacy of the Mad King)
By
Nikolas Everhart
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"Step into the enchanting world of 'Heart Master (The Legacy of the Mad King)' by the talented Nikolas Everhart, where every stolen artifact and divine whim holds the key to an extraordinary adventure. 📚✨
👉This spellbinding fantasy narrative revolves around Draven, a cunning thief entangled with a magical gauntlet from a daring temple heist. As he grapples with both the artifact and the vengeful ancient spirit within, the stage is set for a celestial war between gods, transcending the typical 'save the world' storyline.
👉Everhart's narrative prowess shines as he defies genre expectations, infusing champions and magical relics with unexpected backgrounds and behaviors. The result is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with unpredictable twists and turns. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, as the author fearlessly sacrifices major characters, adding a layer of intensity that resonates long after the final page.
👉In this debut novel, Everhart masterfully constructs a world grounded in a rational magic system. The characters, driven by solid motivations, come alive on the pages, ensuring a dynamic and engaging reading experience. The brisk pace maintains a sense of urgency, making it difficult to put the book down.
👉'Heart Master' is not just a fantasy; it's a profound exploration of gods, champions, and the intricate dance of power that shapes a world in turmoil. The author's ability to seamlessly blend epic battles with nuanced character development creates a narrative tapestry that captivates from beginning to end.
👉For fantasy enthusiasts yearning for an epic journey filled with unexpected twists, diverse characters, and a touch of the divine, 'Heart Master' is an absolute must-read. 🌟✨ Dive into this enchanting debut and prepare for an adventure that transcends the boundaries of imagination. 📚😍
#HeartMaster #FantasyNovel #BookReview"
By
Nikolas Everhart
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"Step into the enchanting world of 'Heart Master (The Legacy of the Mad King)' by the talented Nikolas Everhart, where every stolen artifact and divine whim holds the key to an extraordinary adventure. 📚✨
👉This spellbinding fantasy narrative revolves around Draven, a cunning thief entangled with a magical gauntlet from a daring temple heist. As he grapples with both the artifact and the vengeful ancient spirit within, the stage is set for a celestial war between gods, transcending the typical 'save the world' storyline.
👉Everhart's narrative prowess shines as he defies genre expectations, infusing champions and magical relics with unexpected backgrounds and behaviors. The result is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with unpredictable twists and turns. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, as the author fearlessly sacrifices major characters, adding a layer of intensity that resonates long after the final page.
👉In this debut novel, Everhart masterfully constructs a world grounded in a rational magic system. The characters, driven by solid motivations, come alive on the pages, ensuring a dynamic and engaging reading experience. The brisk pace maintains a sense of urgency, making it difficult to put the book down.
👉'Heart Master' is not just a fantasy; it's a profound exploration of gods, champions, and the intricate dance of power that shapes a world in turmoil. The author's ability to seamlessly blend epic battles with nuanced character development creates a narrative tapestry that captivates from beginning to end.
👉For fantasy enthusiasts yearning for an epic journey filled with unexpected twists, diverse characters, and a touch of the divine, 'Heart Master' is an absolute must-read. 🌟✨ Dive into this enchanting debut and prepare for an adventure that transcends the boundaries of imagination. 📚😍
#HeartMaster #FantasyNovel #BookReview"
March 4, 2024
Draven is proud of his acquired title, Master Thief, so when the other members of the guild question his right to hold the title because he hasn't performed big enough heists to deserve it, he is desperate to prove them wrong, even if it means stealing from the goddess of luck and death, regardless of what he may face. However, things turn the wrong way when the goddess's ancient relic decides to latch onto Draven's wrist with no way of taking it off. Now, he must find a way to remove it or become the unlikely hero he doesn't want to be.
The epic fantasy novel of Nikolas Everhart, "Heart Master," is a captivating tale that blends a rich storyline with a bunch of multi-layered and well-developed characters that I closely connected with as they added depth to the plot. The mixed viewpoints from which Everhart wrote the story enabled me to easily sympathize with the characters and grasp the motives behind their actions, especially Seguris and the struggle he faced with his conscience. The sarcastic nature of most of the characters and their witty banter made reading this book a delightful experience, especially the ones between Draven, Helena, and Nellonah.
I admired how the author gradually transitioned the antagonist into an evil character because I never suspected he would go this far with his ambition. Also, the way Draven developed from a vain and selfish person to someone with slightly better morals without exaggeration and the author's attention to the details in making the changes subtly without transforming him into the perfect hero made the character realistic and relatable.
There is nothing that I dislike about this gripping novel. I also didn't encounter any typographical or grammatical errors, indicating the flawless editing of the book. So, I believe this novel deserves the highest rating for all the positive aspects I mentioned earlier. I gladly recommend it to all fantasy fans, and due to the absence of profanity and mature content, it is also suitable for young adults and sensitive readers.
The epic fantasy novel of Nikolas Everhart, "Heart Master," is a captivating tale that blends a rich storyline with a bunch of multi-layered and well-developed characters that I closely connected with as they added depth to the plot. The mixed viewpoints from which Everhart wrote the story enabled me to easily sympathize with the characters and grasp the motives behind their actions, especially Seguris and the struggle he faced with his conscience. The sarcastic nature of most of the characters and their witty banter made reading this book a delightful experience, especially the ones between Draven, Helena, and Nellonah.
I admired how the author gradually transitioned the antagonist into an evil character because I never suspected he would go this far with his ambition. Also, the way Draven developed from a vain and selfish person to someone with slightly better morals without exaggeration and the author's attention to the details in making the changes subtly without transforming him into the perfect hero made the character realistic and relatable.
There is nothing that I dislike about this gripping novel. I also didn't encounter any typographical or grammatical errors, indicating the flawless editing of the book. So, I believe this novel deserves the highest rating for all the positive aspects I mentioned earlier. I gladly recommend it to all fantasy fans, and due to the absence of profanity and mature content, it is also suitable for young adults and sensitive readers.
November 15, 2023
I love a reluctant hero, and Draven quickly became one of my new favorites. Throughout the story you don't always like him or his decisions, but I think that makes the character interesting. In fact, most of the characters don't like or trust each other or themselves, which makes their interactions, and the whole story, unpredictable in such a juicy way.
This book is packed with fast-paced action, a compelling plot, and great, imperfect characters. From the very beginning of the book, I enjoyed putting myself in Draven's shoes, deciding what I'd do if I were trapped at the crux of a war between Gods because of my own bad decisions.
The weapons, armor, and artifacts are fun and unique. They are also introduced and developed in a way that was very satisfying and unexpected. At first I wasn't sure about having a voice that only the main character could hear, but by the end I loved the play between them, almost like an internal struggle made tangible. It was also a creative way to infuse some of the necessary backstory without pages and pages of exposition about the world and its history. In fact, to that point, unlike many books I've read in the fantasy genre, this book manages to avoid having long spells of travel and world-building that don't advance the plot. The journey is constantly moving, in every POV, with action, lore, romance, and/or friendship development. Everything is laid out to give you just a little bit less info than you want so you have to keep reading.
No spoilers here, but the surprises toward the end are so worth it! I also love that not everything is tied up with a pretty bow. I wish I could get my hands on the next book in the series today.
Totally worthwhile, fun read!
This book is packed with fast-paced action, a compelling plot, and great, imperfect characters. From the very beginning of the book, I enjoyed putting myself in Draven's shoes, deciding what I'd do if I were trapped at the crux of a war between Gods because of my own bad decisions.
The weapons, armor, and artifacts are fun and unique. They are also introduced and developed in a way that was very satisfying and unexpected. At first I wasn't sure about having a voice that only the main character could hear, but by the end I loved the play between them, almost like an internal struggle made tangible. It was also a creative way to infuse some of the necessary backstory without pages and pages of exposition about the world and its history. In fact, to that point, unlike many books I've read in the fantasy genre, this book manages to avoid having long spells of travel and world-building that don't advance the plot. The journey is constantly moving, in every POV, with action, lore, romance, and/or friendship development. Everything is laid out to give you just a little bit less info than you want so you have to keep reading.
No spoilers here, but the surprises toward the end are so worth it! I also love that not everything is tied up with a pretty bow. I wish I could get my hands on the next book in the series today.
Totally worthwhile, fun read!
November 15, 2023
A highly entertaining read that had me feeling a world of emotions toward the cast of characters. I particularly enjoyed Draven, a prince among thieves, and the most unlikely and reluctant of heroes. It’s hard not to love his character and I’m eager to see more of him and his wit.
The. Relics. Though. I was instantly intrigued by the premise of human pawns wielding the magic-infused relics of gods, and let me just say, it did not disappoint! I definitely have a favorite by far, and I’m curious which will be yours.
I’m not knocking off any stars for this, but I would have liked to have seen the history of the pantheon of gods gone into more, as well as getting more insight into the Mektwin people and their history and culture. I believe this is going to be a series, so I assume more of this will be learned in the coming books, which I’m quite looking forward to. There was one relationship in the story that felt a bit rushed and therefore not quite convincing to me, but overall, I really enjoyed the myriad of characters and their relationships with each other.
I loved how different the characters were and how they each brought something to the table that no one else could. Very skillfully woven!
Just a quick note that there are sexual elements referenced (SA for example), but nothing was shown, and I felt like all mentions were handled well.
The battles and journey are intense, and I found myself pausing on multiple occasions to re-read a particularly wonderfully phrased sentence. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this author. This is a page turner, make no mistake.
The. Relics. Though. I was instantly intrigued by the premise of human pawns wielding the magic-infused relics of gods, and let me just say, it did not disappoint! I definitely have a favorite by far, and I’m curious which will be yours.
I’m not knocking off any stars for this, but I would have liked to have seen the history of the pantheon of gods gone into more, as well as getting more insight into the Mektwin people and their history and culture. I believe this is going to be a series, so I assume more of this will be learned in the coming books, which I’m quite looking forward to. There was one relationship in the story that felt a bit rushed and therefore not quite convincing to me, but overall, I really enjoyed the myriad of characters and their relationships with each other.
I loved how different the characters were and how they each brought something to the table that no one else could. Very skillfully woven!
Just a quick note that there are sexual elements referenced (SA for example), but nothing was shown, and I felt like all mentions were handled well.
The battles and journey are intense, and I found myself pausing on multiple occasions to re-read a particularly wonderfully phrased sentence. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this author. This is a page turner, make no mistake.
November 16, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book to review. It is now available in digital, paperback & hardback editions at Amazon, B&N, and other platforms.
Heart Master, by Nikolas Everhart
“My whole life, the world has been trying to kill me. The streets were my parents and hunger, my teacher. I am no more afraid of you than anyone else that’s tried to take my life. Bring it, Emperor of Dust.” – Draven, the thief.
‘Heart Master’ is high fantasy on steroids. It is a richly-detailed world filled with vibrant heroes and villains and gods and magical weapons fashioned by the gods for their champions to use. I especially enjoyed these weapons. Blood Thorn, Hallowed Verity, Fist of Heaven, Chaos Masque, and my favorite, The Trappings of the World’, which has a double meaning that it took me a while to grasp. Very ingenious, as is the entire book. Gods battle gods, gods battle each others’ champions, champions battle champions. At the center of this epic struggle is a very reluctant thief whose bungling leads him into the maelstrom. At the end of the tale is an immense battle that leaps, or rather blasts, off the pages (or screen, if you are reading the digital version). I don’t believe I’ve ever read such a battle royale so well choreographed between so many colorful fighters using such creative weapons, with so many ingenious twists at the very climax. The gods are strong but not all-powerful, their champions are heroic but far from perfect, and the weapons so intriguing you never know what powers are lurking inside them. If you enjoy high fantasy I can guarantee you will enjoy this book.
Heart Master, by Nikolas Everhart
“My whole life, the world has been trying to kill me. The streets were my parents and hunger, my teacher. I am no more afraid of you than anyone else that’s tried to take my life. Bring it, Emperor of Dust.” – Draven, the thief.
‘Heart Master’ is high fantasy on steroids. It is a richly-detailed world filled with vibrant heroes and villains and gods and magical weapons fashioned by the gods for their champions to use. I especially enjoyed these weapons. Blood Thorn, Hallowed Verity, Fist of Heaven, Chaos Masque, and my favorite, The Trappings of the World’, which has a double meaning that it took me a while to grasp. Very ingenious, as is the entire book. Gods battle gods, gods battle each others’ champions, champions battle champions. At the center of this epic struggle is a very reluctant thief whose bungling leads him into the maelstrom. At the end of the tale is an immense battle that leaps, or rather blasts, off the pages (or screen, if you are reading the digital version). I don’t believe I’ve ever read such a battle royale so well choreographed between so many colorful fighters using such creative weapons, with so many ingenious twists at the very climax. The gods are strong but not all-powerful, their champions are heroic but far from perfect, and the weapons so intriguing you never know what powers are lurking inside them. If you enjoy high fantasy I can guarantee you will enjoy this book.
November 15, 2023
Heart Master is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. There is so much packed into this story like magic, suspense, mystery, comedy, romance, action, combat and a huge cast of characters in a strange and dangerous world. We follow the main character, Draven, a lowly, misunderstood, ne'er-do-well thief who unknowingly steals a strange and powerful artifact that gets him into a lot of trouble and, try as he might, he cannot get rid of. The thing also talks to him along the way and the antagonistic relationship between them is often hilarious. It is also what propels Draven forward into the adventure of a lifetime but also toward a confrontation with his own demons, his checkered past, and his flaws as a person. The author, Mr. Everhart, excels at world building. We meet tons of characters but it never gets confusing about who is who or where is where. Places and characters are described with just the right details to paint a vivid picture without getting bogged down in minutiae. We travel extensively through this world on this adventure, through towns, villages, and temples at a pace that keeps the reader turning pages. If you enjoy high adventure in a fantasy setting you will love Heart Master. Mr. Everhart is an author to watch.
November 15, 2023
Get ready for a crazy adventure! If you like the high fantasy genre, snarky main characters with something to prove, and vivid details that suck you into a completely different world where battles rage and Gods and men intertwine, this is the book for you!
Central protagonist Draven wasn't looking to be called upon for a holy quest. He just wanted to lift some jewels and prove his merits as a thief among his guild. However, his journey sends him off on a path that he never saw coming - one I wouldn't dare to spoil for you here in this review. You'll want to enjoy the surprises in store every bit as much as I did!
Furthermore, with holidays around the corner, you may be looking to share a good read with a loved one in your life. Consider "Heart Master." Not only will it suit the fantasy lover, its scope is also appropriate for the YA readers in your life. Gift it to your children, nieces, nephews, or little cousins who love getting lost in an epic read. There are no triggers for adult romantic scenes. As long as your reader is mature enough to read about the fight scenes, they'll love it. And on that note, the relics are so cool! Just wait until you get there...or don't. Buy it now with just a simple click and enjoy the magic for yourself!
Central protagonist Draven wasn't looking to be called upon for a holy quest. He just wanted to lift some jewels and prove his merits as a thief among his guild. However, his journey sends him off on a path that he never saw coming - one I wouldn't dare to spoil for you here in this review. You'll want to enjoy the surprises in store every bit as much as I did!
Furthermore, with holidays around the corner, you may be looking to share a good read with a loved one in your life. Consider "Heart Master." Not only will it suit the fantasy lover, its scope is also appropriate for the YA readers in your life. Gift it to your children, nieces, nephews, or little cousins who love getting lost in an epic read. There are no triggers for adult romantic scenes. As long as your reader is mature enough to read about the fight scenes, they'll love it. And on that note, the relics are so cool! Just wait until you get there...or don't. Buy it now with just a simple click and enjoy the magic for yourself!
November 15, 2023
To prove himself worthy, Draven boasts that he will pull off the greatest heist in the history of the city, but when he attempts to steal the jewels off the statue of the Goddess of Luck and Death in her own temple, Draven comes away with something entirely different. Imbued with the spirit of an ancient knight of valor (who does NOT approve of Draven), Heart Master, for reasons known only to the magical god-powered artifact, attaches itself to the thief. Draven has stuck his boot into it this time for sure. Everyone and his brother now want a piece of Draven's butt on a stick. Running out options he turns to the woman he jilted. This is great stuff, and we're just getting started.
Other champions are introduced: a barbarian, a cleric, a paladin. Each has their strengths and their weaknesses. And the task of all these champions is to face the champion of the God of Conquest, a former slave raising an army of thugs and fanatics, who is bent on resurrecting an empire.
I love this book. And I have no doubt you'll love it too.
Other champions are introduced: a barbarian, a cleric, a paladin. Each has their strengths and their weaknesses. And the task of all these champions is to face the champion of the God of Conquest, a former slave raising an army of thugs and fanatics, who is bent on resurrecting an empire.
I love this book. And I have no doubt you'll love it too.
November 15, 2023
Gripping Fantasy – Highly Recommend!
An epic fantasy depicting a scoundrel’s transition from charismatic thief to reluctant hero. Draven, our endearingly flawed main character, joins forces with an eclectic group of crusaders to battle against the forces of evil. Written from multiple POV’s, the author immediately captivates the reader’s attention with a host of fascinating characters, robust worldbuilding, tons of action, witty dialogue, and a palpable sense of urgency. Absolutely loved it! A MUST READ for anyone who enjoys high fantasy.
An epic fantasy depicting a scoundrel’s transition from charismatic thief to reluctant hero. Draven, our endearingly flawed main character, joins forces with an eclectic group of crusaders to battle against the forces of evil. Written from multiple POV’s, the author immediately captivates the reader’s attention with a host of fascinating characters, robust worldbuilding, tons of action, witty dialogue, and a palpable sense of urgency. Absolutely loved it! A MUST READ for anyone who enjoys high fantasy.
November 15, 2023
Compelling and awesome for fantasy lovers. Heart Master is a well-written and creative story! Although I typically prefer quieter, inner-focused genres, the action and pacing in HM held my interest. I wanted to know what came next, and found the magical weapons fascinating. Everhart did a fantastic job with characterization, particularly with the main character, Draven. His personality shone through, and I enjoyed the voice. The sense of humor was a welcomed element. Great story and strong writing! If you are a fan of high fantasy, you will enjoy this!
November 15, 2023
Not everything is as it seems, and one's past has a decided way of biting at one's posterior in the most inconvenient ways. The main character, Draven, wrestles with all this and his own particular method of navel-gazing, all while on a quest to save the world. It's a hell of a journey that proves the mettle in the would-be hero and his unlikely companions. I, for one, anticipate great things to arise from this author and this story arc.
September 18, 2024
It took me a bit to really get into this one. But it is quickly an action-packed story.
With a vibe like Game of Thrones (particularly a mix of Arya running through Braavos and Daenerys and co. trying to subdue cities), this book brought characters together. (And also broke them.)
Minor proofreading issues and dialogue stiffness in only a few places. But otherwise, a well-written, good book! Recommend. :)
With a vibe like Game of Thrones (particularly a mix of Arya running through Braavos and Daenerys and co. trying to subdue cities), this book brought characters together. (And also broke them.)
Minor proofreading issues and dialogue stiffness in only a few places. But otherwise, a well-written, good book! Recommend. :)
November 16, 2023
An exciting read! Quickly find yourself attached to characters that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as their quests intersect and mere existence is challenged. Immerse gently in the imagery created through masterful use of seemingly experiential language. Keep a tight grasp on your valuables and enjoy the story!
November 15, 2023
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to ARC read Heart Master. I loved the journey through a high fantasy world with very engaging, likeable characters. I highly recommend this novel to any and all who enjoy fantasy!
November 26, 2023
Nikolas Everhart has written a truly fantastic story that will appeal to fans of the genre and D&D, but also to fans of engaging characters and adventure in general. A pantheon of temperamental gods; their assorted heroes (some willing, others less so); magical artifacts with personalities of their own; epic battles—all told through the voice of an author who clearly loves his craft and the inhabitants of his world. I want another book from Nik, ASAP.
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