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Ashen Realm #1
Through the Ashes
Betrayed... Trapped... Left for dead.All Ole wanted to do was become an adventurer like his brother. He wanted to romance his childhood sweetheart and bring her with on his adventures. Together they would rise in the world and take the fight to the Ashen that threaten humanity. Monsters that create portals and break into his world to feast on humans. It all comes crashing down after his birthday. He'd finally aged out. He unlocked his attributes. But when his unique skill is revealed, darkness descends. Betrayed by the man that helped raise him, Ole is left for dead in the Ashen's Realm. With only a broken knife and a few scraps of food he has to survive. He'll fight, bleed, and survive while unlocking skills that shouldn't be possible. He'll discover that the Ashen Realm is far more than what humanity believes it to be. Deepening mysteries and a hidden world unfold around Ole. Can he learn from humanities greatest mistakes? He doesn't know, but he can focus on what matters most. Returning to his world and killing the man that betrayed him.
698 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2024
902 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
S.D. McKittrick
28 books27 followersI like to keep my bio simple. A few updates and a small mention that all of my books have a tinge of romance involved.
Ashen Realm: Book two will be coming out at the beginning of February. The third book is nearly ready as well. I'm hoping to have it published in April.
Fenrir's series; I will be releasing the fourth book at the beginning of the year around March.
Dimension Dungeon 3 is in the works still. I'm not sure when I'll get it out, but know that I am working on it.
World Champion has been launched, and the second book will be out near the beginning of the year. There will not be a preorder for it, so keep an eye out.
For more updates, find me on FB: S.D. McKittrick
Ashen Realm: Book two will be coming out at the beginning of February. The third book is nearly ready as well. I'm hoping to have it published in April.
Fenrir's series; I will be releasing the fourth book at the beginning of the year around March.
Dimension Dungeon 3 is in the works still. I'm not sure when I'll get it out, but know that I am working on it.
World Champion has been launched, and the second book will be out near the beginning of the year. There will not be a preorder for it, so keep an eye out.
For more updates, find me on FB: S.D. McKittrick
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 24, 2024
This is very weak.
The characters, the setting, the actions, they are all very flat and contrived. Several actions make no sense other than to have a specific scene later in the book. This seems like lazy writing to achieve a specific end that could have been accomplished with proper world building.
The characters, the setting, the actions, they are all very flat and contrived. Several actions make no sense other than to have a specific scene later in the book. This seems like lazy writing to achieve a specific end that could have been accomplished with proper world building.
April 21, 2024
Ok story, but... So many logical plot holes become a distraction.
The story is simple. Not great but its interesting enough to turn the page. Constant plot holes ruin the immersion as you question why would a character not do something, when he can, and it clearly would help him. Sometimes these issues are pushed off with " I just can't handle that", said by the main character or one of the supporting cast. But this is where the story becomes weak because the author creates week writing always having the characters make an excuse for not doing something logical because it's an emotional feeling, however the character is driven by their emotional obsession to achieve their goal. This doesn't make sense. The worst is a supporting character that is waiting for the main character for years because they are separated. She is the object of unwanted obsession by an antagonist and her party, but it's just one person. However the author has this supporting character murder over 10 people, in the logic is that the skills gained by murdering 10 people will help me be protected by one antagonist in my party. Why not just kill the person in your party that is your antagonist.
I'm trying not to give spoilers, but illogical plot holes ruin this story from where it could have been a great fun story where I would recommend highly, instead, I can only say it's fun but nothing special and if you don't read book two you're not going to lose any sleep over it.
The story is simple. Not great but its interesting enough to turn the page. Constant plot holes ruin the immersion as you question why would a character not do something, when he can, and it clearly would help him. Sometimes these issues are pushed off with " I just can't handle that", said by the main character or one of the supporting cast. But this is where the story becomes weak because the author creates week writing always having the characters make an excuse for not doing something logical because it's an emotional feeling, however the character is driven by their emotional obsession to achieve their goal. This doesn't make sense. The worst is a supporting character that is waiting for the main character for years because they are separated. She is the object of unwanted obsession by an antagonist and her party, but it's just one person. However the author has this supporting character murder over 10 people, in the logic is that the skills gained by murdering 10 people will help me be protected by one antagonist in my party. Why not just kill the person in your party that is your antagonist.
I'm trying not to give spoilers, but illogical plot holes ruin this story from where it could have been a great fun story where I would recommend highly, instead, I can only say it's fun but nothing special and if you don't read book two you're not going to lose any sleep over it.
April 24, 2024
Plenty of reviews panning the fact that nothing happens, but I haven’t seen any addressing the misogyny. Sexual assault is used repeatedly and unnecessarily to paint villains as villains, women as victims, and the protagonist as a white knight savior.
Every person gets one special ability and what is the protagonist’s future wife given? An ability entirely centered around her partner and leeching their partner’s power under the assumption that it will be much higher than her poor weak feminine self. The other main woman has the same personality as the future wife - bubbly, adoring, empty.
Given the themes of angels and demons, I’ll hazard a guess that the author’s extreme conservatism has some religious roots and needs some extensive unpacking.
Every person gets one special ability and what is the protagonist’s future wife given? An ability entirely centered around her partner and leeching their partner’s power under the assumption that it will be much higher than her poor weak feminine self. The other main woman has the same personality as the future wife - bubbly, adoring, empty.
Given the themes of angels and demons, I’ll hazard a guess that the author’s extreme conservatism has some religious roots and needs some extensive unpacking.
January 7, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Ole is fifteen. His older brother Neil is a big shot in some guild, but all he wants is to marry his sweetheart once the system lets them and then adventure together. When Ole's fifteenth birthday occurs, Neil comes back to celebrate with him and take him into a portal to fight monsters.
The only problem is that Ole's unique skill (every person gets one) is too strong. Once they enter the portal Neil blinds his brother before leaving him for dead.
The rest of the story continues from there. Ole doesn't die, but he does a lot of other things. I think the post apocalyptic tag is a bit misleading as the world Ole comes from hasn't had an apocalypse. Instead it is the land the portals lead to who experienced the apocalypse.
The editing is a bit rough at times, and I can see people getting frustrated or annoyed at how long it takes Ole to get back to his planet. Still, I enjoyed the book and that's what matters most to me. The setup for book two is strong but I hope it doesn't take anywhere near as long to address the problem of Neil. As an antagonist he is poor, because he comes across as ego personified and nothing else. Most people aren't just one thing and that detracts from the story.
The secondary plot with the love of his life is fine, but again the antagonist has no dimension.
I am looking forward to book two and hope that it is both shorter and tighter in regards to the plot. A light 5/5*
Ole is fifteen. His older brother Neil is a big shot in some guild, but all he wants is to marry his sweetheart once the system lets them and then adventure together. When Ole's fifteenth birthday occurs, Neil comes back to celebrate with him and take him into a portal to fight monsters.
The only problem is that Ole's unique skill (every person gets one) is too strong. Once they enter the portal Neil blinds his brother before leaving him for dead.
The rest of the story continues from there. Ole doesn't die, but he does a lot of other things. I think the post apocalyptic tag is a bit misleading as the world Ole comes from hasn't had an apocalypse. Instead it is the land the portals lead to who experienced the apocalypse.
The editing is a bit rough at times, and I can see people getting frustrated or annoyed at how long it takes Ole to get back to his planet. Still, I enjoyed the book and that's what matters most to me. The setup for book two is strong but I hope it doesn't take anywhere near as long to address the problem of Neil. As an antagonist he is poor, because he comes across as ego personified and nothing else. Most people aren't just one thing and that detracts from the story.
The secondary plot with the love of his life is fine, but again the antagonist has no dimension.
I am looking forward to book two and hope that it is both shorter and tighter in regards to the plot. A light 5/5*
February 10, 2024
This is a 700-page book with enough content for maybe a third of those. There are sometimes stretches of 50+ pages where absolutely nothing of note happens. Maybe that would have been fine if the author had used that time to set up his story or flesh out his characters. He didn't, both remain bland copies of subpar animes.
November 2, 2024
So many paragraphs!
Ok, great premise and great story so far. I got absorbed into this book and really enjoy the way the story is going. I only have one issue that is enough for me to dock one star…..SO. MANY. PARAGRAPHS. I think there may be a single paragraph longer than 4 sentences in the entire book. Most are 2 sentences. Doesn’t change anything in the story but it does take a while to get used to.
Ok, great premise and great story so far. I got absorbed into this book and really enjoy the way the story is going. I only have one issue that is enough for me to dock one star…..SO. MANY. PARAGRAPHS. I think there may be a single paragraph longer than 4 sentences in the entire book. Most are 2 sentences. Doesn’t change anything in the story but it does take a while to get used to.
November 7, 2024
Not continuing series.
I cannot recommend this book. Not many pros. As for the cons:
*Prose is not good.
*Writing style is tell not show - very dry read.
*Way too many “smirks” and “chuckles” even on same page and conversations.
* Conversations are not natural and don’t flow.
*Characters have little to know growth.
*Characters are basically cardboard standups. How do we know so little about Sora even though she was with the MC a majority of the book?
*MC is basically unkillable with regeneration and healing abilities.
*MC gains (multiple unique) skills, attributes, and (unique skill) evolutions that he shouldn’t with little or no explanation.
*Boring fight scenes. The MC has a drain mana/life ability that he can use at range on lots of targets at once. He can basically tap a target and hide till it is dead. Thrilling.
*Little or no editing. There are multiple spelling and grammar errors.
There are more to list and more details, but you get the idea. This is really not worth your time.
I cannot recommend this book. Not many pros. As for the cons:
*Prose is not good.
*Writing style is tell not show - very dry read.
*Way too many “smirks” and “chuckles” even on same page and conversations.
* Conversations are not natural and don’t flow.
*Characters have little to know growth.
*Characters are basically cardboard standups. How do we know so little about Sora even though she was with the MC a majority of the book?
*MC is basically unkillable with regeneration and healing abilities.
*MC gains (multiple unique) skills, attributes, and (unique skill) evolutions that he shouldn’t with little or no explanation.
*Boring fight scenes. The MC has a drain mana/life ability that he can use at range on lots of targets at once. He can basically tap a target and hide till it is dead. Thrilling.
*Little or no editing. There are multiple spelling and grammar errors.
There are more to list and more details, but you get the idea. This is really not worth your time.
August 1, 2024
🐾 Title: Through the Ashes
Author: S.D. McKittrick
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, LitRPG, Fantasy
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Self-Published
🐾 Introduction:
Yo, gather 'round, cubs and elder wolves alike, because we’re about to dive into the scorched world of Through the Ashes, the first fiery tome in S.D. McKittrick’s Ashen Realm series. This beast of a book clocks in at nearly 700 pages of gritty, post-apocalyptic LitRPG action, where survival ain’t just a game—it’s a blood-soaked grind. Released at the dawn of 2024, this one’s got betrayal, blood, and a whole lotta bone-crushing vengeance. Let’s tear into it and see if this book howls or just whimpers in the wasteland.
🐾 Plot Summary:
Alright, so check this out: Ole, our main wolf cub, has dreams bigger than the sky itself—he wants to be an adventurer like his big bro, Neil. But instead of leveling up with his sweetheart by his side, he gets a face full of betrayal when his so-called mentor blindsides him, literally, and dumps him into the Ashen Realm—a nightmarish dimension where the monsters don’t just want your XP, they want your soul. With nothing but a broken knife and some scraps, Ole’s gotta claw his way back to the living world, leveling up skills that ain’t even supposed to exist. And trust me, the journey is one hell of a grind, packed with mysteries, monstrous threats, and a thirst for revenge that’d make a direwolf proud.
🐾 The Author:
Now, S.D. McKittrick ain’t exactly new to the pack. With 22 books under their belt, this author’s been prowling the LitRPG scene for a hot minute. Their style? It’s raw, intense, and a little rough around the edges—like a scarred-up lone wolf that’s been through some battles. They’ve got a knack for blending romance into their apocalyptic hellscapes, but let’s not get it twisted—this ain’t no lovey-dovey romp. Through the Ashes is all about survival and the dark places a heart can go when it’s pushed to the brink. McKittrick hasn’t snagged any shiny awards yet, but with a body of work like this, they’re bound to catch the eye of the alpha critics sooner or later.
🐾 Characters:
Now, let’s talk about the pack—because these characters? They’re as hit-or-miss as a crossbow with a busted sight. Ole, our lead, starts off as your typical wide-eyed dreamer, but the second he gets thrown into the Ashen Realm, he’s forced to grow up fast—or die trying. His evolution from a naive cub to a hardened survivor is one of the book’s strongest points. But the rest of the cast? They’re a mixed bag, to say the least. Neil, the brother-turned-traitor, is about as one-dimensional as a paper cutout—evil for evil’s sake, with little to back it up. Then there’s Ole’s girlfriend, who’s got all the depth of a puddle after a light rain. She’s there, she’s sweet, but she doesn’t add much beyond a motivation for Ole to keep going. The supporting cast is functional, but don’t expect them to steal the spotlight—they’re background noise to Ole’s main event.
🐾 Structure:
Alright, here’s where things get a bit dicey. At nearly 700 pages, Through the Ashes is a hefty read, and not all of it is worth its weight in gold. The pacing is all over the place—like a wolf pack chasing its tail. Some sections drag on like a long winter night, with page after page of level-grinding and skill development that could’ve been trimmed down to keep the story’s heart beating strong. But then, outta nowhere, the action kicks in, and you’re racing through chapters like a wolf on the hunt. The structure isn’t as tight as it could be, but there’s enough meat here to keep you gnawing through the rough patches.
🐾 Themes & Analysis:
Through the Ashes isn’t just about slashing through monsters—it’s got some deeper layers lurking beneath its charred surface. The theme of betrayal is front and center, with Ole’s journey serving as a brutal lesson in trust and the scars it leaves behind. There’s also a heavy dose of survivalism—what it means to fight not just against the world, but against your own inner demons. Ole’s story is as much about battling the Ashen as it is about battling the darkness that festers in a broken heart. And then there’s the exploration of power dynamics, with Ole’s unique abilities putting him in a position where he could easily abuse his newfound strength—but he doesn’t, at least not yet. It’s a fine line between hero and monster, and McKittrick walks it with a steady paw.
🐾 World-Building:
Now let’s talk about the world itself, because this one’s got teeth. The Ashen Realm is a twisted mirror of our own, a post-apocalyptic hellscape where humanity’s worst nightmares have come to life. McKittrick does a solid job of painting a bleak picture, with crumbling ruins, endless darkness, and monsters that’d give even the bravest of wolves the shivers. The world-building is detailed, but not overwhelming—you get just enough to feel the weight of the setting without getting bogged down in minutiae. The RPG elements are woven in smoothly, with skill trees, level-ups, and item drops that feel natural in this broken world. It’s a place you wouldn’t want to visit, but damn if it isn’t fascinating to explore from the safety of your cozy den.
🐾 Praise & Critique:
Alright, here’s where we balance the scales. On the prowl side, Through the Ashes shines in its portrayal of Ole’s character arc and the visceral intensity of its world-building. The action scenes are well-done, and the stakes feel real—when Ole’s in danger, you’re right there with him, claws out and teeth bared. But on the flip side, the pacing issues and lackluster secondary characters drag the story down like dead weight. There’s also the matter of McKittrick’s writing style, which can feel a bit clunky at times—like a wolf trying to run through thick snow. The dialogue is hit-or-miss, with some lines landing perfectly and others falling flat. And let’s not even get started on the editing—this book could’ve used another pass or two to smooth out the rough spots.
🐾 Comparison:
Compared to McKittrick’s other works, Through the Ashes stands out as one of their darker, more intense offerings. If you’re familiar with the author’s Fenrir series, you’ll notice a shift in tone here—less focus on romance, more on survival and vengeance. Within the LitRPG genre, it’s a solid entry, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the heavy hitters like The Land or Awaken Online. But it’s got its own unique flavor, and for fans of post-apocalyptic tales with a side of RPG mechanics, it’s definitely worth sinking your teeth into.
🐾 Personal Evaluation:
From where I’m sitting, Through the Ashes is a mixed bag—but one that’s mostly worth the chew. The journey of Ole is engaging, and the world he’s thrust into is rich with potential. I found myself invested in his struggle, even when the pacing slowed to a crawl. It’s a story that sticks with you, even if it doesn’t quite hit every mark. As a seasoned reader, I appreciated the darker tones and the complex emotions that McKittrick isn’t afraid to explore, but I also found myself frustrated by the book’s flaws. It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart—and that’s worth something in my book.
🐾 Conclusion:
So, here’s the bottom line, cubs: Through the Ashes is a wild, uneven ride through a world that’s as broken as the characters who inhabit it. It’s not for everyone—if you’re looking for a tight, polished story, this might not be your bag. But if you’re down for a rough-and-tumble adventure with a protagonist who refuses to stay down, it’s worth a look. Just be ready to wade through some slow spots and a few rough patches along the way.
Rating: 🐾🐾🐾½ (3.5 out of 5 Paw Prints)
Why? Because this book has the bones of a great story, even if the execution isn’t always on point. If McKittrick can tighten up the pacing and flesh out the characters in the next installment, this series could really start to howl.
Author: S.D. McKittrick
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, LitRPG, Fantasy
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Self-Published
🐾 Introduction:
Yo, gather 'round, cubs and elder wolves alike, because we’re about to dive into the scorched world of Through the Ashes, the first fiery tome in S.D. McKittrick’s Ashen Realm series. This beast of a book clocks in at nearly 700 pages of gritty, post-apocalyptic LitRPG action, where survival ain’t just a game—it’s a blood-soaked grind. Released at the dawn of 2024, this one’s got betrayal, blood, and a whole lotta bone-crushing vengeance. Let’s tear into it and see if this book howls or just whimpers in the wasteland.
🐾 Plot Summary:
Alright, so check this out: Ole, our main wolf cub, has dreams bigger than the sky itself—he wants to be an adventurer like his big bro, Neil. But instead of leveling up with his sweetheart by his side, he gets a face full of betrayal when his so-called mentor blindsides him, literally, and dumps him into the Ashen Realm—a nightmarish dimension where the monsters don’t just want your XP, they want your soul. With nothing but a broken knife and some scraps, Ole’s gotta claw his way back to the living world, leveling up skills that ain’t even supposed to exist. And trust me, the journey is one hell of a grind, packed with mysteries, monstrous threats, and a thirst for revenge that’d make a direwolf proud.
🐾 The Author:
Now, S.D. McKittrick ain’t exactly new to the pack. With 22 books under their belt, this author’s been prowling the LitRPG scene for a hot minute. Their style? It’s raw, intense, and a little rough around the edges—like a scarred-up lone wolf that’s been through some battles. They’ve got a knack for blending romance into their apocalyptic hellscapes, but let’s not get it twisted—this ain’t no lovey-dovey romp. Through the Ashes is all about survival and the dark places a heart can go when it’s pushed to the brink. McKittrick hasn’t snagged any shiny awards yet, but with a body of work like this, they’re bound to catch the eye of the alpha critics sooner or later.
🐾 Characters:
Now, let’s talk about the pack—because these characters? They’re as hit-or-miss as a crossbow with a busted sight. Ole, our lead, starts off as your typical wide-eyed dreamer, but the second he gets thrown into the Ashen Realm, he’s forced to grow up fast—or die trying. His evolution from a naive cub to a hardened survivor is one of the book’s strongest points. But the rest of the cast? They’re a mixed bag, to say the least. Neil, the brother-turned-traitor, is about as one-dimensional as a paper cutout—evil for evil’s sake, with little to back it up. Then there’s Ole’s girlfriend, who’s got all the depth of a puddle after a light rain. She’s there, she’s sweet, but she doesn’t add much beyond a motivation for Ole to keep going. The supporting cast is functional, but don’t expect them to steal the spotlight—they’re background noise to Ole’s main event.
🐾 Structure:
Alright, here’s where things get a bit dicey. At nearly 700 pages, Through the Ashes is a hefty read, and not all of it is worth its weight in gold. The pacing is all over the place—like a wolf pack chasing its tail. Some sections drag on like a long winter night, with page after page of level-grinding and skill development that could’ve been trimmed down to keep the story’s heart beating strong. But then, outta nowhere, the action kicks in, and you’re racing through chapters like a wolf on the hunt. The structure isn’t as tight as it could be, but there’s enough meat here to keep you gnawing through the rough patches.
🐾 Themes & Analysis:
Through the Ashes isn’t just about slashing through monsters—it’s got some deeper layers lurking beneath its charred surface. The theme of betrayal is front and center, with Ole’s journey serving as a brutal lesson in trust and the scars it leaves behind. There’s also a heavy dose of survivalism—what it means to fight not just against the world, but against your own inner demons. Ole’s story is as much about battling the Ashen as it is about battling the darkness that festers in a broken heart. And then there’s the exploration of power dynamics, with Ole’s unique abilities putting him in a position where he could easily abuse his newfound strength—but he doesn’t, at least not yet. It’s a fine line between hero and monster, and McKittrick walks it with a steady paw.
🐾 World-Building:
Now let’s talk about the world itself, because this one’s got teeth. The Ashen Realm is a twisted mirror of our own, a post-apocalyptic hellscape where humanity’s worst nightmares have come to life. McKittrick does a solid job of painting a bleak picture, with crumbling ruins, endless darkness, and monsters that’d give even the bravest of wolves the shivers. The world-building is detailed, but not overwhelming—you get just enough to feel the weight of the setting without getting bogged down in minutiae. The RPG elements are woven in smoothly, with skill trees, level-ups, and item drops that feel natural in this broken world. It’s a place you wouldn’t want to visit, but damn if it isn’t fascinating to explore from the safety of your cozy den.
🐾 Praise & Critique:
Alright, here’s where we balance the scales. On the prowl side, Through the Ashes shines in its portrayal of Ole’s character arc and the visceral intensity of its world-building. The action scenes are well-done, and the stakes feel real—when Ole’s in danger, you’re right there with him, claws out and teeth bared. But on the flip side, the pacing issues and lackluster secondary characters drag the story down like dead weight. There’s also the matter of McKittrick’s writing style, which can feel a bit clunky at times—like a wolf trying to run through thick snow. The dialogue is hit-or-miss, with some lines landing perfectly and others falling flat. And let’s not even get started on the editing—this book could’ve used another pass or two to smooth out the rough spots.
🐾 Comparison:
Compared to McKittrick’s other works, Through the Ashes stands out as one of their darker, more intense offerings. If you’re familiar with the author’s Fenrir series, you’ll notice a shift in tone here—less focus on romance, more on survival and vengeance. Within the LitRPG genre, it’s a solid entry, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the heavy hitters like The Land or Awaken Online. But it’s got its own unique flavor, and for fans of post-apocalyptic tales with a side of RPG mechanics, it’s definitely worth sinking your teeth into.
🐾 Personal Evaluation:
From where I’m sitting, Through the Ashes is a mixed bag—but one that’s mostly worth the chew. The journey of Ole is engaging, and the world he’s thrust into is rich with potential. I found myself invested in his struggle, even when the pacing slowed to a crawl. It’s a story that sticks with you, even if it doesn’t quite hit every mark. As a seasoned reader, I appreciated the darker tones and the complex emotions that McKittrick isn’t afraid to explore, but I also found myself frustrated by the book’s flaws. It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart—and that’s worth something in my book.
🐾 Conclusion:
So, here’s the bottom line, cubs: Through the Ashes is a wild, uneven ride through a world that’s as broken as the characters who inhabit it. It’s not for everyone—if you’re looking for a tight, polished story, this might not be your bag. But if you’re down for a rough-and-tumble adventure with a protagonist who refuses to stay down, it’s worth a look. Just be ready to wade through some slow spots and a few rough patches along the way.
Rating: 🐾🐾🐾½ (3.5 out of 5 Paw Prints)
Why? Because this book has the bones of a great story, even if the execution isn’t always on point. If McKittrick can tighten up the pacing and flesh out the characters in the next installment, this series could really start to howl.
March 12, 2024
A good ride
I am normally not a big fan of the post apocalyptic LITRP G genre specifically but this hits the spot. It doesn’t start off throwing you into a dead world. It builds a story around how the MC gets there. I won’t say much more because that could be considered spoiler material. I will say this this is a nice meaty book with a good story, there were sometimes or I said man I wish it would just get to the part I’m waiting for, but even then I didn’t skip ahead because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I’ll be honest I think there are a few parts that come off as rushed not bad, but just a little bit more detail would’ve been perfect. Sort of like, not sprinkling sugar dust on the perfect pie or something. Still a great pie. You can’t wait to eat with some good ice cream but just that little bit of extra material would’ve pushed it over the edge.
Message to the author
Any book I enjoy always write a note to the author. I really enjoyed this book. I’m normally not a fan of post-apocalyptic books unless they have a good hook and this has a great hook. I did not see it coming that this was indeed post apocalyptic, even though it said it right in the title. I love your approach here where he starts off in a relatively calm world and ends up in a different place. I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I did feel I didn’t understand the brother initially I thought why is he so crazy when he first harmed The younger brother but it made sense the more times I got to read something from his perspective. He’s truly a nut job. I do think that could’ve been hinted that a little bit more earlier on because I was wondering why would he harm his brother this makes no sense. It took me long into the book before I realized he’s crazy. Now one thing I did take issue with was the creepy friend, anybody I know would’ve just gotten rid of him. It almost made no sense that all these years they worked together, knowing he was a creepy slimeball and nobody said hey you have to go or the very least you can’t be leader anymore. I know it was necessary for the story, but I think it could’ve been handled better. Again, not that bad, but it was just something that stuck out to me. I did love the ending. I can’t wait to see where this goes from here and I’m starting the second book immediately and recommending the first to everyone in my group. Please keep up the good work.
I am normally not a big fan of the post apocalyptic LITRP G genre specifically but this hits the spot. It doesn’t start off throwing you into a dead world. It builds a story around how the MC gets there. I won’t say much more because that could be considered spoiler material. I will say this this is a nice meaty book with a good story, there were sometimes or I said man I wish it would just get to the part I’m waiting for, but even then I didn’t skip ahead because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I’ll be honest I think there are a few parts that come off as rushed not bad, but just a little bit more detail would’ve been perfect. Sort of like, not sprinkling sugar dust on the perfect pie or something. Still a great pie. You can’t wait to eat with some good ice cream but just that little bit of extra material would’ve pushed it over the edge.
Message to the author
Any book I enjoy always write a note to the author. I really enjoyed this book. I’m normally not a fan of post-apocalyptic books unless they have a good hook and this has a great hook. I did not see it coming that this was indeed post apocalyptic, even though it said it right in the title. I love your approach here where he starts off in a relatively calm world and ends up in a different place. I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I did feel I didn’t understand the brother initially I thought why is he so crazy when he first harmed The younger brother but it made sense the more times I got to read something from his perspective. He’s truly a nut job. I do think that could’ve been hinted that a little bit more earlier on because I was wondering why would he harm his brother this makes no sense. It took me long into the book before I realized he’s crazy. Now one thing I did take issue with was the creepy friend, anybody I know would’ve just gotten rid of him. It almost made no sense that all these years they worked together, knowing he was a creepy slimeball and nobody said hey you have to go or the very least you can’t be leader anymore. I know it was necessary for the story, but I think it could’ve been handled better. Again, not that bad, but it was just something that stuck out to me. I did love the ending. I can’t wait to see where this goes from here and I’m starting the second book immediately and recommending the first to everyone in my group. Please keep up the good work.
April 11, 2024
So bad, look ath the number of reviews for each book if you want proof
Guys, just don’t. Listen to the other one star reviews.
Like I disagree with some of the details like this anti-hard on people have for first person. Is that a fad now? To hate the first person?
People are bringing up mc’s OPness and like, he isn’t that OP.
That being said, there are still a million reasons to hate this book. Characters are one dimensional. They agree and disagree on things with very little reasoning. They get along and break into arguments within short time frames in ways that make no sense.
HORRIBLE decision making all around.
This book is at least engaging, but the second book? Holy hell is it bad.
Just in case you don’t believe me, check out his other Fenrir story, the one star reviews indicate the exact same problem.
Don’t just skip this book, skip this AUTHOR.
Guys, just don’t. Listen to the other one star reviews.
Like I disagree with some of the details like this anti-hard on people have for first person. Is that a fad now? To hate the first person?
People are bringing up mc’s OPness and like, he isn’t that OP.
That being said, there are still a million reasons to hate this book. Characters are one dimensional. They agree and disagree on things with very little reasoning. They get along and break into arguments within short time frames in ways that make no sense.
HORRIBLE decision making all around.
This book is at least engaging, but the second book? Holy hell is it bad.
Just in case you don’t believe me, check out his other Fenrir story, the one star reviews indicate the exact same problem.
Don’t just skip this book, skip this AUTHOR.
May 21, 2024
Earth, Heaven, And Hell All Have An Apocalypse. Things Get Out Of Hand.
There's an Apocalyptic Event. Earth Suffers, but Heaven and Hell are also pulled into the disaster. Who is responsible? Odds are, it's the human race! But that is a subject which is of little import to Ole. His sole concern is surviving the burnt out world he is stranded within.
There are some errors in the text which would be corrected by a good editor. In almost all cases, they are the types of errors that no spellchecker will catch, but leap out as blatantly wrong to a native speaker of English. I have hope that a re-edited edition will be released in the near future.
There's an Apocalyptic Event. Earth Suffers, but Heaven and Hell are also pulled into the disaster. Who is responsible? Odds are, it's the human race! But that is a subject which is of little import to Ole. His sole concern is surviving the burnt out world he is stranded within.
There are some errors in the text which would be corrected by a good editor. In almost all cases, they are the types of errors that no spellchecker will catch, but leap out as blatantly wrong to a native speaker of English. I have hope that a re-edited edition will be released in the near future.
January 15, 2024
Very good, very fun
I loved this book, not liked, LOVED. I pretty much inhaled it over the course of an afternoon/ evening. Two small caveats, mostly for people other than me. One, this is not overly stat heavy. There are stats, but it's not at the end of each chapter. Two, the main bad guy in this is, for lack of a better word, evil. He has no redeeming values at all.
Highly recommended. Like, just drop everything and pick up this book. I can't wait for the next one.
I loved this book, not liked, LOVED. I pretty much inhaled it over the course of an afternoon/ evening. Two small caveats, mostly for people other than me. One, this is not overly stat heavy. There are stats, but it's not at the end of each chapter. Two, the main bad guy in this is, for lack of a better word, evil. He has no redeeming values at all.
Highly recommended. Like, just drop everything and pick up this book. I can't wait for the next one.
January 28, 2024
Pretty much perfect for what I was wanting
This book was exactly what I was craving. I am a little confused about how Ole could have gotten to the 80’s in only a year, but wasn’t able to double any stat in the next 5. What is the math behind the levels that causes that much of a slow-down with his unique skill?
I love the hints that we, as readers, get about the Ashen Realm throughout the book. I’m excited to see how Ole, and his new guild, develop - as well as how they will be able to dominate and destroy everything that Neil is working toward.
This book was exactly what I was craving. I am a little confused about how Ole could have gotten to the 80’s in only a year, but wasn’t able to double any stat in the next 5. What is the math behind the levels that causes that much of a slow-down with his unique skill?
I love the hints that we, as readers, get about the Ashen Realm throughout the book. I’m excited to see how Ole, and his new guild, develop - as well as how they will be able to dominate and destroy everything that Neil is working toward.
March 10, 2024
let me explain
So. This book has some glaring flaws at times. It can be a bit pedantic, and the MC has a ridiculously powerful skill. The cover blurb also doesn’t solidly match the book, in my opinion. The primary bad guy is over the top. And I don’t really love perspective changes.
But I still really like it. The perspective changes are necessary to touch base with the separate and separated characters. And I appreciate the drive each of the characters have as it pushes the narrative.
So. This book has some glaring flaws at times. It can be a bit pedantic, and the MC has a ridiculously powerful skill. The cover blurb also doesn’t solidly match the book, in my opinion. The primary bad guy is over the top. And I don’t really love perspective changes.
But I still really like it. The perspective changes are necessary to touch base with the separate and separated characters. And I appreciate the drive each of the characters have as it pushes the narrative.
March 30, 2024
Yay good new series
Slow progression and yet fast. The MC is betrayed by his narcissist sociopathic brother and left for dead. This his his survival story in a foreign and broken land. There is a hint of a romance as the mc and his paramour wait for each other but its no dramatic. There are secrets and more secrets that are uncovered and the stage is set for the bigger storyline. The Antagonist Neil is not well fleshed out just evil. I expect that there is more to the series than just getting vengeance on him. that said i look forward to it.
Slow progression and yet fast. The MC is betrayed by his narcissist sociopathic brother and left for dead. This his his survival story in a foreign and broken land. There is a hint of a romance as the mc and his paramour wait for each other but its no dramatic. There are secrets and more secrets that are uncovered and the stage is set for the bigger storyline. The Antagonist Neil is not well fleshed out just evil. I expect that there is more to the series than just getting vengeance on him. that said i look forward to it.
February 24, 2024
Damn good first book in the series!
It’s rare to see a LitRPG with an MC who is not socially awkward and a loner. This book paints a very human MC with healthy positive relationships, both romantic and otherwise. The characters have depth and you really start rooting for them. The LitRPG aspects are not too crunchy but they are meaningful. The story is also very well written. I can’t wait to jump into the second book.
It’s rare to see a LitRPG with an MC who is not socially awkward and a loner. This book paints a very human MC with healthy positive relationships, both romantic and otherwise. The characters have depth and you really start rooting for them. The LitRPG aspects are not too crunchy but they are meaningful. The story is also very well written. I can’t wait to jump into the second book.
May 16, 2025
Important: HAREM Warning
The first book is pretty good and has an interesting hook. The main character gets blinded, mutilated, and left for dead in a wasteland, and must use his OP ability to survive and thrive.
This book lists itself as "post apocalyptic", but it's more "standard fantasy LitRPG with monster portals."
The current realm has no technology, and people fight with melee weapons and bows. Everyone walks everywhere. Money is copper, silver, and gold coins. Earth was lost in a different realm so long ago that it's been forgotten.
Everyone gets their stats activated and a unique power at 18 years of age.
So far, so decent. There are some quirks, but overall it's a fun ride.
---
BUT BE WARNED!
The series is the start of a harem.
I liked Book 1, and I enjoyed it enough to continue the series. Unfortunately the drama becomes prominent in Book 2 and increases with every book.
In nearly every scene, including deadly fights, the females will:
- Complain about who gets more attention.
- Complain that his bonded pets get more affection.
- Argue over who gets to cuddle with the MC.
- Argue over who gets to walk through a doorway with him. (seriously?)
When the MC urges them to be quiet so they aren't killed by monsters, they'll instead complain about being "shushed".
The characters will regularly have "girl's night", but the only topic of conversation is the MC.
Personally, "harem" is not a genre I'm interested in, and I would not have started the series had I known.
I stuck with the series for multiple books because I enjoyed the story.
---
Q: Is there a lot of misogony?
Oh yes!
The MC's brother rapes every woman he fancies and runs a human trafficing ring of prostitute slaves. No one stops him because the men around him are also corrupt.
A main character endures sexual harrassment and attempted sexual assult from a teammate for years. When she complains to her other teammates, they trivialize it. Instead of dealing with the issue, she becomes an assasin. (If you're gonna kill a bunch of people without any justification anyway, why not just kill the guy who's trying to rape you?)
Men are either complete monsters who want to own and rape every woman they fancy, or they're the decent sort who just want a loving relationship with a womain - who will then control every aspect of their lives. Relationships are weird.
---
So... what are the quirks I hinted at earlier?
- There is a whole lot of "chirping". Why are so many people chirping? "Chirp" count ranges from 20-40 for each book and is really weird.
- There is a whole lot of "rolling my eyes", which is impressive for a guy that doesn't have eyes. The MC "pretends" to roll his eyes, but...how do you do that, when
your eye holes are wrapped up? The "roll my eyes" count ranges from 25-50 for each book, and made me roll my eyes every time.
- Everyone says "do you to come with?" instead of "do you want to come with me?" I admit this is inconsequential, but everyone does it, and it just bugs. (do you see what I did there? it's irritating, yeah?)
- The book needs a grammer checker to get rid of all the extraneous commas. Maybe it's just, a preference, to include, commas where they, aren't warranted? Yuck.
- There is a whole lot of "smirking". I admit this is pretty common for LitRPG's. (smirk)
---
Wow. it really sounds like I hated the book.
No, I liked it!
I liked Book 1. But every book in the series increases the harem drama, which is unfortunate.
I'd love to see this series tweaked to remove the harem, and then run through a grammar checker to delete all the extra commas. Oh, and please tone down all the sexual assault. There's like, a lot. But time and energy are limited.
We can still enjoy Book 1!
The first book is pretty good and has an interesting hook. The main character gets blinded, mutilated, and left for dead in a wasteland, and must use his OP ability to survive and thrive.
This book lists itself as "post apocalyptic", but it's more "standard fantasy LitRPG with monster portals."
The current realm has no technology, and people fight with melee weapons and bows. Everyone walks everywhere. Money is copper, silver, and gold coins. Earth was lost in a different realm so long ago that it's been forgotten.
Everyone gets their stats activated and a unique power at 18 years of age.
So far, so decent. There are some quirks, but overall it's a fun ride.
---
BUT BE WARNED!
The series is the start of a harem.
I liked Book 1, and I enjoyed it enough to continue the series. Unfortunately the drama becomes prominent in Book 2 and increases with every book.
In nearly every scene, including deadly fights, the females will:
- Complain about who gets more attention.
- Complain that his bonded pets get more affection.
- Argue over who gets to cuddle with the MC.
- Argue over who gets to walk through a doorway with him. (seriously?)
When the MC urges them to be quiet so they aren't killed by monsters, they'll instead complain about being "shushed".
The characters will regularly have "girl's night", but the only topic of conversation is the MC.
Personally, "harem" is not a genre I'm interested in, and I would not have started the series had I known.
I stuck with the series for multiple books because I enjoyed the story.
---
Q: Is there a lot of misogony?
Oh yes!
The MC's brother rapes every woman he fancies and runs a human trafficing ring of prostitute slaves. No one stops him because the men around him are also corrupt.
A main character endures sexual harrassment and attempted sexual assult from a teammate for years. When she complains to her other teammates, they trivialize it. Instead of dealing with the issue, she becomes an assasin. (If you're gonna kill a bunch of people without any justification anyway, why not just kill the guy who's trying to rape you?)
Men are either complete monsters who want to own and rape every woman they fancy, or they're the decent sort who just want a loving relationship with a womain - who will then control every aspect of their lives. Relationships are weird.
---
So... what are the quirks I hinted at earlier?
- There is a whole lot of "chirping". Why are so many people chirping? "Chirp" count ranges from 20-40 for each book and is really weird.
- There is a whole lot of "rolling my eyes", which is impressive for a guy that doesn't have eyes. The MC "pretends" to roll his eyes, but...how do you do that, when
your eye holes are wrapped up? The "roll my eyes" count ranges from 25-50 for each book, and made me roll my eyes every time.
- Everyone says "do you to come with?" instead of "do you want to come with me?" I admit this is inconsequential, but everyone does it, and it just bugs. (do you see what I did there? it's irritating, yeah?)
- The book needs a grammer checker to get rid of all the extraneous commas. Maybe it's just, a preference, to include, commas where they, aren't warranted? Yuck.
- There is a whole lot of "smirking". I admit this is pretty common for LitRPG's. (smirk)
---
Wow. it really sounds like I hated the book.
No, I liked it!
I liked Book 1. But every book in the series increases the harem drama, which is unfortunate.
I'd love to see this series tweaked to remove the harem, and then run through a grammar checker to delete all the extra commas. Oh, and please tone down all the sexual assault. There's like, a lot. But time and energy are limited.
We can still enjoy Book 1!
April 2, 2024
I agree that the cover summary didn't really portray the book well. Such as...Betrayed by the man who raised him? ....How? The man who betrayed him abandoned him when he was 8 and hasn't seen him in 10 years.
Now I'll also say I don't really like the logic of the book. Either it's messed up or just short sighted. His brother joined a guild and made it the largest in the land in 10 years? Yet...doesn't have the numbers to go to the largest city and isn't on the council? I can guess if they recruited all the low level trash and forced lots of guilds to join they could go to the biggest guild in 10 years maybe. But his brother also became the strongest adventurer in the world in 10 years? What? ...Does consitution and regeneration not affect aging? Longevity. Because unless everyone dies by 40, I can't see how someone at 18 to 28 becomes the 'strongest' when there should be much older and stronger adventurers who'd been doing it for decades.
Perhaps that doesn't matter and it's the leveling system itself. Max cap portals? There are only like 5 levels of them and gold the' highest' so...he got to gold and is just better than everyone else. In that case to have such a short power system seems just short sighted and boring if characters can get max level and max power in 10 years.
Honestly unless it turns out his brother is a nobody boastful liar who said all that in a delusion of grandeur. I don't think the author considered the long term prospects of people in the world or past. If the ashen realms been around for a long time as they say, then there should be millions of max level adventurers on the continent. All them getting to gold level portals in 10 years with hard work and able to fight anything and train up next max levels with ease.
Well unless it's revealed his brother has a OP MC skill too that let him level in record time and be a legend but then you'd think the MC would have heard of his brother and how he's the biggest name adventurer and legend, fastest grown and most powerful. In a world where portals spill out monsters and people fight them, the biggest guild and biggest name adventurers would be celebrities every village knows. Like Syrena the blue phoenix able to burn a horde of ashen with one skill..ect.
Now I'll also say I don't really like the logic of the book. Either it's messed up or just short sighted. His brother joined a guild and made it the largest in the land in 10 years? Yet...doesn't have the numbers to go to the largest city and isn't on the council? I can guess if they recruited all the low level trash and forced lots of guilds to join they could go to the biggest guild in 10 years maybe. But his brother also became the strongest adventurer in the world in 10 years? What? ...Does consitution and regeneration not affect aging? Longevity. Because unless everyone dies by 40, I can't see how someone at 18 to 28 becomes the 'strongest' when there should be much older and stronger adventurers who'd been doing it for decades.
Perhaps that doesn't matter and it's the leveling system itself. Max cap portals? There are only like 5 levels of them and gold the' highest' so...he got to gold and is just better than everyone else. In that case to have such a short power system seems just short sighted and boring if characters can get max level and max power in 10 years.
Honestly unless it turns out his brother is a nobody boastful liar who said all that in a delusion of grandeur. I don't think the author considered the long term prospects of people in the world or past. If the ashen realms been around for a long time as they say, then there should be millions of max level adventurers on the continent. All them getting to gold level portals in 10 years with hard work and able to fight anything and train up next max levels with ease.
Well unless it's revealed his brother has a OP MC skill too that let him level in record time and be a legend but then you'd think the MC would have heard of his brother and how he's the biggest name adventurer and legend, fastest grown and most powerful. In a world where portals spill out monsters and people fight them, the biggest guild and biggest name adventurers would be celebrities every village knows. Like Syrena the blue phoenix able to burn a horde of ashen with one skill..ect.
February 17, 2024
The plot is interesting but not so great executed..
I was no fan of the writing style as it is first person present tense. It felt really awkward. The book also could profit from careful editing as there are a lot of typos, incomplete sentences and dubious statements.
The story starts very nice but the roles were a bit strange. The protagonist acts like a monk while his girl friend is a real minx... The antagonist and his motivation are written just awful and would fit right in into the modern marvel universe.. ;-(
The protagonist gets a super OP skill and plenty of plot armor. Due to the writing style there is never any real excitement. I didn´t care about the other perspectives at all and started skiming over them. Even the sympathetic girl is written flat and comes across as a sociopathic mercenary type.
I was no fan of the writing style as it is first person present tense. It felt really awkward. The book also could profit from careful editing as there are a lot of typos, incomplete sentences and dubious statements.
The story starts very nice but the roles were a bit strange. The protagonist acts like a monk while his girl friend is a real minx... The antagonist and his motivation are written just awful and would fit right in into the modern marvel universe.. ;-(
The protagonist gets a super OP skill and plenty of plot armor. Due to the writing style there is never any real excitement. I didn´t care about the other perspectives at all and started skiming over them. Even the sympathetic girl is written flat and comes across as a sociopathic mercenary type.
February 23, 2024
Through the Ashes is the start of a new series, and one that looks like it's going to be a really well done series. I tend to like books that take place on earth, because I like to see how the system interacts with earth, and it's environment, and what is produced from that. This book takes that and turns it on it's head. In this one, they're actually coming back to earth, and for the most part, nobody knows that. The story is a good one, and I look forward to the next book in the series. Very well done, and highly recommended.
April 5, 2024
This book is okay at best, bad at worst. It wouldn't be worth reading if it wasn't free with KU.
It's your standard self insert power fantasy, where nothing bad ever really happened to the MC (past the initial set up) and his girlfriend never gives up on him.
The story is average, with a lot of filler I had no problem basically skimming. The grammar is actively bad, and the writing is juvenile.
There is also, and this may be the worst part, internal inconsistency with some of the skills in the MC's character sheet. It's like the author forgot where some skills went and just didn't bother going back to check.
If you want a mindless read with a very basic plot to pass the time, this is the one for you. If you want to enjoy what you read, maybe give it a pass.
It's your standard self insert power fantasy, where nothing bad ever really happened to the MC (past the initial set up) and his girlfriend never gives up on him.
The story is average, with a lot of filler I had no problem basically skimming. The grammar is actively bad, and the writing is juvenile.
There is also, and this may be the worst part, internal inconsistency with some of the skills in the MC's character sheet. It's like the author forgot where some skills went and just didn't bother going back to check.
If you want a mindless read with a very basic plot to pass the time, this is the one for you. If you want to enjoy what you read, maybe give it a pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
***good, but flawed***
To start I enjoyed this. The way the MC grows despite tragedy and insurmountable hurdles was fun and enthralling. I loved the character growth and cool skill development.
Pacing of this book was horrible. The author dragged the story along needlessly with unsavory fluff. Could have cut out half the story and had him return home halfway through the book instead of the end.
So many things don’t make sense. Riley the MC’s sweetheart is an accomplished assassin, but won’t get rid of a pervert/suspected rapist that won’t leave her alone? Let’s totally trust the shadowy assassin boss with all our secrets. So many things don’t make sense.
I don’t think I will read book two.
To start I enjoyed this. The way the MC grows despite tragedy and insurmountable hurdles was fun and enthralling. I loved the character growth and cool skill development.
Pacing of this book was horrible. The author dragged the story along needlessly with unsavory fluff. Could have cut out half the story and had him return home halfway through the book instead of the end.
So many things don’t make sense. Riley the MC’s sweetheart is an accomplished assassin, but won’t get rid of a pervert/suspected rapist that won’t leave her alone? Let’s totally trust the shadowy assassin boss with all our secrets. So many things don’t make sense.
I don’t think I will read book two.
May 2, 2025
Average at best
It’s a simple read, not much depth to it, with a slightly new spin on the standard LitRPG concept. It is frustrating at times, especially with character development. As in there is little of it. So their decisions often feel odd and confusing. There is often no preamble or scene setting leading to big decisions. They feel abrupt and awkward. The book is also missing a lot of the fine detail that would make it good and there are often no logical connections to plot developments. The main antagonist feels very overdone, cartoonish in his villainy and lack of morals. Overall I find myself lacking enthusiasm to read the next in the series though unless I get desperate.
It’s a simple read, not much depth to it, with a slightly new spin on the standard LitRPG concept. It is frustrating at times, especially with character development. As in there is little of it. So their decisions often feel odd and confusing. There is often no preamble or scene setting leading to big decisions. They feel abrupt and awkward. The book is also missing a lot of the fine detail that would make it good and there are often no logical connections to plot developments. The main antagonist feels very overdone, cartoonish in his villainy and lack of morals. Overall I find myself lacking enthusiasm to read the next in the series though unless I get desperate.
March 2, 2024
like most origin books, a little slow through most of the book.
This book is slow in the beginning, but pushed through it. The book really starts to takeoff when the MC meets the angel. Then the story starts to progress. There’s plenty of action and some different POV‘s during the story. I particularly didn’t care for the POV‘s, but I see why they were put in place. The book really gets enjoyable when the MC gets back to his planet, which takes a long time. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the next book of the series. Wish he was on Patreon because I’d paid to read additional chapters of this book. Very enjoyable read it you won’t be disappointed.
This book is slow in the beginning, but pushed through it. The book really starts to takeoff when the MC meets the angel. Then the story starts to progress. There’s plenty of action and some different POV‘s during the story. I particularly didn’t care for the POV‘s, but I see why they were put in place. The book really gets enjoyable when the MC gets back to his planet, which takes a long time. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the next book of the series. Wish he was on Patreon because I’d paid to read additional chapters of this book. Very enjoyable read it you won’t be disappointed.
May 14, 2024
An example of how not to write women
This has got to be the worst dialogue and character writing I've seen. Niel is cartoonishly bad. I want to say sleazy, but that would imply a greater depth to the antagonist than exists.
As I read through book one, it became abundantly clear this author has no idea how women behave, act, or think. They act like what a man thinks a woman acts, and it's awful. This overshadows a few minor issues, namely typos and a few scenes that serve no purpose.
Frankly, I will only recommend this book as an example of bad female writing because it does so splendidly.
This has got to be the worst dialogue and character writing I've seen. Niel is cartoonishly bad. I want to say sleazy, but that would imply a greater depth to the antagonist than exists.
As I read through book one, it became abundantly clear this author has no idea how women behave, act, or think. They act like what a man thinks a woman acts, and it's awful. This overshadows a few minor issues, namely typos and a few scenes that serve no purpose.
Frankly, I will only recommend this book as an example of bad female writing because it does so splendidly.
August 16, 2024
Good book one
Ole and Riley knew they were meant for each other. When he turned 18, he got his attributes. She wasn't of age yet. His brother Kiel who he hadn't seen in ten years, was coming to see what he got. It seems that his brother had a different reason for coming to see him. Nothing good would come from this reunion and then...Ole was gone.
This is a good first book in the series. I really like this couple and have no doubt they will prevail in the end. Can't wait to read more.
Ole and Riley knew they were meant for each other. When he turned 18, he got his attributes. She wasn't of age yet. His brother Kiel who he hadn't seen in ten years, was coming to see what he got. It seems that his brother had a different reason for coming to see him. Nothing good would come from this reunion and then...Ole was gone.
This is a good first book in the series. I really like this couple and have no doubt they will prevail in the end. Can't wait to read more.
February 11, 2024
Drama drama and a splash of actual plot
In short this series is summed up as drama. 80% of the series is pure trash, it's like this story was a soap opera and reality tv show and no real content.
This is so not worth the time or effort reading. Don't waste any money on it.
There are more than 2 women who constantly fight over his attention and this is a very big portion of the story plot. The skills and battles aren't a focus in the books.
In short this series is summed up as drama. 80% of the series is pure trash, it's like this story was a soap opera and reality tv show and no real content.
This is so not worth the time or effort reading. Don't waste any money on it.
There are more than 2 women who constantly fight over his attention and this is a very big portion of the story plot. The skills and battles aren't a focus in the books.
February 12, 2024
3.5 Stars!
Great world building and the story really sucks you in but then it seemed to drag on in the middle for a while until it finally wrapped up to a close. But I did enjoy watching the main characters grow their skills. It was very detailed. I was just disappointed that it felt so rambling-like. Either I look forward to the next book because there’s definitely a good set up happening for a sequel and there’s definitely a third book happening so I’m in for the long haul!
Great world building and the story really sucks you in but then it seemed to drag on in the middle for a while until it finally wrapped up to a close. But I did enjoy watching the main characters grow their skills. It was very detailed. I was just disappointed that it felt so rambling-like. Either I look forward to the next book because there’s definitely a good set up happening for a sequel and there’s definitely a third book happening so I’m in for the long haul!
March 8, 2024
Entertaining enough.
Wasn’t a great book that I am going to go recommend to all my friends, but it was good enough to fill in those extra hours each day.
As a side note and a little spoiler. For some reason I dislike Riley. She is annoying and extremely naive. The ending with her and Maria just seems off; and the whole grps acceptance of Maria and all her demands is completely stupid. Especially since they have all been burned by people and wouldn’t be so excepting.
Wasn’t a great book that I am going to go recommend to all my friends, but it was good enough to fill in those extra hours each day.
As a side note and a little spoiler. For some reason I dislike Riley. She is annoying and extremely naive. The ending with her and Maria just seems off; and the whole grps acceptance of Maria and all her demands is completely stupid. Especially since they have all been burned by people and wouldn’t be so excepting.
March 14, 2024
The brother betrays him, with weird logic. He acts like a sleepy anime villain. Been an adventure for 10 years and some how is super powerful, got the best guild and wants to take over the world. Really?
Mc want revenge and find his girlfriend. But I’m the ashen world he wants to dig for history. The ashen world is earth, which I hate. Hours of adventure talking what cars and museums are. Not interesting at all!
Won’t get next book.
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