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I'm a Barterman, Not a Babysitter: Volume 1
Some days, Leif is a courier; other days, he’s a farmer, a carpenter, or fisherman. As a traveling Jack of all trades, he can do it all—everything, that is, but babysit.
After taking on a seemingly routine job, he finds himself the reluctant caregiver for a mysterious little girl who harbors a formidable magic beyond anything he’s ever seen, and his life as he knows it spirals into chaos. With the ruthless human military on his heels and the unwelcome company of this child who never seems to stop talking, his trek to the safety of the elvish nation begins to look a lot more perilous.
Now Leif must grapple with his role in her fate as everything he thinks he understands about the world is put to the test. The lines between right and wrong blur, forcing Leif to confront his deepest fears head on as he fights for his life in this gripping first volume of insecurity, resilience, and sacrifice.
After taking on a seemingly routine job, he finds himself the reluctant caregiver for a mysterious little girl who harbors a formidable magic beyond anything he’s ever seen, and his life as he knows it spirals into chaos. With the ruthless human military on his heels and the unwelcome company of this child who never seems to stop talking, his trek to the safety of the elvish nation begins to look a lot more perilous.
Now Leif must grapple with his role in her fate as everything he thinks he understands about the world is put to the test. The lines between right and wrong blur, forcing Leif to confront his deepest fears head on as he fights for his life in this gripping first volume of insecurity, resilience, and sacrifice.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2023
21 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 6, 2025
I’m a Barterman, Not a Babysitter" surprised me with how much I loved Leif—a gruff, hardworking jack-of-all-trades who just wants to be left alone. When a magical kid crashes into his life, his survival skills and stubborn self-reliance are put to the test. The action never lets up, and watching this reluctant loner begrudgingly step up had me hooked.
The book balances grit with heart, mixing The Witcher’s practicality and The Mandalorian’s found-family tension. Leif’s no hero, but his resourcefulness and dry humor make him unforgettable. My only complaint? I wanted a little more world-building—but that just means I’ll be first in line for Volume 2!
The book balances grit with heart, mixing The Witcher’s practicality and The Mandalorian’s found-family tension. Leif’s no hero, but his resourcefulness and dry humor make him unforgettable. My only complaint? I wanted a little more world-building—but that just means I’ll be first in line for Volume 2!
December 10, 2023
💜💙💛💚
What a great start to a series. Loved Henri. So cute. Wish Leif was more understanding of her situation. What's up with the Gnomish collective? Enjoyed this book a lot. I think that there are more secrets to Henris parents. What if she wasn't a half breed between elves and humans, but of elves and gnomes? That'd be cool. Can't wait to see what's in that book.
What a great start to a series. Loved Henri. So cute. Wish Leif was more understanding of her situation. What's up with the Gnomish collective? Enjoyed this book a lot. I think that there are more secrets to Henris parents. What if she wasn't a half breed between elves and humans, but of elves and gnomes? That'd be cool. Can't wait to see what's in that book.
April 8, 2024
An interesting start
This book was a fun, quick read. Henri is an awesome character. Leif is just hard to root for. He's kind of a jerk, if I'm 100% honest.
Still, if you are looking for a quick afternoon read, this is a good pick.
Recommended.
This book was a fun, quick read. Henri is an awesome character. Leif is just hard to root for. He's kind of a jerk, if I'm 100% honest.
Still, if you are looking for a quick afternoon read, this is a good pick.
Recommended.
May 11, 2025
A great story.
This book is really nice and I will be reading the next book. I like the characters in this series and the setting is really interesting.
This book is really nice and I will be reading the next book. I like the characters in this series and the setting is really interesting.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews