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Battle Mage Farmer #8
Conservation
For John Sutton, rest is just around the corner.
Soon it will be time to sit on his porch, kick his feet up, and watch his wheat grow. All he has to do first is fight his way through a cutthroat magic competition held once every thousand years, navigating mage politics and an aggressive dragon empire bent on punishing him for Farroutef’s death.
When his journey takes him to a strange new world, John finds himself out of place once again, making him wonder if he should just walk away for good, until an encounter with a local god sets him on a new path, teaching him more about himself than he knew was possible.
Accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Rosh Vahni, John sets out on an adventure that will change his life forever, hopefully for the better.
Conservation is Book 8 of the Bestselling Fantasy LitRPG Series by Seth Ring, author of Nova Terra. Get your copy today and explore a world whose secrets have been buried under decades of war.
About the Series: Mixing slice-of-life with epic fantasy action, mystery, magic, cultivation, and a broken game system that seems determined to make everything as hard as possible for the already overpowered protagonist, this LitRPG/GameLit series is perfect for readers who enjoy exploring rich worlds and complex characters.
Soon it will be time to sit on his porch, kick his feet up, and watch his wheat grow. All he has to do first is fight his way through a cutthroat magic competition held once every thousand years, navigating mage politics and an aggressive dragon empire bent on punishing him for Farroutef’s death.
When his journey takes him to a strange new world, John finds himself out of place once again, making him wonder if he should just walk away for good, until an encounter with a local god sets him on a new path, teaching him more about himself than he knew was possible.
Accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Rosh Vahni, John sets out on an adventure that will change his life forever, hopefully for the better.
Conservation is Book 8 of the Bestselling Fantasy LitRPG Series by Seth Ring, author of Nova Terra. Get your copy today and explore a world whose secrets have been buried under decades of war.
About the Series: Mixing slice-of-life with epic fantasy action, mystery, magic, cultivation, and a broken game system that seems determined to make everything as hard as possible for the already overpowered protagonist, this LitRPG/GameLit series is perfect for readers who enjoy exploring rich worlds and complex characters.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2024
445 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 20, 2024
A Good Continuation
I really enjoyed this book, and it seems to have corrected some of the faults I've seen in the author's last few releases. Overall a solid piece of work. The only thing I noticed was that sometimes there would be two separate speakers in a paragraph. Aside from that there were only a couple spelling errors here or there.
I really enjoyed this book, and it seems to have corrected some of the faults I've seen in the author's last few releases. Overall a solid piece of work. The only thing I noticed was that sometimes there would be two separate speakers in a paragraph. Aside from that there were only a couple spelling errors here or there.
February 25, 2025
A Great Penultimate book!!
I really liked how Mr. Ring dove right into the story without a lot of recap. The storyline grabbed me and gave a great ride all the way to the end …so much so that I was almost annoyed with having to leave a review, ‘cuz all I want to do is dive into the last book. Speaking of which….
I really liked how Mr. Ring dove right into the story without a lot of recap. The storyline grabbed me and gave a great ride all the way to the end …so much so that I was almost annoyed with having to leave a review, ‘cuz all I want to do is dive into the last book. Speaking of which….
June 16, 2025
A nice balance of character growth, world building, exposition and discovery, development of interpersonal relationships, political machinations and battle.
Also, I been thinking it for a while now but the whole deal surrounding The Eternal Flame seems rather culty lol XD With the introduction of I literally had to get up and walk around laughing my butt off XD
Also, I been thinking it for a while now but the whole deal surrounding The Eternal Flame seems rather culty lol XD With the introduction of I literally had to get up and walk around laughing my butt off XD
June 23, 2024
So Good!!!
Usually I don’t like the later books in the series as much as I do the first ones but this book was just as good as if not better than the first ones! I loved it! So many good developments, surprises, plot twists, and great character growth! Definitely one of my favorite series!
Usually I don’t like the later books in the series as much as I do the first ones but this book was just as good as if not better than the first ones! I loved it! So many good developments, surprises, plot twists, and great character growth! Definitely one of my favorite series!
July 19, 2024
Fun story, looking forward to the next book.
August 12, 2024
The fact that I forgot to post this immediately after reading it, and several days later when I realized the review was missing I had to backtrack a few pages to remember what happened, will by itself explain why this gets a 4.
Nothing particually wrong with the book, just not outstanding. Seemed overall an unneccessay "side-quest" vs the main story, but at least the ending puts it back on track. I do wonder how many more books this series has, as it's already passed a good potential end point.
Nothing particually wrong with the book, just not outstanding. Seemed overall an unneccessay "side-quest" vs the main story, but at least the ending puts it back on track. I do wonder how many more books this series has, as it's already passed a good potential end point.
August 12, 2024
Amazing story, as usual
I honestly don't have a hard time wrapping my head around Seth Ring's continuously good products he puts out.
Every single story is good. And they come out like clockwork. Blows my mind.
I honestly don't have a hard time wrapping my head around Seth Ring's continuously good products he puts out.
Every single story is good. And they come out like clockwork. Blows my mind.
October 31, 2024
All authors of series that include mega-dungeons, dungeon worlds, or enormous tournament arcs should pay attention to this book. This is an excellent example of how these stories should play out.
I usually have a significant issue with this type of story arc in a long-running series; they typically spend far too much time on something that ultimately doesn't matter. With rare exceptions, dungeon stories and tournament arcs are almost always side-quests. A side-quest is by its very nature a throw away adventure that doesn't matter overly much to the overarching story other than to give your characters a chance to have adventures and maybe move your series a single step forward. A talented writer will recognise this problem and will overcome it by doing one simple thing; ensure the events of this arc are significantly impactful to the overarching story.
This book achieves this right from the start. It opens immediately with an introduction to new antagonists who will clearly have a big impact on the series as a whole. The tournament arc (the Millennium Meeting) is set up right from the start as the opening chapter to a larger conflict, making what happens next vitally important to the rest of the series.
Therefore, when we got on with the side adventure, I never lost interest. Where normally I might not have cared about the events in these arcs figuring that they would end up being meaningless in the long run, here I paid attention. Rather than the new characters introduced in this arc feeling like NPCs that just need to be overcome and eventually forgotten, they instead felt important to the story and worth caring about.
Overall I am saying that this took what could have been a tired, boring story that might have been little more than filler in the overarching series, and instead created a genuinely interesting story that significantly advanced the overarching series.
It's a major difference, and the reason for another 5-star review in this series.
I usually have a significant issue with this type of story arc in a long-running series; they typically spend far too much time on something that ultimately doesn't matter. With rare exceptions, dungeon stories and tournament arcs are almost always side-quests. A side-quest is by its very nature a throw away adventure that doesn't matter overly much to the overarching story other than to give your characters a chance to have adventures and maybe move your series a single step forward. A talented writer will recognise this problem and will overcome it by doing one simple thing; ensure the events of this arc are significantly impactful to the overarching story.
This book achieves this right from the start. It opens immediately with an introduction to new antagonists who will clearly have a big impact on the series as a whole. The tournament arc (the Millennium Meeting) is set up right from the start as the opening chapter to a larger conflict, making what happens next vitally important to the rest of the series.
Therefore, when we got on with the side adventure, I never lost interest. Where normally I might not have cared about the events in these arcs figuring that they would end up being meaningless in the long run, here I paid attention. Rather than the new characters introduced in this arc feeling like NPCs that just need to be overcome and eventually forgotten, they instead felt important to the story and worth caring about.
Overall I am saying that this took what could have been a tired, boring story that might have been little more than filler in the overarching series, and instead created a genuinely interesting story that significantly advanced the overarching series.
It's a major difference, and the reason for another 5-star review in this series.
July 1, 2024
Gods and Monsters vs Reluctant Messiah
While I felt the story started a bit slow, and I hate when Ellie and John are separated for 95% of the story…
It wasn’t long before I got hooked and the story took off on a very unexpected trajectory. How much fun was the dynamic duo of John and Rosh leading their team in the Magical Millennium competition!! And the random robot Kevin??!!
What really surprised and captivated me in this story was the focus on the power of faith and it’s impact on individuals, communities and the world- including an enormous impact on the ‘gods’ of the new world where the millennium competition is being held.
As John spreads the sparks of his eternal blue flame through out this new world, he empowers them to rise up against evil and fight against literal devils from the abyss. He is reluctant to embrace his role as the savior for the people and gods of this world and through long introspection reaches acceptance.
I love the way John is written. Earthy, humble, practical, and likely the most powerful being known. He’s the ideal leader and savior.
So as far as good vs evil stories go, this was something new and introspective for both the reader and the main character.
I would like to read more about Ellie and John- more than a peck on the cheek…?Anywho, can’t wait for more of John, Ellie, Fergie and Sigvald in Culmination.
While I felt the story started a bit slow, and I hate when Ellie and John are separated for 95% of the story…
It wasn’t long before I got hooked and the story took off on a very unexpected trajectory. How much fun was the dynamic duo of John and Rosh leading their team in the Magical Millennium competition!! And the random robot Kevin??!!
What really surprised and captivated me in this story was the focus on the power of faith and it’s impact on individuals, communities and the world- including an enormous impact on the ‘gods’ of the new world where the millennium competition is being held.
As John spreads the sparks of his eternal blue flame through out this new world, he empowers them to rise up against evil and fight against literal devils from the abyss. He is reluctant to embrace his role as the savior for the people and gods of this world and through long introspection reaches acceptance.
I love the way John is written. Earthy, humble, practical, and likely the most powerful being known. He’s the ideal leader and savior.
So as far as good vs evil stories go, this was something new and introspective for both the reader and the main character.
I would like to read more about Ellie and John- more than a peck on the cheek…?Anywho, can’t wait for more of John, Ellie, Fergie and Sigvald in Culmination.
April 27, 2025
Rating 5.0 stars
I really like this series. There were points where I think it went to far into combat and got away from the farming/crafting aspect which was promised in the first book but I like the balance that has been obtained in the last couple of books. There still isn't as much of the farming aspect but at least now I can appreciate why. John is incredibly OP but the scenarios he has to deal with require someone like that. I like the concept of the eternal flame. John both is and isn't the eternal flame. He is because he has the power inside him and his beliefs are what give the power direction. He isn't because the eternal flame is an idea, a set of ideals to make life better for their fellow man. There are horrors in the world but in this book we also see the otherside. The people that will sacrifice everything for the ones they love. That is how the eternal flame sparks in their soul. Overall I like the series and am looking forward to the next one. John is insanely OP and gets even more powerful in this one.
I really like this series. There were points where I think it went to far into combat and got away from the farming/crafting aspect which was promised in the first book but I like the balance that has been obtained in the last couple of books. There still isn't as much of the farming aspect but at least now I can appreciate why. John is incredibly OP but the scenarios he has to deal with require someone like that. I like the concept of the eternal flame. John both is and isn't the eternal flame. He is because he has the power inside him and his beliefs are what give the power direction. He isn't because the eternal flame is an idea, a set of ideals to make life better for their fellow man. There are horrors in the world but in this book we also see the otherside. The people that will sacrifice everything for the ones they love. That is how the eternal flame sparks in their soul. Overall I like the series and am looking forward to the next one. John is insanely OP and gets even more powerful in this one.
April 29, 2025
Ohhhh myyy! I can't believe that Seth Ring would do that! Why did he do that! Here's me fuming 😤. And still Fuming 😤 'cause I love Michael Kramer's vocal talent I'ma gonna hafta wait for over 2 months before I'll be able dive into Culmination the 9th audiobook in the series! Yes I pre-ordered the book! But hey, if you don't care and just wanna flat out read it you can as the ebook is there for the taking. I had been a little hesitant about reading this book 'cause it seemed that John Sutton was so overpowered, that to me, I just couldn't imagine that Seth Ring would be able to write another book that actually might make my heart sing! But I trusted Seth Ring so I finally grabbed it! Wouldn't you know it, my heart sang! I loved the book hard! And yeah I was at the edge-of-my-seat in all the right places. And yeah it still has that down homey slice-of-life feel when John's back on his farm! I had been missing his Beast allies Ferdie, and Sigvald. But they showed up just at the right time, making my day, and the book perfect 🥰!
July 20, 2024
Never Enough
I can never get enough of the Battle Mage Farmer Series. The stories are well written. The world building engages my imagination. The action balanced well with the story, and the familiar characters endearing. This is a John story. One about him accepting himself, his abilities and his responsibilities. It is well written and a quick read. I was engrossed and finished it in less than a day. Waiting for the next story will be a torture, but at least I also have the Avatar to also read.
I’m normally a romance/ sci-fi/ fantasy reader. I found Seat Ring as a free book and have been devouring his , Terra Nova” and ,Battle Mae Farmer, Books. Come over to the LitRPG side, you will get hooked.
I can never get enough of the Battle Mage Farmer Series. The stories are well written. The world building engages my imagination. The action balanced well with the story, and the familiar characters endearing. This is a John story. One about him accepting himself, his abilities and his responsibilities. It is well written and a quick read. I was engrossed and finished it in less than a day. Waiting for the next story will be a torture, but at least I also have the Avatar to also read.
I’m normally a romance/ sci-fi/ fantasy reader. I found Seat Ring as a free book and have been devouring his , Terra Nova” and ,Battle Mae Farmer, Books. Come over to the LitRPG side, you will get hooked.
September 27, 2024
OP MC with a bs ending
I just expect this author to have way OP main Character who doesn’t really struggle and solves all problem with the force and power. I am mostly okay with it. But this story was mostly about a competition and the book ends without revealing the results of it even though the competition ended. That tactic is total garbage and has ruined this series for me.
I’m sure there is some logic along the lines of the results tie to much into the plot of the next book, but that basically equates to I choose this open plot string to prevent having an open plot string.
I just expect this author to have way OP main Character who doesn’t really struggle and solves all problem with the force and power. I am mostly okay with it. But this story was mostly about a competition and the book ends without revealing the results of it even though the competition ended. That tactic is total garbage and has ruined this series for me.
I’m sure there is some logic along the lines of the results tie to much into the plot of the next book, but that basically equates to I choose this open plot string to prevent having an open plot string.
June 29, 2024
Good book wonky power scale.
I really liked this book it had a better balance of power. I still don’t like the advancement of Elle though. It’s unrealistic that some purified mana is all it took for her to basically advance to supreme in a short amount of time and now she is a whole goddess. Again it makes sense that the MC is crazy OP because he has a soul of a Dragon but she does not. It means that any of the greater being should have a bunch of supremes around them and easily form other gods. It knocks the whole power scale of the book off.
I really liked this book it had a better balance of power. I still don’t like the advancement of Elle though. It’s unrealistic that some purified mana is all it took for her to basically advance to supreme in a short amount of time and now she is a whole goddess. Again it makes sense that the MC is crazy OP because he has a soul of a Dragon but she does not. It means that any of the greater being should have a bunch of supremes around them and easily form other gods. It knocks the whole power scale of the book off.
December 15, 2024
A needed progression
Thia entry was difficult for me and I think unless something fundamental changes, it's going to continue to be. The main issue is that with John OP-ness it's ha4s to imagine the stakes being high enough to be compelling. I've become accustomed to John's flames just ex machina-ing the hell out of all the threats and it's become boring. He's become rather one note and his reluctance to accept the mantle of Eternal Flame isn't very believable. Hopefully this changes because it's become very rinse/repeat...
Thia entry was difficult for me and I think unless something fundamental changes, it's going to continue to be. The main issue is that with John OP-ness it's ha4s to imagine the stakes being high enough to be compelling. I've become accustomed to John's flames just ex machina-ing the hell out of all the threats and it's become boring. He's become rather one note and his reluctance to accept the mantle of Eternal Flame isn't very believable. Hopefully this changes because it's become very rinse/repeat...
April 19, 2025
This series keep me on worldbuilding alone. The original concept was good but immediately ruined in book 1.
There are no stakes in this book. The protagonist states multiple times during the book that "if I let loose everyone dies", which is a callback to the first arc of this series. But it lacks any kind of impact, the only thing that would happen is that a "world" plus one recently introduced tertiary character might be wiped out and with how abundant the series has made both of those feel, the thread of annihilation feels bland.
There are no stakes in this book. The protagonist states multiple times during the book that "if I let loose everyone dies", which is a callback to the first arc of this series. But it lacks any kind of impact, the only thing that would happen is that a "world" plus one recently introduced tertiary character might be wiped out and with how abundant the series has made both of those feel, the thread of annihilation feels bland.
June 21, 2024
Just a little faith!
Love that we get to see some exploration of the power of faith and how it works as well as expansion on the Eternal Flame and how that impacts the world. Also some really interesting implications for what’s to come, can’t wait for the next book! My only nitpick was that we could have used more Ferdie in this one haha! Also some fun tie ins to the Tower series as well for your reading pleasure!
Love that we get to see some exploration of the power of faith and how it works as well as expansion on the Eternal Flame and how that impacts the world. Also some really interesting implications for what’s to come, can’t wait for the next book! My only nitpick was that we could have used more Ferdie in this one haha! Also some fun tie ins to the Tower series as well for your reading pleasure!
June 23, 2024
not much for religion, but.
I think there is a deeper meaning and if I was smart enough I would be able to see beyond the label to see the underlying tenets that everyone should follow, but oh well one day, maybe
Loved the story, the characters and the way it developed. The concepts are intriguing and make me think, but I alluded to that above - one day.
Please keep writing great stories and I will keep reading / learning and again one day, maybe
I think there is a deeper meaning and if I was smart enough I would be able to see beyond the label to see the underlying tenets that everyone should follow, but oh well one day, maybe
Loved the story, the characters and the way it developed. The concepts are intriguing and make me think, but I alluded to that above - one day.
Please keep writing great stories and I will keep reading / learning and again one day, maybe
July 9, 2024
Seth ring is a fantastic author every time.I see a new book.I don't think i'm going to like it and I
One of the best author.
S I've ever read every time? I see a new looks stupid or silly and I read it. And I can't read it fast enough through the series to the end of the book and again. Seth ring is fantastic aother.I haven't read one of his books.That wasn't a complete tent and then some !!!!!!
One of the best author.
S I've ever read every time? I see a new looks stupid or silly and I read it. And I can't read it fast enough through the series to the end of the book and again. Seth ring is fantastic aother.I haven't read one of his books.That wasn't a complete tent and then some !!!!!!
April 16, 2025
I don't know, I've loved the series for the most part but the past two or three books have just not been as fun or interesting. I suppose once the apocalypse hit it kind of felt like the series jumped the shark and there was no longer a boundary or perceived limitation on things. Everything was just broken, the slower slice of life farm building is gone, two books was no battle or farmer and this one was somewhat battle mage but eh... Ah well, it's almost over right?
June 22, 2024
When a Farmer starts a pantheon
Yeh, didn't quite expect that, but it was fun to see how things developed in this book. Even though John is pretty OP for a character, it's fun to see him work through different scenarios. I absolutely enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next!
Yeh, didn't quite expect that, but it was fun to see how things developed in this book. Even though John is pretty OP for a character, it's fun to see him work through different scenarios. I absolutely enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next!
June 24, 2024
I like Faith
I'm studying at a Wiccan Seminary, so I like faith. I love that John explores what the Eternal Flame means for him, and for others. That he dishes out some attitude adjustments is funny and entertaining. I am curious about a couple side tidbits mentioned in the story, and I love how he makes friends with beings like Kevin that others seem to just dismiss.
I'm studying at a Wiccan Seminary, so I like faith. I love that John explores what the Eternal Flame means for him, and for others. That he dishes out some attitude adjustments is funny and entertaining. I am curious about a couple side tidbits mentioned in the story, and I love how he makes friends with beings like Kevin that others seem to just dismiss.
June 25, 2024
John Sutton is back
Alternate universe, magic, SF tech, cultivation, base building, OP protagonist
John joins a team of mages to compete in a magic competition held every millennia, and once the competition starts, ends up having to make choices about his connection to the blue flame of faith. Well edited. Absorbing and enjoyed, and looking forward to book 9.
Alternate universe, magic, SF tech, cultivation, base building, OP protagonist
John joins a team of mages to compete in a magic competition held every millennia, and once the competition starts, ends up having to make choices about his connection to the blue flame of faith. Well edited. Absorbing and enjoyed, and looking forward to book 9.
July 9, 2024
High Marks
Another we put together exerpt from the Life and Times of John Sutton.
Just a simple farmer from Earth.
His life is anything but boring. He has more new friends, new enemies, new titles, and above all a new appreciation for home.
Hope the next book is as good as all the others.
Another we put together exerpt from the Life and Times of John Sutton.
Just a simple farmer from Earth.
His life is anything but boring. He has more new friends, new enemies, new titles, and above all a new appreciation for home.
Hope the next book is as good as all the others.
October 21, 2024
Games, politics, studying, research, experiments and farm life... I'm really leaning into the farm life over all the others. Some aspects like the experiments are fun but everything else is either tedious or full of drama! I'm here for it all... the good, the bad and the ugly. John gains more allies and even divine power for him and Ellie. I love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
Book 8 of Battle Mage Farmer. Ties one takes us into a competition and leaves us wondering how the conclusion will fair. John is as unstoppable as ever but at least we get to see him acting a little normal. Oddly I expected a little more farming, but overall a very satisfying book. Excited to move to book 9, the current end of the series.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
August 31, 2025
John is in full boss mode this time, finally accepting what being the Eternal Flame means. This one was not as creative as some of the others in the series, but I do love this stage of the story, when the hero has come into his own and starts to dominate.
I'm looking forward to the next and final book in the series.
I'm looking forward to the next and final book in the series.
June 24, 2024
Seth Ring is a I’d say god, but that would be blasphemous …. .
Excellent as usual.
I found this author on kindle unlimited, and as as he is so good was happy to buy his books.
The best thing is he is also a prolific writer. Well worth the time and money.
Excellent as usual.
I found this author on kindle unlimited, and as as he is so good was happy to buy his books.
The best thing is he is also a prolific writer. Well worth the time and money.
June 29, 2024
Series Just Keeps Getting Better
How an OP main character continues to develop and evolve while making everyone around him better showcases the brilliance of Seth Ring. Cant wait for the next book!
How an OP main character continues to develop and evolve while making everyone around him better showcases the brilliance of Seth Ring. Cant wait for the next book!
June 30, 2024
Loved it!
Love this series. All the little pieces that touched on Thorn and the endless worlds were great. John is great in this book. Dragons and devils, oh my! Can't wait for the next one!
Love this series. All the little pieces that touched on Thorn and the endless worlds were great. John is great in this book. Dragons and devils, oh my! Can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews