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Sagewood #1
Sagewood: Restore the Farm:
A slice-of-life progression fantasy all about friendship, family, and farming!Matt Miller wasn’t special. He was just a regular guy with a regular life—a one bedroom apartment, a couple of pairs of slacks, and a dead-end job. But when his estranged grandfather died, he left Matt with an unexpected a magic ring… and a farm located on another world.
Now, Matt’s stuck with a rundown farmhouse, fields choked with weeds, and no way to get back home. He only has one option—to roll up his sleeves and complete the quest prompt he’s been Restore the Farm. Luckily, he has a (mostly) merry band of sprites to help him along the way.
But this new land has secrets, and more than a few hidden dangers. The Harvest Goddess has been turned into stone, and the balance of magic is all out of whack. If Matt can’t figure out a way to bring his grandfather’s property back to life, then Corruption will continue to spread and consume the farm, the forest, and the sleepy town of Sagewood itself.
Don't miss the start of this mostly cozy isekai Progression Fantasy Series. It's perfect fans of Beware of Chicken, Sacred Cat Island, and Oh, Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer, as well as games like games Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon.
Now, Matt’s stuck with a rundown farmhouse, fields choked with weeds, and no way to get back home. He only has one option—to roll up his sleeves and complete the quest prompt he’s been Restore the Farm. Luckily, he has a (mostly) merry band of sprites to help him along the way.
But this new land has secrets, and more than a few hidden dangers. The Harvest Goddess has been turned into stone, and the balance of magic is all out of whack. If Matt can’t figure out a way to bring his grandfather’s property back to life, then Corruption will continue to spread and consume the farm, the forest, and the sleepy town of Sagewood itself.
Don't miss the start of this mostly cozy isekai Progression Fantasy Series. It's perfect fans of Beware of Chicken, Sacred Cat Island, and Oh, Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer, as well as games like games Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2024
175 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Blake Arthur Peel
21 books73 followersBlake Arthur Peel has been coming up with stories ever since he was a kid. He inflicted his scribblings on family members and friends throughout his youth, always drawing maps in the back of notebooks and daydreaming when he probably should have been paying attention. It wasn’t until he was out of college that he finally decided to get serious about pursuing his career as a fantasy author.
His favorite stories have always been about good conquering evil, about fantastic worlds and wondrous magic systems. The works that have most inspired him are The Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Riftwar Saga, The Stormlight Archive, and The Wheel of Time, among many others.
Blake was born and raised in Hemet, California. He loves playing games, being outside, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Follow him at facebook.com/blakearthurpeel
His favorite stories have always been about good conquering evil, about fantastic worlds and wondrous magic systems. The works that have most inspired him are The Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Riftwar Saga, The Stormlight Archive, and The Wheel of Time, among many others.
Blake was born and raised in Hemet, California. He loves playing games, being outside, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Follow him at facebook.com/blakearthurpeel
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 13, 2024
Not good
Its getting harder and harder to read about weak cowardly men,the writers of today especially in the US seams to think that it is what men are today ,as you can guess im not from this generation so most of what the mc was scared of was not that impressive,then he was in HR as a job and he wanted to go back to that? REALLY!!..HR is the gestapo of the work place so why is wanting to go back?
Its getting harder and harder to read about weak cowardly men,the writers of today especially in the US seams to think that it is what men are today ,as you can guess im not from this generation so most of what the mc was scared of was not that impressive,then he was in HR as a job and he wanted to go back to that? REALLY!!..HR is the gestapo of the work place so why is wanting to go back?
Read
July 31, 2024DNF pretty early - super slow and kinda simplistic. I hear it gets better but I have other things to read. YMMV
July 5, 2024
I assume most readers were drawn to this book by the pretty obvious similarities with Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons.
I assume most readers have played at least one of those games, or Stardew Valley or something similar. I myself played Save The Homeland when I was 10 or so and it left a lasting impression on me. This story definitely scratched that itch in a much more thorough way than a game can since there are aspects that are more exciting to read about than simply play.
I will say I was very surprised at how dark the plot line turned out to be, I mostly expected to farm and make friends, but fighting evil magic corruption is always a plus.
If you can see past the multiple typos and repeated words, plus the instances where objects change and timeframes do too, then this is a really strong novel. I look forward to the next one and I can’t wait to see how this farm turns out!
I assume most readers have played at least one of those games, or Stardew Valley or something similar. I myself played Save The Homeland when I was 10 or so and it left a lasting impression on me. This story definitely scratched that itch in a much more thorough way than a game can since there are aspects that are more exciting to read about than simply play.
I will say I was very surprised at how dark the plot line turned out to be, I mostly expected to farm and make friends, but fighting evil magic corruption is always a plus.
If you can see past the multiple typos and repeated words, plus the instances where objects change and timeframes do too, then this is a really strong novel. I look forward to the next one and I can’t wait to see how this farm turns out!
June 20, 2024
I found this quite enjoyable, and well-composed. Aspects did remind me of Harvest Moon, though the monster business was much more vicious than I anticipated. Although I was sometimes rolling my eyes at Matt's Earth-world, immature comments or thoughts, that was really the only moments where I lost my immersion in the story-telling. I was also shocked at how few living improvements were made (quality of life), and feel that is symptomatic of the book's size (not long enough). About 3/4ths through, I checked for a part two in the Kindle shop, and the summary was a complete spoiler! That shouldn't have happened. But still, I found the book an excellent diversion, when I really needed it, and will be back for the sequel.
June 24, 2024
Stardew Valley-inspired plotline, complete with a farm given by a deceased grandfather, farming (and a magical dropbox that sells your goods!), mining, fishing, festivals, and romance. Style-wise, it's a isekai litRPG.
I love Stardew Valley, so enjoyed this book. It reads pretty quickly.
That said, it's not my favorite farming litRPG. Beware of Chicken and Unorthodox Farming are both better written and more unique. Blade's Rest is cozier. This book's character motivations aren't well constructured, so characters do things in a few parts seemingly because it's convenient for the plot movement (why is the super attractive elf girl so immediately attracted to our new farmer?). Those elements don't kill the book -- I'll read the sequel -- but do take it a tier down.
I love Stardew Valley, so enjoyed this book. It reads pretty quickly.
That said, it's not my favorite farming litRPG. Beware of Chicken and Unorthodox Farming are both better written and more unique. Blade's Rest is cozier. This book's character motivations aren't well constructured, so characters do things in a few parts seemingly because it's convenient for the plot movement (why is the super attractive elf girl so immediately attracted to our new farmer?). Those elements don't kill the book -- I'll read the sequel -- but do take it a tier down.
June 7, 2024
This was a fun book. It's about a young man, Matt who inherited his grandfather's farm. But there's a catch, you see the farm isn't even on this world and as soon as Matt puts the ring on he's transported there with no way back. I didn't quite embrace the story as others prolly will. I think I needed to feel more like I was a part of the action, as I'm always action hungry. You'll see what I mean when you read the book. And the ending is wild! In the end it all about a community coming together ❤! And I'm sure your gonna wanna know what happens next.
So go ahead and pick up the audiobook for the pleasure of listening to Christian J Gilliland.
So go ahead and pick up the audiobook for the pleasure of listening to Christian J Gilliland.
August 7, 2024
This book was a nice spin on the cozy farming genre. The characters all have life along with different views of it. The setting is well crafted while the story is well thought out.
The story is a little darker than what you would expect with the genre. There are stakes and risks throughout the book that really straddle the line between the progression fantasy genre and the cozy genre but I would say it does lean more towards the progressive fantasy genre.
The main character is very real. All his reactions and fears make sense in the setting and what he himself has experienced. He reacts in ways that a normal human would react which is usually scared or frightened.
The story is a little darker than what you would expect with the genre. There are stakes and risks throughout the book that really straddle the line between the progression fantasy genre and the cozy genre but I would say it does lean more towards the progressive fantasy genre.
The main character is very real. All his reactions and fears make sense in the setting and what he himself has experienced. He reacts in ways that a normal human would react which is usually scared or frightened.
October 22, 2024
This was such a cozy and enchanting read. Magic, adventure, farming… so fun.
Matt arrives in a small town and inherits his grandfather’s farm after he passed… sound familiar? The plot point where he truly transports to a whole new world brings a new level of enjoyment for me. All the little pop culture references and descriptions of Phoenix help sell that “fish out of water” feeling. Matt has a whole lot of learning ahead of him.
I found myself easily immersed into the story and curious to find out what happens next. Now I want to go binge 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘸 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 and pretend the junimos are my little sprite buddies, okay byyyeee.
Matt arrives in a small town and inherits his grandfather’s farm after he passed… sound familiar? The plot point where he truly transports to a whole new world brings a new level of enjoyment for me. All the little pop culture references and descriptions of Phoenix help sell that “fish out of water” feeling. Matt has a whole lot of learning ahead of him.
I found myself easily immersed into the story and curious to find out what happens next. Now I want to go binge 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘸 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 and pretend the junimos are my little sprite buddies, okay byyyeee.
June 11, 2024
Mandatory read for fans of Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon
This book had 7 year old me squealing in delight! Growing up playing games like Harvest Moon then later in life playing Stardew Valley, this book was reliving those games for me.
Playing those games, you knew what was expected to come next in the story but you couldn't wait to see how it would happen!
I wish this book was longer. So many aspects of the games have not come to fruition yet and rebuilding needs to be done. Luckily this does have a second book that is due to come out later this year!
This book had 7 year old me squealing in delight! Growing up playing games like Harvest Moon then later in life playing Stardew Valley, this book was reliving those games for me.
Playing those games, you knew what was expected to come next in the story but you couldn't wait to see how it would happen!
I wish this book was longer. So many aspects of the games have not come to fruition yet and rebuilding needs to be done. Luckily this does have a second book that is due to come out later this year!
September 28, 2024
Audio: AWFUL! What a poor choice of narrator, he sounds like old school radio newscaster, no the voice I expect for a young character.
Story: This is a me thing, because based on the cover I was expecting a cozy story more like Harvest Moon, sweet and friendly. A "let's get this farm working and go in adventures to get items to improve it". However, it was NOT that. It is actually pretty dark on some aspects and not what I was looking for. It is not poorly written if you can get over minor issues, but not what I expected. Dropping the series. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: This is a me thing, because based on the cover I was expecting a cozy story more like Harvest Moon, sweet and friendly. A "let's get this farm working and go in adventures to get items to improve it". However, it was NOT that. It is actually pretty dark on some aspects and not what I was looking for. It is not poorly written if you can get over minor issues, but not what I expected. Dropping the series. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
December 28, 2024
sagewood review
I liked the story. Obviously a fan of the stardew type genre. I did feel like the story skipped around a bit, but still felt slow. I really like the sprites and think they were the best part. The way Matt meets people / makes money made the flow of time feel weird too. The book takes place over a year but feels like I could have just been a single season…. Maybe the plants take too many days to grow? I am not sure but the scale of time and progress felt jarring to me. Not a bad book, but I hope the second one flows better.
I liked the story. Obviously a fan of the stardew type genre. I did feel like the story skipped around a bit, but still felt slow. I really like the sprites and think they were the best part. The way Matt meets people / makes money made the flow of time feel weird too. The book takes place over a year but feels like I could have just been a single season…. Maybe the plants take too many days to grow? I am not sure but the scale of time and progress felt jarring to me. Not a bad book, but I hope the second one flows better.
April 4, 2025
A heartwarming story, full of fun characters and a main character that grows on you. At first, you really don't like Matt Miller; he's selfish, and rude to the sprites on his farm who are just trying to help him. It's very similar to a favorite video game of mine growing up, but our protagonist just wants to get back to real life. Over the course of the book, we have the delight to see people change (not just matt) and it's a good read with exciting battle parts and an ending I certainly didn't expect. Overall, a great read.
May 28, 2025
3.5 Stars that I'll round up to 4, Not the best of the genre that I've read but still a decently solid start. Monster parts are a bit intense though considering on Amazon the title says "A Cozy Farming Progression Fantasy" Aside from that the biggest reason for the star deduction is the fact that the story sometimes feeks like its from the perspectice of a horny teenage boy instead of someone around 29/30ish years old. Felt immature, unneccesary, and takes away from the otherwise well written fantasy plot.
April 6, 2025
A new world and a new life
Of all the gifts, we are inherent from our loved ones. I doubt that a ring that brings you to a new world with no easy way back would be on anyone's list, but Matt made the best of it. I loved that he met a girl who seemed to like him and small friends who were helping him grow his farm which he did not want at first, but he kept at it to honor his grandfather's memory, and keep it from the sleazy mayor.
Of all the gifts, we are inherent from our loved ones. I doubt that a ring that brings you to a new world with no easy way back would be on anyone's list, but Matt made the best of it. I loved that he met a girl who seemed to like him and small friends who were helping him grow his farm which he did not want at first, but he kept at it to honor his grandfather's memory, and keep it from the sleazy mayor.
June 8, 2024
Wow!
As a fan of games like Stardew Valley, I truly enjoyed this book. I had to burn a sick day due to allergies. I burned through the book in basically one sitting.
I've got my lovely bride reading it, and we're looking forward to talking about it together.
I've already pre-ordered book 2.
As a fan of games like Stardew Valley, I truly enjoyed this book. I had to burn a sick day due to allergies. I burned through the book in basically one sitting.
I've got my lovely bride reading it, and we're looking forward to talking about it together.
I've already pre-ordered book 2.
June 9, 2025
I am a big fan of Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon, so this is right up my alley in that regard. It's a fairly simple story, not groundbreaking or anything, and a few things are a bit cliche. But, that's also part of its charm. There aren't really much for surprises. It's just comfort food. You know what to expect, and you know it'll be good.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 6, 2024
Really good story
I was surprised how involved I was with this story. I read it in one day. It pulled me in and I couldn't stop reading. You will not be disappointed with this story.
I was surprised how involved I was with this story. I read it in one day. It pulled me in and I couldn't stop reading. You will not be disappointed with this story.
June 6, 2024
Good book
A lot more than a cozy farming story. It's a good storyline and Matt is a fairly good guy for getting dumped on to a fantasy world. There is magic, monsters, good guys and bad slimy guys. Looking forward to the next story.
A lot more than a cozy farming story. It's a good storyline and Matt is a fairly good guy for getting dumped on to a fantasy world. There is magic, monsters, good guys and bad slimy guys. Looking forward to the next story.
June 10, 2024
Do not judge a book by its cover.
I love this book, cozy story about farming and "family" relationship. Mc is all alone, he got a new "place" from his late grandpa which is a magical farm where he got new friends who care for him.
I love this book, cozy story about farming and "family" relationship. Mc is all alone, he got a new "place" from his late grandpa which is a magical farm where he got new friends who care for him.
July 11, 2024
A great start.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
October 28, 2024
Wonderful
This is an absolutely fantastic story. It seems influenced by the plot of a particular game but with enough twists and turns that I couldn't predict the ending. Go Sprites!
This is an absolutely fantastic story. It seems influenced by the plot of a particular game but with enough twists and turns that I couldn't predict the ending. Go Sprites!
April 15, 2025
Okay
I wanted to like better. I just found myself more and more disinterested. I think because I found the MC a bit too much an oblivious kind of guy. I’m not sure of the right description. I just know I couldn’t click with him. Too bad.
I wanted to like better. I just found myself more and more disinterested. I think because I found the MC a bit too much an oblivious kind of guy. I’m not sure of the right description. I just know I couldn’t click with him. Too bad.
June 10, 2024
Fantastic!
What a wonderful book! Such a wonderful story and fantastic characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What a wonderful book! Such a wonderful story and fantastic characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
dnf
July 17, 2024This wasn't bad, but I just wasn't feeling it. DNF @ 52%
July 30, 2024
Good effort
I love these slice of life books. All in all a good story. I look forward to our M.C. doing a little more mining I can hardly wait until he deals with the Baron.
I love these slice of life books. All in all a good story. I look forward to our M.C. doing a little more mining I can hardly wait until he deals with the Baron.
November 27, 2025
enjoyable but really needs editing, time frames are all over the place
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews