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Aether's Revival #8
Proven Strength
Gregory’s year-long posting along the northern wilds was done. He’d had to face corrupt magi, assassination attempts, aether-using bane beasts, and even deal with the loss of some of his men. The year had left a mark on his soul. He’d accepted the burden of leadership fully, knowing that his men could and would die under his command.
He might’ve avoided all of it if he hadn’t made his moral stand, using the empire’s slave laws to force the corruption to come to light. Because he had, it threw his posting into conflict. Gregory didn’t back down when assassins— magi and non-magi alike— tried to kill him. When the town magi tried to pressure him, he used his training and walking of all three paths to not just stop them both, but to force the higher-tiered magi to bend to him. In the end, he pulled down the men who’d corrupted the magi, even though it cost him three of his men. Gregory was unbowed by his trials, becoming far wiser from them.
With his adept year done, he marched for Krogga— he was to be an assistant ambassador at the capital. What he was looking forward to wasn’t the position, though, but the fact that his wives would be there with him. Even better, it wasn’t going to only be his wives, but also three of his closest friends who wanted to marry him. Clover, Ling, and Roshana were waiting for their tea ceremony, the final step needed for them to be accepted into the family.
As if that wasn’t enough for Gregory to look forward to, Darkness, the mysterious and powerful woman who shrouded herself in her namesake, had promised she would be laid bare before them when they became magus tier. She would not only be visible to them, but they would even be able to briefly touch each other, too.
Krogga wouldn’t be an easy post— the warrior nation hated magi with a passion, which was why the Embassy posting wasn’t one most people wanted. Gregory and his wives were going to have to prove their strength if they wanted to have any peace during their five-year posting.
He might’ve avoided all of it if he hadn’t made his moral stand, using the empire’s slave laws to force the corruption to come to light. Because he had, it threw his posting into conflict. Gregory didn’t back down when assassins— magi and non-magi alike— tried to kill him. When the town magi tried to pressure him, he used his training and walking of all three paths to not just stop them both, but to force the higher-tiered magi to bend to him. In the end, he pulled down the men who’d corrupted the magi, even though it cost him three of his men. Gregory was unbowed by his trials, becoming far wiser from them.
With his adept year done, he marched for Krogga— he was to be an assistant ambassador at the capital. What he was looking forward to wasn’t the position, though, but the fact that his wives would be there with him. Even better, it wasn’t going to only be his wives, but also three of his closest friends who wanted to marry him. Clover, Ling, and Roshana were waiting for their tea ceremony, the final step needed for them to be accepted into the family.
As if that wasn’t enough for Gregory to look forward to, Darkness, the mysterious and powerful woman who shrouded herself in her namesake, had promised she would be laid bare before them when they became magus tier. She would not only be visible to them, but they would even be able to briefly touch each other, too.
Krogga wouldn’t be an easy post— the warrior nation hated magi with a passion, which was why the Embassy posting wasn’t one most people wanted. Gregory and his wives were going to have to prove their strength if they wanted to have any peace during their five-year posting.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
396 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
69 books1,305 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 19, 2024
My love of this series is waning, but some enjoyment persists.
I kinda' got spoiled by Moral Stand (the previous book) Because it cut out 90% of the bullshit.
Now that it's back, it seems unbearable where it used to only be mildly annoying.
This actual story, and continued world building is still interesting and the limited action is engaging but these interminable chapter long scenes of Cringey dialog just exceeded my tolerance. That goes double for the uncomfortable sex scenes.
confession time: I skimmed and skipped a lot of this book to be able to finish.
I kinda' got spoiled by Moral Stand (the previous book) Because it cut out 90% of the bullshit.
Now that it's back, it seems unbearable where it used to only be mildly annoying.
This actual story, and continued world building is still interesting and the limited action is engaging but these interminable chapter long scenes of Cringey dialog just exceeded my tolerance. That goes double for the uncomfortable sex scenes.
confession time: I skimmed and skipped a lot of this book to be able to finish.
February 8, 2024
I might be a tiny bit biased, but I loved it.
May 29, 2025
Book 8 covers the first year of our team's reunion in Krogga and the first year of Greg and his six wives working at the embassy in Krogga. This was another wonderful adition to the saga and I have already started the next book as I am used to do so let's just accept that it's another great book in the series and I am going to continue reading the book 9 so let's go on and Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
February 29, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
A good addition to the series. I am amazed that I still like the writing style even after all this time. It is so simple but effective. I keep asking myself how much better the world would be if people acted the way this author's main characters act. To be positive. To speak how much they love and appreciate the people around them. To always try your best. It is over the top and can be a bit repetitive at times but I will ask the question again. How much better would the world be if people acted like that? What would the downside be of telling your wife how much you love them everyday. Not just on special occasions or when they did something nice, but as a matter of habit just telling them how much you love and appreciate them. Can you imagine that ever making your life worse?
In this one Greg gets to Krogga and is reunited with his wives. He also meets up with 3 other of his women who become his wives in this one. It is interesting dealing with the society of Krogga where strength and honor are prized above all else. Greg and his wives act in a way to gain them that honor. Overall I am happy with the installment. I just wonder how long the series is planned to last. It seems like there are many more books needed to get the the ending that is hinted atm especially at the pace this one is going.
A good addition to the series. I am amazed that I still like the writing style even after all this time. It is so simple but effective. I keep asking myself how much better the world would be if people acted the way this author's main characters act. To be positive. To speak how much they love and appreciate the people around them. To always try your best. It is over the top and can be a bit repetitive at times but I will ask the question again. How much better would the world be if people acted like that? What would the downside be of telling your wife how much you love them everyday. Not just on special occasions or when they did something nice, but as a matter of habit just telling them how much you love and appreciate them. Can you imagine that ever making your life worse?
In this one Greg gets to Krogga and is reunited with his wives. He also meets up with 3 other of his women who become his wives in this one. It is interesting dealing with the society of Krogga where strength and honor are prized above all else. Greg and his wives act in a way to gain them that honor. Overall I am happy with the installment. I just wonder how long the series is planned to last. It seems like there are many more books needed to get the the ending that is hinted atm especially at the pace this one is going.
February 10, 2024
I loved every second of it, but almost wish I'd waited for book 9 first!
I loved finally having the family together again and learning about Kroga along with them, I definitely like this depiction of Norse inspired culture much better than the Aesir in Binding Words! I won't spoil it but I will say that I felt worried on her behalf about how much Darkness feared her reveal. I will say however that if you're normally among those who scream NO when it gets to the end of the book, it's not a cliffhanger but you just might be happier with waiting for book 9 or maybe even 10 to publish, as I really didn't want the story to stop yet at all!!!
I loved finally having the family together again and learning about Kroga along with them, I definitely like this depiction of Norse inspired culture much better than the Aesir in Binding Words! I won't spoil it but I will say that I felt worried on her behalf about how much Darkness feared her reveal. I will say however that if you're normally among those who scream NO when it gets to the end of the book, it's not a cliffhanger but you just might be happier with waiting for book 9 or maybe even 10 to publish, as I really didn't want the story to stop yet at all!!!
February 9, 2024
A slow start with an epic build up.
These just keep getting better. You would think they could get sappy, but there is a wholesome quality that just shines through. My favorite Schinhofen series. . .
My second favorite Schinhofen series. . .
One of my favorite Schinhofen series.
These just keep getting better. You would think they could get sappy, but there is a wholesome quality that just shines through. My favorite Schinhofen series. . .
My second favorite Schinhofen series. . .
One of my favorite Schinhofen series.
February 14, 2024
A great book.
Once again I was engrossed by the story as the author constantly manages to surprise and delight me with the world building and plot progression.
Once again I was engrossed by the story as the author constantly manages to surprise and delight me with the world building and plot progression.
March 22, 2024
great book
Not gonna lie , the book before this one didn’t hit as well as the others . But this one makes up for it.
Not gonna lie , the book before this one didn’t hit as well as the others . But this one makes up for it.
December 12, 2025
Romance:
February 14, 2024
Good, but gets tedious when the whole family is together.
Like most of this author's books, the writing is very good, and the story and worldbuilding are right up there. The problem is that pages are taken up between the MC and his harem going back and forth about how much they love each other or pointing out how good/great the MC is. This gets very tedious and happens so much that up just wNt to skip over it to get back to the story. The last book was great, because they were apart, but with them together it happens all the time. There are only a few spicy scenes, which I prefer, but too many fluf scenes that just take up space.
This is the same reason I stopped reading the doc holyday books, as nothing happened in the story because the whole thing was them talking about how the MC was such a good guy and how they loved each other soo much.
I really like this series, so it gets a 4. But I hope the next one has more story.
Like most of this author's books, the writing is very good, and the story and worldbuilding are right up there. The problem is that pages are taken up between the MC and his harem going back and forth about how much they love each other or pointing out how good/great the MC is. This gets very tedious and happens so much that up just wNt to skip over it to get back to the story. The last book was great, because they were apart, but with them together it happens all the time. There are only a few spicy scenes, which I prefer, but too many fluf scenes that just take up space.
This is the same reason I stopped reading the doc holyday books, as nothing happened in the story because the whole thing was them talking about how the MC was such a good guy and how they loved each other soo much.
I really like this series, so it gets a 4. But I hope the next one has more story.
July 28, 2024
Review of "Proven Strength" by Daniel Schinhofen
Introduction:
Title: Proven Strength
Author: Daniel Schinhofen
Genre: Fantasy, Harem, Magic
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Hey packmates, it's your alpha wolf Kiba Snowpaw here, bringing you the scoop on "Proven Strength" by the masterful Daniel Schinhofen. This 8th installment in the Aether's Revival series is a breathtaking journey filled with magic, harem dynamics, and heart-pounding adventure. Clocking in at 448 pages, this Kindle edition is an absolute treasure for fans of epic fantasy and deep emotional connections.
Basic Plot Summary:
Gregory’s year-long stint in the treacherous northern wilds is over. He faced corrupt magi, assassination attempts, and aether-using bane beasts, all while dealing with the heavy burden of leadership. Gregory’s moral stand against the corruption revealed the rot within the system, leading to intense conflict and personal loss. With his adept year concluded, he marches to Krogga, set to become an assistant ambassador. The most exciting part? His wives will be there with him, and three of his closest friends—Clover, Ling, and Roshana—are ready to join his family. The mysterious Darkness also promises a significant revelation, adding to the anticipation. But Krogga, a warrior nation with a deep-seated hatred for magi, will be a challenging post, demanding Gregory and his wives to prove their strength repeatedly.
About the Writer:
Daniel Schinhofen is a titan in the LitRPG/Gamelit genre. Since his debut with "Last Horizon: Beta" in 2016, he has been a best-selling author on Amazon with a devoted following. Schinhofen’s talent for weaving intricate worlds and compelling characters is unparalleled. When he’s not crafting his next masterpiece, Daniel enjoys video games, walking his dog Sugar, and connecting with his readers online. You can find more about his work on his website schinhofenbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @DJSchinhofen.
Characters:
Gregory: The resilient and morally steadfast protagonist, ready to tackle new challenges in Krogga.
Yukiko: Gregory’s beloved wife, a fierce warrior with a heart of gold, patrolling near Alturis.
Jenn: Defender of the Krogga border, a powerful force against incursions.
Mindy: Back in Grackle, training new recruits with wisdom and strength.
Clover, Ling, Roshana: Gregory’s close friends and soon-to-be wives, each bringing their unique strengths to the family.
Darkness: The enigmatic and powerful woman promising a significant revelation.
Structure:
"Proven Strength" is expertly structured to maintain a balance of action, intrigue, and character development. The story transitions smoothly between intense battle scenes, political maneuvering, and heartfelt family moments. Schinhofen’s pacing ensures that readers are constantly engaged, with each chapter building on the last to create a rich and immersive narrative.
Analysis:
Schinhofen delves deep into themes of loyalty, duty, and the complexities of moral integrity. The character arcs are masterfully developed, showcasing growth and resilience in the face of adversity. The writing style is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the meticulously crafted world of the Aether's Revival series. The use of multiple perspectives enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive view of the unfolding events.
Scenes:
The romantic scenes in "Proven Strength" are beautifully crafted, adding emotional depth to the relationships. The harem dynamics are handled with sensitivity and respect, enhancing the bonds between characters without overshadowing the main plot. The erotic scenes are tastefully detailed, contributing to the overall narrative and character development.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
Character Development: Deep, multi-dimensional characters that grow and evolve throughout the story.
World-Building: An intricate and immersive setting that brings the fantasy world to life.
Plot: Engaging and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked.
Critique:
Pacing: Some parts may feel slow, particularly during travel and setup scenes.
Repetition: Occasional repetitive dialogue and affirmations, though this adds to the overall theme of loyalty and love.
Comparison:
Compared to Schinhofen's other works, "Proven Strength" shines for its intense focus on moral dilemmas and character growth. While series like "Apocalypse Gates" and "Alpha World" offer thrilling adventures, "Proven Strength" digs deeper into the emotional and ethical challenges, making it a standout in his bibliography.
Personal Evaluation:
"Proven Strength" is an emotional rollercoaster with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and hope. The strengths lie in its character development, world-building, and the seamless blend of action and romance. Despite minor pacing issues, the narrative remains captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.
Conclusion:
In summary, "Proven Strength" by Daniel Schinhofen is a must-read for fantasy and harem enthusiasts. Its rich narrative, complex characters, and engaging plot make it a standout in the genre. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling and heartfelt adventure. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 icy paws. This book is a wild ride through the treacherous landscapes of Krogga, and you won't want to miss a moment.
Rating: 5/5
Introduction:
Title: Proven Strength
Author: Daniel Schinhofen
Genre: Fantasy, Harem, Magic
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Hey packmates, it's your alpha wolf Kiba Snowpaw here, bringing you the scoop on "Proven Strength" by the masterful Daniel Schinhofen. This 8th installment in the Aether's Revival series is a breathtaking journey filled with magic, harem dynamics, and heart-pounding adventure. Clocking in at 448 pages, this Kindle edition is an absolute treasure for fans of epic fantasy and deep emotional connections.
Basic Plot Summary:
Gregory’s year-long stint in the treacherous northern wilds is over. He faced corrupt magi, assassination attempts, and aether-using bane beasts, all while dealing with the heavy burden of leadership. Gregory’s moral stand against the corruption revealed the rot within the system, leading to intense conflict and personal loss. With his adept year concluded, he marches to Krogga, set to become an assistant ambassador. The most exciting part? His wives will be there with him, and three of his closest friends—Clover, Ling, and Roshana—are ready to join his family. The mysterious Darkness also promises a significant revelation, adding to the anticipation. But Krogga, a warrior nation with a deep-seated hatred for magi, will be a challenging post, demanding Gregory and his wives to prove their strength repeatedly.
About the Writer:
Daniel Schinhofen is a titan in the LitRPG/Gamelit genre. Since his debut with "Last Horizon: Beta" in 2016, he has been a best-selling author on Amazon with a devoted following. Schinhofen’s talent for weaving intricate worlds and compelling characters is unparalleled. When he’s not crafting his next masterpiece, Daniel enjoys video games, walking his dog Sugar, and connecting with his readers online. You can find more about his work on his website schinhofenbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @DJSchinhofen.
Characters:
Gregory: The resilient and morally steadfast protagonist, ready to tackle new challenges in Krogga.
Yukiko: Gregory’s beloved wife, a fierce warrior with a heart of gold, patrolling near Alturis.
Jenn: Defender of the Krogga border, a powerful force against incursions.
Mindy: Back in Grackle, training new recruits with wisdom and strength.
Clover, Ling, Roshana: Gregory’s close friends and soon-to-be wives, each bringing their unique strengths to the family.
Darkness: The enigmatic and powerful woman promising a significant revelation.
Structure:
"Proven Strength" is expertly structured to maintain a balance of action, intrigue, and character development. The story transitions smoothly between intense battle scenes, political maneuvering, and heartfelt family moments. Schinhofen’s pacing ensures that readers are constantly engaged, with each chapter building on the last to create a rich and immersive narrative.
Analysis:
Schinhofen delves deep into themes of loyalty, duty, and the complexities of moral integrity. The character arcs are masterfully developed, showcasing growth and resilience in the face of adversity. The writing style is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the meticulously crafted world of the Aether's Revival series. The use of multiple perspectives enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive view of the unfolding events.
Scenes:
The romantic scenes in "Proven Strength" are beautifully crafted, adding emotional depth to the relationships. The harem dynamics are handled with sensitivity and respect, enhancing the bonds between characters without overshadowing the main plot. The erotic scenes are tastefully detailed, contributing to the overall narrative and character development.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
Character Development: Deep, multi-dimensional characters that grow and evolve throughout the story.
World-Building: An intricate and immersive setting that brings the fantasy world to life.
Plot: Engaging and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked.
Critique:
Pacing: Some parts may feel slow, particularly during travel and setup scenes.
Repetition: Occasional repetitive dialogue and affirmations, though this adds to the overall theme of loyalty and love.
Comparison:
Compared to Schinhofen's other works, "Proven Strength" shines for its intense focus on moral dilemmas and character growth. While series like "Apocalypse Gates" and "Alpha World" offer thrilling adventures, "Proven Strength" digs deeper into the emotional and ethical challenges, making it a standout in his bibliography.
Personal Evaluation:
"Proven Strength" is an emotional rollercoaster with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and hope. The strengths lie in its character development, world-building, and the seamless blend of action and romance. Despite minor pacing issues, the narrative remains captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.
Conclusion:
In summary, "Proven Strength" by Daniel Schinhofen is a must-read for fantasy and harem enthusiasts. Its rich narrative, complex characters, and engaging plot make it a standout in the genre. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling and heartfelt adventure. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 icy paws. This book is a wild ride through the treacherous landscapes of Krogga, and you won't want to miss a moment.
Rating: 5/5
February 15, 2024
It's frustrating because the author is talented and can tell great stories. This, at its core, is a really good story. I love the setting, the original three wives are great characters and I'm genuinely interested and invested in Gregory's journey and how he wants to change the face of the Empire. Unfortunately, that great story is buried under an avalanche of affirmations and self-congratulatory moral back-slapping. It's just too much. It becomes aversion therapy for something fundamentally wholesome.
Also, man, we get it, you have six wives, you don't need to work it into EVERY conversation. "Oh, my fierce little wife? I was so happy when my OTHER wife let us keep her. What, just two wives? Why no, I married three more ... oh there's my sixth right over there." Mix it up a little, tell people you know Usher or something.
Lastly, foresight. It continues to be the single dumbest power to give to your MC. We almost had something exciting happen today! Luckily, I was able to prevent it from happening so we can have another fantastically boring day. Want to spend it reminding ourselves of the social injustices we've chosen to embrace?
I'm a sucker for the sunk cost fallacy so I suspect I'll read the next one. Love the story; hate the telling.
Also, man, we get it, you have six wives, you don't need to work it into EVERY conversation. "Oh, my fierce little wife? I was so happy when my OTHER wife let us keep her. What, just two wives? Why no, I married three more ... oh there's my sixth right over there." Mix it up a little, tell people you know Usher or something.
Lastly, foresight. It continues to be the single dumbest power to give to your MC. We almost had something exciting happen today! Luckily, I was able to prevent it from happening so we can have another fantastically boring day. Want to spend it reminding ourselves of the social injustices we've chosen to embrace?
I'm a sucker for the sunk cost fallacy so I suspect I'll read the next one. Love the story; hate the telling.
February 10, 2024
Another great book
Every time a new book comes out I think to myself, I have a new favorite series, but the aether series is truly one of my favorites.
Seeing Greg and his wives grow and change in each book is great and it's always a treat to learn more about the world. Its great to see the family almost fully together for a bit, and it'll honestly be a little sad when they have to be split up later. While a lot Of the future is known, or at least presumed to be known, there are still plenty of surprises to be had, especially near the end of the book. I have many more questions now and an even greater desire to read the next in the series, but again, I honestly feel that way when I read any of the series Daniel has written
I highly recommend this series and if you've never read any of his books, I suggest you do so immediately since they all are great stories.
Every time a new book comes out I think to myself, I have a new favorite series, but the aether series is truly one of my favorites.
Seeing Greg and his wives grow and change in each book is great and it's always a treat to learn more about the world. Its great to see the family almost fully together for a bit, and it'll honestly be a little sad when they have to be split up later. While a lot Of the future is known, or at least presumed to be known, there are still plenty of surprises to be had, especially near the end of the book. I have many more questions now and an even greater desire to read the next in the series, but again, I honestly feel that way when I read any of the series Daniel has written
I highly recommend this series and if you've never read any of his books, I suggest you do so immediately since they all are great stories.
February 13, 2024
same problems as his other books, slightly better executed
Same as my review of most of Daniel’s works, this book is mostly conversation, and repetitive ones at that. The amount of times the characters essentially repeat their days schedule to each other as if that is actually how people talk is very frustrating.
It’s also a revolving door of the MC and his wife meeting new characters who are always shocked by how they are the only ones who have honor, and how could Magi be kind? Every Eurtik is a new species, and Greg asks what they are every time, and each one has an internal thought that they are about to be belittled, before finally the shock of a kind word. This repeats the entire book.
There is plot progression at least, and as is the case with Daniel’s books I really enjoy the ideas and story, even though I dislike the writing style of Tell not Show.
Same as my review of most of Daniel’s works, this book is mostly conversation, and repetitive ones at that. The amount of times the characters essentially repeat their days schedule to each other as if that is actually how people talk is very frustrating.
It’s also a revolving door of the MC and his wife meeting new characters who are always shocked by how they are the only ones who have honor, and how could Magi be kind? Every Eurtik is a new species, and Greg asks what they are every time, and each one has an internal thought that they are about to be belittled, before finally the shock of a kind word. This repeats the entire book.
There is plot progression at least, and as is the case with Daniel’s books I really enjoy the ideas and story, even though I dislike the writing style of Tell not Show.
February 10, 2024
Another hard to put down book
Like many of Daniel’s books, this one was difficult to put down, if you have read the story this far you won’t be disappointed with this one. It continues the tale, although with many of his wives now with him, the MC has many more sexual encounters, which are not as explicit as most harem novels are these days. Most are lightly touched on with the story usually slowly fading in or out of the sex scenes. Several moderated fights or battles are contained, as the assistant Ambassadors try to improve relations with Kroger as Magi like them are currently not highly regarded. The biggest issue with reading this when it was just released is waiting for the next book.
Like many of Daniel’s books, this one was difficult to put down, if you have read the story this far you won’t be disappointed with this one. It continues the tale, although with many of his wives now with him, the MC has many more sexual encounters, which are not as explicit as most harem novels are these days. Most are lightly touched on with the story usually slowly fading in or out of the sex scenes. Several moderated fights or battles are contained, as the assistant Ambassadors try to improve relations with Kroger as Magi like them are currently not highly regarded. The biggest issue with reading this when it was just released is waiting for the next book.
February 7, 2024
I recommend the story to anybody reading the review
This is my favorite series by this author. Our characters have finally arrived at the embassy and are learning about the new culture. There is some trouble as things heat up. Personally I figured that by the end of the book we would get some heavy sort of more meaningful action but it turned out to be a surprise reveal. Now there are two things that have me very much excited about the next book in the series. Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing the story to us, the Amazon readers and I look forward to the audiobook release.
This is my favorite series by this author. Our characters have finally arrived at the embassy and are learning about the new culture. There is some trouble as things heat up. Personally I figured that by the end of the book we would get some heavy sort of more meaningful action but it turned out to be a surprise reveal. Now there are two things that have me very much excited about the next book in the series. Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing the story to us, the Amazon readers and I look forward to the audiobook release.
February 9, 2024
Love these books!
Aether's Revival is the series that got me into Daniel Schinhofen's novels, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
With me reading through his series, I've come to enjoy his writing, with well structured and fascinating worlds, amazing and wonderful characters and plots with twists and turns that keep you wanting to read and never put the book down.
And with Proven Strength being only the start of a 5 year stay in the neighbouring Krogga they're off to an exciting start with making new allies and enemies, and discovering past secrets they can't find in their own empire... I really can't wait for the next book!
Aether's Revival is the series that got me into Daniel Schinhofen's novels, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
With me reading through his series, I've come to enjoy his writing, with well structured and fascinating worlds, amazing and wonderful characters and plots with twists and turns that keep you wanting to read and never put the book down.
And with Proven Strength being only the start of a 5 year stay in the neighbouring Krogga they're off to an exciting start with making new allies and enemies, and discovering past secrets they can't find in their own empire... I really can't wait for the next book!
February 28, 2024
Aether's Revival continues to be one of Schinhofen's best series and his latest shows this to be the case. The integration of other gods and a new culture offers more intrigue while ratcheting up the tension between our heroes and the various factions both inside and outside of the empire. Character development continued as well with the reveal of Darkness and Gregory getting some memories. I am looking forward to some of his wives also remembering their past lives and who they were to each other so long ago.
Overall a very easy 5 stars for the series as well as Proven Strength (the latest in the series as of this review).
As an aside, both my wife and I are astounded by the amount of work Mr. Schinhofen is able to produce each year. And quality work at that. It reminds me of Isaac Asimov in his ability to produce book after book of outstanding work; and yes, that was meant as a complement.
Overall a very easy 5 stars for the series as well as Proven Strength (the latest in the series as of this review).
As an aside, both my wife and I are astounded by the amount of work Mr. Schinhofen is able to produce each year. And quality work at that. It reminds me of Isaac Asimov in his ability to produce book after book of outstanding work; and yes, that was meant as a complement.
February 9, 2024
Connecting
This volume establishes the culture and customs of Krogga, sets the tone of interaction with Krogga, expands the family, and sets up some big events for future books. All good stuff.
But it felt more like a necessary transition than a story. Unlike previous volumes, this one ends without wrapping up a discrete phase of life. Instead, time passes and stuff happens but the pages ran out as I was getting excited for the arc this book starts. Which was a little disappointing.
Still, I had a good time and would reassure fans that it is good.
This volume establishes the culture and customs of Krogga, sets the tone of interaction with Krogga, expands the family, and sets up some big events for future books. All good stuff.
But it felt more like a necessary transition than a story. Unlike previous volumes, this one ends without wrapping up a discrete phase of life. Instead, time passes and stuff happens but the pages ran out as I was getting excited for the arc this book starts. Which was a little disappointing.
Still, I had a good time and would reassure fans that it is good.
March 24, 2024
great series so far
It took some getting used to with how the books start and stop between books. Most books have completion of goals and wraps everything up in a nice bow. These series leave you wanting the next installment. Found myself thinking of how the story will advance in the next book. The best point is the books pick up right at the end of the previous books. There isn’t a huge gap in time to advance the story through the hard parts. Good series can’t wait for the next one.
It took some getting used to with how the books start and stop between books. Most books have completion of goals and wraps everything up in a nice bow. These series leave you wanting the next installment. Found myself thinking of how the story will advance in the next book. The best point is the books pick up right at the end of the previous books. There isn’t a huge gap in time to advance the story through the hard parts. Good series can’t wait for the next one.
February 13, 2024
Excellent continuing story
Good use of storytelling with many characters revolving around the MC.
Has a little more harem than I prefer, but I do like that it's at the beginning or end of the chapter so I can gloss over those bits easily. Also I didn't notice anything missing from the story by me doing this, so it appears the plot doesn't really progress in those scenes so it's easier to skip and not be left wondering what you missed.
Good use of storytelling with many characters revolving around the MC.
Has a little more harem than I prefer, but I do like that it's at the beginning or end of the chapter so I can gloss over those bits easily. Also I didn't notice anything missing from the story by me doing this, so it appears the plot doesn't really progress in those scenes so it's easier to skip and not be left wondering what you missed.
February 13, 2024
Nope didn't expect that.
At this point I think I'd enjoy a prequel or mythology text from this world explaining the real history of Aether and those attached to him. I didn't expect the revelation at the end (not the identities, those were obvious). I also didn't expect the revelation from Darkness. My preconceptions have been dashed. Highly enjoyable, and I hope to enjoy more in this series.
At this point I think I'd enjoy a prequel or mythology text from this world explaining the real history of Aether and those attached to him. I didn't expect the revelation at the end (not the identities, those were obvious). I also didn't expect the revelation from Darkness. My preconceptions have been dashed. Highly enjoyable, and I hope to enjoy more in this series.
February 8, 2024
And here is where the story begins..
I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. There were quite a few things that took me completely by surprise (pleasantly of course) that I didn't expect. And as most of Daniel's books left me wishing time would speed up so I can read the book. Great writing all around keeps me really invested.
I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. There were quite a few things that took me completely by surprise (pleasantly of course) that I didn't expect. And as most of Daniel's books left me wishing time would speed up so I can read the book. Great writing all around keeps me really invested.
February 9, 2024
Excellent story
Wow!! Another roller coaster of a story. I love the fact you experience all the emotions from laughter to tears to joy to sadness. The author is skilled and not gratuitous in using your emotions to bring the characters to life and tie you to them. I look forward to seeing what is next!!
Wow!! Another roller coaster of a story. I love the fact you experience all the emotions from laughter to tears to joy to sadness. The author is skilled and not gratuitous in using your emotions to bring the characters to life and tie you to them. I look forward to seeing what is next!!
February 10, 2024
Fantastic
Another riveting book in the series i urge any one to read this and the other books that daniel has written, if you like a good slice of life and a willing harem plus love and understanding in a fantasy setting with epic fights battles etc the read this and his other books.
Another riveting book in the series i urge any one to read this and the other books that daniel has written, if you like a good slice of life and a willing harem plus love and understanding in a fantasy setting with epic fights battles etc the read this and his other books.
February 10, 2024
Wow knocked it out of the park !!!
Absolutely one of the best books in the series ! From on the edge of your seat fights to I can't keep reading because the tears have to be wiped from my eyes and that means I have to take my glasses off yet again !! I can't wait to read the next book !! Well Done Sir !!
Absolutely one of the best books in the series ! From on the edge of your seat fights to I can't keep reading because the tears have to be wiped from my eyes and that means I have to take my glasses off yet again !! I can't wait to read the next book !! Well Done Sir !!
February 10, 2024
not a lot going on SPOILER
the first 60% of the book is dedicated to the harem. while that's not exactly bad, actually it is bad. it drags the story and is hard to read, in a cringe way. and has become a big crutch of this series. just get on with the story, man. he got to krogga and fought in a tournament. the end.
the first 60% of the book is dedicated to the harem. while that's not exactly bad, actually it is bad. it drags the story and is hard to read, in a cringe way. and has become a big crutch of this series. just get on with the story, man. he got to krogga and fought in a tournament. the end.
February 12, 2024
I enjoyed the main story and some of the minor incidents, but there are sections I really could do without.
A big chunk of this book was about the harem stuff, this has become so overdone that it doesn’t really add to the story, but seems to be there to just fill space, or allow the author to continuing to indulge his own fantasies.
Also the number of very similar arena combats are becoming a bit tedious.
A big chunk of this book was about the harem stuff, this has become so overdone that it doesn’t really add to the story, but seems to be there to just fill space, or allow the author to continuing to indulge his own fantasies.
Also the number of very similar arena combats are becoming a bit tedious.
February 13, 2024
a Capital next-in-series!
I love this series, love where it is going, and love the plot twists!!
I won’t spoil it. I almost never figure it out, and loved how it all came together. I think I picked this up within a day or 2 of release, and may restart
The whole series!! By then, maybe the next installment will be out! It’s that good!
I love this series, love where it is going, and love the plot twists!!
I won’t spoil it. I almost never figure it out, and loved how it all came together. I think I picked this up within a day or 2 of release, and may restart
The whole series!! By then, maybe the next installment will be out! It’s that good!
February 15, 2024
great
I am not a fan of harem but Daniel’s world building is just so good and I particularly like the way he has time skipped slightly at times to keep the story moving along. I do skip over the intimate scenes trying to just get the plot elements from those scenes.
I have been very happy with this series. Always interesting.
I am not a fan of harem but Daniel’s world building is just so good and I particularly like the way he has time skipped slightly at times to keep the story moving along. I do skip over the intimate scenes trying to just get the plot elements from those scenes.
I have been very happy with this series. Always interesting.
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