Commerce Emperor 2: A Progression Fantasy Epic

Commerce Emperor #2

by Maxime J. Durand, Void Herald

War is like any other business. The wealthy always win.

Having saved his hometown of Snowdrift from a cultist plot, Robin Waybright now faces his greatest challenge yet. The Kingdom of Archfrost has fallen into civil war under the Lord of Wrath's influence.

The Knight-King Roland has given Robin an important to negotiate peace with the rebellious duchy of Walbourg and bring it into the fold.

And Robin will need more than words to succeed. New Heroes pop up everywhere; some might be friends and other enemies. The Lord of Wrath is about to escape his seal soon, and when he does, the world shall tremble. But Robin is not too worried.

If the game is unfair, he'll just have to fix it.

Book 2 of the next progression fantasy series from Maxime J. Durand, bestselling author of Apocalypse Tamer and The Perfect Run. Featuring a unique, commerce-based progression system, detailed world-building, three-dimensional characters, and a plot loaded with twist and turns!

Genres: Fantasy

633 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2024

Reviews

[Dantegideon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, this book’s depressing. And it’s written in this weird stilted style. I wouldn’t have guessed it was by the same person as the Basil books if it weren’t up there by the title. Got 1/3 of the way through and didn’t enjoy it at all. Does everyone have to be a haunted anti-hero? I felt like they got away with it in the first book but the novelty wore off.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope this is better than book one, or it might be the last book in the series I read.

This was a meh for me. The book is well written, and the story flows well, but I don't like how the protag uses his powers.

I picked up the sequel because I wanted to see how the protag would use his powers to get out of situations. While the protag uses his powers wonderfully, him not having an eclectic education (little bit of this, little bit of that) makes him unable to truly think outside the box.

I'm too used to someone from Earth carrying their ideas to a new world.
I understand it can be seen as lazy by readers, having someone use current day earth tech mixed with magic in an medieval world, but I enjoy it.

This book isn't for me. Excluding the big bad battles, I thought of so many ways the protag could use his powers, but he doesn't have the knowledge that those things could be possible.
I think this will be the last book in the series I read.

I love people having limits placed on them, and finding ways to surpass those limits on their way to greatness. Robin is meh.

3/5 Stars

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the caveats: it's not really a Progression Fantasy the way the genre has developed. It's more of a fantasy that seems to borrow beautifully from Jim Butcher's Caldera fantasy (in style) and the demon arc in Dresden. Mind you, I LIKE that. But beyond that, it's not so much about growing more and more powerful as it is about doing the strategy thing, building relationships, and defeating the Blight and Wrath.

Which begs the question... what does commerce have anything to do with this? And it's a fair question. Buying and selling skills, time, effort is neat and all, but it's always in service to the greater plot, not a deep exploration of its abuses.

I can admire the way the text holds the line even if I kinda wanted to see the abuses. :)

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO Many Onions...

I'm NOT crying. There's just some jerk walking through the Amazon bookstore cutting onions is all and I've got hayfever too..

But on a more serious note... I appreciate how the subject of Roland's orientation was handled respectfully, but realistically. Nobody gave a rat who he loved so long as he did his duty and put the kingdom first.

Then there was Colmar. He came in clutch every time and though he was no fighter he stepped up without hesitation. So it was absolutely no surprise to me when he took out the big bad by doing a Thing impersonation. Such a wonderful character.

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is called Commerce Emperor but has nothing to do with commerce.

The financial and magical systems don't make sense.

Two books now and the MC either trying to bed everyone or acting as strategist or being den mother and solving emotional problems.

I lost my intrest in the MC.

[josh mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking brilliant.

[S T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique As It Gets - MILD SPOILERS

Truly. The concept, the Heroes, Demon Ancestors, their Powers, their loopholes, roadblocks. All of it. Such a unique and interesting concept. This series would be amazing on-screen or a video game. I didn't agree with every choice and didn't want to read about the Inquisitor. A necessary character, but not for me to want to read two chapters dedicated to him. Also, two books per Ancestor would be amazing! Though maybe three books towards the end. Great concept and an enjoyable read. I support the fresh take and imagination this series has shown so far and the promise for the future. For that, I give 5 Stars and will do my best to speak of the series to promote sales and future support. Great job Maxime/Voidy!