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Rise of the Shadow Mage
When Robert’s mother dies, his whole world caves in on him. Fatherless, he has no one, and nowhere to go. The royal mage shows him kindness by putting him in the royal guard as a “boot” to keep a roof over his head. Robert’s quick wit and willingness to help others serves him well in the guard. He becomes friends with the king’s second son, Randal, who was placed in the guard by the king to teach him discipline. As he ages, he develops mage abilities but keeps them secret. While on a weekend pass in the city, Robert saves Randal’s life and is rewarded by being made Randal’s liegeman. Robert is moved from the guard to the royal castle and begins specialized training to serve as Randal’s liegeman.
Robert sees this as a step up in life and is doing well until he has a run-in with Randal’s brother Raymon, the crown prince. Prince Raymon is a vindictive bully and tries to blind Robert while sparring. Though Raymon misses, enemies are made. To keep them separated, the king sends Robert to work for the royal spymaster, then on to train as a spy and assassin with the Congee spy guild.
Robert returns home after five years of training, where his mage abilities continue to grow, and finds that Raymon has killed his father the king. Raymon is now the new king. His friend, the royal mage, is in the dungeon, and Prince Randal is being held in the tower awaiting the new king’s pleasure. Robert visits the royal mage in the dungeon to find out what is going on. They decide that the kingdom, and a lot of people, will not survive Raymon’s rule. So Robert does what they trained him to do. Raymon dies in his sleep, putting Prince Randal on the throne.
Now Randal has a mess of a kingdom to repair, and at the same time, another kingdom smelling blood in the water, invaded. Join Robert, Randal, and the royal mage as they try to repair their kingdom while fighting off an invading army. The kingdom’s only chance for survival is Robert’s growing mage abilities as he learns to manipulate shadows to fight overwhelming odds.
Robert sees this as a step up in life and is doing well until he has a run-in with Randal’s brother Raymon, the crown prince. Prince Raymon is a vindictive bully and tries to blind Robert while sparring. Though Raymon misses, enemies are made. To keep them separated, the king sends Robert to work for the royal spymaster, then on to train as a spy and assassin with the Congee spy guild.
Robert returns home after five years of training, where his mage abilities continue to grow, and finds that Raymon has killed his father the king. Raymon is now the new king. His friend, the royal mage, is in the dungeon, and Prince Randal is being held in the tower awaiting the new king’s pleasure. Robert visits the royal mage in the dungeon to find out what is going on. They decide that the kingdom, and a lot of people, will not survive Raymon’s rule. So Robert does what they trained him to do. Raymon dies in his sleep, putting Prince Randal on the throne.
Now Randal has a mess of a kingdom to repair, and at the same time, another kingdom smelling blood in the water, invaded. Join Robert, Randal, and the royal mage as they try to repair their kingdom while fighting off an invading army. The kingdom’s only chance for survival is Robert’s growing mage abilities as he learns to manipulate shadows to fight overwhelming odds.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2024
661 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
May 29, 2024
Would have enjoyed this story
I don’t write reviews often, and truly, it pains me to leave a negative review on a work, not because it means I’ve wasted my time, but because I know how much work goes into producing a sizeable piece of writing.
Unfortunately, I can only hope the author reads this and takes at least a little of it to heart.
Rise of the Shadow Mage would have had an interesting enough plot, an intriguing enough magic system, and what could have been an appreciable main character.
Had it actually been written.
As it stands, it has not; the piece in its current state is little more than an extended summary of a story, not a story in itself. Twenty percent of the page count (one sixth of the book) is near-plotless backstory fluff that, in all honesty, could have been implied or injected into the narrative at a later date as a side note or through context cues. In fact, doing so would have introduced mystery and a sense of curiosity in the reader that is wholly absent. Instead, we get a dry, overly protracted synopsis of a boy growing into a young adult while making no mistakes along the way, gaining a variety of incredibly valuable skills that the narrative only makes paltry efforts to justify. This was dismissible, at first. This would be far from the first story to couch its wish fulfilment in barely justifiable circumstances. However, that’s all there is to it, which makes the ‘convenience’ glaringly obvious.
As of fifty percent in, no truly meaningful relationships have been formed between any of the characters, and the protagonist seems to still be devoid of character flaws (despite essentially having been raised by a hodgepodge mix of guardsmen, spies, court movers and shakers, and assassins).
Still halfway through, the main character, whose name I quite frankly forgot while writing this, has yet to undergo any hardship that is not ellipsed, instantly and unquestionably resolved to his benefit, or devoid of any impact on his psyche and sense of self. Scenes are not lingered on, motivations are not fleshed out, and everyone either likes him near instantaneously, or underestimates him and is put down or murdered. When it seemed the love interest was going to come onto the scene (and who wouldn’t love him, he’s perfect in almost every way) I had to put it down.
Don’t get me wrong, I came for a power fantasy, and that’s what I got. The problem is that there is nothing to justify the power he gains, which cheapens the suspension of disbelief such a narrative demands of the reader.
Finally, like I said in the beginning, I LIKED the plot. It was cool. Overpowered and ridiculous at times, but cool. Unfortunately, it was rushed through in such a way that I couldn’t truly appreciate it.
Feedback and Suggestions:
There are at least two books here, probably more, if the trend continues further on into the book.
Cut the ‘coming of age’ part into its own instalment and flesh out the narrative and relationship with the mage into something genuinely heart-wrenching. Turn the spymaster into a true surrogate father to justify the inheritance he leaves the main character later on. Develop the relationship with Randal into something complex and interesting. Make the skills the protagonist learns more impactful, instead of simply convenient plot devices. End the first instalment with the intrigue that leads to the death of the first king, with the protagonist fleeing to learn from the Congee. Book two can then start with the ‘vindication’ arc whereby the main character kill raymon and frees the mage and the prince, but decides afterwards that he has done enough in service to them. Consider including mild ‘betrayals’ to further justify this. I won’t get into the merchant arc too much, but every scene there could use extra description, feeling and dialogue, just like the rest of the story . Finally, tension, tension, tension. As of now, there is none, unless you count waiting for any kind of real challenge to appear. Power fantasies are fine, but at least add some stakes to make the victories feel good. There are good bones here, but they’ve been squandered and rushed.
I don’t write reviews often, and truly, it pains me to leave a negative review on a work, not because it means I’ve wasted my time, but because I know how much work goes into producing a sizeable piece of writing.
Unfortunately, I can only hope the author reads this and takes at least a little of it to heart.
Rise of the Shadow Mage would have had an interesting enough plot, an intriguing enough magic system, and what could have been an appreciable main character.
Had it actually been written.
As it stands, it has not; the piece in its current state is little more than an extended summary of a story, not a story in itself. Twenty percent of the page count (one sixth of the book) is near-plotless backstory fluff that, in all honesty, could have been implied or injected into the narrative at a later date as a side note or through context cues. In fact, doing so would have introduced mystery and a sense of curiosity in the reader that is wholly absent. Instead, we get a dry, overly protracted synopsis of a boy growing into a young adult while making no mistakes along the way, gaining a variety of incredibly valuable skills that the narrative only makes paltry efforts to justify. This was dismissible, at first. This would be far from the first story to couch its wish fulfilment in barely justifiable circumstances. However, that’s all there is to it, which makes the ‘convenience’ glaringly obvious.
As of fifty percent in, no truly meaningful relationships have been formed between any of the characters, and the protagonist seems to still be devoid of character flaws (despite essentially having been raised by a hodgepodge mix of guardsmen, spies, court movers and shakers, and assassins).
Still halfway through, the main character, whose name I quite frankly forgot while writing this, has yet to undergo any hardship that is not ellipsed, instantly and unquestionably resolved to his benefit, or devoid of any impact on his psyche and sense of self. Scenes are not lingered on, motivations are not fleshed out, and everyone either likes him near instantaneously, or underestimates him and is put down or murdered. When it seemed the love interest was going to come onto the scene (and who wouldn’t love him, he’s perfect in almost every way) I had to put it down.
Don’t get me wrong, I came for a power fantasy, and that’s what I got. The problem is that there is nothing to justify the power he gains, which cheapens the suspension of disbelief such a narrative demands of the reader.
Finally, like I said in the beginning, I LIKED the plot. It was cool. Overpowered and ridiculous at times, but cool. Unfortunately, it was rushed through in such a way that I couldn’t truly appreciate it.
Feedback and Suggestions:
There are at least two books here, probably more, if the trend continues further on into the book.
Cut the ‘coming of age’ part into its own instalment and flesh out the narrative and relationship with the mage into something genuinely heart-wrenching. Turn the spymaster into a true surrogate father to justify the inheritance he leaves the main character later on. Develop the relationship with Randal into something complex and interesting. Make the skills the protagonist learns more impactful, instead of simply convenient plot devices. End the first instalment with the intrigue that leads to the death of the first king, with the protagonist fleeing to learn from the Congee. Book two can then start with the ‘vindication’ arc whereby the main character kill raymon and frees the mage and the prince, but decides afterwards that he has done enough in service to them. Consider including mild ‘betrayals’ to further justify this. I won’t get into the merchant arc too much, but every scene there could use extra description, feeling and dialogue, just like the rest of the story . Finally, tension, tension, tension. As of now, there is none, unless you count waiting for any kind of real challenge to appear. Power fantasies are fine, but at least add some stakes to make the victories feel good. There are good bones here, but they’ve been squandered and rushed.
May 26, 2024
Robert seems to have taken a rather strong sedative. Nothing phases him, nothing much interests him. He also has the annoying habit of describing what he’s about to do and then describing it again as he does it. Might be OK if it wasn’t him buying a loaf of bread or pair of shoes most of the time. I got around halfway through and we’d been treated to almost identical sequences of him buying clothes and shoes, twice. Saying hello to the tailor, describing clothes in generic terms, paying a reasonable price. Saying hello to the cobbler. Eating an unremarkable meal in an unexciting tavern. Etc. etc. I found myself wondering what the point was. He treats training as an assassin with the same detached air he has choosing shoes. If he’s not interested why would I be?
May 19, 2024
Nope
OP MC. Numerous errors. But most difficult is the dialog, especially in the beginning. Sentences are.stilted, stiff and repetitive. Plot was.interesting if not for the OP MC.
OP MC. Numerous errors. But most difficult is the dialog, especially in the beginning. Sentences are.stilted, stiff and repetitive. Plot was.interesting if not for the OP MC.
December 18, 2025
4.25 Stars ⭐️
This was one of those fantasy stories that is really easy to listen to and follow along with. It is a pretty easy world to drop into and the main characters are pretty likeable. The magic system is not difficult at all and the story flows quickly.
Sounds great, right?
Well, it is. The only issue that I had with it was that our MMC - a young boy named Robert that we meet when he is about 10 years old - can do no wrong. He is a mage that only gets stronger in his magic, smarter in his business sense, better in his fighting skills, richer in his decisions......are you sensing a trend? Yep. He basically just can do no wrong. And honestly, sometimes that's okay.
The narration was done by Daniel Wisniewski and he did a fabulous job with the performance.
I happened to listen to this during a week where I listened to another series that left me feeling a bit unsettled, so the timing on this was perfect. I liked the fact that there was not too much angst, or bad drama or anything that made me worry too much.
Sometimes that kind of story just fits the bill.
This was one of those fantasy stories that is really easy to listen to and follow along with. It is a pretty easy world to drop into and the main characters are pretty likeable. The magic system is not difficult at all and the story flows quickly.
Sounds great, right?
Well, it is. The only issue that I had with it was that our MMC - a young boy named Robert that we meet when he is about 10 years old - can do no wrong. He is a mage that only gets stronger in his magic, smarter in his business sense, better in his fighting skills, richer in his decisions......are you sensing a trend? Yep. He basically just can do no wrong. And honestly, sometimes that's okay.
The narration was done by Daniel Wisniewski and he did a fabulous job with the performance.
I happened to listen to this during a week where I listened to another series that left me feeling a bit unsettled, so the timing on this was perfect. I liked the fact that there was not too much angst, or bad drama or anything that made me worry too much.
Sometimes that kind of story just fits the bill.
May 18, 2024
Cliché bad
The premise was good, but quickly degenerated into nothing but bad cliché story.
This is not a good book to read
The premise was good, but quickly degenerated into nothing but bad cliché story.
This is not a good book to read
September 17, 2024
The first two-thirds were an excellent coming-of-age fantasy. The last third dragged things down a little with Rob's increase in power becoming inexplicably rapid. I'd also say that the old spy-master should have been sacked as incompetent.
Regardless, I was left feeling good and wanting more... sadly I think this novel is stand-alone. I'll have to try some of Haddock's other work.
Regardless, I was left feeling good and wanting more... sadly I think this novel is stand-alone. I'll have to try some of Haddock's other work.
June 11, 2024
Well told story, but you can’t “feel” it
The idea if the story is good, but that’s where it starts to get weak.
The book at time feels like an outline for something that could have been SO much more.
The MC seems to simply wander through and while I’m sure some depth of things happen those moments are few and far between.
The magic system is incredibly hand wavey. There never seems to be any real risk to the MC either and while we see him grow from boy to man we never really feel or dig into the what went wrong moments past the one event that really flipped his life over early on.
If we had a better defined magic system, with consequences for not using it perfectly, and some feeling of risk it would be more complete. As it stands now the story just feels like “everything goes my way, and the few things that don’t go my way are because I wanted to look bad so that they would be nice to me in the futur”
I’m sad because the author clearly has the knack for world building, but not quite the little bit extra that makes you really dig into a character.
The idea if the story is good, but that’s where it starts to get weak.
The book at time feels like an outline for something that could have been SO much more.
The MC seems to simply wander through and while I’m sure some depth of things happen those moments are few and far between.
The magic system is incredibly hand wavey. There never seems to be any real risk to the MC either and while we see him grow from boy to man we never really feel or dig into the what went wrong moments past the one event that really flipped his life over early on.
If we had a better defined magic system, with consequences for not using it perfectly, and some feeling of risk it would be more complete. As it stands now the story just feels like “everything goes my way, and the few things that don’t go my way are because I wanted to look bad so that they would be nice to me in the futur”
I’m sad because the author clearly has the knack for world building, but not quite the little bit extra that makes you really dig into a character.
April 26, 2024
I liked it but…
It seems like a rehash of several of JH’s other books or parts of them anyway. I did enjoy the story and the characters, but again it it seem to be a part of other stories with similar characters, powers, perspectives & attitudes - don’t get me wrong, I will gladly take and read any JHs books whenever they come out!
It seems like a rehash of several of JH’s other books or parts of them anyway. I did enjoy the story and the characters, but again it it seem to be a part of other stories with similar characters, powers, perspectives & attitudes - don’t get me wrong, I will gladly take and read any JHs books whenever they come out!
July 25, 2024
My Favourite Kind of OP Hero
Once again James has written a mesmerising story (still as a pantser I think!) this story took longer than his prior stories to publish and I seemed to notice a more studied and mature style to it (But it’s still classic JH). The hero once again becomes a powerful monster of a character and suffers no enemies to live. Just the way I like it.
Once again James has written a mesmerising story (still as a pantser I think!) this story took longer than his prior stories to publish and I seemed to notice a more studied and mature style to it (But it’s still classic JH). The hero once again becomes a powerful monster of a character and suffers no enemies to live. Just the way I like it.
May 14, 2025
I really liked this one!
My only disappointment was in a lack of a better resolution and relationship between Rob and his father. It was alluded to, but Rob basically shoved the Royal Mage to the very back of his consciousness.
Otherwise, his natural skills and innate talent, not to mention an insane amount of power, helped him ease through his varied lifestyle and experiences. I enjoy the author's running narrative as he moved through his work experience cycles. I would readily recommend any story by this writer - he tells relatable stories that resonate even with the fantasy & supernatural elements involved that might suspend true belief.😳😇. Enjoyable, enthralling story, related in a straightforward manner that, despite a bit of carelessly overlooked typos, kept me up til after midnight.
Anyway, the story begins with Robert just having lost his mother at ten. His character development is brilliantly crafted and outlined, for even though he's panicked, wondering how he's to survive alone, fearing the worst, he formally meets and speaks with the Royal Mage at his mother's funeral, who gives him an opportunity that places him with the Royal army, serving at the lowest level. This keeps him housed, fed, learning academics, hand to hand and weapons combat. Rob worked his way up, improving, growing in strength, intelligence, and most of all, his keen observation skills. Rob matures into a level headed, quick witted and very intelligent young man with special instincts, and never becomes a man who enjoys killing despite having been trained and immersed in the learning of all the skills and methodology of a master assassin for six years. He's very likeable, and draws people to him even though he disliked drawing attention to himself. Most importantly, he befriends the king's second son who is Rob's age, and while I'm unsure of their exact age, they were in their early teens. They're separated after a few years when Randal's brother takes a vindictive interest and dislike to Rob after Rob holds his own in a sparring exercise that the Crown Prince viciously turned into a dangerous duel when he pulled his sword on Rob, who only had a training weapon of wood. Raymon was infuriated that he couldn't injure Rob, who "let" Raymon slice his arm, angering him even more, which pushed the prince to try stabbing his eye. Rob's speed allowed him to move, but he still got a cut on his cheek, by which time the king had come upon the debacle. The king was furious that Raymon attacked Rob with a real sword, much less forcing Rob to face his challenge since he literally belonged to Randal (Rob saved Randal's life, so Randal had requested his father appoint Rob as his personal protector). This event forced a chain of events that forced distance between Rob and Randal since even the king knew how vindictive Raymon was. Rob trains with the Royal Mage first in magic, then moved to train with the spymaster, who sends him away to learn from the most respected assassins, the Congee.
Many other experiences and events later, wherein Rob survives & excels his Congee training, returns safely back home to find a royal mess, Randal & his mage dad imprisoned, the spymaster dead, named the spymaster's sole heir, war on their doorstep, and finding & meeting a whole bunch of people who are critical & key to personal happiness (whew) -- & many more happenings & Rob's explosive exploration & development into his formidable mage powers. Great story, likeable, endearing characters, and solid world building. Five stars.
My only disappointment was in a lack of a better resolution and relationship between Rob and his father. It was alluded to, but Rob basically shoved the Royal Mage to the very back of his consciousness.
Otherwise, his natural skills and innate talent, not to mention an insane amount of power, helped him ease through his varied lifestyle and experiences. I enjoy the author's running narrative as he moved through his work experience cycles. I would readily recommend any story by this writer - he tells relatable stories that resonate even with the fantasy & supernatural elements involved that might suspend true belief.😳😇. Enjoyable, enthralling story, related in a straightforward manner that, despite a bit of carelessly overlooked typos, kept me up til after midnight.
Anyway, the story begins with Robert just having lost his mother at ten. His character development is brilliantly crafted and outlined, for even though he's panicked, wondering how he's to survive alone, fearing the worst, he formally meets and speaks with the Royal Mage at his mother's funeral, who gives him an opportunity that places him with the Royal army, serving at the lowest level. This keeps him housed, fed, learning academics, hand to hand and weapons combat. Rob worked his way up, improving, growing in strength, intelligence, and most of all, his keen observation skills. Rob matures into a level headed, quick witted and very intelligent young man with special instincts, and never becomes a man who enjoys killing despite having been trained and immersed in the learning of all the skills and methodology of a master assassin for six years. He's very likeable, and draws people to him even though he disliked drawing attention to himself. Most importantly, he befriends the king's second son who is Rob's age, and while I'm unsure of their exact age, they were in their early teens. They're separated after a few years when Randal's brother takes a vindictive interest and dislike to Rob after Rob holds his own in a sparring exercise that the Crown Prince viciously turned into a dangerous duel when he pulled his sword on Rob, who only had a training weapon of wood. Raymon was infuriated that he couldn't injure Rob, who "let" Raymon slice his arm, angering him even more, which pushed the prince to try stabbing his eye. Rob's speed allowed him to move, but he still got a cut on his cheek, by which time the king had come upon the debacle. The king was furious that Raymon attacked Rob with a real sword, much less forcing Rob to face his challenge since he literally belonged to Randal (Rob saved Randal's life, so Randal had requested his father appoint Rob as his personal protector). This event forced a chain of events that forced distance between Rob and Randal since even the king knew how vindictive Raymon was. Rob trains with the Royal Mage first in magic, then moved to train with the spymaster, who sends him away to learn from the most respected assassins, the Congee.
Many other experiences and events later, wherein Rob survives & excels his Congee training, returns safely back home to find a royal mess, Randal & his mage dad imprisoned, the spymaster dead, named the spymaster's sole heir, war on their doorstep, and finding & meeting a whole bunch of people who are critical & key to personal happiness (whew) -- & many more happenings & Rob's explosive exploration & development into his formidable mage powers. Great story, likeable, endearing characters, and solid world building. Five stars.
November 29, 2024
This was a fun book to read in a night, but the main character was OP to the point of being flat. He had no weaknesses, made no mistakes, had no difficulty overcoming any of his problems, and picked up skills with little effort. His magic was extremely powerful, but had no side effects or limitations. He could use magic seemingly endlessly, and he only got a headache and had to rest from exhaustion once. That would have been a good limitation to add, but it wasn’t consistent, even when he started using his magic more heavily.
He picks up skills in such quick succession that we don’t get to enjoy them before he moves on to the next one. He doesn’t have to work at developing his magic. It all seems to come naturally, and suddenly he can kill hundreds of people back to back with magic without breaking a sweat.
He doesn’t have any character flaws, which makes for kind of boring dynamics. He’s smart, physically and magically talented, kind, generous, good at business, money falls into his hands, a gorgeous, talented girl falls into his lap, and everyone seems to like him. That’s all awesome, but it’d be more realistic and interesting if he had any flaws that he had to overcome. As it is, there was no character development here.
His magic is really cool, but the fights are a letdown because no one stands a chance against him. If at least one of the enemy mages put up a good fight, and gave us a dramatic showdown, the ending would have felt more earned. Also, he spent years studying under the best spies on the continent, then immediately discovers magical items that allow him to disguise himself perfectly, so never needs his skills. What’s the point then?
Still, I loved the leveling up feel, the details of how he grows his business, and the humor of how he deals with his enemies, coming across as almost a trickster mage at points. A brain candy read.
He picks up skills in such quick succession that we don’t get to enjoy them before he moves on to the next one. He doesn’t have to work at developing his magic. It all seems to come naturally, and suddenly he can kill hundreds of people back to back with magic without breaking a sweat.
He doesn’t have any character flaws, which makes for kind of boring dynamics. He’s smart, physically and magically talented, kind, generous, good at business, money falls into his hands, a gorgeous, talented girl falls into his lap, and everyone seems to like him. That’s all awesome, but it’d be more realistic and interesting if he had any flaws that he had to overcome. As it is, there was no character development here.
His magic is really cool, but the fights are a letdown because no one stands a chance against him. If at least one of the enemy mages put up a good fight, and gave us a dramatic showdown, the ending would have felt more earned. Also, he spent years studying under the best spies on the continent, then immediately discovers magical items that allow him to disguise himself perfectly, so never needs his skills. What’s the point then?
Still, I loved the leveling up feel, the details of how he grows his business, and the humor of how he deals with his enemies, coming across as almost a trickster mage at points. A brain candy read.
June 19, 2025
2.5 stars. This is a bland narrative of a young boy (10 yrs. old) developing into a superpowered Mary Sue as a young man (early 20s?). There's little excitement, tension, or suspense. Character development was totally absent. The world building was not only shallow, but also confusing: concepts from our world of around the 16th century or so kept slipping into the book's fantasy world. The magic "system" just...was. People seem to be born with magic that just kind of works. Also there are objects with magic...for some reason. Naturally, the book's MC has unique and strong magic ability that he just "comes into" that overwhelms all other mages despite their age/experience.
One of the more eye-rolling features of the MC's growth to Mary-Sue status was that every time he defeated a mage or assassin, the defeated bad guy had on his body all sorts of magic enhancing items that the MC could just magically incorporate into his own body/armor. Now I don't read LitRPG books or "Progression" books, but this seemed like how I would expect events in those kind of books to transpire. In this book, it happens repeatedly: Kill a mage, he "drops" "loot" that consists of a magic bracelet that empowers our MC; next mage killed "drops" some jewels that wow... magically get absorbed by his magic bracelet and he becomes even more powerful! Etc, Etc, Etc.
Ultimately, this book might be suitable for a young teen or a LitRPG-type reader (are they the same?)
One of the more eye-rolling features of the MC's growth to Mary-Sue status was that every time he defeated a mage or assassin, the defeated bad guy had on his body all sorts of magic enhancing items that the MC could just magically incorporate into his own body/armor. Now I don't read LitRPG books or "Progression" books, but this seemed like how I would expect events in those kind of books to transpire. In this book, it happens repeatedly: Kill a mage, he "drops" "loot" that consists of a magic bracelet that empowers our MC; next mage killed "drops" some jewels that wow... magically get absorbed by his magic bracelet and he becomes even more powerful! Etc, Etc, Etc.
Ultimately, this book might be suitable for a young teen or a LitRPG-type reader (are they the same?)
October 26, 2025
This is a strange book. There's a first section that was pretty good and it even ends in a climax of sorts. It would have made for an excellent novelette. Then there is a second section that is very bad. It starts off like a slice of life until the MC meets a girl. It's the first girl of his age in the book and he falls instantly in love. Now I don't mind a little romance. A cute side story of meeting a sweet and kind girl to share time with could be nice, but this horrible relationship is a large portion of the second part of this book. She's no sweet and nice girl. She's a run-through single mother with a hostile disposition. She barks orders at the MC. She NEVER uses common-curtesy and polite language. In the entire book she never once says please, thank you, or I'm sorry and anything like it. She is a horrific raging b*tch. There's other stuff. She has him buy her a business. She gives speeches about how horrible men are and there's not enough feminism. She even gives that "my daughter is my world! If you want to date me you'll have to step up!" meme from tinder bios. lol
The nightmare is that the MC transforms into a simpering dog when dealing with her. She barks, he obeys. He has absolutely no dignity whatsoever. It's disgusting. He even has the daughter telling him what he's allowed to wear. Of course she turns out to be a god or something so whatever.
The second part of the book was so bad I wish I hadn't read it even though the first part was great.
The nightmare is that the MC transforms into a simpering dog when dealing with her. She barks, he obeys. He has absolutely no dignity whatsoever. It's disgusting. He even has the daughter telling him what he's allowed to wear. Of course she turns out to be a god or something so whatever.
The second part of the book was so bad I wish I hadn't read it even though the first part was great.
August 6, 2024
Good ideas
I overall liked the pacing and ideas. The writing was good. However I have a pet peeve of overpowered characters and books that read more like sone of my rpgs from my younger years. At 52% I skipped to 80%, then 90% then 95%. He never encounters a challenge in the whole book. Worse, in some ways, are the business ventures, too easy and feels like one of those "only person in the world with any sense" stories. Everything is just too easy.
So (1) should take more time to explore, sections should he longer and a little more detailed, (2) everything too easy, no threats; (3) world plays too much like a videogame. Obvious ideas only occur to him in business ventures.
Now, this is super common in a lot of books that other people, who aren't me, seem to enjoy. It's like 90% of the litrpg genre. And I think he's a good author, I really liked the world ... just needs to slow down, smell the roses, characters need to struggle more, and there needs to be more people as smart and successful and powerful as the main character.
At least for me.
Sorry, I hate to be negative in reviews. But I did skip the second half. Atthe same time I thought he had a lot of good ideas and liked the world and actually liked the characters, and genuinely think this is a good author amd some people, probably younger people, will really enjoy it.
I overall liked the pacing and ideas. The writing was good. However I have a pet peeve of overpowered characters and books that read more like sone of my rpgs from my younger years. At 52% I skipped to 80%, then 90% then 95%. He never encounters a challenge in the whole book. Worse, in some ways, are the business ventures, too easy and feels like one of those "only person in the world with any sense" stories. Everything is just too easy.
So (1) should take more time to explore, sections should he longer and a little more detailed, (2) everything too easy, no threats; (3) world plays too much like a videogame. Obvious ideas only occur to him in business ventures.
Now, this is super common in a lot of books that other people, who aren't me, seem to enjoy. It's like 90% of the litrpg genre. And I think he's a good author, I really liked the world ... just needs to slow down, smell the roses, characters need to struggle more, and there needs to be more people as smart and successful and powerful as the main character.
At least for me.
Sorry, I hate to be negative in reviews. But I did skip the second half. Atthe same time I thought he had a lot of good ideas and liked the world and actually liked the characters, and genuinely think this is a good author amd some people, probably younger people, will really enjoy it.
May 9, 2024
Good reading - enjoyable adventure!!
If you have read James Haddock books before he has a good solid framework to his books/stories. After reading most of his books some more than once I really enjoy reading his stories and find them solid adventure with some humor thrown into them. Always good characters and storytelling in all his books I have read and this one is just as good as others. Does end with possible future book since seems to write several duologies but I don’t recall a trilogy? I certainly recommend reading if you like the book overview then it is worth it. I will agree with other reviews it is not perfect writing. I saw 4-5 that I recall letters left out ; the w in cow to give example of one time I recall. I didn’t find this to take away from the storytelling but it can get others readers to have fits! If I can figure easily (which you can) what was meant in a sentence then I move on reading. No lasting effect to my pleasure in reading an imperfect story. Look forward to more books!!!
If you have read James Haddock books before he has a good solid framework to his books/stories. After reading most of his books some more than once I really enjoy reading his stories and find them solid adventure with some humor thrown into them. Always good characters and storytelling in all his books I have read and this one is just as good as others. Does end with possible future book since seems to write several duologies but I don’t recall a trilogy? I certainly recommend reading if you like the book overview then it is worth it. I will agree with other reviews it is not perfect writing. I saw 4-5 that I recall letters left out ; the w in cow to give example of one time I recall. I didn’t find this to take away from the storytelling but it can get others readers to have fits! If I can figure easily (which you can) what was meant in a sentence then I move on reading. No lasting effect to my pleasure in reading an imperfect story. Look forward to more books!!!
June 27, 2024
Fantastic
Author, you've written a fantastic book. I can't wait for book 2. The story is well written, the MC isn't a dunce but is still 'mortal' if you know what I mean. The world building is well structured, I love the characters, and how you have worked the magic systems. I personally like how there's not much information on magic, as it shows how Robert is basically stumbling his way through learning his powers, which seem fairly unique in the world. I can't wait to see your plans for Ella either. All in all, 10 out of 10. I rarely leave reviews, but I felt like I needed to let you know.
Anyone who is reading this review before the book, I highly recommend this book. My only complaint is it wasn't longer 😂 but that's a good complaint to have I think. Author did fantastic in the flow of the story with, in my opinion, stunning detail in the way he describes his world. I could easily picture everything vividly. Not to say it's Tolkein level description, but I love his writing style.
Author, you've written a fantastic book. I can't wait for book 2. The story is well written, the MC isn't a dunce but is still 'mortal' if you know what I mean. The world building is well structured, I love the characters, and how you have worked the magic systems. I personally like how there's not much information on magic, as it shows how Robert is basically stumbling his way through learning his powers, which seem fairly unique in the world. I can't wait to see your plans for Ella either. All in all, 10 out of 10. I rarely leave reviews, but I felt like I needed to let you know.
Anyone who is reading this review before the book, I highly recommend this book. My only complaint is it wasn't longer 😂 but that's a good complaint to have I think. Author did fantastic in the flow of the story with, in my opinion, stunning detail in the way he describes his world. I could easily picture everything vividly. Not to say it's Tolkein level description, but I love his writing style.
September 11, 2024
This is is a fun read. It’s fast paced and entertaining. Sadly it’s so fast paced that in the first 80% of the book there is no good descriptions of the characters, no in depth world building or any real innovative plot. A good part of the book feels like a journal where every two or three months in the beginning, and years in the later part of the book, the main character wrote a synopsis of how he’s been. In a sense that makes it a slog to read because everything feels disjointed and not well put together. The last 20/30% of the book were quite good with more information and some character development which was also described. The Synopsis of the book contains all the story to 60%. You don’t have to really read the first 60% you can just read the synopsis. All in all this book had potential but it was poorly executed and the story isn’t really. The Main character is a textbook Mary Sue who gets everything handed to him on a silver platter even his growing magic he never has to put it an any proper work.
May 22, 2024
This was my first book by James Haddock, and I'm sure it won't be my last. I enjoyed the adventures, and the rise of the main character from an orphaned boy to an educated and trained warrior with a heart.
I loved how he created his own family by being helpful and generous, in his kind loving way. His generosity to strangers and love for his best friend, the king, was perfect. They both cared and admired each other. However, despite Master Rob's kindness, he was not a push over and would kill when evil threatened his friends, kingdom and the king. He was a trained assassin and a one man army that everyone feared when he showed this side.
His magic was perfect and his abilities as a mage just continued to grow as he learned more. What Rob created, his determination to keep everyone safe, and to protect his friends, and how they adored him, was everything a person could ask for.
I loved how he created his own family by being helpful and generous, in his kind loving way. His generosity to strangers and love for his best friend, the king, was perfect. They both cared and admired each other. However, despite Master Rob's kindness, he was not a push over and would kill when evil threatened his friends, kingdom and the king. He was a trained assassin and a one man army that everyone feared when he showed this side.
His magic was perfect and his abilities as a mage just continued to grow as he learned more. What Rob created, his determination to keep everyone safe, and to protect his friends, and how they adored him, was everything a person could ask for.
April 28, 2025
good book
Well, set up for a following one book, but wrapped everything up nicely so that does not happen, you’re not left with the cliffhanger.
The good :
If fun story , a reasonably engaging main character, good side characters, an action packed plot line, and overall good ending.
The bad:
Characters are a little one dimensional , main character is wildly OP pretty quickly so we really don’t worry about him once we get 20% of the way in the book.
The confusing: there’s another book with almost exactly the same description, and I almost passed this book over, thinkingIt was a republished version of that book. It’s not it has nothing in common with the other book at all, except the opening plot beats are similar in summary, but totally different in implementation.
Overall, if you want a reasonably light, fun action pack book this is worth a read.
If you want a deep plot with balanced and scientifically accurate magic, not as much.
I hope the author writes the follow up book to this, I will definitely read it.
Well, set up for a following one book, but wrapped everything up nicely so that does not happen, you’re not left with the cliffhanger.
The good :
If fun story , a reasonably engaging main character, good side characters, an action packed plot line, and overall good ending.
The bad:
Characters are a little one dimensional , main character is wildly OP pretty quickly so we really don’t worry about him once we get 20% of the way in the book.
The confusing: there’s another book with almost exactly the same description, and I almost passed this book over, thinkingIt was a republished version of that book. It’s not it has nothing in common with the other book at all, except the opening plot beats are similar in summary, but totally different in implementation.
Overall, if you want a reasonably light, fun action pack book this is worth a read.
If you want a deep plot with balanced and scientifically accurate magic, not as much.
I hope the author writes the follow up book to this, I will definitely read it.
August 15, 2024
Nice but too fast paced
The story would be better as a series. Everything happens way to fast.
I rather liked the story even though some parts were appallingly naive.
A trained courtier, spy and assassin would be way less jovial and trusting. The whole story about the furniture salesman family feels really contrived and happens way too fast. Given the apparent rarity of mages in this world it feels preposterous that there are supposed to be two strong.self taught mages in this random family.
The protagonist really has lousy business sense as he keeps gifting away absurdly high amounts of shares which are in no relation to the minimal investments he receives..
During the siege the protagonist doesn't keep his priorities straight and out of the blue develops God like capabilities which would be better fit to Steven Eriksons Kellanved at the height of his power...
The story would be better as a series. Everything happens way to fast.
I rather liked the story even though some parts were appallingly naive.
A trained courtier, spy and assassin would be way less jovial and trusting. The whole story about the furniture salesman family feels really contrived and happens way too fast. Given the apparent rarity of mages in this world it feels preposterous that there are supposed to be two strong.self taught mages in this random family.
The protagonist really has lousy business sense as he keeps gifting away absurdly high amounts of shares which are in no relation to the minimal investments he receives..
During the siege the protagonist doesn't keep his priorities straight and out of the blue develops God like capabilities which would be better fit to Steven Eriksons Kellanved at the height of his power...
May 2, 2024
Another home run!!
Ok, so, I know alot of the authors stories have a similar themes and elements but to be honest? I love them! His books are always filled with action and cool magics and fun information. Alway will leave you happy and not drawn out angst. Love this author and his amazing stories. I have bought all his books including the audios when available. I re-read them over and over, they are my go to happy place and this book has now been elevated to the top. This one is a variation of the other but blended in all the right places. I do t want to give spoilers but it's a book you do t want to miss.. can't wait to the audio version a d the next one to come!! This one is a home run for me. It's been knocked out of the park!! It's gone guys.. don't miss out!!
Ok, so, I know alot of the authors stories have a similar themes and elements but to be honest? I love them! His books are always filled with action and cool magics and fun information. Alway will leave you happy and not drawn out angst. Love this author and his amazing stories. I have bought all his books including the audios when available. I re-read them over and over, they are my go to happy place and this book has now been elevated to the top. This one is a variation of the other but blended in all the right places. I do t want to give spoilers but it's a book you do t want to miss.. can't wait to the audio version a d the next one to come!! This one is a home run for me. It's been knocked out of the park!! It's gone guys.. don't miss out!!
May 13, 2024
Good effort, enjoyable
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
More than one writer has struggled with how to write a good story when the protagonist is significantly more powerful than the opposition.
If I had not read them writing about the problem I would probably have never noticed. But that is the main reason this got a 3 star rating.
The story telling is very good. The plot is complex enough to not be transparently obvious. It is clear efforts were made to do copy editing. Yes, I have been turned off by good stories with too many typos or other copy editing errors.
I expect you to enjoy this book. The problem is a power nearly equal to the Arch Mage will need to be raised for the story to go forward.
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
More than one writer has struggled with how to write a good story when the protagonist is significantly more powerful than the opposition.
If I had not read them writing about the problem I would probably have never noticed. But that is the main reason this got a 3 star rating.
The story telling is very good. The plot is complex enough to not be transparently obvious. It is clear efforts were made to do copy editing. Yes, I have been turned off by good stories with too many typos or other copy editing errors.
I expect you to enjoy this book. The problem is a power nearly equal to the Arch Mage will need to be raised for the story to go forward.
November 1, 2024
I rarely finish a book that I don’t enjoy, so I usually give at least three stars. However, Rise of the Shadow Mage lands at two stars for me, though I still see potential in this author's storytelling.
The tale shows promise, and it's clear that James Haddock has engaging stories to share. That said, I was surprised by the frequent typos, misspellings, and formatting issues. The writing itself sometimes felt clunky, with a lot of “telling”.
And yet, I finished it. Given the mostly positive reviews, this book clearly resonates with many readers, and I believe Haddock could produce truly standout work with a bit more polish. If he invested the time in editing and refining his manuscripts, I think his stories could shine at a whole new level.
The tale shows promise, and it's clear that James Haddock has engaging stories to share. That said, I was surprised by the frequent typos, misspellings, and formatting issues. The writing itself sometimes felt clunky, with a lot of “telling”.
And yet, I finished it. Given the mostly positive reviews, this book clearly resonates with many readers, and I believe Haddock could produce truly standout work with a bit more polish. If he invested the time in editing and refining his manuscripts, I think his stories could shine at a whole new level.
September 25, 2024
unusual style but enjoyable
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. Not as many grammatical errors or spelling mistakes as many I have read. The story concept was good although it read like a list of events, without much description. I feel that, for me, more detail and depth could have improved the book. I did like the way the magic worked without any explanation of theory, it was just magic. All in all, an enjoyable read and, despite my minor criticisms, I’m still looking forward to the next book. It’s easy to critique a writing style as a reader. It’s a far better book than I’d have the patience or imagination to write.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. Not as many grammatical errors or spelling mistakes as many I have read. The story concept was good although it read like a list of events, without much description. I feel that, for me, more detail and depth could have improved the book. I did like the way the magic worked without any explanation of theory, it was just magic. All in all, an enjoyable read and, despite my minor criticisms, I’m still looking forward to the next book. It’s easy to critique a writing style as a reader. It’s a far better book than I’d have the patience or imagination to write.
April 19, 2025
Another great fantasy story. James Haddock doesn't disappoint!
Have you ever eaten a very good snack or dessert and liked it so much that you overindulged! Well, I've just read about 10 James Haddock books in a row ... and I don't regret it!
Unfortunately, most of them have had a plethora of mistakes in spelling, word usage, and punctuation errors. This story only had about 25 errors as opposed to over 75 that I have been documenting.
As usual, the MC is very Harry Potter-esq: an orphaned boy who's taken in by the guard, trained, befriends the prince, discovers that he's got magic, ... and so on! Well worth reading ... if you like that kind of thing (which I do)!
Have you ever eaten a very good snack or dessert and liked it so much that you overindulged! Well, I've just read about 10 James Haddock books in a row ... and I don't regret it!
Unfortunately, most of them have had a plethora of mistakes in spelling, word usage, and punctuation errors. This story only had about 25 errors as opposed to over 75 that I have been documenting.
As usual, the MC is very Harry Potter-esq: an orphaned boy who's taken in by the guard, trained, befriends the prince, discovers that he's got magic, ... and so on! Well worth reading ... if you like that kind of thing (which I do)!
May 11, 2024
excellent and well paced
This a story about boy being orphaned, growing up and coming into his powers. The MC is OP but still limited.
I appreciated the pacing with the story condensing train g periods so the story and action are the main factors.
Story is in the first person following the MC. Some typos in the last third of the book but otherwise well written. The book closes all main story bit sets up for future novels.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to sequels.
This a story about boy being orphaned, growing up and coming into his powers. The MC is OP but still limited.
I appreciated the pacing with the story condensing train g periods so the story and action are the main factors.
Story is in the first person following the MC. Some typos in the last third of the book but otherwise well written. The book closes all main story bit sets up for future novels.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to sequels.
June 8, 2024
Excellent story
My only complaint - the sequel isn't out yet!
I enjoyed this story and the MC thoroughly, and am looking forward to seeing him continue on his journey! Not to mention more of his interactions with the other characters.
I appreciate that this didn't have the tired tropes of Miscommunication and Plot Contrivances. I loved the MC's problem solving skills and that he has a good heart - which shows in how he treats the people around him.
Can't wait for the next installment!
My only complaint - the sequel isn't out yet!
I enjoyed this story and the MC thoroughly, and am looking forward to seeing him continue on his journey! Not to mention more of his interactions with the other characters.
I appreciate that this didn't have the tired tropes of Miscommunication and Plot Contrivances. I loved the MC's problem solving skills and that he has a good heart - which shows in how he treats the people around him.
Can't wait for the next installment!
April 12, 2025
A good story for youth and all folks acquainting themselves with their youth.
This is the second story. I have read by Haddock and have enjoyed both. They remind me a bit of Horatio Alger stories that I read when I was younger. The storyline talks of youth given some opportunities and making the best of them as life unfolds. They are not complicated and they have some deus ex Machina components but all of it is a good fun and interesting. I gave it a five star not because it is great literature but because it was a good read and an interesting way to pass the time.
This is the second story. I have read by Haddock and have enjoyed both. They remind me a bit of Horatio Alger stories that I read when I was younger. The storyline talks of youth given some opportunities and making the best of them as life unfolds. They are not complicated and they have some deus ex Machina components but all of it is a good fun and interesting. I gave it a five star not because it is great literature but because it was a good read and an interesting way to pass the time.
May 5, 2024
More fun
Another good read by Haddock. All of his books always have well developed characters and world building. Besides using, reusing names, or close to the same name Brea/Beatrice Mace/Mack, which could be nods to people in the Authors life I have no problem with the book. It reads quickly and keeps your attention. I look forward from more this author and hope the next in the Duty series comes out soon.
Another good read by Haddock. All of his books always have well developed characters and world building. Besides using, reusing names, or close to the same name Brea/Beatrice Mace/Mack, which could be nods to people in the Authors life I have no problem with the book. It reads quickly and keeps your attention. I look forward from more this author and hope the next in the Duty series comes out soon.
May 5, 2024
I enjoy these stories
I often read your books over and over. This story are good rolicking adventures with magic and romance thrown in. It's a coming of age with some extra adventuring after he's grown. I love the respect offered women. Even when bad women get their comeuppance. I'd be willing to help you with editing or beta reading.
Also Please Please Please finish the final book of The Duty trilogy!
I often read your books over and over. This story are good rolicking adventures with magic and romance thrown in. It's a coming of age with some extra adventuring after he's grown. I love the respect offered women. Even when bad women get their comeuppance. I'd be willing to help you with editing or beta reading.
Also Please Please Please finish the final book of The Duty trilogy!
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