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The Cardsmith - Book 1: Irwin's Journey
The young, sickly Irwin has seen nothing but bad luck in his short life. When his brother finally returns with a magical card for him, his luck is about to change. But will it change for the better? Irwin is sent off together with a group of youths to placate a group of sorcerers. With just the weird utility card gifted by his brother, he can only pray to stay alive long enough.
Little does he know that this is the start of an epic journey that will take him across his world and many others, gathering friends, enemies, and power as he does.
This series falls into the Progression Fantasy and Gamelit categories, but it also has many elements commonly associated with crafting and LitRPG stories.
Little does he know that this is the start of an epic journey that will take him across his world and many others, gathering friends, enemies, and power as he does.
This series falls into the Progression Fantasy and Gamelit categories, but it also has many elements commonly associated with crafting and LitRPG stories.
- GenresFantasy
521 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
79 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
John Carrarn
10 books14 followersJ. Carrarn is a forty-year-old husband, and father of one who lives in the Netherlands. Most of the day, he sits behind a computer, solving software problems. For over thirty years, he has been spending his free time reading whatever fantasy and sci-fi he could get his hands on, from Tolkien to Dan Simons’ Hyperion. If he wasn’t reading, he was playing fantasy and sci-fi games.
Nowadays, the time he doesn’t read or write books, he spends with his wife and son, hits the gym, or cooks Italian food.
Social media:
https://www.patreon.com/carrarn
https://www.facebook.com/john.carrarn
https://twitter.com/carrarn_writes
Nowadays, the time he doesn’t read or write books, he spends with his wife and son, hits the gym, or cooks Italian food.
Social media:
https://www.patreon.com/carrarn
https://www.facebook.com/john.carrarn
https://twitter.com/carrarn_writes
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's an interesting and novel approach to a card based mechanic as well as a potentially really cool way of blending a couple of subgenres of litRPG.
Character development seems on point and the plot doesn't seem to be railroaded.
Will definitely be picking up the next in the series, when it comes out.
Character development seems on point and the plot doesn't seem to be railroaded.
Will definitely be picking up the next in the series, when it comes out.
January 18, 2025
Thru the fire
4.5 stars
OK, read the entire review first before you decide to purchase the book or use Kindle. I give it 4.5 stars, but it’s a bit disorienting at first. There are just a few lines where something happens or something doesn’t quite happen in your staring at the page like wait did I miss something. It’s not bad. It’s not like the author missed a word or misspelled something or didn’t communicate something. it’s purposeful. And it makes sense later. I found it quite enjoyable actually but I thought it should’ve been better presented to us a little earlier because I kept wondering what am I missing here. Now onto the review of the book overall. This is a good MC. It’s a good story. It’s a great universe. Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows. I like when a story doesn’t shy away from harsh truth and reality. There are some mysteries left at the end I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I think it could’ve used an extra chapter or two, but I know what the story is going for the future and there are lots of possibilities for books. That will continue well into the story. Overall, I recommend you read the book and move onto the next book in the series like I’m going to right after I finish this review.
Message to the author
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
I always write a message to the author if it’s a book I enjoy and I really enjoyed this book. I like that you cut no corners when it came to people losing their lives and early if it had to happen. I did find a few things lacking. I’ll give you an example. They’re going into a portal. They can’t take anything with them really but they don’t have basic necessities food water they have that where’s the rope where is the bed roll? If they are literally going out there to fight and protect these towns, they should get what they need when they go into a portal, even if supplies are unlimited. it made sense that they weren’t given extra cards if they are coming up on the last line of defense. If you had to suddenly round up all these new troops, you had no time to train them. You would think you would give them a fighting chance here’s a little bit more to help you out instead they got almost nothing and that made no sense when you had something you could’ve given them. Now I do think the MC is a little bit too lucky. I understand his first card being something unexpected unknown, unheard of. I’m even with him finding the anvil, but that last bit the whole Forge teleporter that was too far that was too much. Not unless this is a common item across multiple portals. It’s just too much that he’s running into so much material related to his journey. My final issue, the other character, the young man who’s lacking mentally. I was confused at first he definitely came off as lacking needing help but then he was too smart and I thought maybe it’s a con but apparently it isn’t but it doesn’t make sense why it isn’t. if the argument is going to be well. He just practiced for all these scenarios and has a great memory that’s shallow. I mean it fits I guess but it’s really bad. I think it would’ve been better if he was just conning everyone or if you argued, his family was really smart and he’s just slightly above average. I don’t know if there’s a way but in the future that needs to be corrected just make him a smart guy somehow someway give him a card. Give him something to fix it because it doesn’t make sense.
With all that said, I still liked the book I can’t wait to read what’s next in the series.
4.5 stars
OK, read the entire review first before you decide to purchase the book or use Kindle. I give it 4.5 stars, but it’s a bit disorienting at first. There are just a few lines where something happens or something doesn’t quite happen in your staring at the page like wait did I miss something. It’s not bad. It’s not like the author missed a word or misspelled something or didn’t communicate something. it’s purposeful. And it makes sense later. I found it quite enjoyable actually but I thought it should’ve been better presented to us a little earlier because I kept wondering what am I missing here. Now onto the review of the book overall. This is a good MC. It’s a good story. It’s a great universe. Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows. I like when a story doesn’t shy away from harsh truth and reality. There are some mysteries left at the end I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I think it could’ve used an extra chapter or two, but I know what the story is going for the future and there are lots of possibilities for books. That will continue well into the story. Overall, I recommend you read the book and move onto the next book in the series like I’m going to right after I finish this review.
Message to the author
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
I always write a message to the author if it’s a book I enjoy and I really enjoyed this book. I like that you cut no corners when it came to people losing their lives and early if it had to happen. I did find a few things lacking. I’ll give you an example. They’re going into a portal. They can’t take anything with them really but they don’t have basic necessities food water they have that where’s the rope where is the bed roll? If they are literally going out there to fight and protect these towns, they should get what they need when they go into a portal, even if supplies are unlimited. it made sense that they weren’t given extra cards if they are coming up on the last line of defense. If you had to suddenly round up all these new troops, you had no time to train them. You would think you would give them a fighting chance here’s a little bit more to help you out instead they got almost nothing and that made no sense when you had something you could’ve given them. Now I do think the MC is a little bit too lucky. I understand his first card being something unexpected unknown, unheard of. I’m even with him finding the anvil, but that last bit the whole Forge teleporter that was too far that was too much. Not unless this is a common item across multiple portals. It’s just too much that he’s running into so much material related to his journey. My final issue, the other character, the young man who’s lacking mentally. I was confused at first he definitely came off as lacking needing help but then he was too smart and I thought maybe it’s a con but apparently it isn’t but it doesn’t make sense why it isn’t. if the argument is going to be well. He just practiced for all these scenarios and has a great memory that’s shallow. I mean it fits I guess but it’s really bad. I think it would’ve been better if he was just conning everyone or if you argued, his family was really smart and he’s just slightly above average. I don’t know if there’s a way but in the future that needs to be corrected just make him a smart guy somehow someway give him a card. Give him something to fix it because it doesn’t make sense.
With all that said, I still liked the book I can’t wait to read what’s next in the series.
June 1, 2024
I read the version on Royalroad even before the recent heavy edits of the first ca. 30 chapters. It was good even then if a bit dark and a bit too exhausting, and most of the problems people reported back then were fixed on both RR and now the book.
Among progression fantasy its one of my top favorites of all time - RR and even more so Patreon (dirt cheap by the way) is very far ahead - very. That also means you don't need to worry that there's only book 1, there's at least five more thick books already there, if not more.
Book 1 still only tells the very early phase where the MC gets only very minor glimpses into what is possible and into the rest of the world. So don't expect great feats in this part, it still is very interesting even now.
The progression is one of the most meaningful among the hundreds I read in the genre. It feels natural and deserved, and the level of OP-ness is just right.
The friendships (there's two more "core companions", not always present) but also all the other relationships feel natural.
The world and the card system keep growing in a natural and interesting way, both open up more and more and new possibilities - all feeling natural and interesting - keep opening up with the MC learning more about the world(s).
Style and storytelling are good.
I will definitely keep reading.
Among progression fantasy its one of my top favorites of all time - RR and even more so Patreon (dirt cheap by the way) is very far ahead - very. That also means you don't need to worry that there's only book 1, there's at least five more thick books already there, if not more.
Book 1 still only tells the very early phase where the MC gets only very minor glimpses into what is possible and into the rest of the world. So don't expect great feats in this part, it still is very interesting even now.
The progression is one of the most meaningful among the hundreds I read in the genre. It feels natural and deserved, and the level of OP-ness is just right.
The friendships (there's two more "core companions", not always present) but also all the other relationships feel natural.
The world and the card system keep growing in a natural and interesting way, both open up more and more and new possibilities - all feeling natural and interesting - keep opening up with the MC learning more about the world(s).
Style and storytelling are good.
I will definitely keep reading.
December 27, 2024
Ohhhh bless the Author Gods for hearing my prayers 🙏 as I've just discovered a new to me deck-building litRPG!!! A sub-genre that I adore... and what waited when I dived into the book, welcomed me with open arms. Making me, happy, Happy! Irvin always a sickly scrawny boy had high hopes that his brother would bring him a body tempering card to enhance his strength and endurance. But instead he received a common utility card to light a flame 🔥. Yes Irvin was disappointed, not even realizing how special the card really was. Then the sorcerers came and took him and his best friend Gerldo from everything they've ever known!
So yeah, grab the book and enjoy their journey as they search for more cards!
So yeah, grab the book and enjoy their journey as they search for more cards!
July 12, 2024
Amazing story
Definitely on the better end of litrpgs I’ve read. I loved the deck building center of the progression, an odd take but very well thought out. Story and characters have depth which is what a lot of litrpgs seem to be missing. Loved it and look forward to the next book.
Definitely on the better end of litrpgs I’ve read. I loved the deck building center of the progression, an odd take but very well thought out. Story and characters have depth which is what a lot of litrpgs seem to be missing. Loved it and look forward to the next book.
January 9, 2025
This was so good that I binge-read this in a single day (same with book 2). The world building for the card/deck building is so unique from normal Deck LitRPG books. It also included progression that was overpowered but not in a bad way, it actually worked without realizing it was faster than normal. The concept of the entire portal system and the shard worlds, farm worlds, etc. It's phenomenal.
June 2, 2024
A supreme story in the making
I just adored this book, Irwin is a great character in a wonderful weak to strong narrative. Excellent side characters and a superbly fleshed out universe. This is in my top 10 fantasy novels of all time. Fully recommended
I just adored this book, Irwin is a great character in a wonderful weak to strong narrative. Excellent side characters and a superbly fleshed out universe. This is in my top 10 fantasy novels of all time. Fully recommended
December 17, 2024
A great story
A great, action-packed story. It started off fast and continued that way until the end. The card system was great and the main character's companions all had their own secrets.
A great, action-packed story. It started off fast and continued that way until the end. The card system was great and the main character's companions all had their own secrets.
January 3, 2025
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action. The card based magic system is well developed.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action. The card based magic system is well developed.
January 5, 2025
pretty good
Solid story. The world building could be stronger. The secondary and Trevi art characters could also use a bit more depth and the MC could be a bit smarter and more focused.
Solid story. The world building could be stronger. The secondary and Trevi art characters could also use a bit more depth and the MC could be a bit smarter and more focused.
June 10, 2024
This was a good story with a fresh way of doing card magic.
I read it on Royalroad and just wanted to give a review to help the author.
There is more over on Royalroad as well.
8/10
I read it on Royalroad and just wanted to give a review to help the author.
There is more over on Royalroad as well.
8/10
July 22, 2024
very good read
The progression from weak to growing stronger to survive with teamwork is well written. Enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The progression from weak to growing stronger to survive with teamwork is well written. Enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 25, 2025
Winny want to be hero
The characters are not really believable. The kids act like they are five and not fifteen. Hardly any world building or backstory about the main character.
The characters are not really believable. The kids act like they are five and not fifteen. Hardly any world building or backstory about the main character.
December 12, 2024
I have been reading this story on Royal Road and purchased it to support the author. One of my favorite CardLit series.
This book is great but it gets even better. Future books have a ton of pretty interesting card crafting in unique ways. Great stuff!
This book is great but it gets even better. Future books have a ton of pretty interesting card crafting in unique ways. Great stuff!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews