Demon Card Enforcer

Cerberus Cards #1

by John Stovall

It’s Drop Night, the one night every decade when the gods hand out cards to a lucky few.

If you get a deck, you’re a deckbearer capable of wondrous feats within the Great Game system. You can control powerful monsters and summon mantles that let you fight alongside your beasts.

Ethan Wolfe, top enforcer for the Grimm family mob, has already been overlooked on two previous Drop Nights. People of his ilk seldom receive cards, as the gods tend to favor people who follow their divine mandates, but that doesn’t mean Wolfe can’t hope.

Unfortunately, when Wolfe does get his deck, he doesn’t have time to celebrate. The rival street gang has six deckbearers and they’re cutting in on the Grimm family’s trade. Someone has to do the dirty work, and it isn’t going to be the spoiled children of Big Man Grimm.

And things might get worse for Wolfe when everyone figures out he received an ultra-rare card in his deck…

With hundreds of thousands of views on Royal Road, this definitive version is perfect for fans of Goblin Summoner, Card Mage, and All the Skills.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Audiobook, Adventure, Urban

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2024

Reviews

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Audio, Meh Story Line, YA Readers For Sure

Great Audio Production by SBT as always. Probably the only reason I finished the story was the engaging audio, music setting stages, and emotion worked in by the cast. I definitely wouldn't have finished a print copy.

If you want a LitRPG book in a world that had the "RPG rules" forever instead of someone getting dropped into a world with game rules, then this is a good one. I will admit the author did a killer job introducing the rules of the world in such a way that it never felt like a word vomit / data dump on the reader. Props to him on working that out. But the story was 1D and I had the whole story ark all worked out by the end of the second chapter.

This would probably been fun if I was 14 instead of 40. YA audiences for sure.

[Stephanie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.75/5⭐️
The storyline was okay. I’m hoping it picks up as the series progresses. The characters felt a little flat, especially the female characters. But the audio cast was delightful and kept me coming back.

[Jez Cajiao · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly addictive!

Loved the crime family drama, the decks were inspired and Wolfe? Can’t go wrong with the underdog that keeps biting back! Really enjoyed it, and on the audio, JTJ is just magical, as always!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book a 5 star, but there were too many points that dragged it down. I was really stuck between a 3.5 or 4... but in the end decided to be nice as a first book, and give it that 4.

First the positives:
-the plot is a nice idea, with a good world building you can follow pretty quickly. A collection of characters that are easy to figure out in a gritty city of corruption, the standard setting for an anti-hero.

-The Male Main Character is older (38)which is a nice touch to all those barely legal aged grizzled dudes out there. The Female Main Character also seems older? But it isn't pointed out as much, so early 20s? (or I may have missed it)

-this is the FIRST LitRPG I have read that I didn't just hate. It was that genre but not so much that it felt dragged on, or dull (there is a negative to this later-A)

-plot is super easy to follow, so it does fit the YA tag it was given (though a negative to that later-B )

-the plot moves quick enough that even though there was some 'slow' spots they didn't drag the plot to a stop, allowing you to keep reading and going

And for the negatives?
-Well first off, this book could have used one more run through some beta testers. There are many spots of poor grammar, or misspelled words which made me stumble over the reading. Please keep in mind I read the day 1 release with a digital version (Kindle) so this MIGHT not be the case for the printed version, or even in a few weeks ( I know digital copies do update).

-the Main Character is a bit annoying and childishness at times, for someone near 40 his behavior makes me think of a teen dude (with some of his lines coming off almost offensive, though that is a bit strong)

-The book is labeled for 13-18 (YA) readers, and while 16 and up would be ok, it should NOT be given to a 13 or younger. There are some scenes/chat about beating women, and sexual acts. This is a bit much for that, but I think that falls on how the publisher is trying to market it? Just something to keep in mind.

-(A)This is a LitRPG so I can understand having to explain things, but the amount of pages lost to just stats and repeating stats felt a bit much. It got to the point I skimmed over the stats as I felt they were getting pointless at that point.

-(B)The plot did feel a bit TOO easy to figure out, with you figuring out who is who right off, and a sort of half done ending, with a 'what will happen, tune in next time' feel of a Saturday morning cartoon. For those that like totally done plots with their books, you might want to wait for book 2 to also be out so you aren't left hanging.

-this last point is more just for me, and I am sure many won't mind, but the book seemed to hint at a started relationship possible for our MMC and FMC, but with the age difference and how they interacted (and how others addressed them) it felt wrong to me. Like a father/daughter, or a master/pupil situation that I just didn't like.

TL:DR-a good first book from a new author, with enough to keep you invested but needing some polish up for the rest of the series. Totally give this a try if you enough LitRPG, anti-heros, and urban fantasy.

[Danny Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to a new series. The card dynamic was done well and felt different than other books that use cards as part of their game system. It felt a bit grim dark but the MC was still likeable. The plot was somewhat predictable but it was full of action.

[Nevergreen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is my first LitRPG that has cards and decks. It was interesting and I enjoyed the worldbuilding of this book. However, the characters are where the book is let down. The MC makes really dumb choices and was super oblivious to the most obvious thing. A the bad characters have societally ugly traits (fat, dwarf, sweaty,etc) which is just lazy writing. The humour leaned torwards insulting groups and wasn't funny. The story was good and with the world building I want to continue, however, I don't want to reward an author with my attention when the characters were so bad to the point of offensive.

[Rick Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun godfather meets magic the gathering meets pokemon story

[Erik · Rating 1 out of 5]

John Stovall’s Demon Card Enforcer is an ambitious dive into a deckbuilding LitRPG set against the backdrop of an alternate Earth—a premise that immediately grabbed my attention as a longtime fan of strategic card games like Magic: The Gathering. The novel promises an intriguing blend of game mechanics and narrative, but despite the captivating concept, its execution leaves much to be desired.
A Promising Premise Undermined by Execution
At its core, Demon Card Enforcer offers a unique twist: merging the mechanics of deckbuilding with the stakes of a mobster narrative. This concept, on paper, has the potential to reinvent aspects of the LitRPG genre, inviting readers to experience the thrill of a high-stakes game within a gritty alternate reality. Unfortunately, while the idea shines, the way it unfolds on the page is marred by structural and stylistic issues.
Story Structure and Pacing: A Jarring Narrative Rhythm
The book’s narrative is divided between bursts of action and prolonged stretches of exposition. Early on, the novel hooks you with a series of dramatic twists and high-octane sequences that promise a dynamic story. Yet, these exciting moments are quickly undercut by lengthy dialogues where characters end up “vomiting” exposition at each other. These exchanges aren’t subtle—they involve the characters recounting obvious details that anyone living in this world would already know, much like a conversation between two people about how to fire a rifle when they should intuitively know the basics.
This over-reliance on clunky, heavy-handed exposition not only interrupts the flow but also makes the narrative feel disjointed. Instead of naturally integrating background information into the storyline, the author often resorts to repetitive dialogue that spells out elements which, frankly, are self-evident. This approach dilutes the impact of the more dynamic scenes and creates an uneven reading experience.
One-Dimensional Characters and Missed Opportunities
Another critical flaw in the novel is its character development—or rather, the lack thereof. The main character, who should ideally carry the weight of the story, is presented in a decidedly one-dimensional manner. Unlike more compelling protagonists (think John Wick, who, despite his minimalistic dialogue, is quickly defined by a brief, evocative montage), this protagonist’s motivations and internal conflicts are shrouded in mystery for far too long. This deliberate withholding not only leaves the character feeling flat but also alienates the reader, who is left wondering about the rationale behind his questionable decisions.
The supporting cast fares no better. The secondary characters come off as clichés, lacking the depth needed to create genuine emotional connections. Their dialogue, already burdened by unnecessary exposition, further reinforces their stereotypical roles, making it hard for any of them to resonate. When every conversation is an opportunity to spoon-feed the reader information, the narrative loses its subtlety and fails to engage on an emotional level.
Writing Style: Exposition Overload and Predictable Twists
Perhaps the most glaring issue in Demon Card Enforcer is its writing style. Stovall’s prose is frequently weak, burdened by excessive exposition that feels more like a lecture than an integral part of the story. In one instance, the author employs an in-world device—a character briefly flipping on a radio—to deliver background information. This moment stood out as a creative alternative to the otherwise clumsy dialogue-driven exposition, and it’s a shame that such techniques aren’t used more often.
Instead, most of the narrative is laden with forced dialogue where characters relay information that should be common knowledge in their world. This not only interrupts the natural flow of the story but also pulls the reader out of the immersive experience. One particularly frustrating moment comes with the reveal of the antagonist’s identity. It’s so overt that by the time the author finally reveals to the reader who the “bad guy” is, it feels like the reader has already known for the last 30 chapters—a twist that comes off as entirely predictable rather than a cleverly crafted mystery.
World-Building: An Underdeveloped Alternate Earth
Despite its potential, the world-building in Demon Card Enforcer remains underdeveloped. The alternate Earth concept, enriched with game mechanics, offers an exciting canvas, but the heavy-handed exposition overshadows the setting. While the chapter headings that list the “game rules” are a creative touch and one of the book’s few bright spots, they aren’t enough to elevate the overall narrative.
The description of the world is serviceable, yet it never fully immerses the reader. The excessive dialogue and repetitive background details slow the pacing and prevent a seamless integration of the setting into the narrative. Instead of inviting readers to explore a vividly realized alternate Earth, the book feels like it’s stuck on a single, overexposed snapshot.
Themes and Motifs: Familiar Tropes Without Depth
At its heart, Demon Card Enforcer attempts to explore themes common to mob narratives and redemption arcs. However, these themes are treated in a manner that feels both unoriginal and uninspired. The narrative leans too heavily on familiar tropes without adding any fresh perspective. The overused “who’s the bad guy” plot is a prime example—it’s so heavily telegraphed that any suspense is quickly dispelled, leaving the reader with little more than a predictable outcome.
The lack of subtlety in conveying these themes diminishes their impact. Instead of gradually building tension or inviting reflection on the blurred lines between right and wrong, the book opts for a direct, and often clumsy, presentation that leaves little room for nuance or engagement.
Audiobook Narration: Talented Voices, Unsalvageable Material
For those who prefer audiobooks, Demon Card Enforcer is brought to life by a trio of narrators—Justin Thomas James, Jeff Hays, and Tiana Camacho. Each does their best to inject life into the text, yet even their performances can’t fully overcome the underlying issues with the material. Their attempts at differentiating characters and adding depth are continually hampered by the same uneven pacing and overwhelming exposition that affect the written narrative. In the end, the audiobook experience mirrors the reading experience: a struggle to stay engaged in a narrative burdened by its own flaws.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In my quest for a fresh take on LitRPG and progression fantasy, I approached Demon Card Enforcer with high hopes. The innovative premise of integrating deckbuilding elements into a gritty alternate Earth narrative was enough to pique my interest. However, as the story progressed, it became increasingly clear that the execution was marred by an overabundance of clunky dialogue, one-dimensional characters, and a writing style that leaned too heavily on obvious exposition.
For those who value subtlety and well-developed character arcs, this book might prove disappointing. The protagonist’s mysterious nature and the supporting cast’s clichéd roles make it hard to form an emotional connection, while the predictable plot twists—especially the overly obvious reveal of the antagonist—only add to the sense of missed potential.
That said, if you’re curious about a self-published experiment that marries gaming mechanics with a mob narrative, Demon Card Enforcer might still hold some appeal. Its ambition is evident, even if the final product doesn’t quite live up to its promise. However, for readers accustomed to more refined narratives—be it in LitRPG or progression fantasy—I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a more engaging and thoughtfully executed experience.
In summary, Demon Card Enforcer serves as a cautionary tale of how a compelling concept can be undermined by poor execution. While the idea of deckbuilding in a narrative context is innovative and the alternate Earth setting intriguing, the novel ultimately stumbles under the weight of its own exposition and predictable storytelling. For now, I find myself unable to wholeheartedly recommend this title, particularly to readers seeking depth, subtlety, and a more polished narrative style.

[Kacey Ezell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read!

This book is the reason I became interested in LitRPG. Stovall absolutely nails the "Gray Knight" anti-hero with Wolfe, and the setting and supporting cast are just as good.

The card system is super interesting, too. On the surface, the mechanics are simple to understand, but Stovall's creativity really shines in the subtle combinations his characters create by stacking various card effects. And to my delight, Stovall adds in the card mechanics and stats with such finesse that it enhances the combat sequences, rather than detracts from them.

A fantastic read. Highly recommended!

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one

I've been following this one since it first came out on Royalroad.
Was disappointed when the story stopped.
However, it came back stronger and better as a story.
It's one of only a few that I have email me when a new chapter comes out.
Artwork on the cards is well done.

9/10

[Vinicius Melo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great premisse and excellent setting.
Completely two-dimensional characters, and the dialogue is just flat, no subtext. It feels like clichês dumped on top of one another

[Mae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars – Hellfire, Humor & Hit Points!

“Hell just dealt him a hand—now Wolfe's playing to win, one demon-scorched card (and terrible dad joke) at a time”

Demon Card Enforcer is what happens when The Sopranos gets dropped into a LitRPG world with a deck-building mechanic and just enough demonic flair to keep you guessing who's blessed, who's cursed, and who's definitely getting stabbed in the next five pages. Wolfe, our gruff 38-year-old mafia enforcer turned reluctant card-wielding hellhound of justice, is the kind of protagonist you didn’t know you needed—equal parts no-nonsense killer, loyal bruiser, and dad-joke connoisseur. And yes, he drinks coffee. In a LitRPG. With working plumbing. That alone deserves a standing ovation.
The worldbuilding here is tight and addictively clever. The twelve card factions (Infernal, Beast, Divine, etc.) are a Pokémon-meets-Dark Souls situation with rule-bound duels, stat balancing, and juicy synergy potential. But what really makes the story shine is how playable the world feels. Everything from how cards drop to how you level up feels gamified but never bogged down in technical jargon. Throw in Shel, a vengeance-fueled newbie deckbearer with a mysterious backstory and tragic motivation, and you’ve got the perfect partner-in-violence for Wolfe as they speedrun a 72-hour murder spree through rival gangs, traitors, and literal hellfire. The mafia drama with the Grimm family adds another spicy layer—think Shakespearean power plays, but with more card battles and magical explosions.

The Infernal deck twist featuring Damian was an especially satisfying subversion—Wolfe may have drawn from the Devil’s pile, but he’s using it to clean up humanity’s worst trash, one soul-banishing card at a time. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and ends on a cliffhanger so sharp I’m still emotionally bleeding. If you like your LitRPGs with modern grit, mob families, real-world tech, and a demon-powered antihero who punches evil in the face (and then makes a pun about it), Demon Card Enforceris your next obsession. Bring on book two—I’ve got my coffee and my hit list ready.

[Adrian Montanez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, aggravating characters.

I went into this interested in seeing how a crime family's enforce deals with magical threats. I was left with Wolfe, a character whose decisions actually made me frustrated. The supposed amount of time this enforcer has worked in the crime family felt wrong, when you take into account the actions that this enforcer takes. This doesn't seem like a crime boss's right-hand man for over 15 years. Where's the experience in dealing with
betrayal? Where's the paranoia? There are few books where I've found myself questioning the author's decision when it comes to their characters. This just happened to be one of them. Wolfe just seems so OCC for the type of character that he's introduced as, that I was broken out the imagery this author was trying to convey several times in this book. I honestly don't like this MC.

Then there's the love interest, Shel. At times, I genuinely felt like this character was written with a base template, and then they added whatever was needed for any given situation. To me, there's nothing interesting about this girl.

Tha said, the premise is fun. The idea of the Gods playing a game by giving mortals cards and having different seasons every once in a while is genius. There's so much that one can do with this idea. Also, for the first deck-building LitRPG I've read, the mechanics were simple to understand. I'm looking forward to reading other stories with deck-building mechanics in them.

Overall, while the premise is interesting, and the action is well written, the character decisions felt so OCC for me that I can't give this book more than a 3. And I'll sadly not be continuing the series.

[Eric Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Masterpiece: "Demon Card Enforcer

Demon Card Enforcerby John Stovall is an electrifying journey that had me hooked from the first page to the last. This book is a brilliant blend of dark magic, intense action, and complex characters that makes it a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast.

The protagonist, Wolfe, is masterfully crafted—flawed yet incredibly compelling. Their journey through the world of demons and magic is both thrilling and heart-wrenching, making it impossible to put the book down. The author’s ability to weave intricate plot twists and maintain an air of suspense is nothing short of genius.

The world-building in Demon Card Enforcer is detailed and immersive, transporting readers to a place where magic and danger are intertwined. Each scene is vividly described, making the reader feel as if they are right there alongside the characters.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of deeper themes such as power, morality, and redemption. The author skillfully navigates these themes, providing thought-provoking moments that linger long after the final page.

In conclusion, Demon Card Enforcer is a tour de force that stands out in the fantasy genre. It's a compelling tale that combines magic, action, and deep character development, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.

[Nicholas J Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook*

The audio was very well done, and the card system itself was fun and thought out. The story definitely had some highlight moments, and while the combat was quick it was also satisfying for most of it. Highly recommend for anyone interested in card-based LitRPG.

Downside? (Spoilers)

It felt like throughout the story characters wouldn’t forget things that happened or repeat themselves, and it came off very unintentional. For the last quarter of the book, most of the main cast were very out of character. The scene with Big Grim’s daughter being already in Wolf’s house and the whole dialogue there was just awkward. Wolf’s phone call to Damian talking about a birthday party was odd. Shell saying “did you have to kill him?” About the guy they literally went there to kill then going “oh yeah I forgot” was another one. The biggest one for me was that the entire book Wolf talks about his code, about not hurting women, about how he only hurts “bad” people, then… was going to blow up and kill a stadium full of women and children without a single thought? And all we get is another “oh yeah I forgot” type of moment. That really pulled me out of it, combined with the entire Cobra main boss dying because he was horny.

I already have the second one and will be giving it a listen still!

[Jordan Encee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried. When looking at the entire GameLit genre I was hoping to find different games. Most of them seem to be sci-fi or fantasy with an RPG system. Those I kinda found boring and same thing over and over. Then I found one in an urban setting and one in a horror setting. Great ideas, then I come to this book, a card based game.
Now to put this lightly, I don’t like card based video games. (Thank Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories for that) So I was a bit skeptical when it came down this book. But then I thought about, would it be cool to have these cards at my disposal to use in everyday life? Yes, yes it would be cool.
But as I read the book, I sadly found myself uninterested. I was hoping it would be an epic book but I couldn’t really connect with the characters. And even though it was action packed, I didn’t really have emotions to care for each battle. The plot is pretty much straight forward with an obvious twist at the end.
In the end, this book isn’t for me. Maybe it’s the card system but I’m not sure. For those who found enjoyment in this book, fantastic I’m happy you were able to find enjoyment here where I couldn’t. I hope the best for the author’s future.

[Alvaro Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is interesting. The story with the cards is very original and make the use of cards something "realistic".
The problem is the plot, is way to obvious. You realise in the first 1/4 who's the true villain and what is going to happend. It's too obvious that the fact that the MC doesn't realise made everything awkward.
Also de FMC is not necessary in the plot at all. There is no reason to explain why he carried her all the book. She did nothing while the MC try to explain all the time to everybody that she is useful.
I expect some twist in the end that would make her do something to explain his presence in the book. Spoiler, there was nothing. She was useless and the fact that in the last pages she said the phrase, "why don't you try to be a police and be a good guy?" Stop my desire to start the second book.
The boom would be way better without her.

[Matthew Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this is way better than I thought it would be. A lot of people choose mob and street setting to just glance over all the details like moral ambiguity and to be as crass as possible. While this book wasn't safe for a younger audience it didn't needlessly cross the line. The character building, system mechanics, and story were all very solid. While some time the MC seems a bit OP his 20+ years of doing the job effectively handicapped, and his deck composition while not broken makes his clear advantage seem earned. I also appreciate the amount of system building, and world building this one book did without going too far.

I can't wait to dive into the next book!... Literally I am 6 chapters into book 2 before I took a break to write this.

[Jay Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pokemon Meets Yu-Gi-Oh Meets The Godfather

Demon Card Enforcer is a wild ride—a mix of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and The Godfather. Yeah, I wasn’t sure how that would work either… but it absolutely does.

The main character is the mob boss’s right-hand man—tough, grim, and fully entrenched in a dark, magical underworld. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say it involves a puppy. (Yes, Cerberus is a puppy here—just one with a few extra heads.)

I went in skeptical about the card-based magic system and game mechanics, but I ended up loving it. The magic is creative, the battles are fantastic, and the whole story just flows really well. If you’re into gritty action with clever world-building and a bit of unexpected heart, this one's worth the read.

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wolfe receives a deck from the infernal gods faction he realizes that he's just been given the wherewithal to cleanup the gangs that have been encroaching on his bosses territory. And now with the card Cereboo (Cerberus's pup) at his side he just might do it! Especially with all the faith his friend Shel and her angel deck gives him!
And I really can't say enough about how fantastic Soundbooth Theater Production can add to the overall story! Justin Thomas James, Jeff Hays, and Tiana Camacho are fabulous!!! I ❤ them!
So grab the audiobook sit back and enjoy... Because this is another action-packed deckbuilding litRPG you won't wanna miss!

[Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

felt like reading some incel's yugioh fantasy tbh

every chapter I'm reminded of 3 things
how hot and dangerous the MC is
how evil and terrible every fat person is
how good and pure the female love interest is

the humor was mediocre and didnt feel like it fit with the dark theme of the book
not every MC has to be witty
the only part i laughed is when Miriam's friend made a joke about yaoi

The math felt exceedingly complicated and too detailed to really care
world building was decent but since it was mostly about politics and how "good the MC is even tho hes so bad", it felt like a struggle to get to the end

honestly only the audible narration kept me listening

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

won't lie, this was very rough around the edges. it's got a solid premise and mostly likable characters (though a touch 2D); but it could really have done with another draft or two before seeing the public. the card system is overly complicated with systems upon systems, most of the time it felt designed just to justify the next plot beat or needed power boost.
The MC also feels a little coated in Plot Armour. the guy takes beating after beating and although he's described as more and more wounded, hes always managing just fine it seems.
Finally the pacing was just...weird. I think the entire adventure, including a few pointless side missions, took place in less than 4 or 5 days?!

[Candice Oisten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly Amazing

Wow. This was an incredibly interesting and amazing read. It's a very well done deck-builder and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. It grabs your attention and holds it, I couldn't put this novel down until it was done. This book has immediately become one of my favorite litrpgs. Wolfe is a deep and well fleshed character and the card combat is top-notch. I highly recommend everyone check this out, even if deck-builders aren't really your cup of tea, this is a great one.

[John McCown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Bad But Rather Obvious Plot

The pacing is good. The world building is pretty good and for me was the most interesting part of the story. The magic system is interesting but seems a little underwhelming with what we have seen so far. The combat is fun and did not get monotonous at all. The one issue I had was the plot was so obvious and overdone that it made the MC look like a total idiot. No one that been in a crime organization as a decision maker for 20 years can be that naive. It made a whole lot of the book pointless to the reader.

[Craig Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series very unique

I read this because his wife’s arcanist books are some of my favorite books ever. I didn’t expect much but was overjoyed with them the magic system is fun the characters are interesting and fun. You should definitely give this a read. I can’t wait for his next book in 19 days then 20 more till his wife’s. It will feel like ever I really can’t wait. Amazing first book sir I am so glade that your family has created these worlds to lose myself in.

[Brett Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start

I'm one of the few that hated Game of Thrones. The first book was just so bad, or perhaps I should say the first half of the first book. No one is that naive and foolish to not see the danger coming. This book struggles with a bit of the same problem. An enforcer who has survived for 20 years would have known Damien was about to do something bad. Other than that glaring weak point, this was fantastic. Great characters, great concepts, great overall story and pacing. Loved it and you will too.

[Tox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a series, it is kinda refreshing having an older and established MC who knows how to handle himself. The system feels good but we have to wait and see what happens later as litrpg systems tend to get bloated later down the line. The story is good even though it becomes somewhat predictable towards the end, it just needs some more interesting side characters. I do like what happened at the end though and I am looking forward to the next one.

[David Brideson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery without mystery. MC and partner are on a mission to find out who murdered who, at no point in the book did i really question who was evil, who was going to betray who. it seemed way to obvious. The romance also seemed a bit forced, the age cap is strange, and the extra parts are just strange. Sadly, the story seemed incredibly linear and not all that interesting.

The World building is insanely good, the deck system seems interesting and engaging. I couldn't help but like it.

[Shaun · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it. Just every time the author started talking firearms it just piled me out of it. He made a small attempt to educate himself, but not much. He thought AR stood for assault rifle not Armalite Rifle, thought mag and clip were interchangeable items, etc.

It not a big deal for most, but as a mil guy it bothers me when an author doesn’t do due diligence or at least consult someone who knows.

[MrG LikesBooks&Booze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had seen this title advertised for a few months before release. The synopsis captured my attention and I started reading it right when it released. I devoured this book.
The concept of the world is extremely interesting, and our main character starts out appearing very flat and simple, but we quickly see more and more layers and complexity developing.
The interactions with the other gang, with his own gang/family and his surprising ally all were superb.
The magic system is intriguing, people are granted cards once every ten years; however, people are also able to purchase cards, which costs a significant amount of money. And the different factions within the cards that we gain an understanding of as the book continues.
And Cereboo i awesome, can't wait to see more of him and Wolfe when the next book releases.