Sagewood 2: Into the Caves:

Sagewood #2

by Blake Arthur Peel

Treasure lies in the caves, but there is danger as well…
With the end of the harvest festival, farmer Matt Miller is back to square one. The forest has been burnt to ash and his farm now lies in ruin, but at least he has plenty of friends to help him rebuild.

As winter descends and farming is no longer an option, Matt’s attention shifts to the south of his property where a mysterious cave system descends deep underground.

Armed with a pickaxe and accompanied by his trusty sprite companions, he delves into the darkness to mine gemstones and ores and discover more secrets about this strange new world. But Corruption still lurks on the world above…

Matt must get his farm back in working order before the coming spring. Only then will he be able to regain his levels and continue to progress toward freeing the Harvest Goddess—and eventually finding his way back home.

Continue the story with the sequel to Sagewood! It's perfect fans of Beware of Chicken, Sacred Cat Island, and Oh, Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer, as well as games like games Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon.

Genres: Fantasy

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2024

About the author

Blake Arthur Peel has been coming up with stories ever since he was a kid. He inflicted his scribblings on family members and friends throughout his youth, always drawing maps in the back of notebooks and daydreaming when he probably should have been paying attention. It wasn’t until he was out of college that he finally decided to get serious about pursuing his career as a fantasy author.

His favorite stories have always been about good conquering evil, about fantastic worlds and wondrous magic systems. The works that have most inspired him are The Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Riftwar Saga, The Stormlight Archive, and The Wheel of Time, among many others.

Blake was born and raised in Hemet, California. He loves playing games, being outside, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

Follow him at facebook.com/blakearthurpeel

Reviews

[Angelena · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy this book and fully intend to continue with the series, I find myself feeling annoyed rather than satisfied upon finishing. Some od the things that I minorly didn't like in book #1 have grown a lot steonger in this one. First off, on Amazon the title of this book/series is Sagewood 2: Into the Caves: (A Cozy Farming Progression Fantasy). I think the author(s) may need to rethink that title because there a distinct lack of cozy in this book, and honestly very little farming. We got some interesting character growth/development but instead of feel good feelings I was left with sadness, anger, and frustration which was not what I was seeking. The romance subplot also felt very forced and rushed, especially in the intensity of Matt's feelings. I had high hopes for seeing that play out after reading book 1 but to me it felt like I was reading about a teenage boy's declaring his first love after a single date, not a 30ish year old man getting to know a woman he likes. While Matt had some great mature moments, they were overshadowed and the execution of romance subplot managed to somehow push the book furthur away from any cozy vibes. There were also times he felt quite self-centered and immature with the way he would shrug things off or avoid thinking/talking about important things to the point I wanted to shake him.
I think I could have let this book feeling mislabeled as "cozy" go and just enjoyed it as a fantasy litRPG if it wasn't for my dislike and annoyance with other parts of the story overshadowing my enjoyment of the parts I did like.

[Raquel | mommagracereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you had asked me a year ago if I’d be reading LitRPGs, I honestly probably would have laughed. But there’s something about this genre that I’ve discovered I enjoy. Maybe it’s the inherent coziness? Idk. But I am bummed I have to wait until December for the next book. 🥲

This one does feel it has a slightly slower pacing than the first, but still a fun read. There were a couple plot points that didn’t quite match up with what was said in the first book; such as it being said that Maple has never said a thing, because I’m 95% positive she said one line in the first book.

I liked the addition of the sprites POVs, it definitely helped add more dimension to the story.

Now to wait for book 3 to release!

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like book 1, it's a fun, quick read. A nice book to fit in between larger, more serious litrpgs. That said, there is more action, more at stake, more often than I would prefer. Not nearly enough farming and leveling. If I wanted an adventure / action book, I would read one that was explicitly that. The balance feels off. I'm unsure if I'll continue on with the series simply because I kind of want a farming book here!

Also, I had this criticism of book 1, and it still applies in book 2: This book's character motivations aren't well constructured, so characters do things in a few parts seemingly because it's convenient for the plot movement (why is the super attractive elf girl so immediately attracted to our new farmer?). Those elements don't kill the book, but do take it a tier down.

[Old Time Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stronger tale

I enjoyed Sagewood 2 much more than I did the first book. Matt has grown and is a much stronger, more positive character. The sprites become deeper characters as we get a much better look at each one. I hope we see more of each of them.

There are some dark aspects of book 2. The Corruption is an evil villain and is not afraid to actually commit evil deeds. Be prepared for bad news for some favorite characters. Not your typical “cozy fantasy”.

I am looking forward to book 3. Matt really bugged me in the first book but he’s not the jerk he started out as. He’s quit moping around and is stepping up into his hero role.

Cheers!

[Edward Rydbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series so far

Both books have been great so far. You can always tell how much you have gotten into the story that when the hero has the girl walk away and he doesn't tell her to stay you have to put the book down and walking around awhile to get your head back on straight it is amazing.

[Nick Fragosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific follow up! The additional POV’s were a wonderful addition, I love the viewpoint of Woods, his character lost some of the mystery but gained so much for sharing his true feelings. Truly excited to see where the series goes.

[Jan Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for book 3

Awesome story! Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby. Story pulls you in and carries the story forward from book one.

[Mary Aichlmayr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters in this book. I wish Sagewood was a real place so I could go meet them!

[Jane Evelyn]

I finished like half of it and then I found out what is corrupted and I have to wait until book four. so I'm going to wait until that comes out on audible and then start it all over again.

[Merel · Rating 3 out of 5]

there's just no logical reason for him to want to go back