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Downtown Druid #1
Downtown Druid
An action-packed new progression fantasy from CB Titus, the bestselling author of Armor and Deadman Walking.
Locked away. Left to die. He'll master his powers to survive, then thrive.
Betrayed by his former gang and thrown into the Rendhold Underprison, Dante has spent the last five years scraping by. A bastard of human, orcish, and elvish blood, he's lived on the periphery of the periphery, lying, cheating, and stealing to survive.
After a run of bad luck, he's made a powerful enemy who seeks his head.
But that's where his rise to power begins. Thanks to an unexpected alliance with a fanged friend, the druidic powers locked within him come to life. He has all the tools he needs to turn things around, he just need to master them.
Because you can never underestimate a Street Rat...
Don't miss this progression fantasy series perfect for fans of Dishonored, The Blacktongue Thief, The Lies of Locke Lamora, and Baldur’s Gate!
About the A slow-burn progression fantasy focused on an Anti-hero MC with a code rising through the criminal underworld of a city-state using newfound powers and quick wits. MC's powers will develop slowly, but he will use them in creative ways to get ahead, and in the meantime he'll do whatever it takes.
Locked away. Left to die. He'll master his powers to survive, then thrive.
Betrayed by his former gang and thrown into the Rendhold Underprison, Dante has spent the last five years scraping by. A bastard of human, orcish, and elvish blood, he's lived on the periphery of the periphery, lying, cheating, and stealing to survive.
After a run of bad luck, he's made a powerful enemy who seeks his head.
But that's where his rise to power begins. Thanks to an unexpected alliance with a fanged friend, the druidic powers locked within him come to life. He has all the tools he needs to turn things around, he just need to master them.
Because you can never underestimate a Street Rat...
Don't miss this progression fantasy series perfect for fans of Dishonored, The Blacktongue Thief, The Lies of Locke Lamora, and Baldur’s Gate!
About the A slow-burn progression fantasy focused on an Anti-hero MC with a code rising through the criminal underworld of a city-state using newfound powers and quick wits. MC's powers will develop slowly, but he will use them in creative ways to get ahead, and in the meantime he'll do whatever it takes.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
687 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 1, 2025
This is a really fun book. Very grimdark and seedy and enjoyable. Again, sucker for a Druid story, but this one is pretty different since it's set in a dungeon/urban setting? Can't wait to see where the series goes!
July 27, 2025
A modern hommage to Dumas' legendary classic "Count of Monte Christo"using the same main plot. Even the names of the main actors are identical.
Unfortunately, the changes of the plot, especially Dantes past and origin don't improve it. In the original, Dante was innocent. Here he is an anti hero who had his fate coming and somewhat deserved it. I found it hard to sympathise overly much with a drug using, armed robber who is not above killing. Another addition is the constant blatant racism trope which is pushed just too much in the last 15 years. Dantes' druid class provides him with undeserved, unearned, utterly op effects but results in a lot of people being killed unintentionally due to Dante's inexperience additional to those bystanders he gets killed due to bis actions. Thus, contrary to the efforts of the author, i found Dante not to be really likeable. Last but not least i was not too impressed by the inclusion of all these - all too easy approachable - minor gods and the whole god of greed plot which only took away from the main antagonists ' agendas..
Unfortunately, the changes of the plot, especially Dantes past and origin don't improve it. In the original, Dante was innocent. Here he is an anti hero who had his fate coming and somewhat deserved it. I found it hard to sympathise overly much with a drug using, armed robber who is not above killing. Another addition is the constant blatant racism trope which is pushed just too much in the last 15 years. Dantes' druid class provides him with undeserved, unearned, utterly op effects but results in a lot of people being killed unintentionally due to Dante's inexperience additional to those bystanders he gets killed due to bis actions. Thus, contrary to the efforts of the author, i found Dante not to be really likeable. Last but not least i was not too impressed by the inclusion of all these - all too easy approachable - minor gods and the whole god of greed plot which only took away from the main antagonists ' agendas..
April 30, 2025
Ohhhh! Man! Great! Getting this book was an absolute no brainer! With two of my favorites at it again! CB Titus is always spinning out spellbinding tales, and I've loved 'im ever since I read Armor. As for Heath Miller, how can you not love his dreamy voice performance! Soooooooo see, a no brainer! This book follows Dantes as he navigates the Pitts, a jail and dungeon world. But really the only monsters found are the other inmates and guards... and to survive Dantes keeps to himself trying to choose his allies carefully! And wow for some reason the rat 🐀 he's befriended starts talking to him. Did anyone say that monster companions had to be big and powerful. That a lowly rat 🐀 couldn't possibly fill the bill! Well let me abuse you of that notion. Just read the book... 'cause that's what this unlikely team did!
Grab the audiobook and experience the power gains as Dantes and Jocapo look for a way outta the Pitts!
Grab the audiobook and experience the power gains as Dantes and Jocapo look for a way outta the Pitts!
August 18, 2025
It is now evident that most progression fantasy move too fast from their own good.
while I understand why, I'm starting to find it a curse to the genre rather than a benefit.
Downtown druid tried but it still fell into most of the potholes the genre has in its not completed roadmap
while I understand why, I'm starting to find it a curse to the genre rather than a benefit.
Downtown druid tried but it still fell into most of the potholes the genre has in its not completed roadmap
April 30, 2025
So unique!
Loved it! This is a new writer for me and I am over the moon happy to have found this. I really do hate having to wait for the next 1 but for this - I'll wait patiently.
Loved it! This is a new writer for me and I am over the moon happy to have found this. I really do hate having to wait for the next 1 but for this - I'll wait patiently.
October 9, 2025
Engaging characters.
Paced well.
I have not read many fantasy books delving into the druid magic system. But this title drew me in and the plot setting was excellent. Discovering your powers while in prison was a fun location for the character development. A plus for me is that the author does not burden the reader with an excessive amount of information in regards to the magic system like I have seen in some fantasy and LIT-RPG books. It flows smoothly and keeps the story progressing.
Paced well.
I have not read many fantasy books delving into the druid magic system. But this title drew me in and the plot setting was excellent. Discovering your powers while in prison was a fun location for the character development. A plus for me is that the author does not burden the reader with an excessive amount of information in regards to the magic system like I have seen in some fantasy and LIT-RPG books. It flows smoothly and keeps the story progressing.
May 5, 2025
Great story,
Is very compelling from start to finish.
Like how there are clearly more to the universe than we first see but it is slowly shown to the main character and the reader.
worth the read.
Is very compelling from start to finish.
Like how there are clearly more to the universe than we first see but it is slowly shown to the main character and the reader.
worth the read.
September 16, 2025
4.5
In a world filled with negativity, I round up
Oh, you’re good. I’ll get out of your way. Thank you.
Sorry, I was doing a voice text review and walking the dog, but I’ll leave that lol
Good book revenge, and fantasy is your thing
In a world filled with negativity, I round up
Oh, you’re good. I’ll get out of your way. Thank you.
Sorry, I was doing a voice text review and walking the dog, but I’ll leave that lol
Good book revenge, and fantasy is your thing
May 13, 2025
This is the best Titus novel that I've read so far. The setting was original, the protagonist relatable and the action well paced. Collared mages turn body-builders was a nice touch.
August 3, 2025
This is the third book of Titus' that I've read, and it is absolutely tremendous in both scope as well as what it accomplishes. I very much enjoyed Armor, rating it a 4/5 stars, as it was written very well, plotted just as well, providing a litany of good characters and an overall 'meaning' that is rarely seen in fantasy. I thought Deadman Walking was good, giving it 3/5 stars, but more fun than serious. This book is on an altogether different level than either of those. I could not be more impressed. Without revealing too much, there is a reason it is approaching the extremely rare territory of 4.5 on Goodreads and the outstanding score of 4.8 on Audible (I listened on Audible).
Spoilers below:
This is an amazing accomplishment; it is the retelling of Alexandre Dumas famous The Count of Monte Cristo. From early on in the novel, we learn that the protagonist's compadre is named "Jocopo." The only other place i had heard that name was from The Count of Monte Cristo, but since the protagonist grants his compadre that name, I thought it was just a nod to the novel since Donte was trapped in prison. The author does a masterful job of not revealing that this is a fantasy-retelling until well into the novel. Our protagonist is dutifully named Edmond Dontes. However for most of the book, he is Donte or Tes. Only during the denouement does he reveal that as his surname, calling himself "Ed." We do not learn who the main antagonist is until two-thirds of the way through the book, and it turns out to Mondego. At the end we learn that there is a woman who stole and broke his heart, named Mercedes. And all is revealed that we are witnessing a different version of the Count of Monte Cristo. Bravo.
Spoilers below:
This is an amazing accomplishment; it is the retelling of Alexandre Dumas famous The Count of Monte Cristo. From early on in the novel, we learn that the protagonist's compadre is named "Jocopo." The only other place i had heard that name was from The Count of Monte Cristo, but since the protagonist grants his compadre that name, I thought it was just a nod to the novel since Donte was trapped in prison. The author does a masterful job of not revealing that this is a fantasy-retelling until well into the novel. Our protagonist is dutifully named Edmond Dontes. However for most of the book, he is Donte or Tes. Only during the denouement does he reveal that as his surname, calling himself "Ed." We do not learn who the main antagonist is until two-thirds of the way through the book, and it turns out to Mondego. At the end we learn that there is a woman who stole and broke his heart, named Mercedes. And all is revealed that we are witnessing a different version of the Count of Monte Cristo. Bravo.
May 2, 2025
Good story... A twist of The count of Monte Cristo.
I like this story. Little slow at times but overall it kept a decent pace. The main character was an anti-hero with the basic plot line of Edmond Dantes.
The author using names from Dumas
At first put me off as the story wasn't up to that level of imitation. However, the main character grew on me mostly because he maintained full agency of his choices for the entire story. That was so refreshing to read. Most authors have the heroes going to journey predetermined or outside their control and they just bumble along following a plot line that's predictable. The story in the main character constantly changed the plot line as his interactions dictated it. Adding the fantasy twist of a budding druid was fun even though there really was no system mechanics to follow. But the story didn't lack because of that. Overall good salad story that was fun to read. I'm looking forward to book 2.
I like this story. Little slow at times but overall it kept a decent pace. The main character was an anti-hero with the basic plot line of Edmond Dantes.
The author using names from Dumas
At first put me off as the story wasn't up to that level of imitation. However, the main character grew on me mostly because he maintained full agency of his choices for the entire story. That was so refreshing to read. Most authors have the heroes going to journey predetermined or outside their control and they just bumble along following a plot line that's predictable. The story in the main character constantly changed the plot line as his interactions dictated it. Adding the fantasy twist of a budding druid was fun even though there really was no system mechanics to follow. But the story didn't lack because of that. Overall good salad story that was fun to read. I'm looking forward to book 2.
September 20, 2025
Here we follow a cynical whoreson and his rise to power—like literally he's getting up out of that pit. I like the interesting take on prison life in a DnD fantasy setting.
The characters are distinct and memorable. From the first page, the main character's rogue confidence and quick wits shine through the narrative. Even the side characters all felt believable. I like the interplay of different gangs and races and how they interact and have conflict with each other. Like there's an orc in the collared mage gang, who's like a contact person between the two and there's this complicated moment that happens that I really liked without spoilers but yeah read it
The characters are distinct and memorable. From the first page, the main character's rogue confidence and quick wits shine through the narrative. Even the side characters all felt believable. I like the interplay of different gangs and races and how they interact and have conflict with each other. Like there's an orc in the collared mage gang, who's like a contact person between the two and there's this complicated moment that happens that I really liked without spoilers but yeah read it
November 28, 2025
3.1 stars. This book was very meh for me. While it was interesting enough to finish, it never really clicked with me.
The plot had potential, but it never felt strong or compelling. The MC lacked the depth or substance needed to make his central drive feel meaningful. I also found it hard to stay invested in his choices because nothing about them stood out within the world he comes from. The progression elements felt too quick and easy, which made the growth less satisfying. Overall, both the MC and the side cast felt quite flat, and the story never gave me a strong reason to care about any of them or their goals.
The plot had potential, but it never felt strong or compelling. The MC lacked the depth or substance needed to make his central drive feel meaningful. I also found it hard to stay invested in his choices because nothing about them stood out within the world he comes from. The progression elements felt too quick and easy, which made the growth less satisfying. Overall, both the MC and the side cast felt quite flat, and the story never gave me a strong reason to care about any of them or their goals.
December 26, 2025
Start with your basic fantasy world (elves, dwarves, magic, etc.) and your basic plot (orphan discovers he has a rare magical power)--but then set it inside a maximum security prison where the orphan is a grown man who deserves to be in prison and rather than use his power to bond to noble creatures like wolves or eagles, he chooses rats and cockroaches.
This story manages to be dark without being too dark for me to read. The vices of society aren't hidden at all, but they aren't graphically explained, either. The bad guys are even worse that the MC, so I'm willing to root for him. But it's still pretty dark and that's not as fun for me, so I took a star off for personal enjoyment.
This story manages to be dark without being too dark for me to read. The vices of society aren't hidden at all, but they aren't graphically explained, either. The bad guys are even worse that the MC, so I'm willing to root for him. But it's still pretty dark and that's not as fun for me, so I took a star off for personal enjoyment.
May 13, 2025
I liked it and I didn’t.
The writing was great. Engaging. Simple. We Stan than over here. The garden scape was great, love shit like that. Dantes was ok, but I couldn’t really understand his motivations. His desire to survive and thrive I could understand but wanting to return to the city after his escape was just baffling to me
Thennn there was the whole reason he was thrown in the Pit in the first place. Bc greed. I mean fuck. Really? I felt let down. He was basically collateral damage
So yeah, it worked and it didn’t. Not sure I’ll continue the series tho
The writing was great. Engaging. Simple. We Stan than over here. The garden scape was great, love shit like that. Dantes was ok, but I couldn’t really understand his motivations. His desire to survive and thrive I could understand but wanting to return to the city after his escape was just baffling to me
Thennn there was the whole reason he was thrown in the Pit in the first place. Bc greed. I mean fuck. Really? I felt let down. He was basically collateral damage
So yeah, it worked and it didn’t. Not sure I’ll continue the series tho
May 24, 2025
Good book, not progression fantasy, and not really epic
This is a well written and very fun story but it is, at its heart, a small story. I wouldn’t burden it with the word “epic” because it’s not trying to be. The magic is cool, the world is vibrant but once again the title fails it since it’s not a progression story, except in the very vaguest sense of the word.
This book is simple well written, good, slightly dark fantasy and it’s a bit of a bummer that they didn’t feel like that was enough.
This is a well written and very fun story but it is, at its heart, a small story. I wouldn’t burden it with the word “epic” because it’s not trying to be. The magic is cool, the world is vibrant but once again the title fails it since it’s not a progression story, except in the very vaguest sense of the word.
This book is simple well written, good, slightly dark fantasy and it’s a bit of a bummer that they didn’t feel like that was enough.
September 19, 2025
Retroactively adding a review here.
Pro: The book (and the first 22% of its sequel) are fairly well written and paced semi-okay (first one drug through the middle).
Con: I have never read a book where I felt so strongly against the MC. As in, I found myself actively hoping he would fail and suffer.
If you like reading about sociopathic people doing terrible things because "why not, it's convenient" who have been judged appropriately by the society they live in then by all means this is the book for you.
As for me, I'll be going elsewhere. Note to self: Do not continue
Pro: The book (and the first 22% of its sequel) are fairly well written and paced semi-okay (first one drug through the middle).
Con: I have never read a book where I felt so strongly against the MC. As in, I found myself actively hoping he would fail and suffer.
If you like reading about sociopathic people doing terrible things because "why not, it's convenient" who have been judged appropriately by the society they live in then by all means this is the book for you.
As for me, I'll be going elsewhere. Note to self: Do not continue
June 1, 2025
rat pit
This is true dark fantasy. Not for the squeamish as some parts are just eww gross. I was disappointed in the ending though for many reasons but one being the mc lived holed up like a rat and the in a moment of crisis decides to not use his size and abilities at all. I’m sure the author has a plot line to stick to yet it bothered me enough to lose a star. I think the second book will reflect the name of the book better because for this one it was misleading.
This is true dark fantasy. Not for the squeamish as some parts are just eww gross. I was disappointed in the ending though for many reasons but one being the mc lived holed up like a rat and the in a moment of crisis decides to not use his size and abilities at all. I’m sure the author has a plot line to stick to yet it bothered me enough to lose a star. I think the second book will reflect the name of the book better because for this one it was misleading.
August 1, 2025
One of the best retellings of the Count of Monte Cristo I've read in a long time. The characters are well fleshed out with new life breathed into them so it's original while still following the base material. A fresh take on a classic story! I'm reading the second one right now and looking forward to more installments! If you like good fantasy that's not the basic "hero's journey" trope, give this a spin.
November 24, 2025
this is a very dark, depressive, drug filled, cold, alcohol abuse and violent retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo. a prison break revenge story with a high-fantasy twist.
I would've enjoyed the book if not for the constant pressure of the borderline depressive atmosphere. it's not morally bending nor an antihero story. it's just dark, cold, and very sad.
won't continue the series, not even if on sale.
I would've enjoyed the book if not for the constant pressure of the borderline depressive atmosphere. it's not morally bending nor an antihero story. it's just dark, cold, and very sad.
won't continue the series, not even if on sale.
December 22, 2025
DNF 64%
Did not realize this is a Count of Monte Cristo retelling. Only realized it when Dantes named his rat Jacopo and then said he needed to get revenge on his past gang and love interest Mondego, Mercedes and Danglars. There were other names as well. For some reason it really irritated me that the characters had the exact same names.
Also there is just too much much drug use and the changeling brothel is outright disturbing. And so much murder without any twinges of conscience.
Did not realize this is a Count of Monte Cristo retelling. Only realized it when Dantes named his rat Jacopo and then said he needed to get revenge on his past gang and love interest Mondego, Mercedes and Danglars. There were other names as well. For some reason it really irritated me that the characters had the exact same names.
Also there is just too much much drug use and the changeling brothel is outright disturbing. And so much murder without any twinges of conscience.
May 1, 2025
A Dark Druid walks down an alley
Well written, this book has an amoral, willing to do anything to survive thief that is stuck in a hole for the first part of the book. It’s a pretty rough life, where the decisions our Druid takes are not ones we are used to. Still, it feels like a realistic take, and our Druid has some code to live by. But he is not a nice guy.
Well written, this book has an amoral, willing to do anything to survive thief that is stuck in a hole for the first part of the book. It’s a pretty rough life, where the decisions our Druid takes are not ones we are used to. Still, it feels like a realistic take, and our Druid has some code to live by. But he is not a nice guy.
June 10, 2025
As a fan of Monte Cristo, it was definitely a bit on the nose with the names, but it's a nice story lead progression novel.
I read it after The Stubborn Skill-Grinder In a Time Loop, and it was so nice to not throw crazy fast progression at the cost of story that made story bits feel like a break-check.
I read it after The Stubborn Skill-Grinder In a Time Loop, and it was so nice to not throw crazy fast progression at the cost of story that made story bits feel like a break-check.
August 18, 2025
Very good!
This was a very good and interesting take on a druid character. Normally you see them in forests or at least with as much greenery around them. Enter the downtown Druid, born and raised on the muck of midtown, forced to survive underground in the pits, and his Druidic powers grow to match his character and needs.
This was a very good and interesting take on a druid character. Normally you see them in forests or at least with as much greenery around them. Enter the downtown Druid, born and raised on the muck of midtown, forced to survive underground in the pits, and his Druidic powers grow to match his character and needs.
September 5, 2025
I hope I don't regret this.
This was a meh for me. I don't really like rogues / thieves, so I already don't care about the story. Then there is the escape the baddest prison to get revenge plot. Yawn.
Hats off to the author who tries to come up with unique stories, this one just isn't for me.
I don't think I will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
This was a meh for me. I don't really like rogues / thieves, so I already don't care about the story. Then there is the escape the baddest prison to get revenge plot. Yawn.
Hats off to the author who tries to come up with unique stories, this one just isn't for me.
I don't think I will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
October 12, 2025
Thoroughly entertained with this book. Though I found that the first half was more fun and exciting than the second half. I felt it really slowed down, and probably because we kind of started from scratch and it was no interesting friends.
Interested to see whats next, love the blood hungry garden and I hope it will spread and just thrive and be his sinister little forest.
Interested to see whats next, love the blood hungry garden and I hope it will spread and just thrive and be his sinister little forest.
October 14, 2025
Lives up to the hypes
Sometimes these authors list a bunch of popular titles as comparisons but fall short. The author listed Locke Lamora, and while this is a different feel it does have the similiar fantasy organized crime feel combined with a progression fantasy. Excited to see what happens next!
Sometimes these authors list a bunch of popular titles as comparisons but fall short. The author listed Locke Lamora, and while this is a different feel it does have the similiar fantasy organized crime feel combined with a progression fantasy. Excited to see what happens next!
May 1, 2025
A fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable romp. I don't usually enjoy a protagonist who is petty, selfish, and focused on revenge, so it is a testament to the author's talents that I had such a good time with this story.
May 3, 2025
Happy to see this
Happy to see this story make its way to publishing. Absolutely amazing story with a MC who is both good and bad and is most definitely not afraid to be the bad guy if it serves his goals.
Happy to see this story make its way to publishing. Absolutely amazing story with a MC who is both good and bad and is most definitely not afraid to be the bad guy if it serves his goals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews