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Arcane Awakening #4
Imperial Wizard 4: The Southern Alliance
The battle was won, but the price of victory was high.
What should be a triumphant moment for the allied forces is marred by treachery, loss and worrying news from the south. Elder Vanarr is in trouble.
The Host is a looming shadow, threatening to engulf everything that they hold dear, but it is far from the only threat. To survive, they will need to stand together, but petty Sect politics threaten to undermine the foundation of the alliance.
The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.
What should be a triumphant moment for the allied forces is marred by treachery, loss and worrying news from the south. Elder Vanarr is in trouble.
The Host is a looming shadow, threatening to engulf everything that they hold dear, but it is far from the only threat. To survive, they will need to stand together, but petty Sect politics threaten to undermine the foundation of the alliance.
The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.
756 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
About the author
J. Parsons
17 books76 followersA long time lover of fantasy adventures, I've finally moved from just writing for family and friends to publishing my books online.
I hope you enjoy my work.
I hope you enjoy my work.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 28, 2025
Getting repetitive
The books all follow the same pattern - Verdan directing people around while learning a few new things about magic, everyone gathers for a fight with the baddies, the baddies are (surprise) stronger than expected and things look dire, and then some extra help comes along and they just barely win.
I mean, it's decently enjoyable, but I'm getting bored and the cast of side characters is growing such that many of the names are blending together in my mind. Fight scenes almost feel like a narration of a strategy game like Age of Empires and the main character is just running around checking up on his units.
The books all follow the same pattern - Verdan directing people around while learning a few new things about magic, everyone gathers for a fight with the baddies, the baddies are (surprise) stronger than expected and things look dire, and then some extra help comes along and they just barely win.
I mean, it's decently enjoyable, but I'm getting bored and the cast of side characters is growing such that many of the names are blending together in my mind. Fight scenes almost feel like a narration of a strategy game like Age of Empires and the main character is just running around checking up on his units.
January 29, 2025
This was a really good story and I considered giving five stars, but there were a couple of minor problems.
The author just got carried away with the big fight at the end, it seemed like piling on the death and destruction became an end in itself and the story became almost secondary.
The other problem might be more about me, I would normally take only a couple of days to read this book, however this took twice as long because I found it didn’t always hold my attention as strongly as I expected and I ended up reading it in short bursts.
The author just got carried away with the big fight at the end, it seemed like piling on the death and destruction became an end in itself and the story became almost secondary.
The other problem might be more about me, I would normally take only a couple of days to read this book, however this took twice as long because I found it didn’t always hold my attention as strongly as I expected and I ended up reading it in short bursts.
February 15, 2025
I had decided to stop the series and remembered it halfway through the book. It’s not that it’s bad or poorly written, but more because it failed to strike a chord with me. I read it less than two months ago and I have a hard time recalling exactly what happened. After much reflection, I think what bothers me the most is that it's an action-oriented book, but I find the main character (MC) to be somewhat passive. This time I’m really stopping for good.
August 7, 2026
Good Storyline & over development
OK, this book has the same issue as many in this genre and I understand you know these writers have a tough trying to turn it out and get paid for it. The way Everything works in the industry, but you know, check between your chapters and a big battle to make sure that you’re consistent with your numbers. Also, general proofreading would be nice.
OK, this book has the same issue as many in this genre and I understand you know these writers have a tough trying to turn it out and get paid for it. The way Everything works in the industry, but you know, check between your chapters and a big battle to make sure that you’re consistent with your numbers. Also, general proofreading would be nice.
December 29, 2024
A little boring
MC is weak and not improving much across 4 books. Great storytelling, very well written just not much of a spark. Magic is excessively weak, especially the MC's. Good time-filler but won't leave you holding your breath waiting for the next book. Tons of potential...unrealized.
MC is weak and not improving much across 4 books. Great storytelling, very well written just not much of a spark. Magic is excessively weak, especially the MC's. Good time-filler but won't leave you holding your breath waiting for the next book. Tons of potential...unrealized.
December 22, 2024
another brilliant book
Another brilliant book that last page was a cliff hanger and a sad one
Only thing to note is chapter 8 is posted 2ce in the book
Once at chapter 8 and the other half way through chapter 7
Another brilliant book that last page was a cliff hanger and a sad one
Only thing to note is chapter 8 is posted 2ce in the book
Once at chapter 8 and the other half way through chapter 7
December 24, 2024
Still rockin
Great series, and this latest installment does not disappoint. Classic 'd&d,' storyline, with heart, a well written protagonist, and interesting world building.
Its clean escapism like the fantasy series I enjoyed as a kid. Keep it up! I look forward to the next.
Great series, and this latest installment does not disappoint. Classic 'd&d,' storyline, with heart, a well written protagonist, and interesting world building.
Its clean escapism like the fantasy series I enjoyed as a kid. Keep it up! I look forward to the next.
December 24, 2024
meh
The dialogue could definitely use some work. Too much telling and not enough showing. Also the NC insists on giving away all of his advantages to other people. It makes no sense for him to share his knowledge so widely to people who owe him no allegiance.
The dialogue could definitely use some work. Too much telling and not enough showing. Also the NC insists on giving away all of his advantages to other people. It makes no sense for him to share his knowledge so widely to people who owe him no allegiance.
January 3, 2025
A good book in the series
This was a good book in the series. The overall plot developed significantly as the main character forges his path in his new world. He gains insight into what he needs to become to retain his morals and ethics.
This was a good book in the series. The overall plot developed significantly as the main character forges his path in his new world. He gains insight into what he needs to become to retain his morals and ethics.
February 16, 2025
Slow and long buildup but worth it at the end
The preparations at the beginning took a while and I’ll admit that I fast forwarded a little bit to get to the action. Sacrifices were made. That was one big army! Freaking backstabbers … don’t see how anyone would be so selfish.
The preparations at the beginning took a while and I’ll admit that I fast forwarded a little bit to get to the action. Sacrifices were made. That was one big army! Freaking backstabbers … don’t see how anyone would be so selfish.
May 15, 2026
Just Awesome
Really great series, amazing mix of characters, so many different strengths and weaknesses. Rich histories, stories, knowledge to be discovered. Wins feel hard earned and clashing personalities are three dimensional and realistic.
Really great series, amazing mix of characters, so many different strengths and weaknesses. Rich histories, stories, knowledge to be discovered. Wins feel hard earned and clashing personalities are three dimensional and realistic.
December 26, 2024
Excellent
Starts a bit slow, but a huge amount of action and more details of the magic system are revealed as well as more depth of the world building.
Starts a bit slow, but a huge amount of action and more details of the magic system are revealed as well as more depth of the world building.
January 1, 2025
Great 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.
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.
January 2, 2025
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Natalia. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Natalia. I anxiously await the sequel.
January 9, 2025
First two-thirds is a drawn-out repeat that is a slog to get through. The last bit is clunky. Once again, all the dramatic reveals towards the end are painfully obvious
January 12, 2025
strong addition
I’m enjoying this series. The constant action and strong story combined with politics and hidden plot lines are keeping me hooked.
I’m enjoying this series. The constant action and strong story combined with politics and hidden plot lines are keeping me hooked.
March 2, 2025
Action,action,action.
A book full of constant action. Where all looks lost. Couldn't put the book down. There are several surprises you don't see coming..
A book full of constant action. Where all looks lost. Couldn't put the book down. There are several surprises you don't see coming..
March 5, 2025
Weird ending. No epilogue? Could be a little longer and detailed
April 2, 2025
Absolutely fantastic.
I love this series with its unique perspectives and a story that just drags you deeper. I can't wait for more!
I love this series with its unique perspectives and a story that just drags you deeper. I can't wait for more!
July 2, 2025
Great Stuff
This story of a wizard who was in status for thousands of years awakening to a whole new world that’s less than his own timeline.
This story of a wizard who was in status for thousands of years awakening to a whole new world that’s less than his own timeline.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews







