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Underkeeper #1
The Dragon’s Gambit
Every mage wants to be an adventurer… if they can afford it.
Bernt might have graduated from the Mage Academy, but not everyone has the money or connections to launch a prestigious career as a mage.
Bernt finds himself working in the city sewers as an Underkeeper among the other rejects of Halfbridge's magery. He may spend more time unclogging pipes than fighting monsters, but hey, it's a stable job, and that's what counts. With the help of his unregistered soul-devouring demonic familiar, he'll save enough to launch his career as an adventurer – just as soon as he can afford some proper gear.
When a dungeon unexpectedly opens beneath Halfbridge, it’s the golden opportunity he's been looking for to get ahead. But when a simple dungeon raid goes wrong, Bernt finds himself on the front lines of a battle against an ancient foe. To survive, he’ll need to master everything at his disposal, from his pyromancy to the growing bond with his demonic familiar.
For most, waging a war in the sewers is a nightmare.
For Bernt, it’s just another workday.
Bernt might have graduated from the Mage Academy, but not everyone has the money or connections to launch a prestigious career as a mage.
Bernt finds himself working in the city sewers as an Underkeeper among the other rejects of Halfbridge's magery. He may spend more time unclogging pipes than fighting monsters, but hey, it's a stable job, and that's what counts. With the help of his unregistered soul-devouring demonic familiar, he'll save enough to launch his career as an adventurer – just as soon as he can afford some proper gear.
When a dungeon unexpectedly opens beneath Halfbridge, it’s the golden opportunity he's been looking for to get ahead. But when a simple dungeon raid goes wrong, Bernt finds himself on the front lines of a battle against an ancient foe. To survive, he’ll need to master everything at his disposal, from his pyromancy to the growing bond with his demonic familiar.
For most, waging a war in the sewers is a nightmare.
For Bernt, it’s just another workday.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2025
431 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 21, 2025
This had a weak setting that was mostly set up for the rest of the series. The politics overshadowed the day to day actions. The main character was cowardly and prideful. He really brought down the entire story.
June 15, 2025
really well written!
The writing style is is smooth and flowing. The characters feel natural and independent of the mc. The mc is likeable but not perfect with room to grow and mature. The world and magic are original and interesting. I’m going to get the next book!
The writing style is is smooth and flowing. The characters feel natural and independent of the mc. The mc is likeable but not perfect with room to grow and mature. The world and magic are original and interesting. I’m going to get the next book!
June 6, 2025
did not finish.
Got about 50% through before I had to drop it.
The MC had literally zero progression if anything he got worse as the story went on, considering he’s a pyromancer his magic did literally nothing most of the time. This isn’t what was advertised in the book preview.
Got about 50% through before I had to drop it.
The MC had literally zero progression if anything he got worse as the story went on, considering he’s a pyromancer his magic did literally nothing most of the time. This isn’t what was advertised in the book preview.
March 18, 2025
Stayed up reading 📚
Enjoyable fantasy book. Good relatable characters. Well written. Worth writing a review. Looking forward to more from this author. Loved it.
Enjoyable fantasy book. Good relatable characters. Well written. Worth writing a review. Looking forward to more from this author. Loved it.
April 4, 2025
hungry for more
A winner in every category, the characters feel real and the magic is moving and different in many aspects, cant wait for the next one.
A winner in every category, the characters feel real and the magic is moving and different in many aspects, cant wait for the next one.
March 15, 2025
Jori all the way
Who's Jori guess you will need to read to find out. I read this on Royal Road and highly recommend it. It won't change your worldview but it's great entertainment
Who's Jori guess you will need to read to find out. I read this on Royal Road and highly recommend it. It won't change your worldview but it's great entertainment
June 11, 2025
Wonderful story telling
I like the characters and the story line. The ending stopped at a reasonable point and set up expectations for the next book. Can't wait to read it😊
I like the characters and the story line. The ending stopped at a reasonable point and set up expectations for the next book. Can't wait to read it😊
March 4, 2025
The guy never catches a break, but then he doesn’t really deserve it. None of the people in the book do. I don’t really like books like this.
July 28, 2025
DNF at 54%
The protagonist is a prideful but rather inept mage who works as sewage cleaner in the canalization. In my opinion, his pet would have made a better MC. It is cleverer and way more competent.
I stopped reading when the MC accidentally tried to help natural selection by demonstrating his idiocy once again..
The protagonist is a prideful but rather inept mage who works as sewage cleaner in the canalization. In my opinion, his pet would have made a better MC. It is cleverer and way more competent.
I stopped reading when the MC accidentally tried to help natural selection by demonstrating his idiocy once again..
May 22, 2025
Really fun
It took me a while to get to, but I'm glad I finally read this one. It was just a fun book. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Highly recommended.
It took me a while to get to, but I'm glad I finally read this one. It was just a fun book. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Highly recommended.
March 7, 2025
Good Read
An interesting story. The MC is likeable, the supporting characters interesting and the story moves at a good pace. The MC is not over powered and doesn’t become overpowered but does show growth. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
An interesting story. The MC is likeable, the supporting characters interesting and the story moves at a good pace. The MC is not over powered and doesn’t become overpowered but does show growth. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 9, 2025
Very entertaining
Underdog coming of age fantasy; well written, funny, clean language. The main character is smart, hardworking and reliable, and makes unusual choices. I've already got the next book in the series.
Underdog coming of age fantasy; well written, funny, clean language. The main character is smart, hardworking and reliable, and makes unusual choices. I've already got the next book in the series.
April 13, 2025
Great book!
Really enjoyed this book. The MC isn’t overpowered- you can see he works for everything, and get a great sense of who he is by the end.
Plot is great too while multiple interesting stories wrapped into one.
Can’t wait to read the next! I hope the series doesn’t end soon!
Really enjoyed this book. The MC isn’t overpowered- you can see he works for everything, and get a great sense of who he is by the end.
Plot is great too while multiple interesting stories wrapped into one.
Can’t wait to read the next! I hope the series doesn’t end soon!
April 28, 2025
Fun book
Well done looking forward to the next book. I'm grateful it comes out in a few days. Hope the author keeps up the story line and doesn't lose control of the story, it's good and I'm hoping for a fun series
Well done looking forward to the next book. I'm grateful it comes out in a few days. Hope the author keeps up the story line and doesn't lose control of the story, it's good and I'm hoping for a fun series
February 19, 2025
Worth reading
Really enjoyable, sort of standard d&d style with an interesting twist on made progression, but really unconventional plot and role for the MC.
Really enjoyable, sort of standard d&d style with an interesting twist on made progression, but really unconventional plot and role for the MC.
August 9, 2025
Brent dreams of being a wizard adventurer, but due to his stupid pride he’s chosen to work as lame sewer mage, reviled by society while living in abject poverty. Luckily, he has his familiar Jory, an adorable and seemingly harmless imp he rescued from the sewers yrs ago. When "monsters" start coming out of the sewers it suddenly up to Bernt and the other underkeepers to save the day. Will he finally be able to prove himself worthy of being an adventurer?
This is the kind of book where I slowly began to despise the characters and story the more i read. It started out with tons of potential - I actually only quit about a chapter or 2 before the end (kept hoping against hope it would get better) - but it became such a frustrating read. Though to be clear, this is probably an issue of taste more than anything.
The characters are adults but it feels more like a YA story - the kind of YA story where the author refuses to allow the characters to progress and grow. The kind of story where it doesn't matter what the MC accomplishes, there's always gonna be more stupid roadblocks and hoops for him to jump through.
Right from the start, the author paints a picture of a complete underdog: the MC is an orphan who was lucky enough to have magic, but what does that matter when he's competing with other mages and has always had the deck stacked against him? Don't be fooled though! This isn't a zero to hero kind of story. This guy complains A LOT about not having the resources that others have, and never getting any respect or empathy wah wah wah. He blames it all on a system that basically throws poor mages like him away (cue the violin music). As an "underkeeper" he is seen as the lowest of the low (cue more violin music). Most people literally wrinkle their noses in disgust if he gets anywhere near them, and he is often refused service and admission to any relevant guilds. Even the teenagers at his old academy always snicker whenever they see him.
The thing is though, you eventually start to realize this guy is kind of pathetic! Dude is also walking around in raw sewage with no safety gear or anything (just the robes he wears every day!). He relies on a cantrip to clean off his filthy robes that he later on admits really only takes care of the smell because it's so "basic" (i would be wrinkling my nose in disgust at his presence too!).
The further along the story gets the more it seems like this guy's failure in life is almost entirely his own fault. He refuses to ask anyone for help and stubbornly resists nearly every opportunity he gets to better himself. For instance, it's revealed later on that Instead, he chose to work in the sewers. Numerous times he claims underkeepers make good $$$, but he isn't paid regularly and lives in complete poverty, supposedly because he's saving up for adventurer gear (yet even after yrs of saving he still doesn't seem to have the funds to buy any gear).
As if that's not enough, it's also revealed that a lack of funds isn't this guy's only roadblock: even if he had the right gear he'd still need to get "invested," something he would likely never be able do on his own without calling in some big favors (something he will never have and would never do), along with decades of research and saving
There seemed to be numerous opportunities throughout this story that this guy continued to squander (or didn't even bother to consider), though to be fair, he does eventually take some help. Still IMO it was too little too late. The last straw for me came near the end when he finally gains some well deserved loot (loot that has already been divided by his own party, i might add!), and what does he do with it? He desperately tries to give it away NUMEROUS TIMES to NUMEROUS people until he finally finds a taker. This is really only a minor detail in the scheme of things, but it was so annoying to read about! It felt very contrived and forced. Like the author needed to ensure that there could be no question his MC would continue being a stupid underkeeper. And to be fair, it's hard to see the MC doing anything else.
In addition to that, the secondary characters never really came together. Every time this guy referred to his "party" it felt off, cause he never officially joined their party and i couldn't imagine what they saw in him anyways. Same thing with his "familiar." Jory spent most of the book off on her own and/or with others. I couldn't even blame her since the MC treated her more like a pet than a person and he was so self absorbed he often didn't seem to consider her safety a priority.
This is the kind of book where I slowly began to despise the characters and story the more i read. It started out with tons of potential - I actually only quit about a chapter or 2 before the end (kept hoping against hope it would get better) - but it became such a frustrating read. Though to be clear, this is probably an issue of taste more than anything.
The characters are adults but it feels more like a YA story - the kind of YA story where the author refuses to allow the characters to progress and grow. The kind of story where it doesn't matter what the MC accomplishes, there's always gonna be more stupid roadblocks and hoops for him to jump through.
Right from the start, the author paints a picture of a complete underdog: the MC is an orphan who was lucky enough to have magic, but what does that matter when he's competing with other mages and has always had the deck stacked against him? Don't be fooled though! This isn't a zero to hero kind of story. This guy complains A LOT about not having the resources that others have, and never getting any respect or empathy wah wah wah. He blames it all on a system that basically throws poor mages like him away (cue the violin music). As an "underkeeper" he is seen as the lowest of the low (cue more violin music). Most people literally wrinkle their noses in disgust if he gets anywhere near them, and he is often refused service and admission to any relevant guilds. Even the teenagers at his old academy always snicker whenever they see him.
The thing is though, you eventually start to realize this guy is kind of pathetic! Dude is also walking around in raw sewage with no safety gear or anything (just the robes he wears every day!). He relies on a cantrip to clean off his filthy robes that he later on admits really only takes care of the smell because it's so "basic" (i would be wrinkling my nose in disgust at his presence too!).
The further along the story gets the more it seems like this guy's failure in life is almost entirely his own fault. He refuses to ask anyone for help and stubbornly resists nearly every opportunity he gets to better himself. For instance, it's revealed later on that Instead, he chose to work in the sewers. Numerous times he claims underkeepers make good $$$, but he isn't paid regularly and lives in complete poverty, supposedly because he's saving up for adventurer gear (yet even after yrs of saving he still doesn't seem to have the funds to buy any gear).
As if that's not enough, it's also revealed that a lack of funds isn't this guy's only roadblock: even if he had the right gear he'd still need to get "invested," something he would likely never be able do on his own without calling in some big favors (something he will never have and would never do), along with decades of research and saving
There seemed to be numerous opportunities throughout this story that this guy continued to squander (or didn't even bother to consider), though to be fair, he does eventually take some help. Still IMO it was too little too late. The last straw for me came near the end when he finally gains some well deserved loot (loot that has already been divided by his own party, i might add!), and what does he do with it? He desperately tries to give it away NUMEROUS TIMES to NUMEROUS people until he finally finds a taker. This is really only a minor detail in the scheme of things, but it was so annoying to read about! It felt very contrived and forced. Like the author needed to ensure that there could be no question his MC would continue being a stupid underkeeper. And to be fair, it's hard to see the MC doing anything else.
In addition to that, the secondary characters never really came together. Every time this guy referred to his "party" it felt off, cause he never officially joined their party and i couldn't imagine what they saw in him anyways. Same thing with his "familiar." Jory spent most of the book off on her own and/or with others. I couldn't even blame her since the MC treated her more like a pet than a person and he was so self absorbed he often didn't seem to consider her safety a priority.
April 2, 2025
(Spoilers)
It’s a traditional fantasy story with minimal power progression. I find the latter aspect somewhat unsatisfying. This setting has an open ended magic system that allows for unorthodox progression. Ancient long lost magic, familiar contracts, bloodlines, Divine Blessings, Rituals and more. But the protagonist, "Burnt" is too prideful for his own good. He lacks the necessary ambition to become the adventurer he aspires to be and its really frustrating. He should have jumped at the opportunity to make an infernal contract thereby gaining access to a whole host of abilities. Increased regeneration, fire resistance, hellfire and possibly soul absorption. Burnt’s characterization is also inconsistent. Does he care about the opinions of random people or not? I personally prefer strong willed protagonists who keep to themselves but are not afraid to ask for help. The Underkeepers are interesting. Given their reputation, they serve as the underdogs for this story.
What makes a protagonist special? Simple, we are witnessing the journey of someone extraordinary. Burnt is not giving me that impression. I don’t see what makes him unique compared to the average adventurer or war mage. He’s just a pyromancer who has inadvertently involved himself in a political conflict because he adopted a low ranking demon familiar.
If I was writing this story, I would have Burnt awaken a fire dragon bloodline, then he contracts with a demon to gain access to infernal fire and other demonic abilities. Essentially Burnt would be a trained Pyromancer with innate Sorcerer magic and Warlock abilities.
This would synergize his abilities because both his sorcerer bloodline and infernal powers would boost his pyromancy. There are also other ideas you could implement. When the demon familiar absorbs souls from draconic creatures, some of that energy is fed through the familiar contract and it strengthens Burnt's draconic bloodline or you can limit this strengthening effect for when the demon tiers up. The infernal contract could go both ways with Burnt's abilities also transferred to his familiar.
You should make his demon familiar a very special high ranking demon that is initially mistaken to be an baby imp. Which would differentiate him from other warlocks. Setting aside the investitures, I think Burnt should seek alternative sources of power. Like covering himself in magical tattoos or not limiting himself to the mage path. There's a Berserkers Guild so why not look into getting Berserker regeneration. Since healing potions are so expensive and the Alchemist Guild hates his guts.
I want to see a bigger emphasis on progression and loot. Ancient magic tomes, Magical artifacts, gold, jewels and souls. Burnt's relationship with his familiar is not close enough. The demon should almost be an extension of himself. Really emphasize how underrated the Underkeepers are. They have semi-exclusive access to the tunnel network under the city. What advantages does that bring? Can Burnt develop a disciple relationship with the Underkeeper arch mage?
The synopsis gave me the impression that Burnt would discover a hidden dungeon during his duties as an Underkeeper and he would decide to secretly delve into it to grow stronger. Instead the dungeon causes a larger conflict which involves the entire city. As I was reading the book, I then assumed the duke or military would magically seal the dungeon while Burnt and most of the adventurers were still inside. Which would have made the story going forward a desperate struggle for survival. Which would also force Burnt to make an infernal contract. Picking off kobalds using Infernal fire and absorbing their souls to grow stronger. Instead the narrative has him rescue the adventurers and they escape the dungeon. The novel isn't even quarter finished at this point.
It’s a traditional fantasy story with minimal power progression. I find the latter aspect somewhat unsatisfying. This setting has an open ended magic system that allows for unorthodox progression. Ancient long lost magic, familiar contracts, bloodlines, Divine Blessings, Rituals and more. But the protagonist, "Burnt" is too prideful for his own good. He lacks the necessary ambition to become the adventurer he aspires to be and its really frustrating. He should have jumped at the opportunity to make an infernal contract thereby gaining access to a whole host of abilities. Increased regeneration, fire resistance, hellfire and possibly soul absorption. Burnt’s characterization is also inconsistent. Does he care about the opinions of random people or not? I personally prefer strong willed protagonists who keep to themselves but are not afraid to ask for help. The Underkeepers are interesting. Given their reputation, they serve as the underdogs for this story.
What makes a protagonist special? Simple, we are witnessing the journey of someone extraordinary. Burnt is not giving me that impression. I don’t see what makes him unique compared to the average adventurer or war mage. He’s just a pyromancer who has inadvertently involved himself in a political conflict because he adopted a low ranking demon familiar.
If I was writing this story, I would have Burnt awaken a fire dragon bloodline, then he contracts with a demon to gain access to infernal fire and other demonic abilities. Essentially Burnt would be a trained Pyromancer with innate Sorcerer magic and Warlock abilities.
This would synergize his abilities because both his sorcerer bloodline and infernal powers would boost his pyromancy. There are also other ideas you could implement. When the demon familiar absorbs souls from draconic creatures, some of that energy is fed through the familiar contract and it strengthens Burnt's draconic bloodline or you can limit this strengthening effect for when the demon tiers up. The infernal contract could go both ways with Burnt's abilities also transferred to his familiar.
You should make his demon familiar a very special high ranking demon that is initially mistaken to be an baby imp. Which would differentiate him from other warlocks. Setting aside the investitures, I think Burnt should seek alternative sources of power. Like covering himself in magical tattoos or not limiting himself to the mage path. There's a Berserkers Guild so why not look into getting Berserker regeneration. Since healing potions are so expensive and the Alchemist Guild hates his guts.
I want to see a bigger emphasis on progression and loot. Ancient magic tomes, Magical artifacts, gold, jewels and souls. Burnt's relationship with his familiar is not close enough. The demon should almost be an extension of himself. Really emphasize how underrated the Underkeepers are. They have semi-exclusive access to the tunnel network under the city. What advantages does that bring? Can Burnt develop a disciple relationship with the Underkeeper arch mage?
The synopsis gave me the impression that Burnt would discover a hidden dungeon during his duties as an Underkeeper and he would decide to secretly delve into it to grow stronger. Instead the dungeon causes a larger conflict which involves the entire city. As I was reading the book, I then assumed the duke or military would magically seal the dungeon while Burnt and most of the adventurers were still inside. Which would have made the story going forward a desperate struggle for survival. Which would also force Burnt to make an infernal contract. Picking off kobalds using Infernal fire and absorbing their souls to grow stronger. Instead the narrative has him rescue the adventurers and they escape the dungeon. The novel isn't even quarter finished at this point.
August 2, 2025
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
I picked this up expecting a magical underdog tale—a sewer worker bound to a forbidden imp, defying a world that fears demons? That’s a cool premise. But by the end, I was left wondering why the most interesting parts of the story kept happening around the protagonist instead of because of him.
Mc
The MC dreams of becoming an adventurer, but he never actually works toward it. He’s stuck with weak magic, no combat skills, and a job that doesn’t challenge or prepare him. Even bonding with the imp—a huge societal taboo—doesn’t feel like a real risk or rebellion, because the consequences are barely explored. I kept waiting for him to train, scheme, or at least fail spectacularly in a way that made me root for him. Instead, he just… stays the same.
The imp is treated like a pet, not a potentially dangerous entity. In a world where demons have slaughtered people, you’d expect tension—will it turn on him? Does it have hidden motives? But no. Their bond is just… there, adding little to the plot. What a waste of potential!
The most engaging moments came from side characters and the imp Jori. Every time the story shifted away from the MC, it felt more interesting but also frustrating to go back to mc pov. That’s not a good sign when the protagonist should be the heart of the book.
No Progression, No Payoff
This isn’t LitRPG, so I wasn’t expecting stat sheets—but I was expecting the MC to develop some competence. Instead, he remains frustratingly stagnant. Even his sewer job, which could’ve been a unique source of skills (knowledge of underground tunnels, magical waste hazards, etc.), never plays into his growth.
There’s a good story buried here—just not the one about the main character. If you love worldbuilding and don’t mind a passive protagonist, you might find things to enjoy. But if you’re here for a satisfying underdog rise? This gambit falls flat
I picked this up expecting a magical underdog tale—a sewer worker bound to a forbidden imp, defying a world that fears demons? That’s a cool premise. But by the end, I was left wondering why the most interesting parts of the story kept happening around the protagonist instead of because of him.
Mc
The MC dreams of becoming an adventurer, but he never actually works toward it. He’s stuck with weak magic, no combat skills, and a job that doesn’t challenge or prepare him. Even bonding with the imp—a huge societal taboo—doesn’t feel like a real risk or rebellion, because the consequences are barely explored. I kept waiting for him to train, scheme, or at least fail spectacularly in a way that made me root for him. Instead, he just… stays the same.
The imp is treated like a pet, not a potentially dangerous entity. In a world where demons have slaughtered people, you’d expect tension—will it turn on him? Does it have hidden motives? But no. Their bond is just… there, adding little to the plot. What a waste of potential!
The most engaging moments came from side characters and the imp Jori. Every time the story shifted away from the MC, it felt more interesting but also frustrating to go back to mc pov. That’s not a good sign when the protagonist should be the heart of the book.
No Progression, No Payoff
This isn’t LitRPG, so I wasn’t expecting stat sheets—but I was expecting the MC to develop some competence. Instead, he remains frustratingly stagnant. Even his sewer job, which could’ve been a unique source of skills (knowledge of underground tunnels, magical waste hazards, etc.), never plays into his growth.
There’s a good story buried here—just not the one about the main character. If you love worldbuilding and don’t mind a passive protagonist, you might find things to enjoy. But if you’re here for a satisfying underdog rise? This gambit falls flat
April 25, 2025
Slow. Drawn out. Over explained. Slow.
This book is painfully slow. The main character has no agency and doesn't even discuss the potential of leveling until 200 pages in. The main character cries in situations for no apparent reason because years have been in preparation for events moving forward. The supporting character, somewhat more interesting, is a demon imp. There's really no connection early on that make you care about this relationship. The main character is so weak that it's annoying. The main character really doesn't have an arc in this story, it's just a continuous journey in the plot line to figure out how not to be so pathetic. It's incredibly slow-moving, they stop mid-action sequence to explain events or past events.
There's zero nuance to this writing, plotline drags with no suspense or emotional attachment to what is going to happen.
And broad sense the story is okay, it feels like the author tried to create an epic D&D game in writing and it just doesn't work. The leveling dynamics of the characters are unexplained and repeatedly simple monsters that should just be taken out become massive obstacles to an entire city.
The plot is leading up to explanation, but after 100 pages you just stop caring...
If you like your reading with define characters and action-packed this is not a story for you. It's not an overall bad story, it's just pathetically slow and boring.
This book is painfully slow. The main character has no agency and doesn't even discuss the potential of leveling until 200 pages in. The main character cries in situations for no apparent reason because years have been in preparation for events moving forward. The supporting character, somewhat more interesting, is a demon imp. There's really no connection early on that make you care about this relationship. The main character is so weak that it's annoying. The main character really doesn't have an arc in this story, it's just a continuous journey in the plot line to figure out how not to be so pathetic. It's incredibly slow-moving, they stop mid-action sequence to explain events or past events.
There's zero nuance to this writing, plotline drags with no suspense or emotional attachment to what is going to happen.
And broad sense the story is okay, it feels like the author tried to create an epic D&D game in writing and it just doesn't work. The leveling dynamics of the characters are unexplained and repeatedly simple monsters that should just be taken out become massive obstacles to an entire city.
The plot is leading up to explanation, but after 100 pages you just stop caring...
If you like your reading with define characters and action-packed this is not a story for you. It's not an overall bad story, it's just pathetically slow and boring.
August 30, 2025
Strong start but mediocre follow-up
The book had a strong start. A down on his luck magical maintenance worker dreaming of adventure and better days..... But it kinda went nowhere after that. We instead get a lackluster explanation of how magic works, why he couldn't join the guild or the adventurers before, yet somehow becomes one after his rich friend gets him a wand?
Despite wanting to do things, and not wanting handouts (stupid, when he's already bereft of resources, somehow his ego matters more), he explores a dungeon with his secret trusty demon sidekick, only to cower, run into some library and get books and free other prisoners..... Only to promptly surrender the books to his boss, and reveal his demon secret without a plan.
And despite saying how he wants to be a creative wizard he just follows the plan laid out by his boss.
As the city somehow gears for war with the BBEG, the BBEG just... Goes away? And the book ends. What.
The book had a strong start. A down on his luck magical maintenance worker dreaming of adventure and better days..... But it kinda went nowhere after that. We instead get a lackluster explanation of how magic works, why he couldn't join the guild or the adventurers before, yet somehow becomes one after his rich friend gets him a wand?
Despite wanting to do things, and not wanting handouts (stupid, when he's already bereft of resources, somehow his ego matters more), he explores a dungeon with his secret trusty demon sidekick, only to cower, run into some library and get books and free other prisoners..... Only to promptly surrender the books to his boss, and reveal his demon secret without a plan.
And despite saying how he wants to be a creative wizard he just follows the plan laid out by his boss.
As the city somehow gears for war with the BBEG, the BBEG just... Goes away? And the book ends. What.
June 20, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
It was ok. It feels like the intro to a story, rather than a complete one on its own.
The titular “Dragon’s Gambit” was never actually revealed. Stuff happened, that we know the dragon was involved with, but we are never given a reason why or even a reason to think that it will actually matter in the future. I’m sure it will, but at the end of this book, the MC is barely any better off than he was in the beginning. The tiniest amount of progression possible.
I’ll probably read the next one. Maybe when the audiobook is released.
It was ok. It feels like the intro to a story, rather than a complete one on its own.
The titular “Dragon’s Gambit” was never actually revealed. Stuff happened, that we know the dragon was involved with, but we are never given a reason why or even a reason to think that it will actually matter in the future. I’m sure it will, but at the end of this book, the MC is barely any better off than he was in the beginning. The tiniest amount of progression possible.
I’ll probably read the next one. Maybe when the audiobook is released.
August 23, 2025
The main character is weak-willed, prideful, whiny and lame. The only cool thing is his little demon familiar.
Continuity feels weird:
He's in a dungeon, rescued some people, and now he's "going towards the exit"... but a few pages later and he is now in the dragon lair, which is further in the dungeon.
He tunneled into a dungeon... but when he tries to tunnel out, suddenly he is far deeper and can't get out.
Enemies always come out of nowhere. Suddenly he gets sliced by some kobold.... How is he not seeing any of the enemies around him?
It doesn't make sense how much he wants to be a sewer man. At one point he has all the things he needs to be an adventurer instead. He found a bunch of very valuable tomes and spell scrolls.... what does he do? He GIVES THEM AWAY to the head of the sewer department, and BEGS FOR HIS SEWER JOB. Like CMON.... what is this trash?
Continuity feels weird:
He's in a dungeon, rescued some people, and now he's "going towards the exit"... but a few pages later and he is now in the dragon lair, which is further in the dungeon.
He tunneled into a dungeon... but when he tries to tunnel out, suddenly he is far deeper and can't get out.
Enemies always come out of nowhere. Suddenly he gets sliced by some kobold.... How is he not seeing any of the enemies around him?
It doesn't make sense how much he wants to be a sewer man. At one point he has all the things he needs to be an adventurer instead. He found a bunch of very valuable tomes and spell scrolls.... what does he do? He GIVES THEM AWAY to the head of the sewer department, and BEGS FOR HIS SEWER JOB. Like CMON.... what is this trash?
April 1, 2025
Had potential
I gave up around 65%. In the beginning the MC and what I thought the plot was about kept me interested. By 40% of the way through, I was wondering why I was reading the book. The MC was a pitifully soft willed mage with very little talent. His bond was certainly more interesting as well as the side characters. At 65% I found myself staring at the page thinking about something totally unrelated to the book. That's when I ended it.
I gave up around 65%. In the beginning the MC and what I thought the plot was about kept me interested. By 40% of the way through, I was wondering why I was reading the book. The MC was a pitifully soft willed mage with very little talent. His bond was certainly more interesting as well as the side characters. At 65% I found myself staring at the page thinking about something totally unrelated to the book. That's when I ended it.
June 19, 2025
id say it's a pretty average book. it feels a little like it's riding off the back of Harry Potter and in my opinion the magic is over used. There is minor swearing but it's not so terrible.
so far I have no complaints about the main character. also I don't know yet if I wanna continue the series.
so far I have no complaints about the main character. also I don't know yet if I wanna continue the series.
Read
February 19, 2025a great debut!
Great world building and characters. Just a terrifically well written book. Nice slow burn in a very interesting fantasy world.
Great world building and characters. Just a terrifically well written book. Nice slow burn in a very interesting fantasy world.
Read
April 11, 2025Note to self: not bad, but not for me. Not litrpg or progression (or if there is, it's very slow). More fantasy than anything.
April 14, 2025
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Zori the imp. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Zori the imp. I anxiously await the sequel.
April 26, 2025
I enjoy this book.
I really liked this book.
I enjoyed the characters. And the pace of the story.
Can't wait to read the next four books in the series.
I really liked this book.
I enjoyed the characters. And the pace of the story.
Can't wait to read the next four books in the series.
May 19, 2025
Good book
I liked it blah bam hhxjdhdhxbx dd d d d d d d d d d d d d d dd d d d x x x x x x x
I liked it blah bam hhxjdhdhxbx dd d d d d d d d d d d d d d dd d d d x x x x x x x
August 22, 2025
Interesting book, but wasn't really gripping.
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