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Magebreaker #1

Magebreaker

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Davik of Darkshire is one of the last Magebreakers who survived the Summoner War. In that brutal conflict, expendable conscripts were engraved with runes of resistance and hardiness, turning them into the scourge of warcasters. Using his augmentation to forge a storied career, he has battled through epic adventures, ambushes, and dungeons for the last decade.

After narrowly escaping a treacherous contract, Davik faces a recruit and re-arm or leave his bloodstained past behind. Seeking solace, he heads to Oakshire in the Midlands, hoping to find peace and purpose beyond the burden of his reputation.

In Oakshire, Davik meets a former enemy, the captivating Sariel, a battle-elf turned tavern owner. Taking a job as a hired hand, he immerses himself in the simple, honest work of running a tavern.

With the company of Vorga, a book-loving orc waitress; Karley, a sharp-tongued drow bartender; Tyra, a faen cook with a heart of gold; and Elina, a cleric bent on helping him change, he begins to feel at home.

As Davik navigates his growing feelings for Sariel and the attention of his new coworkers, he finds himself drawn to this new life. Each relationship offers a chance at redemption and connection.

But old scores and dangers have a way of resurfacing, and Davik’s journey of healing is far from over.

Magebreaker is a slice-of-life fantasy tale of redemption, romance, camaraderie, and the quest to find peace.

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Published August 21, 2024

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Declan Court

3 books30 followers

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5 stars
632 (63%)
4 stars
226 (22%)
3 stars
83 (8%)
2 stars
33 (3%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Dave Stone.
1,347 reviews96 followers
September 21, 2024
A darker remake of Master Class by Annabelle Hawthorne
-I can honestly see more people liking this version better.-

Harem, sex scenes, Not LitRPG, graphic violence, Gore & torture, cynical world view
Both of these stories are about a damaged veteran who underwent torturous rune-carving of his bones to make him an ultimate weapon. Both men are sick of violence and seek a way to put their past behind them. Both try to take up a simple life of anonymity in a small town.
One at an orphanage the other at a tavern.
Master Class has plucky orphans and comic relief and a nerdier MC, over all a cartoonier vibe.

They are both pretty good, but this one doesn't try to get cute.
356 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
DNF. It started out as a pretty interesting story. But I soon became too disgusted with the MC to continue. The man is a broken thing. He's had a hard, grim life. But instead of it turning him hard, he just gives up all dignity. He meets a tavern owner who somehow knows exactly who he is. She's some kinda badass girl boss that humiliates him. His response is to prostrate and lick her feet. She gives him a pity job doing slave work at the tavern. It's full of hot chicks which I assume by the genre he's going to start banging. They all treat him like crap and he swallows it. It's revolting. I quit after she informs him that in order to be the bar slave he will have to get a magical collar that monitors his behavior. I think you might have to be a sub who likes to be dominated by women to enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Alfred.
134 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2025
Grittiest Slice-of-Life around

There's nothing quite like having your expectations surpassed. I went into this book expecting a quiet, slice-of-life story that, like a lot of male-targeted romance, was adequately written but uplifting enough to be worth it.

Instead, I was impressed by the wonderful prose, character depth and often dark subplots that I encountered. There are moments of tension, frustration, intimacy and catharsis to be found in Magebreaker.

I'm knocking half a star off for occasional typos, but otherwise I'd say this was practically flawless. I'm excited to dive back in with Magebreaker 2.
4.5 out of 5.
101 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
Great story, love the premise... But I just can't give it 5 stars.

I'd really love to give this 5 stars because I really like the story concept and it has some great parts. But, it just feels like every sentence is so final. Like the sentences are meant to flow together, but they just feel like an old telegraph "train coming - stop. Trading in station - stop." something like that? It's hard to explain so here's an example:
"The boar came squealing out of the woods right at us. I pointed my spear and dug my heels in as it charged towards. Like infantry bracing for a cavalry charge."
It's too many statements and not enough flow. I'm not an English teacher, so it's just a feeling I get from it. Maybe if there is an English teacher that can explain it better, that would be great.
2,476 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2024
This book was well-written but I didn’t enjoy it. Felt it tried to do too many things and it was rather jarring. Is it a gritty tale of corruption? Sure. But hold on, let’s have a wacky old lady and a humorous gnome! OK. What, now some fairly hardcore porn. Battle scene! Oh god, no one will ever love him and he deserves to die. Now let’s have a lovely bath! And now to be confronted by man’s essential inhumanity. Then porn! And so on. It is too much for one book I feel. I got motion sickness from the rapid turnabout. Nevertheless you might want to give it a go as this is a matter of personal taste.
Profile Image for Nick Massey.
391 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2025
Just...wow

I was not expecting that, this story was just amazing, I loved every single moment. I was on the edge of my seat more than half the book. Wow, I can't wait for more.
27 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2024
I initially found the writing a little overdone. You can tell that the author loves a good turn of phrase. It started to grow on me though and by the end I think Magebreaker deserves it's 5 stars so stick with it.

Some key standouts for me:
The spicy scenes are fucking great. Not everyone can write a good one but Declan Court can. The hair cut scene was enthralling.
The main character is an unrepentant badass. The scenes where he goes all out are really great. I love a MC that will finish the job too.
The characterization of each love interest was really well done. I'm glad that there's room for more books in the series and that each one was given their time in the sun. Even the side characters (one who gets introduced and really only sticks around for a couple chapters) felt fleshed out and I was not annoyed when they took up a little space. No annoying sidekicks, which I can appreciate.

394 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2024
Honestly, it's a pretty good slice of life fantasy book. It was captivating seeing MC slowly start to put his life back together and build a nice home for himself. But honestly, i would have given this book a 4 stars if it wasn't for the female narrator (of the audiobook) who ruined my enjoyment and immersion multiple times. Every character she voiced sounded like a slow talking idiot, and there wasn't even any different voices for the different characters, well at least none easily discernible, except for maybe the old woman, Mable. Damn, that was so annoying. Imagine you're MC and every single girl you talk to converses at half speed with zero emotion or inflection. I tell you, i'd be peaceing out of that village 3 days after my arrival to go back and live in the forest.
37 reviews
July 8, 2024
Great work.

Really enjoyed this. If I had to sum it up in a few words it was grim, impactful, and satisfying.
I liked how sweet some of the scenes are with the women and also how violent the violence is. The war veterans from either side of the conflict are damaged survivors, not able to enjoy life but also not going to let go at all.
530 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2025
Did not finish - decent writing but not what I was looking for

This was not a book I read. The writing was decent. I did not finish it for that reason. Others might like it.
Profile Image for Dan.
82 reviews
May 6, 2025
I did not expect a harem fantasy story to move me this much. Wow!

The protagonist is called Davik of Darkshire. Davik led a tragic life. Orphaned at young age and begging for food; ripped out of his early adventuring days and forced to become a war-slave; forced through a brutal ritual to become a magebreaker and fight in a cruel war; captured in a war prison- the Darkshire - where he was tortured to the point of insanity and losing his humanity - being a strong but scarred adventurer once again, who fights grand battles, chases after skirts and spends his money on booze, women and gambles, as easily as he makes it.
We meet Davik on his last day as adventurer, before he lays down his sword and tries to live a new life. He comes to a peaceful town, falls in love with an elf, who once fought against him in the war and decides to work in her tavern, to get under her skirt. In the town he also meets four other young and innocent women, which he will get to know closer throughout the book.

Daviks past gets shown in flashbacks and memories from time to time. While his adventuring days are interesting and exciting, his days in the prison are the true focus of the story. Declan Court managed to show enough to make the reader understand without a doubt, just how cruel and inhumane those times were, but left out just enough for the reader to fill in with imagination, making for a devastating combination and creating an incredible mood for a book.

The present is mostly flirting, witty and funny comebacks and Daviks new life. But even then trauma, corruption and murder are still ongoing themes. Yet the most part is about moving on and healing.

If it hasn’t been made clear so far, this book is not for the lighthearted. I am actually surprised, this is a harem book. Imo, a one on one romance would have fit better. But then again, the smut is written da*n well.

This story managed to make me laugh, cry and horny. Not all is purely good. The cleric was unrealistic and hollow, the power of the protagonist conveniently doesn’t activate in certain situations so the author can create tension and … every girl is a virgin. But the author does know how to create a mood and play with emotions.

The ending was beautiful and I am looking forward to part 2!
111 reviews
August 17, 2024
This is almost one of the best books I've read in the harem genre, but it's just so ridiculously dark. The hits just keep on coming and the POW PTSD flashbacks are too frequent and graphic. Did the author really need to include cannibalism? It seems like a cheap/lazy way to ratchet up horror/drama, similar to jump-scares in horror movies.

We get it, the guy is mentally/emotionally scarred, has suffered extreme trauma, and is a total badass. People consistently suffer horrific wounds, shrug them off and keep on fighting...I imagine the author has been watching a lot of Hollywood movies. It hints at a small measure of immaturity, which is confusing given the numerous mature/wise insights into the 'human condition' and carefully constructed plot.

The MC is very foolish with money/wealth and always gives away or spends everything he owns. The only exception to this are 'his' women. It's great that he doesn't want to share, but his words and actions clearly show that he considers them as his possessions which I find somewhat offensive (only somewhat because it's fiction and not real but it does call into question how much he really loves them).

Although the book gets frustrating at times, most of it is very interesting and entertaining.

Profile Image for GrumpyOldMan.
449 reviews26 followers
Read
June 23, 2024
This book was pretty good. It follows the "Super Soldier that looks to retire to a quiet place, but must break out his powers to defend his new place" trope that is gaining traction in haremlit.

The MC is what is known as a Magebreaker. During a huge war, he was cut open and had runes inscribed in his bones that makes him resist magic. The war was terrible, and left everyone that survived with some form of PTSD. The MC has lots of horrors he lived through. With the war in the past, he finally decides his mercenary ways are proving futile, and looks to settle into a calmer life. But people will be jerks, and the MC doesn't suffer jerks.

The harem is very big for a first book, with 3 women who have joined, and at least one more queued up, and another probably ready to join. That's a lot of women in 410 pages. The first joins because it's her nature as the priestess of her goddess, and she feels the MC is "her one". The MC does work on winning the other two, so it isn't just "Oh, I love you" right off the bat. Still, 3 women in one book is a lot.

There were a few typos as the end of the book neared, almost as if the editor got lazy towards the end.

I'd read another book in this series.
658 reviews9 followers
March 5, 2025
An excellent but incredibly dark and viscious story

A dark and gritty story of an MC who is a magebreaker! Warlocks have inscribed runes into his bones that allow him to absorb or perhaps more accurately withstand magic cast against him. His life has been one of torment and savagery, both against him and by him. War, treachery, backstabbing, he's survived, perhaps even thrived through it all.

He's tired and seeking rest, even if it's the final rest. Yet in the town of Oakshire, he finds a former enemy who has battled her own demons. Eventually they come to an understanding, but of course there are obstacles to a quiet life. Thieves, greedy corporations, corrupt officials over and above just life and relationships. But the MC doesnt just know how to take a beat down, he knows how to bring the pain, at usurous interest rates.

A well crafted story, but once again dark, gritty and viscious.
Profile Image for Dp2k.
236 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
The prose is solid, editing was well done, although quotes weren't entirely used properly, but it was infrequent so I could ignore it.
It wasn't as much a slice-of-life that it was relaxing although it had its moments. There was more drama and suspense than I expected (some dark stuff as well) so I wouldn't categorize it as SoL.
The MC is fairly generic, but I didn't have a problem with him.
In general it was simply good, not great. Something like Master Class has basically the same MC but with more personality and more interesting characters. The villains in this one were as generic as the MC, and were the kind of mustache-twitching villains that were simply there to provide a backdrop for the MC's badassity. Not really impressive, but still a bit of fun.
It ended on a great note if you only go to The End and not into the epilogue. I skipped the epilogue and decided one book was enough.
Profile Image for Tyler.
15 reviews
June 26, 2024
Good book with a lot of errors

I really enjoyed the writing in this book, which is why it was so disappointing how many errors there were. From 'floo' instead of 'flue', the MC taking off his boots when the author went out of his way to show that he wasn't wearing any, to missing words, doubled words, synonyms doubled as if the author couldn't decide which to use and left both in, to the epilogue using the word 'spin' instead of 'spine', the author ran a marathon just to trip over a pebble and break a leg at the finish line.

There's nothing especially egregious here, but every one of the dozen or so errors kicked me right out of the book. There are worse signs than breaking immersion, but it does make it harder to enjoy the work. This would have been 5 stars otherwise.
415 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2025
I'm a bit torn on this book. It's pretty good, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me either.

World building: Decent, if a bit dark. And it's drip fed to us nicely without a big exposition dump. Basically it's a high fantasy world, but a big WWI event happened a few years back, which left scars on the land and - especially - on the survivors. There's nothing super novel here, but it's good.

Plot: The protagonist is deeply traumatised by the war, what happened to him, what he had to do, what was done to him during his time in a prisoner camp, etc. The plot, such as it is, is him trying to recover from this by finding some peace and perhaps a new purpose.

Characters: Pretty good. The protagonist is decent; the side characters are better. Maybe a little character progression.

Themes and ideas: Very much a story of broken people trying to recover. Not bad, but dark.

Dialogue and writing: Fine. Good, not great.

If you're looking for a dark, gritty story with a decent romance subplot and not a lot else going on, then this is the book for you? Nothing really pushes this book to greatness, but there's very little wrong with it either.
Profile Image for Rob Bartlett.
Author 3 books133 followers
December 8, 2024
For the monster lurking in all of us… this one’s for you

Very well done story of people learning when it’s alright to let the monster loose. The one who will do anything to protect those it loves, cherishes, needs.
Any. Thing.
It’s not a fast ride, this one. It invites you in gently, carefully. It slowly reveals itself, careful not to spook you with the full monty of its appearance, its grandeur, its well honed ability to do… whatever is necessary.
But when it’s time… well, let’s not spoil the surprise, eh?
From those of us who know this life to the author.
Thank you.
You get it.
Can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,140 reviews76 followers
November 2, 2025
DNF 19%

I was hoping this book would be tolerable despite my dislike for Harem stories. The reviews spoke of good world-building (true) and interesting characters (also true).

Sadly, as soon as the story moved to the cosy-tavern phase, it was all about the sex. Every woman was drop-dead gorgeous and described in lurid detail by their physical attributes. The first sex scene went on for about 20 pages with zero romance or foreplay.

In short, the ratio of masturbatory fantasies versus actual story was too high for my taste. I don't mean to shame those that like this style of fiction. Each to their own.
186 reviews
June 12, 2024
Best read of the year.

Wow, this book came out of nowhere. This is probably one of the best books I’ve read in this genre. It would make a great fantasy book regardless of the genre. It is so incredibly well written and the story is captivating. The main character is tough and gritty but also protective of the people he loves. The sides characters are all so beautifully unique with their own mysterious stories and subplots. You need to read this book, you will not be disappointed.
5 reviews
June 18, 2024
Fun haremlit story. Ended up grabbing this on kindle unlimited as a palette cleanser after a GrimDark fantasy trilogy. I enjoyed the variety of side characters and the story not having too much tension. I’m never a huge fan of these types of stories when I constantly think the characters are going to get in some horrible situation the entire book. I also enjoyed the various fantasy races and hope the author continues with that variety as it can be a bit boring if the whole harem is just elves/humans. Looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Ford Miller.
713 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2025
Good story, with cool anti-hero.

This slice of life fantasy was actually a better read than i expected.
The dialogue was good with good pacing.To the story. I liked the world building and the plot. It worked well, a war veteran plagued by demons, trying to find a new reason to live. It's a good story that's worth the read if you enjoyed this genre. ( The plot and story were good enough to stand on its own without all the adult content.)
Profile Image for Clifton barnes.
6 reviews
June 17, 2024
Fantastic

This book everything I've been looking for in a harem book. Epic fights, great characters and backstory, and even better romance. The romance actually takes time and effort from both party's to flourish. All in all I love it and I can't wait for the second in the series.
245 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
Fantastic book!!!

This is a wonderful book. It may be a little intense for a slice-of-life story, but you will not regret picking it up.

I think the MC would be relatable to many in the basics of what haunts him and what holds him back.

I was very surprised by this one and can't recommend it enough!! Read it today!!
Profile Image for Travis Lamb.
5 reviews
July 6, 2024
Into Darkness…Reforging oneself in forgiveness in the …Light

After a lifetime in darkness…wrath and bane…a breaker of men…seeks redemption in the arms of love freely given by those who see the good man that can be…great story…good character development to enjoy…cliffhanger to anticipate the next book!
Profile Image for larry Mccauley.
415 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2024
Mc

A well.written story but it seems all authors do.fast stories that really behave no ending because the story was left open ended . The elf mage that wanted the mc and al!.his women dead died .....what is next with the MC,s Harem I would suspect as most .modern authors do with these stories is book 2 will.never exist
10 reviews
August 7, 2024
Could not put down

This was a book I came upon randomly, but now I'm so glad I did. As said in my title I just couldn't stop reading, everything flowed, the characters had their flaws and things wrapped up exactly as you wanted them to. I hate that it's over and hope for Magebreaker 2 to come out soon.
12 reviews
October 22, 2024
Awesome! What a badass story

Also, is there more? Where is the next one.
I loved this story, it was full of heart, some bittersweetness, the relationships were done excellently and the main character is a badass that you can really rally behind.

Highly recommend to fans of the genre but also anyone looking for a little Jack Reacher type action in a fantasy world.
150 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2024
Can a broken man recover?

Where to begin? A stranger in need finds support, his brutal past unknown in the beginning. He recovers and becomes a new man, one without the weight of his past, a past full of death. But his past cannot be ignored or forgotten as it allows him to face new dangers, protect newly acquired friends and loved ones. An excellent story, highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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