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Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted #1
Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted #1
Am I the villain in a different coat of paint or just the bane of a corrupted empire? I wonder...
Around age twenty-seven, they finally caught me off guard. As the youngest son of seven, children of the most powerful duke on the continent and archmage at that, the world expected us to fight over the throne.
I tried to keep my distance. Rescind my role. Go about my merry way as people called me the trash of the Thunder family. After all, my magic wouldn’t work for some unknown reason.
Well, it turned out distance wasn’t an option for me.
As the arrows and spears sent me to my death, I couldn’t help but wish to do it all again.
Someone or something answered my dying thought…
It can turn the clock only once.
I found myself back nearly a decade to where it all happened. Only something was different. I could feel the building blocks of magic or mana, aura, and even the flame of Ki.
I also knew who ordered the assassination.
Very well, Third Brother. You want to play games with me? I’ll make sure to destroy everything you’re building, before crushing your throat.
I’ll go beyond just claiming the throne of our ducal province…
What to expect in this
- Progression/Cultivation as well as growing LitRPG elements and character development.
-An expansive magic system with multiple paths.
-Ranks and numbers go up, brrrrr!
-A complex world and even places outside the empire with their own rules.
-A hybrid of slice of life and action. A highborn noble must increase their influence in order to gain power...
-The MC's followers grow very powerful too.
-No harems.
And more!
Around age twenty-seven, they finally caught me off guard. As the youngest son of seven, children of the most powerful duke on the continent and archmage at that, the world expected us to fight over the throne.
I tried to keep my distance. Rescind my role. Go about my merry way as people called me the trash of the Thunder family. After all, my magic wouldn’t work for some unknown reason.
Well, it turned out distance wasn’t an option for me.
As the arrows and spears sent me to my death, I couldn’t help but wish to do it all again.
Someone or something answered my dying thought…
It can turn the clock only once.
I found myself back nearly a decade to where it all happened. Only something was different. I could feel the building blocks of magic or mana, aura, and even the flame of Ki.
I also knew who ordered the assassination.
Very well, Third Brother. You want to play games with me? I’ll make sure to destroy everything you’re building, before crushing your throat.
I’ll go beyond just claiming the throne of our ducal province…
What to expect in this
- Progression/Cultivation as well as growing LitRPG elements and character development.
-An expansive magic system with multiple paths.
-Ranks and numbers go up, brrrrr!
-A complex world and even places outside the empire with their own rules.
-A hybrid of slice of life and action. A highborn noble must increase their influence in order to gain power...
-The MC's followers grow very powerful too.
-No harems.
And more!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
728 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Alvin Atwater
53 books139 followersFirst off, thank you for reading: the books and this bio. A little about myself: I'm man of humor, fantasy, LitRPG, and a lover of characters and their dreams. Born in Florida, I did military service, and dropped out of college to foolishly pursue a writing dream.
If you're a fan and want early access to my works, consider subscribing to my Patreon at www.Patreon.com/syr456
It goes a long way in supporting the series, editing, covers, and maybe that one slice of pizza on a cheat day.
I'm humbled to have made this far thanks to your support and hope to push further beyond my current chokehold.
Questions or concerns or just need another online venue, here's the discord channel:
https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR
If you're a fan and want early access to my works, consider subscribing to my Patreon at www.Patreon.com/syr456
It goes a long way in supporting the series, editing, covers, and maybe that one slice of pizza on a cheat day.
I'm humbled to have made this far thanks to your support and hope to push further beyond my current chokehold.
Questions or concerns or just need another online venue, here's the discord channel:
https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 21, 2025
I like the bits and pieces, but this needs a really good edit. The writing is choppy and the transitions are a mess. This is a painful slog to read.
August 4, 2025
DNF - stopped at 54%.
- Things get more and more unbelievable as the book progresses.
- The speed of MC development is unbelievable.
- The MC is supposed to have 10 extra years life experience, but 10 years, especially as non-mage, can't explain his knowledge or abilities.
- Things get more and more unbelievable as the book progresses.
- The speed of MC development is unbelievable.
- The MC is supposed to have 10 extra years life experience, but 10 years, especially as non-mage, can't explain his knowledge or abilities.
April 28, 2025
Needs an editor
This book is a disjointed mess. I’m not sure what I’m missing other than an enjoyable story. Sentences almost make sense as written but it’s pretty painful. Reads like a stream of consciousness for a rough draft.
This book is a disjointed mess. I’m not sure what I’m missing other than an enjoyable story. Sentences almost make sense as written but it’s pretty painful. Reads like a stream of consciousness for a rough draft.
July 30, 2025
idk why this has so many 5 stars. this was so disjointed and the pacing was all over the place. the concept has promise but the execution was not great. all the characters felt very one dimensional and the 'growth' of the character felt unearned. with this genre I find it easier to be less critical of deficiencies if it's a good fun time of a read but I did not find myself having a good fun time reading this.
July 31, 2025
It’s a good fun read without any boring bits. I was entertained. 👌🏽
August 25, 2025
A regression litrpg story with a nice plot but flawed protagonist
Minus 1 point for the protagonist's gen z start.
Minus 1 point for the first person view for several characters.
Pros: the book has a good plot and never gets boring. The MC grows fast.
Cons: The MC starts as a rebellious, moody, dramatic and obsessed gen z character, which i really loathed but gets more reasonable in the second half of book. His obsession to destroy the entire empire faking concern for fairness and simple people is off-putting as he himself confesses that he doesn't care about suffering innocents, the human cost of his mad plans and always thinks about how he can use people..
The obsession of the brothers with the MC make no sense. Whoever would assassinate a non threat first - if at all?
Criticism and comments
Why do modern writers think that first person view is fancy? For me it most time feels very awkward and annoying..
A privileged, prosperous boy with great education feels himself treated worse than a beggar..
Everyone has asian names except for Larry.
The terms second or sixth sister or confusing as he only has two sisters..
Twitching an enemy's nipple during a fight sounds both unfeasible and bizarre..
It's funny that the MC thinks being sent to a school for non gifted when he was non gifted was a punishment. At least there he had a chance to compete and make something of himself.. At the mage school he would have been like a legless at a marathon..
10 years make no generation!
The stronger bandits seemed very overpowered - some seem to have the same strength as some weaker nobles the protagonist encounters. One would think they would find much better paid and safer work with theirskill levels!
Minus 1 point for the protagonist's gen z start.
Minus 1 point for the first person view for several characters.
Pros: the book has a good plot and never gets boring. The MC grows fast.
Cons: The MC starts as a rebellious, moody, dramatic and obsessed gen z character, which i really loathed but gets more reasonable in the second half of book. His obsession to destroy the entire empire faking concern for fairness and simple people is off-putting as he himself confesses that he doesn't care about suffering innocents, the human cost of his mad plans and always thinks about how he can use people..
The obsession of the brothers with the MC make no sense. Whoever would assassinate a non threat first - if at all?
Criticism and comments
Why do modern writers think that first person view is fancy? For me it most time feels very awkward and annoying..
A privileged, prosperous boy with great education feels himself treated worse than a beggar..
Everyone has asian names except for Larry.
The terms second or sixth sister or confusing as he only has two sisters..
Twitching an enemy's nipple during a fight sounds both unfeasible and bizarre..
It's funny that the MC thinks being sent to a school for non gifted when he was non gifted was a punishment. At least there he had a chance to compete and make something of himself.. At the mage school he would have been like a legless at a marathon..
10 years make no generation!
The stronger bandits seemed very overpowered - some seem to have the same strength as some weaker nobles the protagonist encounters. One would think they would find much better paid and safer work with theirskill levels!
October 4, 2025
Rough, but entertaining
This was a very action packed, addictive journey that started with a regression, and an OP MC who keeps breaking the magic system in their pursuit of revenge. It’s a typical trope, but still entertaining enough to read. The dialogue is a bit stilted, and there’s still a little bit too much of explaining why the main character is doing a certain action rather than letting the actions speak for themselves. I will continue reading the series, but hope the author improves on these points.
This was a very action packed, addictive journey that started with a regression, and an OP MC who keeps breaking the magic system in their pursuit of revenge. It’s a typical trope, but still entertaining enough to read. The dialogue is a bit stilted, and there’s still a little bit too much of explaining why the main character is doing a certain action rather than letting the actions speak for themselves. I will continue reading the series, but hope the author improves on these points.
October 2, 2025
Very good read
This book is a very good read strong story and very well written even if at times a bit confusing even with that spot on story.
This book is a very good read strong story and very well written even if at times a bit confusing even with that spot on story.
May 13, 2025
Fun story
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I got through it pretty quickly.
I could wish that the writing was more polished. Or edited. It often reads like a first draft. Frequently he references something obliquely, and many times I have to re-read a paragraph or two to understand. Often I had to shrug and move on.
The very last chapter or two got me really confused, and introduced a bunch of new characters, which is odd .
Safe for young readers.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I got through it pretty quickly.
I could wish that the writing was more polished. Or edited. It often reads like a first draft. Frequently he references something obliquely, and many times I have to re-read a paragraph or two to understand. Often I had to shrug and move on.
The very last chapter or two got me really confused, and introduced a bunch of new characters, which is odd .
Safe for young readers.
October 13, 2025
I gave up at 20%
No way this was written by the author Alvin Atwater; the one who wrote "Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker". It feels like it was written by a very dark edgy emo AI or one or Atwater's earlier unedited works. First off, the names...Chen Thunder...was ridicules and arrogant. Enough said, because everyone seems to be have horrible names.The characters are cartoonish and illogical. They are all trying to kill each other to climb to the top. Like living in a magical cultivator world. Every single character was unbearable.
Also, why have 3 different types of powers? Mana, ki and aura. Why make things overly complicated. Sure, why not add cosmic powers, astro energies, super mutant powers, kryptoian physiology and techno level spaghetti powers. It doesn't matter because the MC gets OP fast it seems. Not in a fun way...it feels, undeserved? I mean how much of head start can you have if you when back in time by 10 years?
The author keep trying to introduced new words/concepts. For example the author would say, 5 ticks later OR 5 hours later...Why bother constantly explain what a tick is? Or Peak morning is noon? Why try to reinvent the wheel? Just say it normally and stop making the world and culture so damn alien for the whole purpose of making it interesting and different. Does the author lost his mind and thought he was Tolkien or something.
This series is a mess; skip this headache.
No way this was written by the author Alvin Atwater; the one who wrote "Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker". It feels like it was written by a very dark edgy emo AI or one or Atwater's earlier unedited works. First off, the names...Chen Thunder...was ridicules and arrogant. Enough said, because everyone seems to be have horrible names.The characters are cartoonish and illogical. They are all trying to kill each other to climb to the top. Like living in a magical cultivator world. Every single character was unbearable.
Also, why have 3 different types of powers? Mana, ki and aura. Why make things overly complicated. Sure, why not add cosmic powers, astro energies, super mutant powers, kryptoian physiology and techno level spaghetti powers. It doesn't matter because the MC gets OP fast it seems. Not in a fun way...it feels, undeserved? I mean how much of head start can you have if you when back in time by 10 years?
The author keep trying to introduced new words/concepts. For example the author would say, 5 ticks later OR 5 hours later...Why bother constantly explain what a tick is? Or Peak morning is noon? Why try to reinvent the wheel? Just say it normally and stop making the world and culture so damn alien for the whole purpose of making it interesting and different. Does the author lost his mind and thought he was Tolkien or something.
This series is a mess; skip this headache.
October 7, 2025
Rating: 2.5 stars — DNF at ~80%
I really tried to push through, and I did get pretty far. At first, I thought this was the debut of a new author — the writing noticeably improves after the early chapters, which gave me hope. That’s probably what kept me going. But then I saw the author has over 50 books published (!), and is older than I expected. I would’ve guessed 20.
The story reads exactly like a very average manga. The main character travels back in time while still under 30, which feels too young given his skills and knowledge (especially the blacksmithing). Forty or even fifty would’ve made more sense — but then his immature, grating attitude (some might say Gen Z) wouldn’t have been justifiable.
Unlike most manga that aim to teach a positive life lesson, this one leans heavily into negativity: “I’ll get revenge,” “I’ll conquer the world,” and so on. It makes the MC feel hollow, and the 400 pages don’t build much of a meaningful foundation. I won’t even get into his meteoric rise or instant mastery of magic circles.
Not for me.
I really tried to push through, and I did get pretty far. At first, I thought this was the debut of a new author — the writing noticeably improves after the early chapters, which gave me hope. That’s probably what kept me going. But then I saw the author has over 50 books published (!), and is older than I expected. I would’ve guessed 20.
The story reads exactly like a very average manga. The main character travels back in time while still under 30, which feels too young given his skills and knowledge (especially the blacksmithing). Forty or even fifty would’ve made more sense — but then his immature, grating attitude (some might say Gen Z) wouldn’t have been justifiable.
Unlike most manga that aim to teach a positive life lesson, this one leans heavily into negativity: “I’ll get revenge,” “I’ll conquer the world,” and so on. It makes the MC feel hollow, and the 400 pages don’t build much of a meaningful foundation. I won’t even get into his meteoric rise or instant mastery of magic circles.
Not for me.
March 31, 2025
A Gripping Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Second Chances
Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted is a thrilling progression fantasy that pulls you in from the very first page. The story follows the youngest son of a powerful duke, a man dismissed as "trash" due to his inability to use magic. But when betrayal leads to his untimely death, he’s given a rare second chance—thrown back nearly a decade with newfound abilities and the knowledge of who orchestrated his downfall.
What follows is a masterful game of strategy, vengeance, and ambition. The protagonist is no longer a pawn in his family’s power struggles—he’s ready to take control. The worldbuilding is immersive, the magic system is layered, and the tension keeps you hooked.
If you enjoy stories of rebirth, calculated revenge, and a hero who refuses to be underestimated, this book is a must-read. Alvin Atwater delivers an exciting, addictive journey that fantasy fans won’t want to miss!
Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted is a thrilling progression fantasy that pulls you in from the very first page. The story follows the youngest son of a powerful duke, a man dismissed as "trash" due to his inability to use magic. But when betrayal leads to his untimely death, he’s given a rare second chance—thrown back nearly a decade with newfound abilities and the knowledge of who orchestrated his downfall.
What follows is a masterful game of strategy, vengeance, and ambition. The protagonist is no longer a pawn in his family’s power struggles—he’s ready to take control. The worldbuilding is immersive, the magic system is layered, and the tension keeps you hooked.
If you enjoy stories of rebirth, calculated revenge, and a hero who refuses to be underestimated, this book is a must-read. Alvin Atwater delivers an exciting, addictive journey that fantasy fans won’t want to miss!
June 3, 2025
an excellent book, kept me reading to the end. Fast paced and enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book very much even though there are some grammatical issues. I’m still giving it five stars because of the story. The MC is likable, intelligent, ruthless, but deep down has a good heart, especially towards children. The only thing I find at fault in the story is the MC trying not to get tied down with any kind of woman, it’s mentioned too often in the book, yes, we know he has a single objective, but the author could tone down the romantic interest that the Noble Society puts upon him. Besides, I think he has one true love he just is too pigheaded to realize it. I like the different POV‘s and that the author lets us know that they’re different perspectives for the side characters, very well done will read the next book when it is available give this book a shot. It’s worth the five stars, at least in my opinion.
I enjoyed this book very much even though there are some grammatical issues. I’m still giving it five stars because of the story. The MC is likable, intelligent, ruthless, but deep down has a good heart, especially towards children. The only thing I find at fault in the story is the MC trying not to get tied down with any kind of woman, it’s mentioned too often in the book, yes, we know he has a single objective, but the author could tone down the romantic interest that the Noble Society puts upon him. Besides, I think he has one true love he just is too pigheaded to realize it. I like the different POV‘s and that the author lets us know that they’re different perspectives for the side characters, very well done will read the next book when it is available give this book a shot. It’s worth the five stars, at least in my opinion.
August 12, 2025
I must admit I'm absolutely flabbergasted as to how this book is so highly rated.
There is barely any story structure or pacing, things just randomly happen. All the characters are two dimensional, anime trope-infested paper cutouts without any meaningful development throughout the story. Even the writing feels more like a translated Asian novel rather than an original work by a western author with its absolutely insane amount of repetition when it comes to titles, accomplishments, nicknames, etc.
Seriously we know the mc's father is known as the Black-Hearted, and the strongest of the strongest clan in the realm, the thunder clan. You do not need to repeat that every single of the 5000 times in the novel he's mentioned.
In summary, it isn't great, or good even. Unless you are just looking for a story with a ridiculously overpowered MC and want to turn your brain off while reading or listening to the audiobook, do yourself a favor and read something else.
There is barely any story structure or pacing, things just randomly happen. All the characters are two dimensional, anime trope-infested paper cutouts without any meaningful development throughout the story. Even the writing feels more like a translated Asian novel rather than an original work by a western author with its absolutely insane amount of repetition when it comes to titles, accomplishments, nicknames, etc.
Seriously we know the mc's father is known as the Black-Hearted, and the strongest of the strongest clan in the realm, the thunder clan. You do not need to repeat that every single of the 5000 times in the novel he's mentioned.
In summary, it isn't great, or good even. Unless you are just looking for a story with a ridiculously overpowered MC and want to turn your brain off while reading or listening to the audiobook, do yourself a favor and read something else.
August 18, 2025
A great book
I’ve read so many of these books over the past 5 years, I must average close to 100 per year. I read too much. I’ve written maybe 3? Reviews total. I just have to say that this is the plot/relationships, fantasy that wanted to see. I’m not saying it’s the best written book but it is very good, The MC is intelligent, op and roses quickly but there’s always more powerful out there, he’s very angry in this book due to past abuse, but has developing relationships. Not harem or sordid, but potential and foreshadowed romance that leaves you questioning who/what. I want some romantic relationshipping in books, what life lived would not have that as a part of it, it’s a basic need in people’s lives, but it is not a romance book. Some of the great series out there, in this genre, seem to avoid relationships to their detriment. Anyway, I’ve put other series aside to read this and really want more.
I’ve read so many of these books over the past 5 years, I must average close to 100 per year. I read too much. I’ve written maybe 3? Reviews total. I just have to say that this is the plot/relationships, fantasy that wanted to see. I’m not saying it’s the best written book but it is very good, The MC is intelligent, op and roses quickly but there’s always more powerful out there, he’s very angry in this book due to past abuse, but has developing relationships. Not harem or sordid, but potential and foreshadowed romance that leaves you questioning who/what. I want some romantic relationshipping in books, what life lived would not have that as a part of it, it’s a basic need in people’s lives, but it is not a romance book. Some of the great series out there, in this genre, seem to avoid relationships to their detriment. Anyway, I’ve put other series aside to read this and really want more.
June 26, 2025
Good fun read. Needs better editing. But fun!
Story was fun and fast paced. The main character was devious and likable. All the supporting cast felt natural with good dialogue interaction to keep the pace solid. The world build was simple yet very explained without over explaining. A single most issue with this book is the editing where the author continuously repeated the same plot motivation of the main character in his inner dialogues over and over. It felt like filler or the author had written this book in sections and then tried to edit it together to make one novel. Constantly referring to repeated information Where's the reader down.
However if you like this genre this book was fun and entertaining and fast paced. I look forward to The second book in this series. I will even see if the author has other series. It was that fun.
Story was fun and fast paced. The main character was devious and likable. All the supporting cast felt natural with good dialogue interaction to keep the pace solid. The world build was simple yet very explained without over explaining. A single most issue with this book is the editing where the author continuously repeated the same plot motivation of the main character in his inner dialogues over and over. It felt like filler or the author had written this book in sections and then tried to edit it together to make one novel. Constantly referring to repeated information Where's the reader down.
However if you like this genre this book was fun and entertaining and fast paced. I look forward to The second book in this series. I will even see if the author has other series. It was that fun.
August 4, 2025
The pacing was too fast and there was no tension. The rate of power progression was very fast and I think it was unearned. I am perfectly fine with overpowered protagonists but that power needs to be earned through struggle. Acquiring the first treasure was way too simple. No traps, abyssal creatures or assassins hot on his tail. Having three cores should make it more difficult to progress. The protagonist expressing his utter shock regarding his fast progression does not make it any less bad of a development. He should have progressed to the second stage for all 3 of his cores in the first book. You should have stuck with one treasure in this book as well. The second and third treasures can appear in the proceeding books.
The only reason why I finished this book is because I am a sucker for regression stories. Utilizing ones knowledge of the future to acquire unique opportunities.
The only reason why I finished this book is because I am a sucker for regression stories. Utilizing ones knowledge of the future to acquire unique opportunities.
October 26, 2025
Listening to the first two books it's not bad, but not great either. Conflicts are rather contrived, and it seems everyone and their dog is out to kill the protagonist for no real reason outside the usual noble intrigues. Advancements are unearned, and he faces little to no struggle. The protagonist acts like a man child and doesn't shut up about how he's going to conquer the empire.
What was really off putting was the world building, the characters have Asian names, supposedly the buildings are Asiatic style (going off the Pagodas on the front page). The nobility system is western, the ethics and morality are western with a pint of Xianxia bloodthirst. It seems the author was trying to go for something unique, but it just doesn't fit all that well.
It just makes for some mild entertainment if that's all you need, then give it a crack.
What was really off putting was the world building, the characters have Asian names, supposedly the buildings are Asiatic style (going off the Pagodas on the front page). The nobility system is western, the ethics and morality are western with a pint of Xianxia bloodthirst. It seems the author was trying to go for something unique, but it just doesn't fit all that well.
It just makes for some mild entertainment if that's all you need, then give it a crack.
April 28, 2025
very good, however…
First, Alvin Atwater is an exceptional author. This book has an amazing story, well developed characters and many of the things that draws me as a reader into the story. However, for some reason his MC has some ridiculous need to explain (ad nauseam) why having relations between him and every possible character encountered is some combination of bad, evil, wrong. Realistically, it does not matter if the MC is a monk, just stop preaching why being a monk is the only way to be in the right. If that is your kick, cool. Look forward to next in series, hoping things will mellow, or it may be last try of any new books by an author I have enjoyed for a long time.
First, Alvin Atwater is an exceptional author. This book has an amazing story, well developed characters and many of the things that draws me as a reader into the story. However, for some reason his MC has some ridiculous need to explain (ad nauseam) why having relations between him and every possible character encountered is some combination of bad, evil, wrong. Realistically, it does not matter if the MC is a monk, just stop preaching why being a monk is the only way to be in the right. If that is your kick, cool. Look forward to next in series, hoping things will mellow, or it may be last try of any new books by an author I have enjoyed for a long time.
April 29, 2025
The story pulled me in and kept me glued to the action. Chen is the magicless seventh son of a powerful family who is assassinated but comes back nine years earlier in his life, but this time with major magical upgrades, which is a fun premise. For a time-regression trope, this one is unique in how much the main character changes, to the bewilderment of his family. He starts out motivated solely by rage and revenge, which dissipates as he goes to the magical academy and makes friends, but it is not an attractive part of his character. We will see. What surprised me most, though, is that I could not stop reading it.
May 6, 2025
A fast paced and fun read. Interesting magic system and magical world development. The storyline follows the path set forth in the book description. I genuinely enjoyed the way the author developed each character, told the reader what the next goal was going to be, and then marched through a series of entertaining tales on the way towards reaching those goals. Touches of romance, and hints of future romance are also a nice touch. Altogether a well-crafted tale and one of very few I have awarded a five-star review.
July 1, 2025
A revenge story, but the characters have depth!
The character development is surprising for this style of plot. Usually the story follows a lunatic raging against everything and everyone. The story has some of that, but much more. If that was it, well, it would just be another mediocre story.
I’ve come across a few other stories with a similar plot but they feel like rip offs in comparison. It is a good story and I will be watching for the next book. Not as good as The Last Life series, but that’s only my opinion.
5/5 stars, recommend.
The character development is surprising for this style of plot. Usually the story follows a lunatic raging against everything and everyone. The story has some of that, but much more. If that was it, well, it would just be another mediocre story.
I’ve come across a few other stories with a similar plot but they feel like rip offs in comparison. It is a good story and I will be watching for the next book. Not as good as The Last Life series, but that’s only my opinion.
5/5 stars, recommend.
September 14, 2025
If you like an OP regressor, this has one. despite being pretty shallow, it scratches an itch.
however, after book two I feel like I need to warn potential readers.
Some sloppy translation I don't mind, but the fact that basically fifty percent of these books are talks about sex and/or marriage in a juvenile way and that I read about thirty times that things are not like in the romance books a character likes, is so mind numbingly boring and annoying. I have no clue why this is rated as highly as it is. While not a bad series overall, I wonder who gives this 5 stars.
however, after book two I feel like I need to warn potential readers.
Some sloppy translation I don't mind, but the fact that basically fifty percent of these books are talks about sex and/or marriage in a juvenile way and that I read about thirty times that things are not like in the romance books a character likes, is so mind numbingly boring and annoying. I have no clue why this is rated as highly as it is. While not a bad series overall, I wonder who gives this 5 stars.
September 24, 2025
Edge-lord Trash
i don’t know how its got so many good reviews unless they are fake/purchased. The main character is a self righteous one dimensional Gary Sue. He has no real experience in his “past life” but is automatically better than everyone at anything he attempts. The side characters he likes all love him and those that don’t are all evil and go out of their way to challenge the MC and get shown up with ease.
The fights are poorly written. They basically go “bad guy swings, MC dodges and punches them in the face leaving everyone stunned.”
i don’t know how its got so many good reviews unless they are fake/purchased. The main character is a self righteous one dimensional Gary Sue. He has no real experience in his “past life” but is automatically better than everyone at anything he attempts. The side characters he likes all love him and those that don’t are all evil and go out of their way to challenge the MC and get shown up with ease.
The fights are poorly written. They basically go “bad guy swings, MC dodges and punches them in the face leaving everyone stunned.”
October 16, 2025
The language used is too casual, like stream of thought casual, which makes it difficult to take the story seriously. It felt like it was written by a teenager, given the writing style. It read like an inner monologue but only sometimes used italics. Very jarring.
The author decided it would be fun to use alternative language for time, so "minutes" is "mid ticks", "hours" are "high ticks," "noon" is "Highest sun rise" and other such bullshit. It doesn't increase worldbuilding cred, it's just annoying and completely unnecessary.
The plot was generic. Hard pass.
The author decided it would be fun to use alternative language for time, so "minutes" is "mid ticks", "hours" are "high ticks," "noon" is "Highest sun rise" and other such bullshit. It doesn't increase worldbuilding cred, it's just annoying and completely unnecessary.
The plot was generic. Hard pass.
April 11, 2025
Great Read
This was an awesome start to a new series. I love the drama, suspense, and the strategy and careful planning that Chen has done for the retaliation against his brothers and father. I just hope that he doesn't let Duchess Yin get in the way of that with any type of romance. I'm thoroughly enjoyed this book without any; the author has created Chen in such a way that romance isn't needed to help bolster the story at all.
This was an awesome start to a new series. I love the drama, suspense, and the strategy and careful planning that Chen has done for the retaliation against his brothers and father. I just hope that he doesn't let Duchess Yin get in the way of that with any type of romance. I'm thoroughly enjoyed this book without any; the author has created Chen in such a way that romance isn't needed to help bolster the story at all.
September 27, 2025
Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted , book one of the Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I'm new to this genre, but I am definitely a new fan. I read another reincarnated-with-memories-intact series (time regression) and I really enjoyed the idea of a do-over story line and I like the sneaky revenge angle of this anti-hero, yeah, okay, so he's a villain you want to root for. Great worldbuilding and characters.
October 6, 2025
Good beginning
While the genre is becoming more common, this is the start of an interesting and a bit off-beat series, one which I intend to follow. Our protagonist isn’t one dimensional and is proceeding in a manner dissimilar to his previous existence, which makes him more interesting. I recommend it to others who like these sorts of progression books, which I’ve found myself leaning towards for the past several years.
While the genre is becoming more common, this is the start of an interesting and a bit off-beat series, one which I intend to follow. Our protagonist isn’t one dimensional and is proceeding in a manner dissimilar to his previous existence, which makes him more interesting. I recommend it to others who like these sorts of progression books, which I’ve found myself leaning towards for the past several years.
January 24, 2026
I really liked the story concept.
The writing was Ok.
However, I grew to hate the side characters that the author contrived to bog down the protagonist with at every turn of the page. I especially despised the insertion of the "Yin" character.
Having such side characters shoved down my throat, I quit reading the book 58% of the way through.
A good story that got cluttered up with nonsense. :-(
*sigh*
The writing was Ok.
However, I grew to hate the side characters that the author contrived to bog down the protagonist with at every turn of the page. I especially despised the insertion of the "Yin" character.
Having such side characters shoved down my throat, I quit reading the book 58% of the way through.
A good story that got cluttered up with nonsense. :-(
*sigh*
May 3, 2025
One of the best.
I absolutely loved this book. It's one of the best things I've read this year. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out. A must read.
I absolutely loved this book. It's one of the best things I've read this year. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out. A must read.
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