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Reborn as a Dark Lord #1
Reborn as a Dark Lord
"A hilarious, sauce-stained isekai with the right amount of flavoring."—Matt Dinniman, author of Dungeon Crawler Carl
From scourge of the realm to a beloved tavern owner. This Dark Lord is ready for change.
Vincent Logan's day couldn't get any worse. Fired from his corporate day-job, almost dying of a heart attack, and then suddenly thrust into the body of the recently defeated Dark Lord Morthisal?
Talk about a career change.
Now, trapped in a fantasy world with powers he can barely control and a reputation that precedes him (in all the wrong ways), Vince has to navigate a post-war kingdom that wants nothing more than to see him dead. But he's got other plans.
Armed with nothing but his wits, a few magical artifacts, and an insatiable craving for chicken wings, Vince sets out to open the most unlikely business venture for a former evil overlord.
His mission? To buy a tavern and create the best hot wings the kingdom has ever tasted.
Welcome to this cozy fantasy tale of reinvention, camaraderie, and the universal truth that a good plate of hot food can solve almost anything. It's perfect for fans of Heretical Fishing, Legends & Lattes, and A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking!
From scourge of the realm to a beloved tavern owner. This Dark Lord is ready for change.
Vincent Logan's day couldn't get any worse. Fired from his corporate day-job, almost dying of a heart attack, and then suddenly thrust into the body of the recently defeated Dark Lord Morthisal?
Talk about a career change.
Now, trapped in a fantasy world with powers he can barely control and a reputation that precedes him (in all the wrong ways), Vince has to navigate a post-war kingdom that wants nothing more than to see him dead. But he's got other plans.
Armed with nothing but his wits, a few magical artifacts, and an insatiable craving for chicken wings, Vince sets out to open the most unlikely business venture for a former evil overlord.
His mission? To buy a tavern and create the best hot wings the kingdom has ever tasted.
Welcome to this cozy fantasy tale of reinvention, camaraderie, and the universal truth that a good plate of hot food can solve almost anything. It's perfect for fans of Heretical Fishing, Legends & Lattes, and A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking!
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
About the author
Timothy W. Long
63 books158 followersWhen not sitting around watching Rick and Morty reruns in a bathrobe, Timothy W. Long writes stuff. He has a predilection for weird literature and sometimes drinks Coke for breakfast. Don't tell his mom.
Tim is the author of over 30 novels in genres ranging from cozy/Isekai, to all manner of post-apocalyptic because no one has managed to take away his word processor.
Tim is an active member of SFWA, HWA, and Thriller Writers. He recently signed a three-book deal with Aethon Books for his Dark Lord Reborn Series.
Tim is the author of over 30 novels in genres ranging from cozy/Isekai, to all manner of post-apocalyptic because no one has managed to take away his word processor.
Tim is an active member of SFWA, HWA, and Thriller Writers. He recently signed a three-book deal with Aethon Books for his Dark Lord Reborn Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 9, 2025
This does not have strong enough characters to support a slice-of-life. Without that, it is a slog to get through.
August 31, 2025
Solid book. Funny, light, with great characters. Can't wait for the next!
April 26, 2026
This is the perfect cozy for male fantasy readers who don't care about romance. Fun, funny, adventurous, and wow, does it make you hungry. I tore through this book and bought the second before I was 50% of the way done. Perfectly balanced narration as well.
November 23, 2025
"Reborn as a Dark Lord" is kind of boring.
The protagonist is the typical data-entry schmuck isekai'd to a generic fantasy world with orcs and elves. He's transplanted into the body of the local Dark Lord, who is about to be overthrown by the forces of good and wants to switch bodies out of his predicament. Which leaves Vincent with the face of an evil overlord that everyone wants dead.
Fine premise, but it doesn't go anywhere. Vincent loots a magic gem from the Dark Lord's treasury that conveniently disguises him and gets away. Which begs the question that if Vincent can do that so easily in the Dark Lord's place, why the Dark Lord didn't just do that instead of pulling the cockamamie body-switching plan.
The rest of the book is about Vincent cooking food and eventually running a tavern. There are a lot of detailed scenes in which Vincent cooks. If you don't like to cook, reading about will bore you. If you do like to cook, those scenes will bore you too, because what he cooks is basic stews, hamburgers, and chicken wings. Real beginner stuff. Which everyone around him treats like high cuisine.
There are orcs! Orcs are idiots! Orcs speak broken English! Orcs end every sentence with exclamation point! Vincent manages to talk the orcs into various things, like paying him to cook. Everyone talks about how amazing it is that he makes friends with the orcs, when it's really super easy, barely an inconvenience.
There's a local baron who takes a disliking to Vincent. He's cartoonishly evil and stupid, and for some reason never actually orders his retinue of guards to do anything about Vincent. Well, eventually he does, but that gets halted before it begins by what amounts to a deus ex machina.
While not everything is handed to Vincent on a silver platter, it comes pretty close. Every time the plot throws up an obstacle, he immediately overcomes it without difficulty. For example, when he needs to scrape together money to buy a tavern, people he barely knows offer right away to invest in his venture, and don't seem to care through the rest of the book that their investment isn't making them any money.
I finished it, but I have zero interest in reading further books in the series.
The protagonist is the typical data-entry schmuck isekai'd to a generic fantasy world with orcs and elves. He's transplanted into the body of the local Dark Lord, who is about to be overthrown by the forces of good and wants to switch bodies out of his predicament. Which leaves Vincent with the face of an evil overlord that everyone wants dead.
Fine premise, but it doesn't go anywhere. Vincent loots a magic gem from the Dark Lord's treasury that conveniently disguises him and gets away. Which begs the question that if Vincent can do that so easily in the Dark Lord's place, why the Dark Lord didn't just do that instead of pulling the cockamamie body-switching plan.
The rest of the book is about Vincent cooking food and eventually running a tavern. There are a lot of detailed scenes in which Vincent cooks. If you don't like to cook, reading about will bore you. If you do like to cook, those scenes will bore you too, because what he cooks is basic stews, hamburgers, and chicken wings. Real beginner stuff. Which everyone around him treats like high cuisine.
There are orcs! Orcs are idiots! Orcs speak broken English! Orcs end every sentence with exclamation point! Vincent manages to talk the orcs into various things, like paying him to cook. Everyone talks about how amazing it is that he makes friends with the orcs, when it's really super easy, barely an inconvenience.
There's a local baron who takes a disliking to Vincent. He's cartoonishly evil and stupid, and for some reason never actually orders his retinue of guards to do anything about Vincent. Well, eventually he does, but that gets halted before it begins by what amounts to a deus ex machina.
While not everything is handed to Vincent on a silver platter, it comes pretty close. Every time the plot throws up an obstacle, he immediately overcomes it without difficulty. For example, when he needs to scrape together money to buy a tavern, people he barely knows offer right away to invest in his venture, and don't seem to care through the rest of the book that their investment isn't making them any money.
I finished it, but I have zero interest in reading further books in the series.
December 1, 2025
refreshing in a we can all get along way
I really enjoyed Reborn as a Dark Lord. It’s a surprisingly cute story that leans more into the quiet, everyday side of fantasy than constant epic battles. The mundanity is actually what makes it interesting, small choices, routine moments, and low-stakes scenes end up feeling cozy and engaging instead of boring. If you like fantasy that’s more slice-of-life than grimdark, this is a fun, gentle read.
I really enjoyed Reborn as a Dark Lord. It’s a surprisingly cute story that leans more into the quiet, everyday side of fantasy than constant epic battles. The mundanity is actually what makes it interesting, small choices, routine moments, and low-stakes scenes end up feeling cozy and engaging instead of boring. If you like fantasy that’s more slice-of-life than grimdark, this is a fun, gentle read.
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December 5, 2025Such a fun book. The characters were all so relatable.
November 30, 2025
Fun read!
I thought this was a fun well written book.
And I look forward to reading more. I enjoyed the different cultures that were
Being brought together such as orcs and humans
I thought this was a fun well written book.
And I look forward to reading more. I enjoyed the different cultures that were
Being brought together such as orcs and humans
October 20, 2025
Make the most of a bad unforeseen situation. Stuck in a fantasy world? Open up a tavern that serves hot wings…
Reborn as a Dark Lord: (The Tavernkeeper's Guide to Rejecting Evil, Befriending Orcs, & Cooking Exceptional Hot Wings) by TIMOTHY W. LONG is a cozy fantasy about business…and trying to figure out how the word works when you’ve been body swapped with the world’s former big bad…
Vincent was a mild mannered office worker when he felt like he was gonna die and woke up in the body of an evil sorcerer (all being it without the knowledge of how to use those magical powers)…
While managing to go undiscovered and taking on a different name and look…he decides to figure out a plan…
He can’t fight worth shit and he doesn’t know anything about the world…but he can cook…and he can talk…and both of those may just keep him alive and allow him to thrive…
I really enjoyed the business aspects as the lead makes friends, builds connections, starts work on the tavern, and sees what kind of food might be marketable…
Of course there are those seeking evidence of the surviving dark lord, and there are business rivals, and opening a tavern is super expensive…and the dark lord has former (DEAD) friends haunting him…
But hopefully he can figure it out and make it to his grand opening…
Highly recommend…
Reborn as a Dark Lord: (The Tavernkeeper's Guide to Rejecting Evil, Befriending Orcs, & Cooking Exceptional Hot Wings) by TIMOTHY W. LONG is a cozy fantasy about business…and trying to figure out how the word works when you’ve been body swapped with the world’s former big bad…
Vincent was a mild mannered office worker when he felt like he was gonna die and woke up in the body of an evil sorcerer (all being it without the knowledge of how to use those magical powers)…
While managing to go undiscovered and taking on a different name and look…he decides to figure out a plan…
He can’t fight worth shit and he doesn’t know anything about the world…but he can cook…and he can talk…and both of those may just keep him alive and allow him to thrive…
I really enjoyed the business aspects as the lead makes friends, builds connections, starts work on the tavern, and sees what kind of food might be marketable…
Of course there are those seeking evidence of the surviving dark lord, and there are business rivals, and opening a tavern is super expensive…and the dark lord has former (DEAD) friends haunting him…
But hopefully he can figure it out and make it to his grand opening…
Highly recommend…
November 27, 2025
Nice.
I really liked this cozy fantasy. The Mc is likable and is surrounded by a great supportive cast of characters. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
I really liked this cozy fantasy. The Mc is likable and is surrounded by a great supportive cast of characters. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
September 5, 2025
To get the nagging question out of the way he doesn't make chicken wings/ hot wings until about 55% through the book. They also really only appear at this point in the book. They show up once or twice after this part but otherwise aren't really there. I just mention this since they are in the title of the book and you expect them.
The characters are basically what you expect. The main character is quirky with creative comebacks and is fast on his feet which makes you question how he was so mediocre on Earth. The female main character is pretty and that is about all we get out of her. The side characters all love the main character unconditionally and that's all they are really there for.
The plot was different from what I am used to in these cozy isekai books. That difference keep me interested throughout. Reading the recipes is fun and the author seems to have looked into how to cook or knows how to. I thought the beginning was well done and was an interesting how he got here intro.
The characters are basically what you expect. The main character is quirky with creative comebacks and is fast on his feet which makes you question how he was so mediocre on Earth. The female main character is pretty and that is about all we get out of her. The side characters all love the main character unconditionally and that's all they are really there for.
The plot was different from what I am used to in these cozy isekai books. That difference keep me interested throughout. Reading the recipes is fun and the author seems to have looked into how to cook or knows how to. I thought the beginning was well done and was an interesting how he got here intro.
August 29, 2025
Young adult reading level is being generous. Simple and bland.
It's not much here to care about. Man goes to Fantasyland and basically is impressed because he can cook like a fireman. It's a bland boring meaningless story. It feels more AI with a bunch of pop culture references that are supposed to land as humor because he's talking to people who don't understand... Very original. Just a week attempt at writing. 12-year-old might really like this, the 12-year-old who one day wants to be a chef would really like this. An adult with an average or above IQ or education is going to struggle to care about it.
I will not be reading any further books in this series.
It's not much here to care about. Man goes to Fantasyland and basically is impressed because he can cook like a fireman. It's a bland boring meaningless story. It feels more AI with a bunch of pop culture references that are supposed to land as humor because he's talking to people who don't understand... Very original. Just a week attempt at writing. 12-year-old might really like this, the 12-year-old who one day wants to be a chef would really like this. An adult with an average or above IQ or education is going to struggle to care about it.
I will not be reading any further books in this series.
September 16, 2025
Not good at all
The mc was transferred into a bad guy's body and that's it, instead of taking off on his own he hung around an army's to cook. Even if this is a slice of life that was just stupid!! Now he is going to cook wow what a story!!
The mc was transferred into a bad guy's body and that's it, instead of taking off on his own he hung around an army's to cook. Even if this is a slice of life that was just stupid!! Now he is going to cook wow what a story!!
August 25, 2026
Hey there, book lovers! It’s your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes Loves Books Headquarters. Today, I am looking at Timothy W. Long’s Reborn as a Dark Lord: (The Tavernkeeper’s Guide to Rejecting Evil, Befriending Orcs, & Cooking Exceptional Hot Wings). I have coffee in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!
When you hear the name Timothy W. Long, your mind jumps to zombies, blood, gore, guts, goo, and violence. Then I saw this book, took a look at the cover, and thought it was written by another Timothy. W. Long (I mean, there are billions of people on the planet, so chances are there is another one who is talented at writing. What are the chances?) Well, the chances are pretty near zero, because it is the same man. Let’s hear it for spreading your wings a little bit! (Get it? Read the book and you will!)
This is a body swap fantasy novel. In a last-ditch effort, a dark lord does an incantation that sends him into the body of someone else, and that person goes into his body. Easy peasy, except someone from our world gets transported to his realm. The question is this: Is the realm ready for this? One minute you are fired and almost dying of a heart attack, and the next you wake up in the body that everyone and his brother wants dead. New world, new you, new everything, especially a chance to start over and chase your dreams and get the girl. If only everyone didn’t want you dead.
For starters, this is unlike anything the author has previously written. His fans are in for a wake-up call, and speaking as a fan, I am down for it. Instead of horror, it is something more like my mother-in-law (God rest her soul) would have read. Yeah, she was big on cozy mysteries and always telling me about the recipes in the book. This book fits the bill, complete with recipes!
You read that correctly. The book gives the reader the recipes for the dishes at the very end. This is a definitive win-win for the reader!
This was a fun read. There is no other way to say it. I got caught up in everything that went into buying and then starting up a tavern in a fantasy setting. That is the main driving force of this book. It is not epic battles cover to cover. It is a man making peace with beings who were once enemies, chasing a dream to open a tavern and serve the best chicken wings around. There are no epic battles to speak of. There is a touch of high fantasy with the use of magic, orcs, goblins, and a gorgeous half-elf.
I did have two questions while reading this book. One got answered, and the other is just a theory on my part. 1) Are there other “transfers” populating this book? 2) What if EVERYONE in this book is a transfer from another point in history? (Mr. Long, if you are reading this, whaddya say?) Question one was answered by the end. Question two, not so much.
Would I recommend this book to my friends? Yes!
Is it worth the money I paid? Yes!
Will I get the others in the series*? On it!
This book is perfect for a weekend read, people who love the “cozy” genre, fans of good writing, and fans of fun!
I give this 5+ bookmarks out of 5!
When you hear the name Timothy W. Long, your mind jumps to zombies, blood, gore, guts, goo, and violence. Then I saw this book, took a look at the cover, and thought it was written by another Timothy. W. Long (I mean, there are billions of people on the planet, so chances are there is another one who is talented at writing. What are the chances?) Well, the chances are pretty near zero, because it is the same man. Let’s hear it for spreading your wings a little bit! (Get it? Read the book and you will!)
This is a body swap fantasy novel. In a last-ditch effort, a dark lord does an incantation that sends him into the body of someone else, and that person goes into his body. Easy peasy, except someone from our world gets transported to his realm. The question is this: Is the realm ready for this? One minute you are fired and almost dying of a heart attack, and the next you wake up in the body that everyone and his brother wants dead. New world, new you, new everything, especially a chance to start over and chase your dreams and get the girl. If only everyone didn’t want you dead.
For starters, this is unlike anything the author has previously written. His fans are in for a wake-up call, and speaking as a fan, I am down for it. Instead of horror, it is something more like my mother-in-law (God rest her soul) would have read. Yeah, she was big on cozy mysteries and always telling me about the recipes in the book. This book fits the bill, complete with recipes!
You read that correctly. The book gives the reader the recipes for the dishes at the very end. This is a definitive win-win for the reader!
This was a fun read. There is no other way to say it. I got caught up in everything that went into buying and then starting up a tavern in a fantasy setting. That is the main driving force of this book. It is not epic battles cover to cover. It is a man making peace with beings who were once enemies, chasing a dream to open a tavern and serve the best chicken wings around. There are no epic battles to speak of. There is a touch of high fantasy with the use of magic, orcs, goblins, and a gorgeous half-elf.
I did have two questions while reading this book. One got answered, and the other is just a theory on my part. 1) Are there other “transfers” populating this book? 2) What if EVERYONE in this book is a transfer from another point in history? (Mr. Long, if you are reading this, whaddya say?) Question one was answered by the end. Question two, not so much.
Would I recommend this book to my friends? Yes!
Is it worth the money I paid? Yes!
Will I get the others in the series*? On it!
This book is perfect for a weekend read, people who love the “cozy” genre, fans of good writing, and fans of fun!
I give this 5+ bookmarks out of 5!
August 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun read that has partly brought my head out of the water that is my reading slump. Being a mood reader rocks most of the time as I can read whatever strikes my fancy and my tastes while narrow in the sense I read fiction 99% of the time, I still have a vast array of genres to read under that banner. But when the mood to read is non existent I think that is a true sign of me being either sick in the mind or in the body. This book was a much needed break for me. It felt like I was reading an Isekai anime instead of watching one. While I liked seeing Vince/Varix find his footing in this new world, I felt like he was a Mary Sue character who was good and everything worked out. I was a little surprised that he was able to charm and persuade not only humans but also other races to his point of view so quickly for a person who seemed to lead a nondescript life back on earth. But that is off set by the friendhips he makes along the way. While this book was not epic fantasy or a literary masterpiece, it did what it was supposed to do - it made me happy while reading it and for that I will mostly read the next installment and hope we get a bit more oomph in the plot.
This was a fun read that has partly brought my head out of the water that is my reading slump. Being a mood reader rocks most of the time as I can read whatever strikes my fancy and my tastes while narrow in the sense I read fiction 99% of the time, I still have a vast array of genres to read under that banner. But when the mood to read is non existent I think that is a true sign of me being either sick in the mind or in the body. This book was a much needed break for me. It felt like I was reading an Isekai anime instead of watching one. While I liked seeing Vince/Varix find his footing in this new world, I felt like he was a Mary Sue character who was good and everything worked out. I was a little surprised that he was able to charm and persuade not only humans but also other races to his point of view so quickly for a person who seemed to lead a nondescript life back on earth. But that is off set by the friendhips he makes along the way. While this book was not epic fantasy or a literary masterpiece, it did what it was supposed to do - it made me happy while reading it and for that I will mostly read the next installment and hope we get a bit more oomph in the plot.
January 7, 2026
Good Food & Good Friends
This book was very cozy! It follows our main character who’s thrown into the body of a dark lord in the middle of war. The first thing he does is run away and change his appearance and claim amnesia. The second thing he does is become a cook and unite the races of course! This book was pretty low stakes with lots of cooking that’ll make you hungry while reading. But even better than the food is all the friends that Vince makes along the way. I love how helpful and supportive everyone in this world is and how Vince shows kindness to everyone and gets them all on his side with his cooking skills. There was also a very unexpected romance which was very sweet but not the main focus of the book. This was a fun and relaxing read and I’m excited to see what happens next!
This book was very cozy! It follows our main character who’s thrown into the body of a dark lord in the middle of war. The first thing he does is run away and change his appearance and claim amnesia. The second thing he does is become a cook and unite the races of course! This book was pretty low stakes with lots of cooking that’ll make you hungry while reading. But even better than the food is all the friends that Vince makes along the way. I love how helpful and supportive everyone in this world is and how Vince shows kindness to everyone and gets them all on his side with his cooking skills. There was also a very unexpected romance which was very sweet but not the main focus of the book. This was a fun and relaxing read and I’m excited to see what happens next!
November 18, 2025
I've read quite a few Timothy W. Long books and to me they've all be five stars so I have high expectations and this book did not disappoint. This simply is one of the best curl up on the couch with a cat and cup of tea feel good books I have on my shelves. A average dude gets fired from a dead end job (been there) falls over dying and gets zapped into a Dark Lords body in a fantasy land. He has an orc army at his command and potentially legions of dead, but he'd rather cook hot wings. There are descriptions of cooking and I'll admit to putting the book down because I HAD to make stew. If there's one thing I can suggest to readers, bring snacks.
April 22, 2026
It's a good idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The characters are mostly bland, despite the author clearly adding quirky traits to flesh them out, doesn't land correctly. The romance is also very teenage romance, feels less like it's between two adults. The MC is also a massive moron, makes it really grating. The plot armor is insane, the mc rarely does anything to solve his own situation, things serendipitously works out for him.
It's also hard for me to believe that a society that has indoor plumbing hasn't figured out SPICES...it's literally the original currency, some spices were more valuable than gold, the value came from how they enhanced food...just bizarre
It's also hard for me to believe that a society that has indoor plumbing hasn't figured out SPICES...it's literally the original currency, some spices were more valuable than gold, the value came from how they enhanced food...just bizarre
September 4, 2025
Good Read
I really enjoyed this book and how it started out. I really enjoyed how he started out cooking for the orcs and making money. It was something that I had never really read before, and it was refreshing. The only part that I didn't care for was the relationship with Seraphina; not every story needs a relationship in it. For me, their relationship was more of a distraction than something I was rooting for and wanting to see. I just skimmed through those parts and kept reading. But other than that, I truly loved the plot and the town of characters.
I really enjoyed this book and how it started out. I really enjoyed how he started out cooking for the orcs and making money. It was something that I had never really read before, and it was refreshing. The only part that I didn't care for was the relationship with Seraphina; not every story needs a relationship in it. For me, their relationship was more of a distraction than something I was rooting for and wanting to see. I just skimmed through those parts and kept reading. But other than that, I truly loved the plot and the town of characters.
November 15, 2025
DNF at 80%. If this book was a hamburger, this is a Wallmart frozen patty. Made by a first timer. It has all the ingredients for the actual thing, but its so bland and plain that its like you are just getting the capri version of the meal. Or in this case, of the book.
I legit just jumped several chapters because I wanted to see the business building part, and it dissapointed. There was no sense of wonder, no sense of achievement, and dear god, the romance was so piss poor it was embarrasing. Even the food gasm was subdued in the extreme.
I regret givint it a chance.
I legit just jumped several chapters because I wanted to see the business building part, and it dissapointed. There was no sense of wonder, no sense of achievement, and dear god, the romance was so piss poor it was embarrasing. Even the food gasm was subdued in the extreme.
I regret givint it a chance.
May 8, 2026
Abandoning at 13% read.
Really tried to get into this, picking it up twice, but the pace was excruciatingly slow, characters not well-developed enough for me to decide whether I like them or not, and the dialogue was just badly written. The premise sounded interesting, and I was interested in checking out the tie-in novels about the Dark Lord in our world, but I don’t have the patience for this. It might go better as an audiobook, but I don’t have access to that.
Dates read: Nov 19, 2025 - May 7, 2026
Really tried to get into this, picking it up twice, but the pace was excruciatingly slow, characters not well-developed enough for me to decide whether I like them or not, and the dialogue was just badly written. The premise sounded interesting, and I was interested in checking out the tie-in novels about the Dark Lord in our world, but I don’t have the patience for this. It might go better as an audiobook, but I don’t have access to that.
Dates read: Nov 19, 2025 - May 7, 2026
August 3, 2026
I did not finish this as I slowly lost interest in the plot. The characters have charm, but I dislike how rushed the relationship between Varix and Seraphina reads through their dialogue. It feels as if they’ve known each other way longer than they have and it feels artificial. Just because she’s from Earth too and recognizes he is as well, they develop feelings? Varix seems like he’d fall for anyone who was nice to him so I’m not surprised he’s fine for the ride, but that was shown earlier with Mira. Seraphina I have no background or insight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
This is for those people who do not want high adventure or uncomfortable quests which can change the world. This book is about second chances and changing the world, one bowl of stew at a time. I highly recommend this fun light-hearted read to fans of Rowland's "Cursed Cocktails" because I really want to see what Vince and Rhoren can come up with if they ever collaborated.
August 27, 2025
Very enjoyable!
Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! Soul swapping with a Dark Lord Vince is in another world in the Dark Lords castle as the good guys are closing in. How he gets out of that mess and assimilated to this new world makes an excellent story. There is enough action adventure and a slow burn romance. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! Soul swapping with a Dark Lord Vince is in another world in the Dark Lords castle as the good guys are closing in. How he gets out of that mess and assimilated to this new world makes an excellent story. There is enough action adventure and a slow burn romance. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
October 8, 2025
A Fun Slice of Life Adventure!
Sometimes slice of life books can be good in concept, but a bit dull in execution. That is not the case with this book!
This is a fun and entertaining read with a good balance between life, challenges, and potential threats.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Sometimes slice of life books can be good in concept, but a bit dull in execution. That is not the case with this book!
This is a fun and entertaining read with a good balance between life, challenges, and potential threats.
I am looking forward to the next book.
October 25, 2025
Hiding in plain sight
He got fired and ripped from his world at the same time and now he is stuck in the body of public enemy number one. I love how he was able to hide his face with his real face and all he wanted to do is help by cooking. I loved his new friends, but only one knew who he really is. This book has action and comedy, and prefect blend.
He got fired and ripped from his world at the same time and now he is stuck in the body of public enemy number one. I love how he was able to hide his face with his real face and all he wanted to do is help by cooking. I loved his new friends, but only one knew who he really is. This book has action and comedy, and prefect blend.
November 23, 2025
This was a great comfort read! I really loved all the details of Varix cooking and how he figured out how to make "Earth" food with his limited resources. I will continue the series soon.
My only negative was that some parts were a little awkward/tacky with his relationship with Seraphina. I could've done without certain details.
Otherwise, super cute read overall!
My only negative was that some parts were a little awkward/tacky with his relationship with Seraphina. I could've done without certain details.
Otherwise, super cute read overall!
January 17, 2026
Great book!
So many fantasy books try and find a balance between action, character development, action and humour.
This book serves ;) it up in spades.
I really enjoyed the story - a cool spin on the isekai idea.
Main character is well crafted and relatable. Support characters are well balanced and entertaining.
Enough reviewing on to the second course - book 2!
So many fantasy books try and find a balance between action, character development, action and humour.
This book serves ;) it up in spades.
I really enjoyed the story - a cool spin on the isekai idea.
Main character is well crafted and relatable. Support characters are well balanced and entertaining.
Enough reviewing on to the second course - book 2!
February 9, 2026
Very enjoyable unusual isekai
Quite a change of pace for an isekai story, MC pulled to another world, kills/replaces villain, and starts a bar. Rejects villain's powers to fulfill dream of restaurant ownership, sounds weird but I really enjoyed the story and am looking for sequel now.
Quite a change of pace for an isekai story, MC pulled to another world, kills/replaces villain, and starts a bar. Rejects villain's powers to fulfill dream of restaurant ownership, sounds weird but I really enjoyed the story and am looking for sequel now.
May 4, 2026
Cookbook fluff doesn't add to the story
As many others have said, it's a cozy isekai story. I don't think detailed descriptions of cooking adds much to the story. How does describing when food was put in to boil move the story along?
Things seemed to drop too easily into place and there were instances where I felt too much deus ex machina was employed.
As many others have said, it's a cozy isekai story. I don't think detailed descriptions of cooking adds much to the story. How does describing when food was put in to boil move the story along?
Things seemed to drop too easily into place and there were instances where I felt too much deus ex machina was employed.
July 5, 2026
Boring attempt at slice of life with an aggressively bland main character who acts like a bit of an idiot, yet everyone he encounters adores him and seems driven to help him even at cost to themselves. The side characters are all just supports and yes men who seem to exist solely to donate their money, time, and skills just because he makes... really good stew. Sure.
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