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The Glyphwright Chronicles #1
Ink & Intent: The Glyphwright Chronicles - Book 1
Marcus Fairwind remembers every symbol he's ever seen. Too bad that talent is useless for a merchant's son—until he starts treating magic like a supply chain problem.
After disappointing his father one too many times, Marcus begs Millbrook's irritable glyphwright for an apprenticeship. Erasmus reluctantly takes him on, teaching him glyphwriting—magic through written symbols.
His perfectionist rival Felix thinks Marcus doesn't belong. The Guild fears what happens when apprentice innovations make master traditions obsolete.
When their experimental ward network actually works, the Guild decides to make an example of them. The protect the entire Harvest Festival or both apprentices and their masters lose their right to practice. Forever.
Now Marcus and his former rival must save three days of festival chaos—escaping livestock, spoiling goods, and traditions gone sideways. But when the Guild rigs the game against them, the apprentice Marcus once couldn't stand might be the only person worth trusting.
A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression elements, first romance, found family, and the revolutionary idea that sometimes your worst enemy is exactly the partner you need.
Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover why sometimes the most magical thing isn't saving the world—it's finding where you belong.
After disappointing his father one too many times, Marcus begs Millbrook's irritable glyphwright for an apprenticeship. Erasmus reluctantly takes him on, teaching him glyphwriting—magic through written symbols.
His perfectionist rival Felix thinks Marcus doesn't belong. The Guild fears what happens when apprentice innovations make master traditions obsolete.
When their experimental ward network actually works, the Guild decides to make an example of them. The protect the entire Harvest Festival or both apprentices and their masters lose their right to practice. Forever.
Now Marcus and his former rival must save three days of festival chaos—escaping livestock, spoiling goods, and traditions gone sideways. But when the Guild rigs the game against them, the apprentice Marcus once couldn't stand might be the only person worth trusting.
A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression elements, first romance, found family, and the revolutionary idea that sometimes your worst enemy is exactly the partner you need.
Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover why sometimes the most magical thing isn't saving the world—it's finding where you belong.
- GenresFantasyCozySlice Of Life
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
441 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 11, 2026
Writing a book may take a village, but this guy uses AI.
Writing a book may take a village, but this guy uses AI.
Weird sections of the book are never referenced again, the ‘author’ reintroduces the same characters multiple times, if this isn’t AI, it’s bad and needs an editor STAT.
Writing a book may take a village, but this guy uses AI.
Weird sections of the book are never referenced again, the ‘author’ reintroduces the same characters multiple times, if this isn’t AI, it’s bad and needs an editor STAT.
November 14, 2025
Couldn’t stop reading
I meant every word of my review title. I literally started and had the hardest time not reading this book. For three days straight I read this book 95% of the time. I went to work I cooked and everything like that but when I read a book, there was a 95% chance it was this book. It took me three days to finish this book and it’s only because I had to go to work. The MC amazing the story amazing yes it’s cozy. Yes, it’s slice of life But it’s like good comfort food. I kept stuffing myself with it. The only difference is it doesn’t hurt you can keep eating as much as you want until you run out of book to read. In fact, if I’m honest, that’s the only problem here you are going to run out of book to read. The story, the town MC all of it just fits perfectly. This is true precision. I don’t have any other words to describe it.
Message to the author.
Normally, I leave a message to the author and I have small critiques even about the books. I love the most. I have nothing to say here. Well, I mean nothing besides, I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next. You have no idea how thrilled I am that I don’t have to wait but a few weeks to read it. I’m glad when an author releases a book and then they don’t take all day to put the Next book out for us. The fans of your work we are going to promote it. Trust me. It’s already been promoted in the social media circles are frequent. My boss gave it to her daughter to read. Truly enjoyed the book. Can’t wait for the next and the only thing I can say is thank you thank you so much.
I meant every word of my review title. I literally started and had the hardest time not reading this book. For three days straight I read this book 95% of the time. I went to work I cooked and everything like that but when I read a book, there was a 95% chance it was this book. It took me three days to finish this book and it’s only because I had to go to work. The MC amazing the story amazing yes it’s cozy. Yes, it’s slice of life But it’s like good comfort food. I kept stuffing myself with it. The only difference is it doesn’t hurt you can keep eating as much as you want until you run out of book to read. In fact, if I’m honest, that’s the only problem here you are going to run out of book to read. The story, the town MC all of it just fits perfectly. This is true precision. I don’t have any other words to describe it.
Message to the author.
Normally, I leave a message to the author and I have small critiques even about the books. I love the most. I have nothing to say here. Well, I mean nothing besides, I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next. You have no idea how thrilled I am that I don’t have to wait but a few weeks to read it. I’m glad when an author releases a book and then they don’t take all day to put the Next book out for us. The fans of your work we are going to promote it. Trust me. It’s already been promoted in the social media circles are frequent. My boss gave it to her daughter to read. Truly enjoyed the book. Can’t wait for the next and the only thing I can say is thank you thank you so much.
November 19, 2025
Enjoyable crafting showing growth, innovation, and system thinking
I enjoyed the growth and innovative solutions created because of clear problems. There's a bit of litrpg in the professional journals. I'd recommend it to those interested in a fantasy setting with crafting and growth of friends.
I enjoyed the growth and innovative solutions created because of clear problems. There's a bit of litrpg in the professional journals. I'd recommend it to those interested in a fantasy setting with crafting and growth of friends.
November 11, 2025
Amazing!!!!!!
This book was truly refreshing. A likable, competent, magical MC is extremely hard to find nowadays. As someone who loves fantasy and specifically magic systems it’s extremely difficult to find books that flesh out their systems and immerse you in learning them and the MCs progression. This was beautiful and I love all the characters which is also a rarity for me. I also truly appreciate most of the book being from the main characters perspective. I hope the author continues this for future novels and doesn’t fall into the troupe of perspective switching too often.
This book was truly refreshing. A likable, competent, magical MC is extremely hard to find nowadays. As someone who loves fantasy and specifically magic systems it’s extremely difficult to find books that flesh out their systems and immerse you in learning them and the MCs progression. This was beautiful and I love all the characters which is also a rarity for me. I also truly appreciate most of the book being from the main characters perspective. I hope the author continues this for future novels and doesn’t fall into the troupe of perspective switching too often.
January 24, 2026
*likely ai*
If this is not ai then it desperately needs an editor. Love the story, but it really needs to be cleaned up by an actual person. It gets better around 70% but it's still bad.
Repetitive phrases. Characters being introduced as if they werent already introduced. Lessons being retaught as if they are new even though it already occurred. Projects started and never finished. The MC is working almost daily rough cramped hands, have you ever tried to hold a quill (or very slim and delicate pen) with a hand cramp? No way anyone is proceeding with literal hours of precise careful writing like that. Daily.
Inconsistent descriptions:At one point the MC is writing one glyph per paper and then it said something about filling a page with glyphs. The city is described as a small town multiple times but then it takes a huge amount of time to cross it (mentioned when aguildmaster came to the shop early in the morning). At one point travel to the nearest town was 2 days and then it occurred in only half a day and then over night. Formatting of the skill list keeps changing every time it's mentioned.
Passage of time doesn't make sense. The MC takes a job from a guildmaster, says it will take 4 hours, then this very importantperson just waits around. It makes absolutely no sense for a guldmaster to just stand idly by waiting 4 hours for something that could be delivered. This happens more than once where the work is described as taking hours and people with unrelated jobs just stand and wait. MC also agreed to a job that would take weeks but then the story started talking of other jobs that took full days at a time. I thought there was a time skip but then you find out he hits level 3 in only 6 weeks and is extremely apparent that the author just totally forgot about the farmers letters.
Little research went into the time period setting. At one point ink and paper are super expensive but then paper is constantly wasted on practice when other materials could be used.
Money references are so mixed up: for a while the MC owed 2 silver room and board which was being docked from 2 silver of wages but at the exact same time one silver per week was being docked to pay back a debt. The merchant ward network was for 200 gold and then when they are paid it's only 20+2 for tip? The author is just saying whatever without checking that it would even work. Which definitely sounds like ai. The fact that multiple books seem to be released each month suggests using ai in place of an actual editor.
Mc is extremely arrogant and every mistake becomes a success which is unreasonable.
I nearly stopped after reading that the wobbly desk was "made stable by accumulated paper shims" for the 4th (or more?) time. At 32%. Long after there were additional instances mentioning adding the paper shims. Author, please hire an editor.
Many more concerns about timing and topics mentioned then dropped like the library and the sisters apprenticeship mismatch and so many more but have up around 50% because it was being too distracting. This book has so much potential that is just ruined by lack of editing or sufficient test readers. Forcing myself to stop here. I don't know if I'll read more in the series, but i did really love the premise.
If this is not ai then it desperately needs an editor. Love the story, but it really needs to be cleaned up by an actual person. It gets better around 70% but it's still bad.
Repetitive phrases. Characters being introduced as if they werent already introduced. Lessons being retaught as if they are new even though it already occurred. Projects started and never finished. The MC is working almost daily rough cramped hands, have you ever tried to hold a quill (or very slim and delicate pen) with a hand cramp? No way anyone is proceeding with literal hours of precise careful writing like that. Daily.
Inconsistent descriptions:At one point the MC is writing one glyph per paper and then it said something about filling a page with glyphs. The city is described as a small town multiple times but then it takes a huge amount of time to cross it (mentioned when aguildmaster came to the shop early in the morning). At one point travel to the nearest town was 2 days and then it occurred in only half a day and then over night. Formatting of the skill list keeps changing every time it's mentioned.
Passage of time doesn't make sense. The MC takes a job from a guildmaster, says it will take 4 hours, then this very importantperson just waits around. It makes absolutely no sense for a guldmaster to just stand idly by waiting 4 hours for something that could be delivered. This happens more than once where the work is described as taking hours and people with unrelated jobs just stand and wait. MC also agreed to a job that would take weeks but then the story started talking of other jobs that took full days at a time. I thought there was a time skip but then you find out he hits level 3 in only 6 weeks and is extremely apparent that the author just totally forgot about the farmers letters.
Little research went into the time period setting. At one point ink and paper are super expensive but then paper is constantly wasted on practice when other materials could be used.
Money references are so mixed up: for a while the MC owed 2 silver room and board which was being docked from 2 silver of wages but at the exact same time one silver per week was being docked to pay back a debt. The merchant ward network was for 200 gold and then when they are paid it's only 20+2 for tip? The author is just saying whatever without checking that it would even work. Which definitely sounds like ai. The fact that multiple books seem to be released each month suggests using ai in place of an actual editor.
Mc is extremely arrogant and every mistake becomes a success which is unreasonable.
I nearly stopped after reading that the wobbly desk was "made stable by accumulated paper shims" for the 4th (or more?) time. At 32%. Long after there were additional instances mentioning adding the paper shims. Author, please hire an editor.
Many more concerns about timing and topics mentioned then dropped like the library and the sisters apprenticeship mismatch and so many more but have up around 50% because it was being too distracting. This book has so much potential that is just ruined by lack of editing or sufficient test readers. Forcing myself to stop here. I don't know if I'll read more in the series, but i did really love the premise.
December 30, 2025
It’s a tapestry of magical characters , beautifully conceived and executed
Rating: 5⭐️
This is such a fabulous read. Jeremy Fabiano is a new author and I’m so excited to share his book and amazing series.
After finishing Ink & Intent, the first novel in his fantasy The Glyphwright Chronicles, I can say not only that I absolutely committed to this universe and characters but also to the author as well. (Yes, I’ve read ahead)
I’ve read literally thousands of books in all genres and more authors than I can count. And lately, I’m just not finishing the stories I find lacking.
But Book 1, Ink & Intent, is incredible on multiple levels. Fabiano is, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating many important pieces of his series at once. And doing so beautifully, believably, and imaginatively.
The author gives us the characters, all extremely multi dimensional, deeply faceted by their own unique personalities, magical abilities and grounded in their environment ,business or family or any combination thereof. And then allows each of them room to develop and grow into fuller, more complex people as their own lives and relationships dynamics change.
And an important aspect of this is the location of Millbrook, a town so real and lively and well conceived that it acts as its own character. From the many geographical points, the mill and river to the town’s shops and shopkeepers, the reader becomes intimately acquainted and fond of each of them. And their importance to each other storylines and connections to the main characters.
It’s a tapestry of magical characters as a weaving of magical systems that is constantly evolving in complexity and delightful design. It’s pragmatic, surprisingly intuitive and unlike any I’ve encountered.
There’s a slight RPG element as the characters have skills and journals that show them as they level up as journeyman. But the adventure(s) and magical abilities are acquired as they are asked to solve various challenges and a multitude of problems. One of such variety that I couldn’t stop thinking about each one and didn’t put the story down until the wee hours.
Then picked up the next at 3 am. Oh no.
There’s a no spice romance developing but it’s really all about the friendship and partnership between the two young men, and their older mentors and the Guide who’s fighting innovation. At the moment.
I can see me adding more to my groaning bookshelf.
What a fantastic find. A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author.
Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design
The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):
- [x] Ink & Intent #1
- [ ] Wards & Measures #2
- [ ] Trades & Treaties #3 - Feb 8,2026
- [ ] Vision & Venture #4 - April 8,2026
Rating: 5⭐️
This is such a fabulous read. Jeremy Fabiano is a new author and I’m so excited to share his book and amazing series.
After finishing Ink & Intent, the first novel in his fantasy The Glyphwright Chronicles, I can say not only that I absolutely committed to this universe and characters but also to the author as well. (Yes, I’ve read ahead)
I’ve read literally thousands of books in all genres and more authors than I can count. And lately, I’m just not finishing the stories I find lacking.
But Book 1, Ink & Intent, is incredible on multiple levels. Fabiano is, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating many important pieces of his series at once. And doing so beautifully, believably, and imaginatively.
The author gives us the characters, all extremely multi dimensional, deeply faceted by their own unique personalities, magical abilities and grounded in their environment ,business or family or any combination thereof. And then allows each of them room to develop and grow into fuller, more complex people as their own lives and relationships dynamics change.
And an important aspect of this is the location of Millbrook, a town so real and lively and well conceived that it acts as its own character. From the many geographical points, the mill and river to the town’s shops and shopkeepers, the reader becomes intimately acquainted and fond of each of them. And their importance to each other storylines and connections to the main characters.
It’s a tapestry of magical characters as a weaving of magical systems that is constantly evolving in complexity and delightful design. It’s pragmatic, surprisingly intuitive and unlike any I’ve encountered.
There’s a slight RPG element as the characters have skills and journals that show them as they level up as journeyman. But the adventure(s) and magical abilities are acquired as they are asked to solve various challenges and a multitude of problems. One of such variety that I couldn’t stop thinking about each one and didn’t put the story down until the wee hours.
Then picked up the next at 3 am. Oh no.
There’s a no spice romance developing but it’s really all about the friendship and partnership between the two young men, and their older mentors and the Guide who’s fighting innovation. At the moment.
I can see me adding more to my groaning bookshelf.
What a fantastic find. A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author.
Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design
The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):
- [x] Ink & Intent #1
- [ ] Wards & Measures #2
- [ ] Trades & Treaties #3 - Feb 8,2026
- [ ] Vision & Venture #4 - April 8,2026
February 15, 2026
A very fast read if you are into crafting professions and innovative people. I started and finished this book in one day.
This book is actually fascinating to me because of the theory behind what actually works and watching the main character come at standard approaches from different angles; proving that everyone's diverse backgrounds can lead to innovative discoveries if you are flexible enough to accept change. I think the most important aspect to the main character's discoveries is that he technically never learned that he shouldn't be doing something a certain way, and approached it from that angle to begin with.
A lot happens that involves the craft of this book, but there are a few things that I think were missing that caused me to give the book 4 stars instead of 5.
1- There truly wasn't really an overarching plot the characters were working toward that affected the whole book. Arguably the plot they were working towards is the change in views of current standards, but as apprentices, they didn't think like that, they were just trying to show that things could be done out of necessity as much as innovation.
2- The difference between scribe and glyphwrite was NEVER explained, and yet apparently they are common enough or similar enough that they can do all of the same work, just under different titles. Our main character and his "nemesis" come from the two different backgrounds but apparently do the same work. It was confusing.
Anyway, just a warning that I can see a lot of people being bored with the book as there really isn't anything "Exciting" that happens, like mega quests, fights, or monsters. This book really is one that focuses on crafting.
Have fun!
This book is actually fascinating to me because of the theory behind what actually works and watching the main character come at standard approaches from different angles; proving that everyone's diverse backgrounds can lead to innovative discoveries if you are flexible enough to accept change. I think the most important aspect to the main character's discoveries is that he technically never learned that he shouldn't be doing something a certain way, and approached it from that angle to begin with.
A lot happens that involves the craft of this book, but there are a few things that I think were missing that caused me to give the book 4 stars instead of 5.
1- There truly wasn't really an overarching plot the characters were working toward that affected the whole book. Arguably the plot they were working towards is the change in views of current standards, but as apprentices, they didn't think like that, they were just trying to show that things could be done out of necessity as much as innovation.
2- The difference between scribe and glyphwrite was NEVER explained, and yet apparently they are common enough or similar enough that they can do all of the same work, just under different titles. Our main character and his "nemesis" come from the two different backgrounds but apparently do the same work. It was confusing.
Anyway, just a warning that I can see a lot of people being bored with the book as there really isn't anything "Exciting" that happens, like mega quests, fights, or monsters. This book really is one that focuses on crafting.
Have fun!
January 5, 2026
I enjoyed this book but I also felt it had some issues. To me, it felt like two different books. Both enjoyable but not perfectly aligned. In the beginning, I liked the focus on Marcus and how innovative he was. His growth as both a character and as a glyph writer were interesting and had depth. His growing relationship with Erasmus was heartwarming as they both learned new things. Then the book sort of switched directions and it became more of a buddy story with the relationship with Felix taking center stage. The crossover was rather jarring as Felix very quickly went from being a self-important blowhard firmly grounded in tradition to a super innovative rebel.
It also seemed like maybe an editor got involved to chop out content and we lost whole swaths of necessary backstory. The whole fix of the library wing was missing and references to it were common during the portion about the dorm upgrades. What did they do? It sounds like it was something exciting. Also, Felix is noted as having an innovation that added to his level and his application to be a journeyman. How and when he accomplished this is never discussed. I’m assuming he improved on Marcus’s security wards as they seem much different when they are used later. Also, when were all these parents meeting and deals being made with Victor when very little time had passed. I’m also unclear on how the ink created from recycled materials saved the whole town. I thought everyone would be trading materials but later in the book it all focuses on the ink.
On a side note, Rose was a dream character. Her letter and progress and the way she helped her brother at the festival were so sweet.
It also seemed like maybe an editor got involved to chop out content and we lost whole swaths of necessary backstory. The whole fix of the library wing was missing and references to it were common during the portion about the dorm upgrades. What did they do? It sounds like it was something exciting. Also, Felix is noted as having an innovation that added to his level and his application to be a journeyman. How and when he accomplished this is never discussed. I’m assuming he improved on Marcus’s security wards as they seem much different when they are used later. Also, when were all these parents meeting and deals being made with Victor when very little time had passed. I’m also unclear on how the ink created from recycled materials saved the whole town. I thought everyone would be trading materials but later in the book it all focuses on the ink.
On a side note, Rose was a dream character. Her letter and progress and the way she helped her brother at the festival were so sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
Every single character in this book talks like they are a robot. Everything is optimization and parameter checks. The main character is decently well developed along with his master but everyone else is just there.
The setting is a little hard to wrap my head around. Everyone seems to understand chemical structure and one even does calculations based on that but they ride around in horse drawn carriages. There also is extremely modern words used that you would expect for people riding in cars not carriages. Some exceptions make sense since no one wants to read old English but when the characters specifically say some of these words it really takes you out of the story.
Looking at the story it is extremely fast paced but stale. Somehow innovation has just stopped and no one tries anything else while tradition reigns dominate. Suddenly a boy comes around and revolutionizes about 2-3 fields over the course of a few months. Somewhat believable but a little ridiculous, especially when this boy is a simple apprentice.
There is what I will passingly call romance. Really that might be too generous as it just is there and happens. You see none of the development as a reader. You can certainly assume and take a guess and you would be right of who the romantic interest will be but we as the reader never know until towards the end of the book. When I say never know I mean you will not even know they are flirting or anything boarding on romance. All you will see is that they visit often.
The setting is a little hard to wrap my head around. Everyone seems to understand chemical structure and one even does calculations based on that but they ride around in horse drawn carriages. There also is extremely modern words used that you would expect for people riding in cars not carriages. Some exceptions make sense since no one wants to read old English but when the characters specifically say some of these words it really takes you out of the story.
Looking at the story it is extremely fast paced but stale. Somehow innovation has just stopped and no one tries anything else while tradition reigns dominate. Suddenly a boy comes around and revolutionizes about 2-3 fields over the course of a few months. Somewhat believable but a little ridiculous, especially when this boy is a simple apprentice.
There is what I will passingly call romance. Really that might be too generous as it just is there and happens. You see none of the development as a reader. You can certainly assume and take a guess and you would be right of who the romantic interest will be but we as the reader never know until towards the end of the book. When I say never know I mean you will not even know they are flirting or anything boarding on romance. All you will see is that they visit often.
March 22, 2026
Interesting and Well Written
This book was one of the “good” finds on Kindle Unlimited. The characters are well-written, and show growth. The story is solid and so is the world building. It’s a finding where you fit with a dash of coming of age story.
We start with Marcus, the son of a wealthy merchant, who has been kicked out to find his own fortune. He is down to his last coin and down to the last name on his potential apprenticeship list when a good deed lands him at the doorway of a grouchy old man named Erasmus. Eramus is a glyphwright (writing using magic) who hasn’t had a successful apprentice in years. Can this unlikely duo stand each other long enough for Marcus to be successful?
The story is not “action packed” but had quite a bit of political and personal conflict which moved along nicely (some conflicts may have been resolved too easily and people’s outlook changed too much or maybe not you decide).
The descriptions of what Marcus is doing is adequate to know what is going on and how difficult his tasks are without becoming a boring technical manual (which is difficult to do and this books totes the line perfectly).
There are a good cast of side characters both friends and enemies. That are not completely 2-D but hopefully will be fleshed out further in future novels.
Overall an entertaining read that has me looking forward to the next novel.
This book was one of the “good” finds on Kindle Unlimited. The characters are well-written, and show growth. The story is solid and so is the world building. It’s a finding where you fit with a dash of coming of age story.
We start with Marcus, the son of a wealthy merchant, who has been kicked out to find his own fortune. He is down to his last coin and down to the last name on his potential apprenticeship list when a good deed lands him at the doorway of a grouchy old man named Erasmus. Eramus is a glyphwright (writing using magic) who hasn’t had a successful apprentice in years. Can this unlikely duo stand each other long enough for Marcus to be successful?
The story is not “action packed” but had quite a bit of political and personal conflict which moved along nicely (some conflicts may have been resolved too easily and people’s outlook changed too much or maybe not you decide).
The descriptions of what Marcus is doing is adequate to know what is going on and how difficult his tasks are without becoming a boring technical manual (which is difficult to do and this books totes the line perfectly).
There are a good cast of side characters both friends and enemies. That are not completely 2-D but hopefully will be fleshed out further in future novels.
Overall an entertaining read that has me looking forward to the next novel.
December 28, 2025
Well written coming of age story in a magical universe, but not a dungeon story!
I really enjoy this genre of literature. The MC is finding his own way, even if it's not the same way as his family. He's been raised to be a merchant, and he does end up using some of those skills later on in the story, but first, he develops his glyphwright skills. He makes friends, turns a rival into a friend, and even eventually gets a girlfriend, all while developing his glyphwrighting skills.
I like the way Jeremy has Marcus, the MC, discovering his progress through his linked book! Very clever idea! I have already purchased book 2.
Oh, and I didn't even have to make any corrections along the way! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've recently read, actually re-read, a series of sci-fi and fantasy books that I love, but unfortunately, the author needs a better spell checker and editor. For example: wonder vs. wander, their vs. there vs. they're, etc. Being a retired teacher, it really "war," I mean "wore," me down. (That's an actual example from one of the stories!)
Keep up the great work, Jeremy.
I really enjoy this genre of literature. The MC is finding his own way, even if it's not the same way as his family. He's been raised to be a merchant, and he does end up using some of those skills later on in the story, but first, he develops his glyphwright skills. He makes friends, turns a rival into a friend, and even eventually gets a girlfriend, all while developing his glyphwrighting skills.
I like the way Jeremy has Marcus, the MC, discovering his progress through his linked book! Very clever idea! I have already purchased book 2.
Oh, and I didn't even have to make any corrections along the way! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've recently read, actually re-read, a series of sci-fi and fantasy books that I love, but unfortunately, the author needs a better spell checker and editor. For example: wonder vs. wander, their vs. there vs. they're, etc. Being a retired teacher, it really "war," I mean "wore," me down. (That's an actual example from one of the stories!)
Keep up the great work, Jeremy.
January 14, 2026
Not for me
I am sure there are some who may enjoy the story. For me it was a tough read to get trough the first 15%. That is where I stopped. I gave it 3 stars because stopped so little into the book it wouldn't be fair to rate it any lower. Why did I stop? Well, it was the MC. Sure he was somewhat likable, but he wasn't inspiring or interesting. He was not self aware and tended to be self absorbed. His struggle/ life challenges felt way to plot device driven. One example is the first couple of paragraphs of the book. He has taken a job copying a map but gets distracted by a pretty watermark. When challenged about his lack of progress, he just argues back that the water mark looks special and is clueless about what is important about the job. The second one is when he was specifically told to pick something up and pay for it but completely forgets to pay. Who forgets to pay? Lastly is the antagonist. He is the overly used, arrogant, noble mans son who is evil for evil sake.
I am sure there are some who may enjoy the story. For me it was a tough read to get trough the first 15%. That is where I stopped. I gave it 3 stars because stopped so little into the book it wouldn't be fair to rate it any lower. Why did I stop? Well, it was the MC. Sure he was somewhat likable, but he wasn't inspiring or interesting. He was not self aware and tended to be self absorbed. His struggle/ life challenges felt way to plot device driven. One example is the first couple of paragraphs of the book. He has taken a job copying a map but gets distracted by a pretty watermark. When challenged about his lack of progress, he just argues back that the water mark looks special and is clueless about what is important about the job. The second one is when he was specifically told to pick something up and pay for it but completely forgets to pay. Who forgets to pay? Lastly is the antagonist. He is the overly used, arrogant, noble mans son who is evil for evil sake.
January 26, 2026
The majority of books I read, 95% I’ll say, are science fiction. This captures my imagination, it helps me to Think Through sometimes technical issues, other times just understanding there’s more to life than what I can see when I look in the dark sky. Yes it’s all fictional but at the same time it draws me and my imagination out. With that said though this book caught my attention immediately. I would have never looked at it except for the idea that this book fell within the 5% I usually don’t read. Of that 5%, the majority of those focus on books and I got caught up in what was happening in this fantasy. I intend on reading more of this series. This year I plan on changing my reading style to add on additional amounts of fantasy. Yes, it doesn’t tell you about what’s in the book but it does tell you that it made a big impression on me.
January 30, 2026
great premise, decent writing, terrible editing
This was a very fun slice of life style book. The world felt a little shallow and the systems made little to no sense. Some people seem to have a LITRPG style classification of their professions, and it’s generally accepted as normal but it also didn’t seem to apply for everyone. A little more information on how that works and what it means would have been nice.
This book badly needed to be read by a professional editor. Entire sections were repeated, dialog switched characters mid paragraph without appropriate punctuation, genders changed chapter to chapter and characters appeared as if we were supposed to know them when clearly their introductions had been removed.
The author shows promise, but was let down by the fit in a big way. Find a real editor and this could be something special.
This was a very fun slice of life style book. The world felt a little shallow and the systems made little to no sense. Some people seem to have a LITRPG style classification of their professions, and it’s generally accepted as normal but it also didn’t seem to apply for everyone. A little more information on how that works and what it means would have been nice.
This book badly needed to be read by a professional editor. Entire sections were repeated, dialog switched characters mid paragraph without appropriate punctuation, genders changed chapter to chapter and characters appeared as if we were supposed to know them when clearly their introductions had been removed.
The author shows promise, but was let down by the fit in a big way. Find a real editor and this could be something special.
November 27, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
This one was good. I love the crafting part of it. The book is also well written. It is not for me. Too much yo-yo conflict, politics, and bureaucracy, which I do not enjoy in my fantasy. I also don't get all the relationship talk; if it offers no value to the story, it should not even be part of it. I wish all characters were asexual/aromantic unless it is an actual romance. It just brings unnecessary coolness to the story. Will not continue the series.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
This one was good. I love the crafting part of it. The book is also well written. It is not for me. Too much yo-yo conflict, politics, and bureaucracy, which I do not enjoy in my fantasy. I also don't get all the relationship talk; if it offers no value to the story, it should not even be part of it. I wish all characters were asexual/aromantic unless it is an actual romance. It just brings unnecessary coolness to the story. Will not continue the series.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
January 3, 2026
Way better than I expected. It turned out to be more than just the typical coming of age novel. The magical system is strong enough to be interesting, but weak enough to avoid the Superman problem in which every challenge should be magically solved in a moment. The characters develop naturally; dialog is well done; and the problems resolve in a satisfying way.
If there is a weakness, it's that all the issues seem to be resolved too easily. Almost immediately. Although there's a brief struggle for the main character when he begins to study his craft, that is only a matter of a few weeks. After that everything, including magic, memory, finances, and relationships gets solved with accelerating rapidity. Without struggle there is no dramatic tension.
If there is a weakness, it's that all the issues seem to be resolved too easily. Almost immediately. Although there's a brief struggle for the main character when he begins to study his craft, that is only a matter of a few weeks. After that everything, including magic, memory, finances, and relationships gets solved with accelerating rapidity. Without struggle there is no dramatic tension.
January 17, 2026
Pretty good story with some bothersome issues
A nice coming of age tale in a cozy wrapper. MC is likable and though his challenges are relatively small it makes for an easy comfortable read.
However, there continuity issues from beginning to end. In chapter 1, three of the main characters meet for the first time then when they meet again later it is as though the initial encounter never occurred. Multiple instances of timelines changing with explanation. MC has three weeks to do something, then in the next paragraph it’s two weeks yet no time has passed. Wrong names used a couple of times. Weird changes in narrative style. It adds up and I honestly had to make myself finish the book.
A nice coming of age tale in a cozy wrapper. MC is likable and though his challenges are relatively small it makes for an easy comfortable read.
However, there continuity issues from beginning to end. In chapter 1, three of the main characters meet for the first time then when they meet again later it is as though the initial encounter never occurred. Multiple instances of timelines changing with explanation. MC has three weeks to do something, then in the next paragraph it’s two weeks yet no time has passed. Wrong names used a couple of times. Weird changes in narrative style. It adds up and I honestly had to make myself finish the book.
January 29, 2026
really fascinating world
I love the world building of this place. There’s so much foundational background that isn’t really noticeable in the story until the moment where it connects. And it tells me that this author is spending a lot of effort to make sure there’s an internal consistency to his systems which is a perfect representation of the actual story in a lot of ways. I think so anyway. If it is as I imagine, I admire the thinking and effort behind it. The story is fabulous, and there are so many more stories possible within it. Rose has the potential as a spinoff series of her own. Erasmus and his history as a cartographer is another. I’m truly looking forward to the next book.
I love the world building of this place. There’s so much foundational background that isn’t really noticeable in the story until the moment where it connects. And it tells me that this author is spending a lot of effort to make sure there’s an internal consistency to his systems which is a perfect representation of the actual story in a lot of ways. I think so anyway. If it is as I imagine, I admire the thinking and effort behind it. The story is fabulous, and there are so many more stories possible within it. Rose has the potential as a spinoff series of her own. Erasmus and his history as a cartographer is another. I’m truly looking forward to the next book.
February 10, 2026
Excellent and enjoyable!
I really appreciate this book for the author's plotting and character development. The "gaming/stats" elements are there, but not at all intrusive as I've seen in other novels, so it isn't off putting to those new to that aspect of the genre (or like me, simply uninterested in it).
The writing is clear, the pace unhurried but not slow, and I really really REALLY appreciate the wonderful editing (typos, sentence fragments, and so on drive me ballistic). I like the characters, who have some struggle and conflict, but actively work to overcome barriers - plus, they aren't one dimensional, neither are they unrealistic or overpowered.
Absolutely recommended, and I'm scurrying off to read the next book Right. NOW!
I really appreciate this book for the author's plotting and character development. The "gaming/stats" elements are there, but not at all intrusive as I've seen in other novels, so it isn't off putting to those new to that aspect of the genre (or like me, simply uninterested in it).
The writing is clear, the pace unhurried but not slow, and I really really REALLY appreciate the wonderful editing (typos, sentence fragments, and so on drive me ballistic). I like the characters, who have some struggle and conflict, but actively work to overcome barriers - plus, they aren't one dimensional, neither are they unrealistic or overpowered.
Absolutely recommended, and I'm scurrying off to read the next book Right. NOW!
February 16, 2026
Progression plus Story
I'm not usually keen on progression/litrpg as, despite some promising premises, they all seem to turn into the same repetitive points scoreboarding with the same tropes simply repeating louder at each cycle. This book has an original storyline and characters whose development doesn't depend solely on points scoring. There's also the slow revelation of a back story for the Erasmus character and emotional development on the part of the numerous cast. I enjoyed this book and hope that the sequels manage to maintain focus on storyline development and avoid the trap of mechanical "progression".
I'm not usually keen on progression/litrpg as, despite some promising premises, they all seem to turn into the same repetitive points scoreboarding with the same tropes simply repeating louder at each cycle. This book has an original storyline and characters whose development doesn't depend solely on points scoring. There's also the slow revelation of a back story for the Erasmus character and emotional development on the part of the numerous cast. I enjoyed this book and hope that the sequels manage to maintain focus on storyline development and avoid the trap of mechanical "progression".
March 17, 2026
This was just not a great book, the start is decent with some promise but quickly was running out of steam. Got to 32% and had to put it down.
The master kept letting the apprentice do very costly mistakes which they clearly knew were about to happen and then charged them.
The rivalry between Felix and the MC was just asinine and had no depth other than Felix being a standard entitled elite who isn’t competent.
Lastly the world building is very lack luster, we are lead to beleive that the MC had a few years of merchant training but had no idea that rune writing was a thing/ what runes are but than instantly understands how the runes interact with the world around them.
The master kept letting the apprentice do very costly mistakes which they clearly knew were about to happen and then charged them.
The rivalry between Felix and the MC was just asinine and had no depth other than Felix being a standard entitled elite who isn’t competent.
Lastly the world building is very lack luster, we are lead to beleive that the MC had a few years of merchant training but had no idea that rune writing was a thing/ what runes are but than instantly understands how the runes interact with the world around them.
January 21, 2026
Its ok
Well written but boring. The MC earns an apprenticeship but has to to be self taught thru a textbook. As much as it seemed to be an interesting premise I found the idea of having a book be the only way to track your stats or growth to be pretty dumb. Combine that with the glacial pacing and I found my mind drifting while reading it. Figure out my meal plans for the week or read about redrawing the same glyph a hundred times for the hundredth time while our MC daydreams about the medieval supply chain? Again it was well written but boring.
Well written but boring. The MC earns an apprenticeship but has to to be self taught thru a textbook. As much as it seemed to be an interesting premise I found the idea of having a book be the only way to track your stats or growth to be pretty dumb. Combine that with the glacial pacing and I found my mind drifting while reading it. Figure out my meal plans for the week or read about redrawing the same glyph a hundred times for the hundredth time while our MC daydreams about the medieval supply chain? Again it was well written but boring.
February 10, 2026
good read!
I really enjoyed this book. Different from other fantasy reads, with a young man doing and thinking. I liked that Rose was able to show her skills at the end also and that both young men’s families came to appreciate their skills. Can’t wait for next. What will they do for examination and after they get to Journeyman level? Go find Erasmus to see if they could assist? How will Rose develop 2 apprentices?
What about the men’s partnership and groaning their business?
Like I said, I can’t wait for next and next!
I really enjoyed this book. Different from other fantasy reads, with a young man doing and thinking. I liked that Rose was able to show her skills at the end also and that both young men’s families came to appreciate their skills. Can’t wait for next. What will they do for examination and after they get to Journeyman level? Go find Erasmus to see if they could assist? How will Rose develop 2 apprentices?
What about the men’s partnership and groaning their business?
Like I said, I can’t wait for next and next!
February 21, 2026
Brilliant Fantasy About Innovation
A merchant’s son with a fascination for visual patterns and a desire to solve problems rather than score victory at someone else’s expense makes a stunning foundation for a fantasy series. These are characters I want to follow and watch them grow. It’s a hopeful story that offers far more than political intrigue and vicious behavior. It a fascinating perspective on world building and story. Starting book 2 in the series as soon as I submit this review. Is there any better recommendation than that?
A merchant’s son with a fascination for visual patterns and a desire to solve problems rather than score victory at someone else’s expense makes a stunning foundation for a fantasy series. These are characters I want to follow and watch them grow. It’s a hopeful story that offers far more than political intrigue and vicious behavior. It a fascinating perspective on world building and story. Starting book 2 in the series as soon as I submit this review. Is there any better recommendation than that?
February 21, 2026
Ink &Intent: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 1
I had no idea what LitRPG meant as a description of this book. I found I really liked the character build-up and story line that is so different from what I have been reading lately. I don’t play video games, so the scoring of Levels and specific skills achieved was a new and enjoyable feature of this book. I would recommend this book to readers who like to cheer on a hero that learns and advances while finding ways to help others.
I had no idea what LitRPG meant as a description of this book. I found I really liked the character build-up and story line that is so different from what I have been reading lately. I don’t play video games, so the scoring of Levels and specific skills achieved was a new and enjoyable feature of this book. I would recommend this book to readers who like to cheer on a hero that learns and advances while finding ways to help others.
March 20, 2026
Excellent
A VERY well written fantasy about a young man struggling to follow his calling against (almost ) everyone's disapproval. A very interesting story, full of action, but without anger; I loved it.
As it leaves the door open for multiple possible developments, I'm looking forward to ALL of them. The characters have paths only limited by author's imagination, and I hope that limit is far, far away. Like Terry Mancour in Spellmonger series, where most of the important characters get their own secondary stories.
A VERY well written fantasy about a young man struggling to follow his calling against (almost ) everyone's disapproval. A very interesting story, full of action, but without anger; I loved it.
As it leaves the door open for multiple possible developments, I'm looking forward to ALL of them. The characters have paths only limited by author's imagination, and I hope that limit is far, far away. Like Terry Mancour in Spellmonger series, where most of the important characters get their own secondary stories.
November 29, 2025
An Excellent Read
Ink and intent is an excellent read. At the beginning, the novel grabs you softly with characters that you believe in and care about almost immediately. As the book continues, the tension within in between the characters drives the plot which then grows into real world danger and contest. The plot is skillful and the ending brings it all to a very satisfying completion.
Ink and intent is an excellent read. At the beginning, the novel grabs you softly with characters that you believe in and care about almost immediately. As the book continues, the tension within in between the characters drives the plot which then grows into real world danger and contest. The plot is skillful and the ending brings it all to a very satisfying completion.
December 12, 2025
Excellent read!
I enjoyed the progression of abilities and the way the characters interacted. All great stories are about how the people act. It doesn't matter if it's dressed up as a western, romance or sci/fi, it's the people and what they do. Recommend to anyone who wants a good yarn. The rating is because it hit all my requests for a story. You know, action, travel, innovation, romance and showing up authority. Please write more of these stories!
I enjoyed the progression of abilities and the way the characters interacted. All great stories are about how the people act. It doesn't matter if it's dressed up as a western, romance or sci/fi, it's the people and what they do. Recommend to anyone who wants a good yarn. The rating is because it hit all my requests for a story. You know, action, travel, innovation, romance and showing up authority. Please write more of these stories!
December 12, 2025
Excellent series
A well written story with an interesting cast of characters. The litrpg elements are much lighter than most, but still provide the same sense of leveling and numerical progress expected in the genre.
My only minor gripe is that it felt rushed and there were some jumps in the story, like the library job getting skipped.
I'd also have liked to hear more about traditional magecraft, but perhaps that will be in later books.
A well written story with an interesting cast of characters. The litrpg elements are much lighter than most, but still provide the same sense of leveling and numerical progress expected in the genre.
My only minor gripe is that it felt rushed and there were some jumps in the story, like the library job getting skipped.
I'd also have liked to hear more about traditional magecraft, but perhaps that will be in later books.
December 28, 2025
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book and got a great sense of Marcus from the very beginning. I loved how he started from zero and advanced through trial and error and serious hard work. And Erasmus was the perfect Master for him that taught through common sense, experience, and toughness when needed. I definitely want to find out what happens with his and Felix examination and especially Erasmus.
I really enjoyed this book and got a great sense of Marcus from the very beginning. I loved how he started from zero and advanced through trial and error and serious hard work. And Erasmus was the perfect Master for him that taught through common sense, experience, and toughness when needed. I definitely want to find out what happens with his and Felix examination and especially Erasmus.
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