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The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles #1
Accession of the Stone Born: Nine Realms Saga
You can’t run from destiny.
Gavin Randall hasn’t been home in nearly thirty years. Upon his return, he steps into a world he never knew existed and awakens dormant powers to discover that he’s one of the rarest beings in the supernatural community—a Stone Born. Now his very existence is a threat to the established order.
A mysterious death pulls him in further, forcing him to face off against family and foe alike. Gavin must reconcile the past he knew with a strange world of magic, along the way encountering new creatures and dangers he’s never experienced.
Will Gavin discover the truth? Or will this new world swallow him whole before he uncovers who he really is and who wants his uncle dead?
Gavin Randall hasn’t been home in nearly thirty years. Upon his return, he steps into a world he never knew existed and awakens dormant powers to discover that he’s one of the rarest beings in the supernatural community—a Stone Born. Now his very existence is a threat to the established order.
A mysterious death pulls him in further, forcing him to face off against family and foe alike. Gavin must reconcile the past he knew with a strange world of magic, along the way encountering new creatures and dangers he’s never experienced.
Will Gavin discover the truth? Or will this new world swallow him whole before he uncovers who he really is and who wants his uncle dead?
236 pages, ebook
Published May 16, 2016
287 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lange
40 books48 followersKen Lange is a current resident of the 'Big Easy', along with his partner and evil yet loving cats. Any delay, typo or missed edit can and will be blamed on the latter's interference.
He arrived at this career a little later in life and his work reflects it. Most of his characters won't be in their twenties and they aren't always warm and fuzzy. He is of the opinion, that middle aged adults are woefully underrepresented in fiction and has made it his mission to plug that gap.
Translation, he's middle aged and crotchety.
He arrived at this career a little later in life and his work reflects it. Most of his characters won't be in their twenties and they aren't always warm and fuzzy. He is of the opinion, that middle aged adults are woefully underrepresented in fiction and has made it his mission to plug that gap.
Translation, he's middle aged and crotchety.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 29, 2019
Clumsy.
No idea what's with all the 5 star reviews. It's not awful but 5 stars?
Good points:
- Interesting premise
- Interesting setting
Bad:
- Author doesn't seem to have much knowledge of Roman systems. Or if he does then he makes weird choices. The triumvirate is not an official position, certainly not subservient to the governors. The vigil should really be the tribune.
- Interaction is very awkward, to the point of cringe. Especially the romantic interest.
- The protagonist walks into situations he knows nothing about and starts throwing opinions and weight around, despite usually "being the smartest one in the room".
- The protagonist, despite (apparently) being smart, experienced, and 45, has none of the social competence I would expect. It may be clumsy writing, as nobody in the book is tactful in any way.
- There is no nuance or tact. Nobody hides their intentions. There is not a single person who could be said to be subtle. Characters that are hundreds of years old and in positions as regional political powers shoot from the hip every chance they get.
- The protagonist is overpowered
- The protagonists backstory doesnt make any sense
- Everyone who is a good guy is physically impressive. The bad guys are fat, or short, or old. It's a bit cartoonish.
Overall, it's a cool idea that's done in a very amateur way.
I probably wouldn't bother unless you're scraping the barrel.
No idea what's with all the 5 star reviews. It's not awful but 5 stars?
Good points:
- Interesting premise
- Interesting setting
Bad:
- Author doesn't seem to have much knowledge of Roman systems. Or if he does then he makes weird choices. The triumvirate is not an official position, certainly not subservient to the governors. The vigil should really be the tribune.
- Interaction is very awkward, to the point of cringe. Especially the romantic interest.
- The protagonist walks into situations he knows nothing about and starts throwing opinions and weight around, despite usually "being the smartest one in the room".
- The protagonist, despite (apparently) being smart, experienced, and 45, has none of the social competence I would expect. It may be clumsy writing, as nobody in the book is tactful in any way.
- There is no nuance or tact. Nobody hides their intentions. There is not a single person who could be said to be subtle. Characters that are hundreds of years old and in positions as regional political powers shoot from the hip every chance they get.
- The protagonist is overpowered
- The protagonists backstory doesnt make any sense
- Everyone who is a good guy is physically impressive. The bad guys are fat, or short, or old. It's a bit cartoonish.
Overall, it's a cool idea that's done in a very amateur way.
I probably wouldn't bother unless you're scraping the barrel.
June 18, 2018
This book was a change from my typical audiobook genres. It was a great time being able to ride along on Gavin's journey to explore the world of magic he is thrust into. Given his past life, it was fun watching his transition into this new world and his prominent role within it. I am quite glad that the reading group (Team TW) recommended Ken's work to me.
My only complaint, and the reason for a 4-star performance rating, has to do with audiobook chapter 11. The narrator generally reminded me of Christian Bale and I felt as though I was being read the book by Patrick Bateman from the American Psycho movie. However, in chapter 11 I noticed quite a bit of breathing/background noise that wasn't present in other chapters.
The author clearly shares similar tastes with me as I was hooked on his choice of scotch (Dalmore 15 - a great selection). I am definitely looking forward to book two and would recommend this book to anyone who is into Urban Fantasy.
My only complaint, and the reason for a 4-star performance rating, has to do with audiobook chapter 11. The narrator generally reminded me of Christian Bale and I felt as though I was being read the book by Patrick Bateman from the American Psycho movie. However, in chapter 11 I noticed quite a bit of breathing/background noise that wasn't present in other chapters.
The author clearly shares similar tastes with me as I was hooked on his choice of scotch (Dalmore 15 - a great selection). I am definitely looking forward to book two and would recommend this book to anyone who is into Urban Fantasy.
November 28, 2017
It's rare that I find an Urban Fantasy novel/series, completely out of the blue, like this! I usually go for stuff that's been heavily recommended by other respected authors or narrators. This author hit all of my favorite tropes, and still managed to throw in some surprises! The narrator had a little bit of a rocky start, but came into his own within a few chapters, and despite some weird breathing in the beginning, managed to completely win me over within a few chapters. This book was superb, on all levels, especially for a new-to-me author and narrator! Well done!
June 7, 2019
This is an interesting Urban Fantasy premise, but then the author started injecting a bunch of crap that were offensive to me as a reader. I'm Christian...not a little bit, but pretty serious about it, so when he calls the guy who raised Lazarus from the dead a necromancer with his 12 best friends I was disgusted. I shouldn't have been surprised with the rest of the political commentary that he'd been seeding the storyline with.
Maybe things get better and this is a great story, but I don't want to waste time and money reading a book that contains this kind of stuff. For people who don't share my values it might be great, but I get to vote with my interest and dollars and on this one I vote NO!!
Maybe things get better and this is a great story, but I don't want to waste time and money reading a book that contains this kind of stuff. For people who don't share my values it might be great, but I get to vote with my interest and dollars and on this one I vote NO!!
September 15, 2019
I have a new favourite author, and his name is Ken Lange.
Ken has singlehandedly, and in amazing detail, created a universe which is original and exciting. The worlds of the Stoneborn, with all who inhabit them, are enthralling and have drawn me in book by book.
I was fortunate enough to happen across Ken, on Facebook, read a blurb for his Warden Global year one series (the other Nine Worlds Saga - that of Viktor Engel Warden - which he has written, created in the same universe, world and timeline as the Gavin Randall series). From there, Ken very kindly offered me an Audible code, which I gratefully accepted and listened to the entire Year One series over the following few days. Hooked!!
This time around, I opted for my own inner voice, with which to read the story of Gavin Randall, Stoneborn, Vigil... and Grim. The man who should not be, according to all who occupy his world, alongside him.
Excellent characterisation, superb action - which is interspersed with humour, often of the snark variety - and intelligent clear storylines, which draw you in and have you reading into the wee small hours, until you realise the book is done and it’s an hour until you should be waking!
For me, that’s the mark of a great author. I am reminded of the way in which Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files drew me in and swallowed me whole, when I first read them. I “tripped” over them in the same way, and have never regretted it.
Ken deserves the same kind of success. His stories build, book on book, developing themes and characters, worlds and powers not meant for normal men and women. But that’s fine. Because his heroes and heroines are NOT normal men and women. They are the Stoneborn; the witch, the vampire, the sorcerer, the were, the siphon, the Vigil, the Grim...
I have Dust Walkers downloaded and ready to read and I fear I shall continue, relentless, until they are all read.... and then what shall I do?? But Ken deserves to be read, and to be successful. I cannot help myself. I simply must continue, the books are just THAT enjoyable.
Ken, you have me hooked, my friend! You MUST feed my addiction! Your fans demand it!
I have a new favourite author. His name is Ken Lange.
Ken has singlehandedly, and in amazing detail, created a universe which is original and exciting. The worlds of the Stoneborn, with all who inhabit them, are enthralling and have drawn me in book by book.
I was fortunate enough to happen across Ken, on Facebook, read a blurb for his Warden Global year one series (the other Nine Worlds Saga - that of Viktor Engel Warden - which he has written, created in the same universe, world and timeline as the Gavin Randall series). From there, Ken very kindly offered me an Audible code, which I gratefully accepted and listened to the entire Year One series over the following few days. Hooked!!
This time around, I opted for my own inner voice, with which to read the story of Gavin Randall, Stoneborn, Vigil... and Grim. The man who should not be, according to all who occupy his world, alongside him.
Excellent characterisation, superb action - which is interspersed with humour, often of the snark variety - and intelligent clear storylines, which draw you in and have you reading into the wee small hours, until you realise the book is done and it’s an hour until you should be waking!
For me, that’s the mark of a great author. I am reminded of the way in which Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files drew me in and swallowed me whole, when I first read them. I “tripped” over them in the same way, and have never regretted it.
Ken deserves the same kind of success. His stories build, book on book, developing themes and characters, worlds and powers not meant for normal men and women. But that’s fine. Because his heroes and heroines are NOT normal men and women. They are the Stoneborn; the witch, the vampire, the sorcerer, the were, the siphon, the Vigil, the Grim...
I have Dust Walkers downloaded and ready to read and I fear I shall continue, relentless, until they are all read.... and then what shall I do?? But Ken deserves to be read, and to be successful. I cannot help myself. I simply must continue, the books are just THAT enjoyable.
Ken, you have me hooked, my friend! You MUST feed my addiction! Your fans demand it!
I have a new favourite author. His name is Ken Lange.
January 15, 2019
I got this book on the recommendation of a friend. I didn't read the description or listen to the audio sample, which is something I always do. I had never even heard of this author or narrator. I didn't even look at the genre. I just went on blind Faith because I know my friend and I have similar taste in books. A few minutes into this book I was thinking it was a military story, which I thought would be cool. After about 30 minutes it got much cooler! I wasn't expecting this at all! This turned out to be one of the best urban fantasy novels I've listened to in a while. Great narration by Paul Clewell. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!
February 8, 2018
I really loved this book. That being said, I had one main complaint. There is a lot of vagueness that you just have to piece together for yourself and I was left wondering if I missed something along the way. However, by the end, my questions were answered and although there is obviously a sequel coming, the story was resolved and complete. I really enjoyed the world but would have liked more details about it. I’m told there’s another series in this world. Maybe that would help. Overall it was very good and I will definitely be reading more!
June 6, 2018
A new voice in the wilderness
Meet Gavin. A man on a mission. Although he was until he got sacked. Now hes unemployed and rudderless. But as Bryan says in ' Taken ' he has certain skills.
Now he's home with his family. ...hold on tight. This is paced, hard and exciting. And whizz with wiz and zap!
Like the love child of Jack Reached and Albus Dumbledore (who can spell Mcagonagal anyway?). He's brooding and tough. The world building is seamless and captivating.
And it's part of a two series two parters canon of five so far...more to follow. Basically there are four more to enjoy.
Keep up the good work. Mr Lange
Meet Gavin. A man on a mission. Although he was until he got sacked. Now hes unemployed and rudderless. But as Bryan says in ' Taken ' he has certain skills.
Now he's home with his family. ...hold on tight. This is paced, hard and exciting. And whizz with wiz and zap!
Like the love child of Jack Reached and Albus Dumbledore (who can spell Mcagonagal anyway?). He's brooding and tough. The world building is seamless and captivating.
And it's part of a two series two parters canon of five so far...more to follow. Basically there are four more to enjoy.
Keep up the good work. Mr Lange
January 15, 2019
Fun, interesting urban paranormal book that ties in with the Storm Bringer series. I actually liked this book more than the previous ones although I'm not sure it isn't due to having a greater knowledge of what is going on. The MC was way cool although at times was a shy teenager when dealing with a woman. What? The dude is a 45 year old, very self confident and competent man. No way would he be all bumbling all the time. Other than that, he was awesome. You should read this, truly.
March 18, 2018
Such a good read
I found this book through another author group and so glad i read it. The book is packed full of mystery and action that i genuinly had problems putting it down which meant late nights for me. The characters are all well written and the story line was great now to start book 2
I found this book through another author group and so glad i read it. The book is packed full of mystery and action that i genuinly had problems putting it down which meant late nights for me. The characters are all well written and the story line was great now to start book 2
January 6, 2019
Interesting and refreshing.
I found this work interesting and engaging. The characters are developed quite well and the story flows. I found the simplicity to be refreshing, as many authors now think they need to spell everything out for the reader. This has been a good read and I will be looking forward to more work in this series. Read this!
I found this work interesting and engaging. The characters are developed quite well and the story flows. I found the simplicity to be refreshing, as many authors now think they need to spell everything out for the reader. This has been a good read and I will be looking forward to more work in this series. Read this!
March 18, 2017
Yes, Yes, and Yes.
Finally an Urban Fantasy author who knows how to write, knows how to craft a solid story, interesting characters, as well as a detailed plot based, somewhat, in history.
Accession of the Stone Born is all that and more.
One thing I didn't get was how it was tied into the Warden Global world. Viktor Warden's world is similar, but definitely different then the Stone Born world. How do they connect, I'm not sure; I guess I have to go through the Warden's first book again, to search out any references that might tie Storm Bringer's world to Lazarus's world.
Anyhow, don't mind me, go out, purchase this book and begin a great urban fantasy. One that brings Roman Empire sensibilities to current times. One last comment, Gavin Andrews, the protagonist of this novel, is a unique character in today's Urban Fantasy world. Here we get a man in his forties, a mature man, one at the peak of his life, one filled with confidence, who is forced into the paranormal world of the Vigiles. That certainly beats out stories about naive youth delving into the paranormal, an all too common occurrence today.
The author knows how to write well - none of the amateurish grammatical mistakes in this author's novels - none at all. That in itself is a welcome discovery. Too often today, we are subjected to self published drivel filled with cringe worthy grammatical errors. To discover an author who knows his grammar, one that utilizes a more then capable Editor, is like discovering a golden horde of treasure.
Gee, I'm all over with this review, aren't I? Guess I'll have to let it sit and marinate a bit before coalescing it into a tighter, more to the point review. Until then I heartily recommend this author's two books on Amazon, and a third to be released in early April (I've already placed my order). These are by no doubt, Urban Fantasy at its best.
Finally an Urban Fantasy author who knows how to write, knows how to craft a solid story, interesting characters, as well as a detailed plot based, somewhat, in history.
Accession of the Stone Born is all that and more.
One thing I didn't get was how it was tied into the Warden Global world. Viktor Warden's world is similar, but definitely different then the Stone Born world. How do they connect, I'm not sure; I guess I have to go through the Warden's first book again, to search out any references that might tie Storm Bringer's world to Lazarus's world.
Anyhow, don't mind me, go out, purchase this book and begin a great urban fantasy. One that brings Roman Empire sensibilities to current times. One last comment, Gavin Andrews, the protagonist of this novel, is a unique character in today's Urban Fantasy world. Here we get a man in his forties, a mature man, one at the peak of his life, one filled with confidence, who is forced into the paranormal world of the Vigiles. That certainly beats out stories about naive youth delving into the paranormal, an all too common occurrence today.
The author knows how to write well - none of the amateurish grammatical mistakes in this author's novels - none at all. That in itself is a welcome discovery. Too often today, we are subjected to self published drivel filled with cringe worthy grammatical errors. To discover an author who knows his grammar, one that utilizes a more then capable Editor, is like discovering a golden horde of treasure.
Gee, I'm all over with this review, aren't I? Guess I'll have to let it sit and marinate a bit before coalescing it into a tighter, more to the point review. Until then I heartily recommend this author's two books on Amazon, and a third to be released in early April (I've already placed my order). These are by no doubt, Urban Fantasy at its best.
December 29, 2018
Oh Yeah
I loved this book. It was interesting, had action and put a little bit of a spin on the origins of a *spoiler* and the supernatural world. I’ll be reading the series.
I loved this book. It was interesting, had action and put a little bit of a spin on the origins of a *spoiler* and the supernatural world. I’ll be reading the series.
January 5, 2019
Oh yeah.
The book was beyond awesome. Completely engaging! I couldn't put it down, save taking care of chores, kids and bathroom breaks. On to book 2!
The book was beyond awesome. Completely engaging! I couldn't put it down, save taking care of chores, kids and bathroom breaks. On to book 2!
January 7, 2019
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
January 8, 2019
Talk about having it rough. There was no way to anticipate what the heck was going to happen. So.etime when we wait to explain things they just don't quite turn out the way one would think. Man, there was a lot to follow in this book but I enjoyed the ins and outs it tossed my way.
January 12, 2019
Nice introduction to what might be a great series for me. On to book 2.
June 9, 2018
Wow
This was recommended by another author & I absolutely loved it ...can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the series ...read it now !!
This was recommended by another author & I absolutely loved it ...can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the series ...read it now !!
September 17, 2018
Great urban fantasy
This was a great find I stumbled across, I read the blurb and then had a peek at the 'look inside' excerpt. I was immediately hooked and couldn't one-click fast enough. I can already tell that this entire series will be going on my keeper-shelf.
This was a great find I stumbled across, I read the blurb and then had a peek at the 'look inside' excerpt. I was immediately hooked and couldn't one-click fast enough. I can already tell that this entire series will be going on my keeper-shelf.
February 6, 2019
Tremendous!!
A Super Great story I love when the author tells you plot is happening and delivers the climax beautifully with a good ending
A Super Great story I love when the author tells you plot is happening and delivers the climax beautifully with a good ending
October 25, 2018
Griping read
Always looking for a good supernatural plausible story, and this book delivers. To live the life you know them to be suddenly inundated by everything you thought you knew unraveling into an entirely different world in which you are a major part..! Holy @%#$@&@ Crap! Get this get hooked and let us all know what would you DO?!
Always looking for a good supernatural plausible story, and this book delivers. To live the life you know them to be suddenly inundated by everything you thought you knew unraveling into an entirely different world in which you are a major part..! Holy @%#$@&@ Crap! Get this get hooked and let us all know what would you DO?!
February 24, 2019
This was an action based plot that kept my attention well in to the wee hours of the night. I really liked the protagonist and his motivations. His attitude towards his homecoming after war was very poignant.
Be back later to edit.
Lots of Love,
shizuku
Be back later to edit.
Lots of Love,
shizuku
May 17, 2016
I really like how identifiable all the characters are. Their personalities really shine and are very individual. I have met a Brad and I've worked with a Robert. I am positive that most people have. They are written in such a way that I love to hate them. Kind of like JR Ewing, you know? Rock on if you get that reference.
I also really appreciate the age of the protagonist. I think a little age on a protagonist makes their experience and believability more life like. Personally, the older I get, the more I do not buy into a 23 year old knowing how the world works.
This is an urban fantasy with a military based protagonist. Action and mystery within the supernatural world. No sex, no graphic violence (there is violence just not described in blood soaking detail) and no cliffhanger. There is a little swearing, but it’s just normal every day stuff. There is a possible romance that may or may not develop, but other than that, no mushy stuff.
Seriously, though, this guy is a very good writer. Accession‘s world is modern day New Orleans. The protagonist is a “do the right thing” kind of guy that worked for the military for all his adult life and now that the military is done with him, he needs to figure out what to do in the civilian world. If I were to do a comparison of this book to other books I’ve read, I’d be hard pressed to nail down another character that Gavin, the protagonist, is remotely similar to. Briefly, Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden popped into my head, but that isn’t quite right. The closest I can come is that Gavin is kind of like Larry Correia’s Owen Zastava Pitt from the Monster Hunter International series.
The world that the author built for Gavin Randall is so dimensional and so very well written that I liked him immediately. When I say immediately, I mean by the time I reached the end of the first page. The like only grew from there. Gavin is his own man and that cemented his identity as a free thinker with no allegiance to any one particular faction. That made him perfect for the “Job”. Each of the secondary characters are individuals. They are fleshed out and their personalities have personality. There are the politicians, the sidekicks, the wanna-be, the shunned and also those characters that I love to hate.
If I were to read between the lines, I could see the parallelism between our world and Gavin’s. Things aren’t always fair but if I don’t stand up for what is right, then all it leads to is perpetual downfall.
This was an amazing book. It is definitely worth your time.
I also really appreciate the age of the protagonist. I think a little age on a protagonist makes their experience and believability more life like. Personally, the older I get, the more I do not buy into a 23 year old knowing how the world works.
This is an urban fantasy with a military based protagonist. Action and mystery within the supernatural world. No sex, no graphic violence (there is violence just not described in blood soaking detail) and no cliffhanger. There is a little swearing, but it’s just normal every day stuff. There is a possible romance that may or may not develop, but other than that, no mushy stuff.
Seriously, though, this guy is a very good writer. Accession‘s world is modern day New Orleans. The protagonist is a “do the right thing” kind of guy that worked for the military for all his adult life and now that the military is done with him, he needs to figure out what to do in the civilian world. If I were to do a comparison of this book to other books I’ve read, I’d be hard pressed to nail down another character that Gavin, the protagonist, is remotely similar to. Briefly, Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden popped into my head, but that isn’t quite right. The closest I can come is that Gavin is kind of like Larry Correia’s Owen Zastava Pitt from the Monster Hunter International series.
The world that the author built for Gavin Randall is so dimensional and so very well written that I liked him immediately. When I say immediately, I mean by the time I reached the end of the first page. The like only grew from there. Gavin is his own man and that cemented his identity as a free thinker with no allegiance to any one particular faction. That made him perfect for the “Job”. Each of the secondary characters are individuals. They are fleshed out and their personalities have personality. There are the politicians, the sidekicks, the wanna-be, the shunned and also those characters that I love to hate.
If I were to read between the lines, I could see the parallelism between our world and Gavin’s. Things aren’t always fair but if I don’t stand up for what is right, then all it leads to is perpetual downfall.
This was an amazing book. It is definitely worth your time.
May 19, 2016
An amazing read can't wait until the next book.
November 20, 2016
Wonderful writing!
Loved Gavin! Loved the world building and the well fleshed out characters! Needs a good , strong female to be perfect! Recommend strongly!
Loved Gavin! Loved the world building and the well fleshed out characters! Needs a good , strong female to be perfect! Recommend strongly!
February 12, 2019
This book is about an ex military man who after leaving home at eighteen returns home while home he reunites with his long lost uncle . In doing so he's introduced to a unseen world of supernatural beings .
This book was amazing it had everything that I look forward to in a good action supernatural book the plot was unique I like the Roman aspect of it the symbolism this was very well thought out . The main character is flawed but at the same time a a good and just man who wanted to do the right thing the supporting characters where great too the only thing that a would say that I didn't care for was the main love interest . I wasn't feeling her she like practically threw herself at the main guy from the very beginning like thirsty much . Anyway good read looking forward to more of this story.
This book was amazing it had everything that I look forward to in a good action supernatural book the plot was unique I like the Roman aspect of it the symbolism this was very well thought out . The main character is flawed but at the same time a a good and just man who wanted to do the right thing the supporting characters where great too the only thing that a would say that I didn't care for was the main love interest . I wasn't feeling her she like practically threw herself at the main guy from the very beginning like thirsty much . Anyway good read looking forward to more of this story.
Read
November 7, 2018OK is about as far as I'll go for this Urban Fantasy. The main character is almost too powerful and all the main male characters sound like Boris Vallejo templates.
The writing style might be described as minimalist with character development being rather thin. I will give it another chance with book two. Perhaps having the world development established in this first book the second will be less emotionally stunted.
So far the main thing I understand about the protagonist is that he is a former mercenary/assassin for a secret government agency and he likes to eat a lot (what everyone's eating seems to be the main atmospheric element used.)
The writing style might be described as minimalist with character development being rather thin. I will give it another chance with book two. Perhaps having the world development established in this first book the second will be less emotionally stunted.
So far the main thing I understand about the protagonist is that he is a former mercenary/assassin for a secret government agency and he likes to eat a lot (what everyone's eating seems to be the main atmospheric element used.)
March 2, 2019
Not bad, actually good
I was not expecting this to be as enjoyable as it was. I read a lot of fantasy books; actually it's about the only genre I read in fiction with the advent of Amazon Kindle self publishing there is a glut of titles and most aren't good enough to be read, let alone be good enough for me to take the time and review it. I won't spoil it for you, the plot is outlined enough in the description. I will say that is a well told story with decent dialog and while the characters aren't fully developed they aren't entirely two dimensional. It's worth the time to read it.
I was not expecting this to be as enjoyable as it was. I read a lot of fantasy books; actually it's about the only genre I read in fiction with the advent of Amazon Kindle self publishing there is a glut of titles and most aren't good enough to be read, let alone be good enough for me to take the time and review it. I won't spoil it for you, the plot is outlined enough in the description. I will say that is a well told story with decent dialog and while the characters aren't fully developed they aren't entirely two dimensional. It's worth the time to read it.
March 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
While this book has a lot of rough edges, (exposition-heavy, a protagonist that gets one ability/title/mystery after another), at its core there is a solid story and a promising world to explore.
Gavin, a 45 year-old ex-military hard-case, often seems like an 18 year-old that's just left college. The flirting that goes on with Heather is painful to observe. And what's with describing every single meal he eats? I'm hoping things settle down in future books because I do intend to continue with this series.
While this book has a lot of rough edges, (exposition-heavy, a protagonist that gets one ability/title/mystery after another), at its core there is a solid story and a promising world to explore.
Gavin, a 45 year-old ex-military hard-case, often seems like an 18 year-old that's just left college. The flirting that goes on with Heather is painful to observe. And what's with describing every single meal he eats? I'm hoping things settle down in future books because I do intend to continue with this series.
January 7, 2019
It was an interesting book, so why 3 stars? It feels like a second book not the start of a story, and the instant love lock with a girl in her 20 While our MC is hitting his 50 deus ex bull both of them will never age' cause magic! sometimes he acts like a super spy other like a 13 year old boy at school, make my head hurt, too much inconsistency.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews