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Akiri #1
The Scepter of Xarbaal
Can one betrayal save a kingdom? Will two destroy it?
Acharia is a nation at war. Ruled by the Sorcerer King, Zemel, who believes himself to be invincible. And with a weapon created in the pits of hell by the god of death he might well be. The ancient Scepter of Xarbaal harnesses a magic capable of shattering the very foundations of the world. But such power is borne at a cost. Those who dare test their will against its ancient evil are doomed to madness. Before the Sorcerer King can raze his entire kingdom to the ground, those closest to him risk everything by betraying him. They steal the scepter, hoping to release him from its insidious influence. But for Zemel there is no such salvation.
Driven to the edge of madness by a need for vengeance against those who have wronged him and a thirst for fire and death that no amount of war can slake, the Sorcerer King is willing to tear the world asunder to recover his lost treasure. Paranoia means that Zemel trusts no one, but there is enough of the old king left inside his mind to still respect one man: Akiri.
The Dul' Buhar are the deadliest of warriors, gifted extraordinary skills through the dark magic of their king, and Akiri is the greatest of them. His mind is as lethal as a steel trap, his blade twice as deadly. Born into a life of constant battle, he is unlike any man... which might just be his salvation. But if he succeeds on the mad king's quest Akiri could bring about the death of the world.
Acharia is a nation at war. Ruled by the Sorcerer King, Zemel, who believes himself to be invincible. And with a weapon created in the pits of hell by the god of death he might well be. The ancient Scepter of Xarbaal harnesses a magic capable of shattering the very foundations of the world. But such power is borne at a cost. Those who dare test their will against its ancient evil are doomed to madness. Before the Sorcerer King can raze his entire kingdom to the ground, those closest to him risk everything by betraying him. They steal the scepter, hoping to release him from its insidious influence. But for Zemel there is no such salvation.
Driven to the edge of madness by a need for vengeance against those who have wronged him and a thirst for fire and death that no amount of war can slake, the Sorcerer King is willing to tear the world asunder to recover his lost treasure. Paranoia means that Zemel trusts no one, but there is enough of the old king left inside his mind to still respect one man: Akiri.
The Dul' Buhar are the deadliest of warriors, gifted extraordinary skills through the dark magic of their king, and Akiri is the greatest of them. His mind is as lethal as a steel trap, his blade twice as deadly. Born into a life of constant battle, he is unlike any man... which might just be his salvation. But if he succeeds on the mad king's quest Akiri could bring about the death of the world.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2016
82 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. Anderson
47 books691 followersKnown as one of the O.G. independent authors of the 2010-2012 indie explosion, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 30, 2017
Decent, but didn't blow me away.
The bad:
The main character was a bit too great at everything he does and a bit too sure of his own sexual prowess for me to really click with him fully.
I didn't care much for how the action scene in the prologue was written... Really small spoiler,
as it is the prologue, so right at the start of the book, but if you hate any sort of spoiler,
I'll hide it. Also too much talking in the action scene - didn't really feel very fluent or get my adrenaline up.
Some plot parts really annoyed me. They felt very improbable and a bit hasty.
Example:
Cringe worthy romance - or rather sex scenes. One example of this:
"Akiri shoved her aside without even bothering to look her in the eye. He heard her spit and curse, but paid it no attention. Even if he had been in the mood to bed a woman, she was not the type he would have chosen. He grudgingly accepted that they had their uses, but the idea of their presence in camp just before battle disturbed him. He knew that he could not expect most men to live without pleasurable company for long periods, but he was different – he was Akiri, leader of the Dul’Buhar. His seed was not spent without careful consideration. The women who shared his bed were of a certain quality, chosen specifically for him by the king."
Characters sometimes changed a bit too suddenly. From full assault to "oh I'd better retreat..." in one second. Felt a bit rough at times.
The good:
I liked the old school feel to it, and I am always a sucker for dragons. I liked the action scenes, once past the prologue and I was interested enough in the plot to read the whole book in just a matter of days. Besides the above mentioned gripes I found the writing to be fluent and the world engaging.
Verdict: I liked it, it's the basic "can read it without regretting the time spent, won't miss anything if you read something else though" book.
The bad:
The main character was a bit too great at everything he does and a bit too sure of his own sexual prowess for me to really click with him fully.
I didn't care much for how the action scene in the prologue was written... Really small spoiler,
as it is the prologue, so right at the start of the book, but if you hate any sort of spoiler,
I'll hide it. Also too much talking in the action scene - didn't really feel very fluent or get my adrenaline up.
Some plot parts really annoyed me. They felt very improbable and a bit hasty.
Example:
Cringe worthy romance - or rather sex scenes. One example of this:
"Akiri shoved her aside without even bothering to look her in the eye. He heard her spit and curse, but paid it no attention. Even if he had been in the mood to bed a woman, she was not the type he would have chosen. He grudgingly accepted that they had their uses, but the idea of their presence in camp just before battle disturbed him. He knew that he could not expect most men to live without pleasurable company for long periods, but he was different – he was Akiri, leader of the Dul’Buhar. His seed was not spent without careful consideration. The women who shared his bed were of a certain quality, chosen specifically for him by the king."
Characters sometimes changed a bit too suddenly. From full assault to "oh I'd better retreat..." in one second. Felt a bit rough at times.
The good:
I liked the old school feel to it, and I am always a sucker for dragons. I liked the action scenes, once past the prologue and I was interested enough in the plot to read the whole book in just a matter of days. Besides the above mentioned gripes I found the writing to be fluent and the world engaging.
Verdict: I liked it, it's the basic "can read it without regretting the time spent, won't miss anything if you read something else though" book.
November 7, 2017
for faster reviews - http://weatherwaxreport.blog
----------
This was part of Fantasy Factions grouping and has since been eliminated, but received fairly positive review calling it a solid book. Review here: http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/spfbo...
PLOT:
Akiri is the son of a man who defied his King because he had gone mad with power. King Zebel got his hands on the Sceptor of Xarbaal, which is an ancient relic that belonged to the God of Death, Xarbaal. Akiris father hid the artefact away from the King, and so Zebel had him killed and then raised his son to be absolutely and fanatically loyal to him.
Akiri is absolute in his loyalty, which is ensured through an Oathstone, which connects Akiri with the King who has powerful magic. Under this Oathstone it’s impossible for Akiri to tell a lie to the King, but he is also granted serious powers through this stone as well, keeping him connected to the Kings magic. He’s faster, stronger, and a better fighter than most men in the world, and can defeat that which is thought to be undefeatable.
Eventually, the King sends him on a mission to trick his estranged uncle into thinking he’s abandoned the King in order to rekindle relationships with his family. Up until this point, Akiri has no memory of the past and doesn’t know or care why his father died and has had no contact with any family member. In order to do this, his connection with the Oathstone is broken, and his powers are diminished and he becomes a normal man who’s good with a sword.
Along the way, he meets a dragon which awakens old powers within him, and it begins his journey of doubt – does he stay loyal to the king and betray his uncle, or does he have a change of heart?
CHARACTERS
This is a mostly single POV story with a brief interlude chapter from another character you’re already acquainted with.
Akiri is a surly fellow without a sense of humor and doesn’t do much in the way of leisure activity – not really a hobby guy. Akiri’s main focus in life is his devotion to his King. He gets one task done and then starts on the next without hesitation or thought. If the King asks him to do something, it gets done regardless of who gets in the way. I wouldn’t call him a “bloodthirsty” person, if he can get around killing people who don’t deserve it, he’ll avoid it if possible. However, he doesn’t put a ton of effort into avoiding it, and he has no qualms at all mowing people down if he deems it necessary for his end goal. This isn’t a character where killing people “haunts” him, he even views death as a mercy for many of those he kills and wouldn’t want to live another lifestyle.
Once the dragon gets into the picture his views start to change, mostly because the King has strictly outlawed dragon riding and has viciously slaughtered all the dragons within his reach, and encourages the slaughter of them elsewhere.
Overall he was an interesting character and would appeal to those looking for serious swordplay and killing.
WORLD BUILDING
The Gods appear to be real in this world, and what I found most interesting where these two demons that would visit Akiri in the form of small children. They were creepy and confusing, each claiming that the other was evil and not to listen to them.
Dragons can bind themselves in a way to humans, creating a unique connection that allows for telepathic communication of sorts. The longer the human and dragon are bound together, the more clearly the thoughts come through. At first it was just emotions, but towards the end of the book, small sentences were being formed by the dragon. She’s fiercely loyal to him and has more of a conscience than Akiri does, often forcing him into the “right” decision even if he doesn’t want to.
Humans can bind their souls to demons to create a creepy race called the Volkar which become immortal as long as they feed on the souls of people at the moment of death. Insanely strong and incredibly fast they make for great assassins. They enjoy torturing and playing with their victims and one is sent after Akiri.
PACING/PROSE/TONE
The tone was rather bleak and kind of “dark”, there certainly wasn’t any joking around levity characters. With demons and assassins plaguing him along the way, the pace was pretty quick, there wasn’t a ton of downtime.
AUDIENCE
For people who like powerful main characters
For people who like dragons
For people who like animal companions
For people who like darker, grittier worlds
For people who don’t mind sex scenes and cursing
For people who prefer single POV
For people who like monsters and demons
For people looking for a lot of action
For people who like magic filled books
----------
This was part of Fantasy Factions grouping and has since been eliminated, but received fairly positive review calling it a solid book. Review here: http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/spfbo...
PLOT:
Akiri is the son of a man who defied his King because he had gone mad with power. King Zebel got his hands on the Sceptor of Xarbaal, which is an ancient relic that belonged to the God of Death, Xarbaal. Akiris father hid the artefact away from the King, and so Zebel had him killed and then raised his son to be absolutely and fanatically loyal to him.
Akiri is absolute in his loyalty, which is ensured through an Oathstone, which connects Akiri with the King who has powerful magic. Under this Oathstone it’s impossible for Akiri to tell a lie to the King, but he is also granted serious powers through this stone as well, keeping him connected to the Kings magic. He’s faster, stronger, and a better fighter than most men in the world, and can defeat that which is thought to be undefeatable.
Eventually, the King sends him on a mission to trick his estranged uncle into thinking he’s abandoned the King in order to rekindle relationships with his family. Up until this point, Akiri has no memory of the past and doesn’t know or care why his father died and has had no contact with any family member. In order to do this, his connection with the Oathstone is broken, and his powers are diminished and he becomes a normal man who’s good with a sword.
Along the way, he meets a dragon which awakens old powers within him, and it begins his journey of doubt – does he stay loyal to the king and betray his uncle, or does he have a change of heart?
CHARACTERS
This is a mostly single POV story with a brief interlude chapter from another character you’re already acquainted with.
Akiri is a surly fellow without a sense of humor and doesn’t do much in the way of leisure activity – not really a hobby guy. Akiri’s main focus in life is his devotion to his King. He gets one task done and then starts on the next without hesitation or thought. If the King asks him to do something, it gets done regardless of who gets in the way. I wouldn’t call him a “bloodthirsty” person, if he can get around killing people who don’t deserve it, he’ll avoid it if possible. However, he doesn’t put a ton of effort into avoiding it, and he has no qualms at all mowing people down if he deems it necessary for his end goal. This isn’t a character where killing people “haunts” him, he even views death as a mercy for many of those he kills and wouldn’t want to live another lifestyle.
Once the dragon gets into the picture his views start to change, mostly because the King has strictly outlawed dragon riding and has viciously slaughtered all the dragons within his reach, and encourages the slaughter of them elsewhere.
Overall he was an interesting character and would appeal to those looking for serious swordplay and killing.
WORLD BUILDING
The Gods appear to be real in this world, and what I found most interesting where these two demons that would visit Akiri in the form of small children. They were creepy and confusing, each claiming that the other was evil and not to listen to them.
Dragons can bind themselves in a way to humans, creating a unique connection that allows for telepathic communication of sorts. The longer the human and dragon are bound together, the more clearly the thoughts come through. At first it was just emotions, but towards the end of the book, small sentences were being formed by the dragon. She’s fiercely loyal to him and has more of a conscience than Akiri does, often forcing him into the “right” decision even if he doesn’t want to.
Humans can bind their souls to demons to create a creepy race called the Volkar which become immortal as long as they feed on the souls of people at the moment of death. Insanely strong and incredibly fast they make for great assassins. They enjoy torturing and playing with their victims and one is sent after Akiri.
PACING/PROSE/TONE
The tone was rather bleak and kind of “dark”, there certainly wasn’t any joking around levity characters. With demons and assassins plaguing him along the way, the pace was pretty quick, there wasn’t a ton of downtime.
AUDIENCE
For people who like powerful main characters
For people who like dragons
For people who like animal companions
For people who like darker, grittier worlds
For people who don’t mind sex scenes and cursing
For people who prefer single POV
For people who like monsters and demons
For people looking for a lot of action
For people who like magic filled books
November 30, 2016
I don't normally read sword and sorcery books, but I really enjoyed this one. The characters are well defined, the action is breathtaking, and the plot is believable and gripping. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2017
Akiri was fun and well-worth precious reading time if sword and sorcery is one of your go-to genres. Nothing ground-breaking or necessarily mind-blowing, but still entertaining.
For me it was kinda like Dragonlance for grown-ups.
For me it was kinda like Dragonlance for grown-ups.
January 11, 2017
definitely fun swords and battles and sorcery and non-human creations and characters and dragons and sex and inner conflicts. nothing memorable but entertaining and I'll read what comes next. rounds up to 4.
November 24, 2016
Disappointing epic type fantasy novel
Weak character development. Thin and simplistic plot. Dialogue was rarely engaging. Characters show up like Raen but quickly disappear. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
Weak character development. Thin and simplistic plot. Dialogue was rarely engaging. Characters show up like Raen but quickly disappear. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
May 28, 2023
I loved everything about this book. I especially loved Akiri and his new found friend, the Dragon Kyra. He grew so much since the beginning, when he was kind if brutal until the end when he started being kinda nice and more helpful. He's mission was to find a scepter and bring it back to his insane King but he didn't see that insanity until the King had the scepter in his hands. Really good listen.
I'm off to the next book; Sands of Darkness.
Kinda fade-to-black sex (very little description, but some,) and the F bomb was used 8 times.
As for the narration: Jonathan Davis was fantastic! He gave everyone their own specific voice and if the book called for a laugh, a yell, anger, whatever, he gave all those emotions. Loved him.
I'm off to the next book; Sands of Darkness.
Kinda fade-to-black sex (very little description, but some,) and the F bomb was used 8 times.
As for the narration: Jonathan Davis was fantastic! He gave everyone their own specific voice and if the book called for a laugh, a yell, anger, whatever, he gave all those emotions. Loved him.
November 13, 2022
Excellent epic fantasy. I haven't read fantasy in a while and this one looked interesting, and it was. Akiri is a special Dul'Buhar warrior and fully committed to his king. Due to an interesting series of events, Akiri is released from his duties and is sent on a special mission to see the Scepter of Xarbaal and it starts with his family whom he knows nothing about except that they were traitors to his king. Akiri is a great character and the supporting characters are also good, especially his lost Uncle. The story is well-told and very entertaining. I will continue the series. Excellent narration by Jonathan Davis for the audible version.
June 25, 2017
Good vs evil
The age old struggle between what is right and what is wrong. When you are suddenly thrust into a world you have never been part of and ate told truths that youhh refuse to believe. Fortunately today we are not forced o to slavery to do the bidding of a power hungry ruler. But, when truth comes to light. You may have to run for your life.
The age old struggle between what is right and what is wrong. When you are suddenly thrust into a world you have never been part of and ate told truths that youhh refuse to believe. Fortunately today we are not forced o to slavery to do the bidding of a power hungry ruler. But, when truth comes to light. You may have to run for your life.
March 28, 2021
3.25 Stars
This is a well-written fantasy with hints of a broad and complex world. The plot is well-paced and there's enough foreshadowing to draw the reader forward.
I found the characters to be shallow, and while the protagonist is sympathetic he's not particularly admirable. Unconditional loyalty is not a strength. Loyalty must be reciprocated to be rational.
This is a well-written fantasy with hints of a broad and complex world. The plot is well-paced and there's enough foreshadowing to draw the reader forward.
I found the characters to be shallow, and while the protagonist is sympathetic he's not particularly admirable. Unconditional loyalty is not a strength. Loyalty must be reciprocated to be rational.
October 28, 2021
Good Start
This was an excellent beginning to the series I look forward to the next few books from this pair. The story was fast paced and was well written with colorful characters and a few nice twists. Also leaving you a few good plot points left open and I hope to explore those in the next books.
This was an excellent beginning to the series I look forward to the next few books from this pair. The story was fast paced and was well written with colorful characters and a few nice twists. Also leaving you a few good plot points left open and I hope to explore those in the next books.
July 6, 2021
Meh. From the first chapter, we're repeatedly told how awesome the MC is and I'm really not interested in reading the novel equivalent of a crappy action flick with a testosterone-fueled protagonist.
July 5, 2017
This was a very entertaining book. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day! Akiri was very devoted to his king and purpose.
May 15, 2019
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book and hated putting it down. This book was packed with fast paced action and adventure. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers.
I really enjoyed this book and hated putting it down. This book was packed with fast paced action and adventure. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers.
August 14, 2019
Awesome read!
Fast paced. Never a dull moment. I'm hoping Akiri gets fleshed out as the story continues. I'm a huge fan.
Fast paced. Never a dull moment. I'm hoping Akiri gets fleshed out as the story continues. I'm a huge fan.
August 22, 2020
A kiri
Quick read,great characters fun story. Kept you sucked in until the very end. Can not wait until the next book.
Quick read,great characters fun story. Kept you sucked in until the very end. Can not wait until the next book.
January 15, 2023
This was unexpectedly fun, kinda guess how the story will go and end so was not expecting much. However Akiri's journey is different and unique. Can't wait to pick up the second book.
October 3, 2023
Such a great book!
Loved it and the narration was great!
Loved it and the narration was great!
March 1, 2017
Slow start, but a patient reader will find it reward!
Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal, is a book that I randomly chose after savoring some of author Anderson's other offerings. This dual author novel I was skeptical about from page one, but persistence pays off. By the start of chapter five I was hooked and gobbling it up, so much so that I was surprised at its abrupt ending.
Akiri is a very well-developed main character that you "will" be able to find those reading nirvana moments with. The other players in this story, settings, and interwoven plots, are incredibly well done to. You come away with a feeling of "knowing". Knowing each characters likes, dislikes, and a feeling for the various settings the main character passes through as you follow his story. Without giving away any of the story this is all I will let slip.
The beginning however, almost made me miss a fantastic read. The whole flash back to the past battle, in my opinion, was a struggle and slowed the readers progress in developing a vested interest in the story. While I'm sure it was viewed as needed, there is enough information dropped in the following chapters that make it a drag on the story. This was, to me, it's only flaw. Well, and it's abrupt end, but that just means the book did it's job and sucked me in so I wanted...more.
Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal, is a book that I randomly chose after savoring some of author Anderson's other offerings. This dual author novel I was skeptical about from page one, but persistence pays off. By the start of chapter five I was hooked and gobbling it up, so much so that I was surprised at its abrupt ending.
Akiri is a very well-developed main character that you "will" be able to find those reading nirvana moments with. The other players in this story, settings, and interwoven plots, are incredibly well done to. You come away with a feeling of "knowing". Knowing each characters likes, dislikes, and a feeling for the various settings the main character passes through as you follow his story. Without giving away any of the story this is all I will let slip.
The beginning however, almost made me miss a fantastic read. The whole flash back to the past battle, in my opinion, was a struggle and slowed the readers progress in developing a vested interest in the story. While I'm sure it was viewed as needed, there is enough information dropped in the following chapters that make it a drag on the story. This was, to me, it's only flaw. Well, and it's abrupt end, but that just means the book did it's job and sucked me in so I wanted...more.
March 6, 2017
Absolutely wonderful
I Loved it. Fantastic for anyone who loves fantasy. You will be swept into a story where you find a completely unlikely hero.
I Loved it. Fantastic for anyone who loves fantasy. You will be swept into a story where you find a completely unlikely hero.
October 31, 2016
I listened to the audio book. And let me tell you, the first main character Serhan, totally sounded like my main character for a minute "Searon", and I was like, what? And I had to look up the spelling.
Anyway, this book started on an interesting note. The pace began swiftly, and the action took off from the start. Akiri is a very strong character, a balance between a warrior and a bounty hunter, able to work with his men, or fight solo. He is ruthless and loyal to his king, even though his king is a questionable character. His loyalty won't fade.
He has to find an artifact for his king and travels to other parts of the world where where there aren't wars and the kingdom not as corrupt, but he doesn't see it.
He meets a few pretty dumb side characters, who either help him or hinder him, but I'm astounded how dumb they are. An intelligent big business man wouldn't risk potentially killing his competition if it is reasonable that everyone would know he would have something to do with it. Someone who's planning on attacking someone who is so much stronger than them wouldn't invite them into their house and reveal them plans with no escape. Especially after the clever way they were able to manipulate the person to get something for them. I think both of those parts could have been written a bit better, with a bit more to it so they don't look like complete idiots, and it would make Akiri stronger and more brilliant, if he were able to take out intelligent people instead of ones who don't have much sense.
I love the dragon and the relation that is built with him, as well as the female "sell-sword" and the conflict that happens with them.
The ending turned out good, a bit of a surprise that facts didn't sway him in the slightest, but it shows the character really well. I wonder if there'll be a book 2.
Anyway, this book started on an interesting note. The pace began swiftly, and the action took off from the start. Akiri is a very strong character, a balance between a warrior and a bounty hunter, able to work with his men, or fight solo. He is ruthless and loyal to his king, even though his king is a questionable character. His loyalty won't fade.
He has to find an artifact for his king and travels to other parts of the world where where there aren't wars and the kingdom not as corrupt, but he doesn't see it.
He meets a few pretty dumb side characters, who either help him or hinder him, but I'm astounded how dumb they are. An intelligent big business man wouldn't risk potentially killing his competition if it is reasonable that everyone would know he would have something to do with it. Someone who's planning on attacking someone who is so much stronger than them wouldn't invite them into their house and reveal them plans with no escape. Especially after the clever way they were able to manipulate the person to get something for them. I think both of those parts could have been written a bit better, with a bit more to it so they don't look like complete idiots, and it would make Akiri stronger and more brilliant, if he were able to take out intelligent people instead of ones who don't have much sense.
I love the dragon and the relation that is built with him, as well as the female "sell-sword" and the conflict that happens with them.
The ending turned out good, a bit of a surprise that facts didn't sway him in the slightest, but it shows the character really well. I wonder if there'll be a book 2.
December 17, 2016
A great read: exciting, engaging and DRAGONS! Loved it. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
November 16, 2016
This is one of the better books I've read recently. Most of the book is honestly setup. You don't really learn much about Akiri and he isn't really likeable. You don't learn anything at all about the world really. The story is interesting despite that and I understand why the author chose to do it, but it left me unsatisfied at the end of the book. Despite that, it was good enough for me to be excited for the next book and give it my endorsement.
December 1, 2016
He is Akiri
Was expecting the story to be a first of a series, but apparently it's a standalone. As such, the pace near the ending was fast, and what happened after the conclusion was an epilogue. Would want to know how the hero seek to dethrone the tyrant, and how he restored the world order
Was expecting the story to be a first of a series, but apparently it's a standalone. As such, the pace near the ending was fast, and what happened after the conclusion was an epilogue. Would want to know how the hero seek to dethrone the tyrant, and how he restored the world order
November 24, 2016
Captivating story, epic adventure read.
This story contained all the elements of an epic adventure, strongly hope to read more in future. Good work on a solid story.
This story contained all the elements of an epic adventure, strongly hope to read more in future. Good work on a solid story.
December 28, 2016
I loved this
Book! It captured my interest and held it throughout. I do hope the next book is just as riveting and am eagerly waiting for its release.
Book! It captured my interest and held it throughout. I do hope the next book is just as riveting and am eagerly waiting for its release.
December 29, 2016
Good writing, but dull story and anti hero
April 27, 2017
As others stated, it is a slow starter. I almost gave up on it early. I am glad I hung in there. It got better and I was drawn in. I found the ending less than satisfying. It's not awful, just as a stand alone series (meaning these are being written so you can read them out of order if you wish) I expected the ending to more rewarding.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews