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A LitRPG Duology #1
Adventures of a Scribe
Edward Monteger has grown up in a family of scribes learning about the world around him through books in his family’s shop. Not wanting to be consigned to his fate scribbling away all day or managing a shop, he takes matters into his own hands. Striking forth into the wide world, he makes friends on his journey, and experiences the joy of victory to the agony of defeat. Set in a Fantasy LitRPG world there is balance of all aspects one might expect to find from crafting, mana, and fighting. Discovering the forces that control his world Edward is a scientist at heart without knowing the word or even the concept behind it. Struggling against monsters, humans, and the forces of necromancy, he overcomes hardship to grow as an individual and as an adventurer.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2016
63 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Michael Deyhim
4 books43 followersMy name is Michael Deyhim and I am your author, feel the power of my almighty pen! First I want to thank you for reading my book. I have been working for over a decade to improve my ability to write well.
I enjoy reading, writing, chess, Supreme Commander, and hiking. I have an older and younger sister and two loving parents. I dislike e-mail, anything that requires upkeep, and mushrooms. They are a fungus and I am strongly anti-fungus. My dream for the future is writing for a living.
I enjoy reading, writing, chess, Supreme Commander, and hiking. I have an older and younger sister and two loving parents. I dislike e-mail, anything that requires upkeep, and mushrooms. They are a fungus and I am strongly anti-fungus. My dream for the future is writing for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 10, 2017
Quite enjoyable. The MC was a pleasant surprise as I don't often come across MCs with half as much common sense and rational thinking. Thank you.
That was actually it, sorry I'm new to this.
I guess I have to write eleven more words...well this is awkward.
That was actually it, sorry I'm new to this.
I guess I have to write eleven more words...well this is awkward.
May 14, 2017
Impressive first book
Wow, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I have been reading a lot of litrpg lately, and while I enjoy it they tend to be poorly edited. This wasn't, it flowed well and had enjoyable character development. I also liked the concept of a world that wasn't a game, but had game qualities. In addition to format I loved the main character. It was refreshing to have a main character who was both competent and yet not the chosen one. Overall, this was a great book and I am waiting expectantly for the next book.
Wow, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I have been reading a lot of litrpg lately, and while I enjoy it they tend to be poorly edited. This wasn't, it flowed well and had enjoyable character development. I also liked the concept of a world that wasn't a game, but had game qualities. In addition to format I loved the main character. It was refreshing to have a main character who was both competent and yet not the chosen one. Overall, this was a great book and I am waiting expectantly for the next book.
January 11, 2017
Pretty good with characters facing a pretty steep learning curve. The skill system of seems to be the focus of the book and you're as happy as Ed every time he lvls.
The main character is surprisingly dark and although I do agree with some of his ideas I don't think you could really call him a good guy, not sure if he's supposed to be written that way or not. He had the occasional temper flare which kinda seemed out of place so it kinda feels like he was written harsher than the author intended. Despite all this Ed is generally likeable.
Overall I think some work could be done but its a strong book and I'm enjoyed reading it.
The main character is surprisingly dark and although I do agree with some of his ideas I don't think you could really call him a good guy, not sure if he's supposed to be written that way or not. He had the occasional temper flare which kinda seemed out of place so it kinda feels like he was written harsher than the author intended. Despite all this Ed is generally likeable.
Overall I think some work could be done but its a strong book and I'm enjoyed reading it.
February 23, 2017
too expensive...needs editing...go unlimited or shave a few dollars off the price.
December 28, 2016
Reads like amateur fan fiction
First, I will say that I liked this novel, but not as much as I would have hoped. The idea of taking parts of RPG systems and weaving them into the core setting as both a system and something characters are actively aware of is very clever. The idea that skills are actual elements that can be discovered if you assemble the right elements is equally fascinating.
Unfortunately, there are several things that let this story down. Edward, the main character, can be engaging at times, but at others he acts like the worst stereotype of an mmo gamer, only focused on improving his skills or enriching himself, sometimes quite to the detriment of even those he calls friends. Further, he is twelve years old for a significant chunk of the story; bear in mind that this is a character who has well over a hundred monster kills under his belt, not to mention a few humans as well. On top of that, the story itself has some very glaring flaws, from an obvious and agonizing lack of editing, to an uneven pacing, and a narrative voice that invokes gamer lingo depressingly often. Numerous locations are described as "shit hole" villages, Edward's time mana is described as "ridiculous and over powered," and the banner between the characters feels like I'm reading the general chat of a video game.
First, I will say that I liked this novel, but not as much as I would have hoped. The idea of taking parts of RPG systems and weaving them into the core setting as both a system and something characters are actively aware of is very clever. The idea that skills are actual elements that can be discovered if you assemble the right elements is equally fascinating.
Unfortunately, there are several things that let this story down. Edward, the main character, can be engaging at times, but at others he acts like the worst stereotype of an mmo gamer, only focused on improving his skills or enriching himself, sometimes quite to the detriment of even those he calls friends. Further, he is twelve years old for a significant chunk of the story; bear in mind that this is a character who has well over a hundred monster kills under his belt, not to mention a few humans as well. On top of that, the story itself has some very glaring flaws, from an obvious and agonizing lack of editing, to an uneven pacing, and a narrative voice that invokes gamer lingo depressingly often. Numerous locations are described as "shit hole" villages, Edward's time mana is described as "ridiculous and over powered," and the banner between the characters feels like I'm reading the general chat of a video game.
December 20, 2016
A-list LitRPG
One of the best in a newer and growing genre. An original, well written, and highly intelligent LitRPG title with plenty of room for a top notch series.
One of the best in a newer and growing genre. An original, well written, and highly intelligent LitRPG title with plenty of room for a top notch series.
June 19, 2017
Excellent Read
A bunch of grammatucal errirs but the story line was so good that it just didnt matter. Would like to read more. Of the life of tgis Adventuring Scribe named Edward.
A bunch of grammatucal errirs but the story line was so good that it just didnt matter. Would like to read more. Of the life of tgis Adventuring Scribe named Edward.
December 21, 2016
Oh! The adventure!
This book is outstanding! Very few times have I been so compelled to finish a story. The MC is cool and calculating, a far cry from a lot of the novice characters that usually litter this genre. Some may say he is too cold, but I personally found it refreshing to see an MC eat the weak to get stronger. An action packed story with detailed and Gore filled fight and skirmishes! Color me impressed and cannot wait for a book 2.
This book is outstanding! Very few times have I been so compelled to finish a story. The MC is cool and calculating, a far cry from a lot of the novice characters that usually litter this genre. Some may say he is too cold, but I personally found it refreshing to see an MC eat the weak to get stronger. An action packed story with detailed and Gore filled fight and skirmishes! Color me impressed and cannot wait for a book 2.
December 29, 2016
Gripping
The characters are fantastically constructed, with human motivation. The application of RPG elements is novel (to me at least), and fantastically meshed with the world and culture. I could not put it down.
The characters are fantastically constructed, with human motivation. The application of RPG elements is novel (to me at least), and fantastically meshed with the world and culture. I could not put it down.
September 28, 2017
great story
it a great story with a good plot, well thoughtout world building and good character development. looking forward to a sequel
it a great story with a good plot, well thoughtout world building and good character development. looking forward to a sequel
January 25, 2017
Great LitRPG!
Just recently started reading LitRPG genre, but this has been the best so far! Can't wait for the next one!
Just recently started reading LitRPG genre, but this has been the best so far! Can't wait for the next one!
February 26, 2019
This book is bad. It's bad in many ways, but just by virtue of featuring a 12 year old protagonist as a melee combatant, it should be disqualified from further consideration. A story that seriously features a world where twelve year olds are hired as scouts and caravan guards and even given bounties on dangerous monsters. Even if the MC does use magic to "cheat", the whole concept is ridiculous.
To be fair, it is mentioned that these are unwanted children, 3rd sons or bastards or orphans who have no where else to go, but that still doesn't make sense, because it wouldn't just be ineffective to 'throw them in the water and hope they swim', it would be impossible to work. They would all die.
Twelve year olds are still prepubescent children. At that age, their ability to build any amount of muscle is pathetic, and so is their endurance. They weight around 35kg, which a fit adult male can lift above his head relatively easily. If their physical attributes weren't enough, they're as a rule pretty stupid, and even the most gifted among them don't have the experience or the mental fortitude to operate independently for extended periods, let alone to become "adventurers" (read: mercenaries) for hire in an exceptionally dangerous world.
So even if the other parts of this book were decent (they're not), this book would fail at the very first benchmark for a fantasy or science fiction story: verisimilitude, or the ability for the reader to 'suspend disbelief'.
To be fair, it is mentioned that these are unwanted children, 3rd sons or bastards or orphans who have no where else to go, but that still doesn't make sense, because it wouldn't just be ineffective to 'throw them in the water and hope they swim', it would be impossible to work. They would all die.
Twelve year olds are still prepubescent children. At that age, their ability to build any amount of muscle is pathetic, and so is their endurance. They weight around 35kg, which a fit adult male can lift above his head relatively easily. If their physical attributes weren't enough, they're as a rule pretty stupid, and even the most gifted among them don't have the experience or the mental fortitude to operate independently for extended periods, let alone to become "adventurers" (read: mercenaries) for hire in an exceptionally dangerous world.
So even if the other parts of this book were decent (they're not), this book would fail at the very first benchmark for a fantasy or science fiction story: verisimilitude, or the ability for the reader to 'suspend disbelief'.
December 19, 2016
A fantastic book
This book surprised me on so many levels! I must say I'm beyond impressed
Rather than a goody two shoes the mc is a realistic and smart boy/man. His take on life isn't the normal "I'm going to save everyone" outlook that annoys the shit out of me as most characters tend to have.
This book surprised me on so many levels! I must say I'm beyond impressed
Rather than a goody two shoes the mc is a realistic and smart boy/man. His take on life isn't the normal "I'm going to save everyone" outlook that annoys the shit out of me as most characters tend to have.
February 6, 2017
This was the first LitRPG I have read. I really liked it. I was a little confused at first not knowing what LitRPG was but it was a good story line. I read it through in one sitting. I have tried to read a few other LitRPG's since I read this book and the others just haven't been worth my time. I was really wanting Edwards to get a cheat code and get ahead of the grind for experience. I look forward to reading your next book. Good Job Michael.
August 26, 2021
Rating 3.0
Started off pretty well but then I felt the author didn't know what to focus on. The MC is the son of a scribe but wants to see the world when he is older and doesn't just want to read about things in a book. He doesn't necessarily want adventure, he wants knowledge and and skills and the fastest way to get those things is to be an adventurer. The world has game like mechanics and every person gets a status screen when the turn 12 (for the most part). One of the things that the MC is most upset about in his world is that the secrets of mana and skills are closely guarded. Nobody talks about their skills and how things work, which is frustrating to someone who wants to know everything. So when the MC is 12 years old he leaves home to become an adventurer. The way the society is set up is completely stupid
Started off pretty well but then I felt the author didn't know what to focus on. The MC is the son of a scribe but wants to see the world when he is older and doesn't just want to read about things in a book. He doesn't necessarily want adventure, he wants knowledge and and skills and the fastest way to get those things is to be an adventurer. The world has game like mechanics and every person gets a status screen when the turn 12 (for the most part). One of the things that the MC is most upset about in his world is that the secrets of mana and skills are closely guarded. Nobody talks about their skills and how things work, which is frustrating to someone who wants to know everything. So when the MC is 12 years old he leaves home to become an adventurer. The way the society is set up is completely stupid
March 23, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: The author mentioned that he rushed to publish. If you have time to go back and post a note, you have time to pull the book and edit. Lots of mistakes in this book.
Plot: About a young scribe that sets off to be an adventure. Good story that deserves to be properly edited.
Characters: I like the cold blooded and practical nature of the MC.
5/10 Edit this and it becomes a solid 8/10
Mistakes: The author mentioned that he rushed to publish. If you have time to go back and post a note, you have time to pull the book and edit. Lots of mistakes in this book.
Plot: About a young scribe that sets off to be an adventure. Good story that deserves to be properly edited.
Characters: I like the cold blooded and practical nature of the MC.
5/10 Edit this and it becomes a solid 8/10
June 1, 2019
One of the best LitRPG I have read.
April 14, 2021
I found this book to be rather interesting. There are other LitRPG books that use similar systems, but this one seems to combine a couple of them, and make some interesting combinations. I'm also very surprised at how well the main character handles himself, considering he'd be a preteen in our world, I guess years mean a bit more in his world. For what it's worth, I liked this story, and I'll certainly make an effort to dig up more in the series as time permits. If you're looking for something to pass the time, and you want something that's a bit unique, while still looking familiar, then this book would be a good choice.
March 24, 2019
I was very conflicted about this story. First of all, the grammar was atrocious. I swear that the book was run through spell check but not edited. It was riddled with mistakes (example - past instead of passed, etc). I especially enjoyed the idea of the MC being an adventuring scribe. The Magic, leveling, rune skills and fighting was a great mix. I wanted to slap the MC upside his head more than once for continually being selfish as people died around him. He was all about personal power no matter what. There was an excessive amount of gore, betrayals and groups and towns dying horribly.
So, in conclusion I would say that the story was great, editing was horrific, the MC could use a big dose of compassion and I would probably read book two with expectations of improvement by the author. And please pay to get the next book edited. Please.
So, in conclusion I would say that the story was great, editing was horrific, the MC could use a big dose of compassion and I would probably read book two with expectations of improvement by the author. And please pay to get the next book edited. Please.
April 6, 2018
Loved it
I love litrpg but sometimes the mechanics get in the way of the story. Here is a great story about a brutal world and a character determined to survive. You know those stupid decisions that some main characters make — finally a character that doesn’t make those repeatedly. He knows who he cares for, who he trusts and who is in the way.
Would highly recommend this and I’m looking forward to more works by this author.
I love litrpg but sometimes the mechanics get in the way of the story. Here is a great story about a brutal world and a character determined to survive. You know those stupid decisions that some main characters make — finally a character that doesn’t make those repeatedly. He knows who he cares for, who he trusts and who is in the way.
Would highly recommend this and I’m looking forward to more works by this author.
March 2, 2019
Well crafted fantasy. Shows promise.
Read the whole book in one go because i wanted to see where Ed would get to. Very disappointed there is no follow up yet. Waiting for one. The editing isn't perfect but the story line is great. Deyhim keeps the pace on while allowing conceptual development of his interesting world.
Read the whole book in one go because i wanted to see where Ed would get to. Very disappointed there is no follow up yet. Waiting for one. The editing isn't perfect but the story line is great. Deyhim keeps the pace on while allowing conceptual development of his interesting world.
December 14, 2016
LitRPG
If you are a fan of this emerging genre, you need to have this book. Looking forward to a sequel.
If you are a fan of this emerging genre, you need to have this book. Looking forward to a sequel.
March 4, 2017
A good start
An interesting book. It has some grammar issues, but is actually a very interesting story. I am actually eager to see where he takes it. Leaves you wanting more.
An interesting book. It has some grammar issues, but is actually a very interesting story. I am actually eager to see where he takes it. Leaves you wanting more.
September 27, 2017
Grammar issues and poor writing from the very first sentence of the book.
"Edward Monteger." My mother yelled. I winced at her harsh tone...
DNF.
"Edward Monteger." My mother yelled. I winced at her harsh tone...
DNF.
August 14, 2017
Reto de Julio. Un libro con cuyo protagonista sea un niño.
La historia se desarrolla en un mundo fantástico regido por mecánicas de un juego de rol. No te dicen en ningún momento por qué, pero cuando una persona alcanza la mayoría de edad a los 12 años adquiere la habilidad de ver su "página de estatus", en donde pueden ver sus estadísticas y sus habilidades. Es el equivalente de la hoja de personaje de un juego de rol.
El protagonista es un aprendiz de escriba hambriento de conocimiento que decide salir al mundo como aventurero cuando cumpla la mayoría de edad. Lo decide porque es más rápido ganar experiencia y crecer sus habilidades por medio del combate que copiando manuscritos y leyendo.
Me chocó un poco la personalidad del chamo, porque me esperaba un niño con una personalidad un poco más infantil y no leí nada en el resumen que indicara lo contrario. Pero es mucho más maduro, lo que no me debiera haber extrañado porque en su cultura ya es considerado un adulto para la mayoría de las cosas. Además es frío, calculador y despiadado. Toma decisiones que pueden ser consideradas las más apropiadas en papel, pero no dejan de ser crueles. Por ejemplo,
La historia es entretenida, si no muy original. Está decentemente escrita a pesar de un par de errores. El protagonista trabaja y entrena por lo que tiene, no consigue poder de la nada para avanzar la historia. Le hubiese dado 4 estrellas si no fuera porque el resto de los personajes son clichés y acartonados. Las conversaciones y sus reacciones me parecieron poco naturales, como si fuesen actores leyendo un guión diseñado para mover la trama lo más rápido posible. Leería el siguiente libro, pero tampoco estoy ansiosa por hacerlo. Un sólido 3.
La historia se desarrolla en un mundo fantástico regido por mecánicas de un juego de rol. No te dicen en ningún momento por qué, pero cuando una persona alcanza la mayoría de edad a los 12 años adquiere la habilidad de ver su "página de estatus", en donde pueden ver sus estadísticas y sus habilidades. Es el equivalente de la hoja de personaje de un juego de rol.
El protagonista es un aprendiz de escriba hambriento de conocimiento que decide salir al mundo como aventurero cuando cumpla la mayoría de edad. Lo decide porque es más rápido ganar experiencia y crecer sus habilidades por medio del combate que copiando manuscritos y leyendo.
Me chocó un poco la personalidad del chamo, porque me esperaba un niño con una personalidad un poco más infantil y no leí nada en el resumen que indicara lo contrario. Pero es mucho más maduro, lo que no me debiera haber extrañado porque en su cultura ya es considerado un adulto para la mayoría de las cosas. Además es frío, calculador y despiadado. Toma decisiones que pueden ser consideradas las más apropiadas en papel, pero no dejan de ser crueles. Por ejemplo,
La historia es entretenida, si no muy original. Está decentemente escrita a pesar de un par de errores. El protagonista trabaja y entrena por lo que tiene, no consigue poder de la nada para avanzar la historia. Le hubiese dado 4 estrellas si no fuera porque el resto de los personajes son clichés y acartonados. Las conversaciones y sus reacciones me parecieron poco naturales, como si fuesen actores leyendo un guión diseñado para mover la trama lo más rápido posible. Leería el siguiente libro, pero tampoco estoy ansiosa por hacerlo. Un sólido 3.
December 9, 2019
What??? Noooo.. . That cannot be the end can it?
Still so much wisdom to gain, didn't observe any monster, didn't find a dungeon and did not get to study with the excentric Time and space professor.
Highly pleasurable reading experience though! Really fun.
Would have been so much better if the antagonist wasn't a 12 year old boy! No matter the author trying to justify himself by pointing out that once upon a time 12 was considered coming of age... 12 year old boys cannot be mercilessly full-blown killers. They lack the speed, the strength the stamina.... The need. Ed isn't taken seriously by adults when delivering news due to his young age, why would they trust him on missions. Starting Ed off at 16,nothing would have had to be changed to the story and it would have been so much better.
Also... A proof reader... Just one... Would have made the presentation so much better. Even after seeing all the comments, the digital version still had plenty of spelling errors.
And why did Ed need to hack the arms off his friends as punishment? That was worse then death! How can they survive in this world?
Why did the necromancer let him go and why wasn't there a second encounter?
If Ed wanted people to share skills, why would he kill those who did where with him? That doesn't encourage the sharing practice at all.
Why would the mere thought of Ed being the only one to carry the family name forward be the only thing that motivated the father to flee with his family??
Soooo many questions still.
Annoying.
Yet whilst reading I tremendously enjoyed myself.
Still so much wisdom to gain, didn't observe any monster, didn't find a dungeon and did not get to study with the excentric Time and space professor.
Highly pleasurable reading experience though! Really fun.
Would have been so much better if the antagonist wasn't a 12 year old boy! No matter the author trying to justify himself by pointing out that once upon a time 12 was considered coming of age... 12 year old boys cannot be mercilessly full-blown killers. They lack the speed, the strength the stamina.... The need. Ed isn't taken seriously by adults when delivering news due to his young age, why would they trust him on missions. Starting Ed off at 16,nothing would have had to be changed to the story and it would have been so much better.
Also... A proof reader... Just one... Would have made the presentation so much better. Even after seeing all the comments, the digital version still had plenty of spelling errors.
And why did Ed need to hack the arms off his friends as punishment? That was worse then death! How can they survive in this world?
Why did the necromancer let him go and why wasn't there a second encounter?
If Ed wanted people to share skills, why would he kill those who did where with him? That doesn't encourage the sharing practice at all.
Why would the mere thought of Ed being the only one to carry the family name forward be the only thing that motivated the father to flee with his family??
Soooo many questions still.
Annoying.
Yet whilst reading I tremendously enjoyed myself.
February 6, 2021
This is SOLID
The MC has his own personality
The world building is great as the world moves without the MC
The litRPG element is very subdued that this leans more towards pure fantasy than litRPG.
(While it's not necessarily bad if a book is heavy on litRPG elements like pages upon pages of blue boxes, the truth is they rarely add anything to the story)
The MC is a young scribe who wishes to learn more about magic and hopefully live forever. In order to do this, he chose to be an adventurer to gain more experience and further his learning.
MC is very methodical, he is NOT good. He is immensely practical and that is somewhat refreshing since a lot of MCs in this genre are either "Let's do good even if it really is just inserting modern day values to an old era" or "I want revenge! I will kill everyone!"
I won't say that the MC is "normal" or "an average guy", more that he acts towards practicality even if it makes the readers uncomfortable, which is pretty balsy for a piece in a genre that tends to be formulaic.
Again, this is a SOLID choice, I hope more people reach this.
The MC has his own personality
The world building is great as the world moves without the MC
The litRPG element is very subdued that this leans more towards pure fantasy than litRPG.
(While it's not necessarily bad if a book is heavy on litRPG elements like pages upon pages of blue boxes, the truth is they rarely add anything to the story)
The MC is a young scribe who wishes to learn more about magic and hopefully live forever. In order to do this, he chose to be an adventurer to gain more experience and further his learning.
MC is very methodical, he is NOT good. He is immensely practical and that is somewhat refreshing since a lot of MCs in this genre are either "Let's do good even if it really is just inserting modern day values to an old era" or "I want revenge! I will kill everyone!"
I won't say that the MC is "normal" or "an average guy", more that he acts towards practicality even if it makes the readers uncomfortable, which is pretty balsy for a piece in a genre that tends to be formulaic.
Again, this is a SOLID choice, I hope more people reach this.
February 4, 2018
I very greatly enjoyed this book. It is more "lifelike" than most LitRPG's, and the author does a great job presenting the world. The plot isn't that complicated, it is about a young man experiencing the world and learning about it. The characters are good, they are all distinct, and have their own lives. The author reuses many of the "random" people you meet, which logically is a bit strange, but it helps reduce the number of people you have to remember.
The only thing is that there are a number of errors; missing words, wrong words, etc., which breaks up the flow a bit.
I would greatly enjoy a second book if it were to ever be made.
The only thing is that there are a number of errors; missing words, wrong words, etc., which breaks up the flow a bit.
I would greatly enjoy a second book if it were to ever be made.
June 28, 2021
MC is a selfish dick head that wants to achieve immortality and doesn't care about anybody that does not help him achieve a goal and that makes no sense for an 8 or 12 year old boy, and speaking of and why would anybody be interested in a world where 12 year olds are adults and can be sent out to DIE, when I was 12 my mum wouldn't let me have bigger scissors let alone a sword and it's wierd that his parents didn't notice that their kid was waking up early every morning for 4 years and working out and stabbing himself and training, how do parents not notice that, sure there not great parents by still. And the main reason for me not liking the book and the MC is his terrible personality and attitude that make no sense for a 12 year old, but the depiction of kids in books is never great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews