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The Chanmyr Chronicles #1
On Borrowed Luck
Fatherless. Foreign. Out of Luck.
Scrappy but small, Kirrin gets beat up. A lot. So, when he hides from the local bullies in a powerful man's carriage, he's inadvertently transported to a vast rural estate. Far from home and hungry, Kirrin is caught stealing from the kitchen and fears the worst.
But the So’har Hak’kar is impressed with Kirrin’s tenacity and quick wit. Instead of having him criminally punished, the great ruler sentences Kirrin to serve him while learning to fight, move with stealth, and solve intellectual puzzles. Unfortunately, Kirrin doesn’t realize he’s being trained as the lord’s personal assassin until he accidentally kills his first victim.
Now, Kirrin’s family is at risk. His life is at risk. He struggles with who he's becoming. After all, he's living a life on borrowed luck. But borrowed luck never lasts.
Scrappy but small, Kirrin gets beat up. A lot. So, when he hides from the local bullies in a powerful man's carriage, he's inadvertently transported to a vast rural estate. Far from home and hungry, Kirrin is caught stealing from the kitchen and fears the worst.
But the So’har Hak’kar is impressed with Kirrin’s tenacity and quick wit. Instead of having him criminally punished, the great ruler sentences Kirrin to serve him while learning to fight, move with stealth, and solve intellectual puzzles. Unfortunately, Kirrin doesn’t realize he’s being trained as the lord’s personal assassin until he accidentally kills his first victim.
Now, Kirrin’s family is at risk. His life is at risk. He struggles with who he's becoming. After all, he's living a life on borrowed luck. But borrowed luck never lasts.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
336 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Muir
16 books116 followersTJ has been a lifelong and voracious reader, right from the first grade. Fantastic worlds existed between the pages in books and that was where she lived. She read the Hobbit when she was about nine, and was on the hunt for them-- sure that, just like Tolkien said-- they were there, but good at hiding.
Penname of Teri J. Dluznieski.
Penname of Teri J. Dluznieski.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 14, 2019
Picked this up as a freebie somewhere, didn't work for me. The world-building is shaky to the point of breaking my suspension of disbelief, and I did a double-take when the perspective character announced himself as seventeen instead of ten or twelve.
July 21, 2018
Rich world with detailed characters and an interesting storyline. Kirren is a weak picked on kid who unknowingly becomes part of a sinister plot of a powerful man. The journey shows Kirren put his faith and trust in this man as he gets shaped and trained to be a thief and eventually a killer. The people who come in and out of his life are all part of his choices and his path. Some he scoffs. Some he ignores. Some he lies to. And some he wants to trust. There isn’t a cliffhanger which is nice but still ends with the reader wanting more.
September 22, 2017
Kirrin is a young lad resentful of his step-father, tired of being bossed around by his mother, and being made to do chores in the inn that they own. He is bored with his life, with being poor, with being small and perpetually being bullied by other larger and older boys.
When Kirrin hides away in a carriage to escape his tormentors, his life changes for ever. He comes to the notice of the wealthy and powerful noble – the So’har Hak’kar. The So’har is impressed with Kirrin’s mental and physical agility, and instead of punishing him for stealing food from the kitchen, he is taken under the So’har’s wing: put to work in the kitchen in the mornings, and then trained to fight and defend himself in the afternoons. His life now seems perfect. He is greatly indebted to the So’har – whom he idolises, and so desperately wants to impress – and revels in his new-found friendship with the grown men, Kip and Duffy, who are set to train him.
Unfortunately, Kirrin is young, naïve and very trusting. He soon finds he has a lot more to learn than just the martial moves that Kip and Duffy teach. People and ideals that Kirrin thought he could trust, turn out to be false. Likewise, people who thought they could trust Kirrin are disabused of the notion. As Kirrin is used and manipulated by others, he learns in turn to use and manipulate in turn.
Kirrin matures and becomes more worldly-wise. He learns that true power does not rest with physical strength, intimidation, nor simple wealth, but is much more nuanced. He learns that justice for the poor differs markedly from justice for the rich and powerful: “That is the law. This is the morality. Two different things … Law. Integrity. Those things rarely in balance, here”. He is forced to realise that all actions have consequences – often not the ones he intended.
His character grows more and more complex. He no longer evokes undivided sympathy in the reader, and some aspects of his personality are quite unattractive. By the end of the book, Kirrin is someone you hoped he wouldn’t become, and indeed, is not someone he hoped to be: “He knew he should feel something-- but he didn’t. Not what he should feel. He knew he should be horrified. But he wasn’t”.
In much of the book, Kirrin has choices as to which path to take, though his loyalty to the So’jah directs many of them, until at the end, he feels he has no choice at all
Although the main character is a young male, Kirrin, there are several very strong female characters: Ch’hikk, Fern and Kirrin’s mother. It is their influences that bring out the best in Kirrin, and his relationships with these three are the only ones not abused by either party.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it. The main characters are really compelling, and the story-line riveting. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received an ARC of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
When Kirrin hides away in a carriage to escape his tormentors, his life changes for ever. He comes to the notice of the wealthy and powerful noble – the So’har Hak’kar. The So’har is impressed with Kirrin’s mental and physical agility, and instead of punishing him for stealing food from the kitchen, he is taken under the So’har’s wing: put to work in the kitchen in the mornings, and then trained to fight and defend himself in the afternoons. His life now seems perfect. He is greatly indebted to the So’har – whom he idolises, and so desperately wants to impress – and revels in his new-found friendship with the grown men, Kip and Duffy, who are set to train him.
Unfortunately, Kirrin is young, naïve and very trusting. He soon finds he has a lot more to learn than just the martial moves that Kip and Duffy teach. People and ideals that Kirrin thought he could trust, turn out to be false. Likewise, people who thought they could trust Kirrin are disabused of the notion. As Kirrin is used and manipulated by others, he learns in turn to use and manipulate in turn.
Kirrin matures and becomes more worldly-wise. He learns that true power does not rest with physical strength, intimidation, nor simple wealth, but is much more nuanced. He learns that justice for the poor differs markedly from justice for the rich and powerful: “That is the law. This is the morality. Two different things … Law. Integrity. Those things rarely in balance, here”. He is forced to realise that all actions have consequences – often not the ones he intended.
His character grows more and more complex. He no longer evokes undivided sympathy in the reader, and some aspects of his personality are quite unattractive. By the end of the book, Kirrin is someone you hoped he wouldn’t become, and indeed, is not someone he hoped to be: “He knew he should feel something-- but he didn’t. Not what he should feel. He knew he should be horrified. But he wasn’t”.
In much of the book, Kirrin has choices as to which path to take, though his loyalty to the So’jah directs many of them, until at the end, he feels he has no choice at all
Although the main character is a young male, Kirrin, there are several very strong female characters: Ch’hikk, Fern and Kirrin’s mother. It is their influences that bring out the best in Kirrin, and his relationships with these three are the only ones not abused by either party.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it. The main characters are really compelling, and the story-line riveting. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received an ARC of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 3, 2019
Great characters and world building.
The action was great
and I adore Kirrin.
Poor kid
The action was great
and I adore Kirrin.
Poor kid
September 26, 2017
Good beginning
TJ's first book in the series is pretty good. It has very few editing issues. It doesn't exactly hit the fantasy tropes as one might expect. The book has a low fantasy feel to it, kind of like a magical world where even poor kids go to school and look to college as a way out. That part didn't work for me, but easy to read past.
TJ's first book in the series is pretty good. It has very few editing issues. It doesn't exactly hit the fantasy tropes as one might expect. The book has a low fantasy feel to it, kind of like a magical world where even poor kids go to school and look to college as a way out. That part didn't work for me, but easy to read past.
July 17, 2018
This book had a really nice and steady balance to it. This book was full of drama, suspense and action. It was jam packed into every single page and was a joy to read.
January 3, 2019
This one started off ok for me, but I actually lost interest along the way.
The main character is 17, still lives at home, has to learn higher mathematics for school - might go to college later. But it's also a world where people still have stewards, cooks, coaches, boys on the streets. The mix of what feels like the typical historical flavoured fantasy with modern college ideas just didn't work for me. He is totally part of his family, with his mother still telling him to shower, do homework and so on - on the other side he goes missing for months on end, and that does not seem to be a problem, as long as he sends a "I'm fine letter". The whole family relations seem very blasé...
The tone and voice feel like a book for age 12+, but then there's some sex and murder and him learning how to seduce a women from a friendly whore. Once more the mix of adult themes and YA plot/character/prose just didn't do it for me.
It SHOULD have been interesting to see how this boy changes - spoiler about how he changes:
All in all it wasn't bad, but it also didn't blow me away and I have no interest whatsoever in reading the sequel, even though this one ends rather open ended. The world just starts to open up, so I SHOULD be interested, but I just am not. I simply don't care about the main character or his family...
The main character is 17, still lives at home, has to learn higher mathematics for school - might go to college later. But it's also a world where people still have stewards, cooks, coaches, boys on the streets. The mix of what feels like the typical historical flavoured fantasy with modern college ideas just didn't work for me. He is totally part of his family, with his mother still telling him to shower, do homework and so on - on the other side he goes missing for months on end, and that does not seem to be a problem, as long as he sends a "I'm fine letter". The whole family relations seem very blasé...
The tone and voice feel like a book for age 12+, but then there's some sex and murder and him learning how to seduce a women from a friendly whore. Once more the mix of adult themes and YA plot/character/prose just didn't do it for me.
It SHOULD have been interesting to see how this boy changes - spoiler about how he changes:
All in all it wasn't bad, but it also didn't blow me away and I have no interest whatsoever in reading the sequel, even though this one ends rather open ended. The world just starts to open up, so I SHOULD be interested, but I just am not. I simply don't care about the main character or his family...
November 15, 2018
Pure Fantasy Gold!
On Borrowed Luck is the story of Kirrin, a clever city boy who learns of hard knocks, surprise opportunities, unexpected friendships and how truly gray the line between right and wrong can be.
When Kirrin is caught with his hand in a powerful lord’s pie, his world is turned upside down and his choices have real consequence from then on. The So’Har (powerful lord) will challenge Kirrin and challenge him in every way imaginable. Will he rise to the occasion or cower back to the city to be easy prey for the street tuffs?
I have to say that this book had me staying up later than I usually do and constantly pondering what could possibly happen next. I found myself actually worrying what Kirrin might do and what choices he may make. (again, my mental health is perfectly fine. The voices told me so) The fact is the protagonist in this story is wonderfully flawed and that has endeared him to me immensely.
TJ Muir has created a beautifully imagined world, full of all the strife, calamity and mundanity you would expect in a real life place but spiced with fantastic puzzles of all sorts and with Kirrin’s not so perfectness but his longing to be better, topping this gritty classic.
On Borrowed Luck is one of those rare tales with the power to make your week better just for reading it. It’s a supernova of fantasy charm with some of the best quotable lines I’ve read in ages! Pop a couple bags of popcorn, brew some hot tea or grab an ice cold brewski and settle in for a grand start to what promises to be a truly epic series.
Happy Reading!
On Borrowed Luck is the story of Kirrin, a clever city boy who learns of hard knocks, surprise opportunities, unexpected friendships and how truly gray the line between right and wrong can be.
When Kirrin is caught with his hand in a powerful lord’s pie, his world is turned upside down and his choices have real consequence from then on. The So’Har (powerful lord) will challenge Kirrin and challenge him in every way imaginable. Will he rise to the occasion or cower back to the city to be easy prey for the street tuffs?
I have to say that this book had me staying up later than I usually do and constantly pondering what could possibly happen next. I found myself actually worrying what Kirrin might do and what choices he may make. (again, my mental health is perfectly fine. The voices told me so) The fact is the protagonist in this story is wonderfully flawed and that has endeared him to me immensely.
TJ Muir has created a beautifully imagined world, full of all the strife, calamity and mundanity you would expect in a real life place but spiced with fantastic puzzles of all sorts and with Kirrin’s not so perfectness but his longing to be better, topping this gritty classic.
On Borrowed Luck is one of those rare tales with the power to make your week better just for reading it. It’s a supernova of fantasy charm with some of the best quotable lines I’ve read in ages! Pop a couple bags of popcorn, brew some hot tea or grab an ice cold brewski and settle in for a grand start to what promises to be a truly epic series.
Happy Reading!
November 5, 2017
Meh
I was intrigued with the story at first, but then it started taking a darker turn. I personally didn’t care much for the lifestyle of the main character or rather what he grew into being. He was a kind gentle young man who was bullied and beaten on occasion, then upon finding a rather odd hiding place met the So’har, a rather shady character. The story goes on and he has to serve this master which ended up turning the young man into a criminal (a fault of his own making and not really the So’hars.) The guy took advice from the wrong people and turned down a dark path, nearly raping a young woman (who weirdly came back to bed with him later). I was sitting her scratching my head...thinking don’t do it...you moron. Ugggh. Frustrating! The ending left him at the bidding of the So’har, his master. Not really my cup of tea, to be honest. Someone else may like the story. I didn’t care for it myself.
I was intrigued with the story at first, but then it started taking a darker turn. I personally didn’t care much for the lifestyle of the main character or rather what he grew into being. He was a kind gentle young man who was bullied and beaten on occasion, then upon finding a rather odd hiding place met the So’har, a rather shady character. The story goes on and he has to serve this master which ended up turning the young man into a criminal (a fault of his own making and not really the So’hars.) The guy took advice from the wrong people and turned down a dark path, nearly raping a young woman (who weirdly came back to bed with him later). I was sitting her scratching my head...thinking don’t do it...you moron. Ugggh. Frustrating! The ending left him at the bidding of the So’har, his master. Not really my cup of tea, to be honest. Someone else may like the story. I didn’t care for it myself.
September 25, 2018
the main character sexually assaults someone but the author still tries to make you care about him. bullshit.
May 1, 2019
DNF 48%. Immature MC acts like he's 11, not enough world building, boring.
July 30, 2018
On Borrowed Luck is a very different sort of fantasy read. It’s a coming-of-age story set in a low fantasy setting that has hints of magic. And it isn’t afraid to take some very dark turns at times, turning some of the tropes we’ve come to expect in coming-of-age tales on their heads.
I personally found the main character very well characterized. I understood his motivations and felt like I understood the decisions that he was making. From the very first pages I was engaged with what was going to happen to Kirrin. The action picks up right away and while there are moments of downtime, it largely doesn’t let up. Muir has a way of writing fight scenes that is just brutal. I don’t mean brutal in terms of the blood and gore described, but rather in the scrappy way you would expect street fights to take place. They are very well done.
There are some moments in the plot where the story feels like it jumps around a little. This is particularly true of the middle of the book when time passes but we aren’t always informed of exactly how much time has passed. There are a few small continuity or believability issues as well. For instance, Kirrin spends huge amounts of time away from his mother and she doesn’t appear overly concerned about this. I also found the side characters to be universally flat. They just didn’t connect with me at all.
Potential readers should also be aware that one of the ways this story turns some coming-of-age tropes on their heads is that the main character often makes poor decisions about who to listen to and who to allow to influence him. As a result the story ends up taking some pretty dark turns and the man that Kirrin becomes is hardly a shining example to others. Don’t mistake this for grimdark, however. The setting isn’t particularly grim, Kirrin just makes several questionable decisions.
I found this dark turn a little jarring at times. Overall the story was engaging and although I don’t like the place Kirrin came out I can’t particularly fault the book for that. 3/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
I personally found the main character very well characterized. I understood his motivations and felt like I understood the decisions that he was making. From the very first pages I was engaged with what was going to happen to Kirrin. The action picks up right away and while there are moments of downtime, it largely doesn’t let up. Muir has a way of writing fight scenes that is just brutal. I don’t mean brutal in terms of the blood and gore described, but rather in the scrappy way you would expect street fights to take place. They are very well done.
There are some moments in the plot where the story feels like it jumps around a little. This is particularly true of the middle of the book when time passes but we aren’t always informed of exactly how much time has passed. There are a few small continuity or believability issues as well. For instance, Kirrin spends huge amounts of time away from his mother and she doesn’t appear overly concerned about this. I also found the side characters to be universally flat. They just didn’t connect with me at all.
Potential readers should also be aware that one of the ways this story turns some coming-of-age tropes on their heads is that the main character often makes poor decisions about who to listen to and who to allow to influence him. As a result the story ends up taking some pretty dark turns and the man that Kirrin becomes is hardly a shining example to others. Don’t mistake this for grimdark, however. The setting isn’t particularly grim, Kirrin just makes several questionable decisions.
I found this dark turn a little jarring at times. Overall the story was engaging and although I don’t like the place Kirrin came out I can’t particularly fault the book for that. 3/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
March 13, 2021
This is a coming of age progression story, set in a world based on medieval times with little magic and no mythical creatures. The fantasy element is reflected in the alien world, three moons, and the mythical lore of the origins of the civilisation and associated magic.
The protagonist Kirrin is small and slight for his age and has been bullied all his life. He has had to rely on his wits, running and hiding to escape some of the many beatings he is subjected to. One of these occasions lands him on the estate of a powerful nobleman, who is impressed by this boy’s quick thinking and bravery. This man takes Kirrin under his wing and has him trained to become his spy, thief and assassin. Kirrin hopes to improve his future prospects by proving his loyalty to the So’har and is blind to true the noble man’s motives.
Kirrin is a very naive for his 17 years of age and considering he is supposed to be a street wise scrapper. During his adventure he learns a lot about life, love, values and the nature of people. He makes a lot of mistakes and sometimes doesn’t see the difference between good and bad advice; and has to suffer the consequences of his actions.
While I liked the story and progression of the character, it was often hard to reconcile the naive boy, who is confused and doesn’t recognise how he is being manipulated; with the shrewd young man who exhibits cunning, finesse and the ability to manipulate people to complete his assignments.
I also felt there were too many life events in the narrative, to properly work through each experience and while the issues were resolved and character growth achieved; it sometimes felt quite superficial rather than the profound lesson learnt.
An enjoyable read with relatable characters, probably more suited to a younger reader (up to 16).
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinion of it.
The protagonist Kirrin is small and slight for his age and has been bullied all his life. He has had to rely on his wits, running and hiding to escape some of the many beatings he is subjected to. One of these occasions lands him on the estate of a powerful nobleman, who is impressed by this boy’s quick thinking and bravery. This man takes Kirrin under his wing and has him trained to become his spy, thief and assassin. Kirrin hopes to improve his future prospects by proving his loyalty to the So’har and is blind to true the noble man’s motives.
Kirrin is a very naive for his 17 years of age and considering he is supposed to be a street wise scrapper. During his adventure he learns a lot about life, love, values and the nature of people. He makes a lot of mistakes and sometimes doesn’t see the difference between good and bad advice; and has to suffer the consequences of his actions.
While I liked the story and progression of the character, it was often hard to reconcile the naive boy, who is confused and doesn’t recognise how he is being manipulated; with the shrewd young man who exhibits cunning, finesse and the ability to manipulate people to complete his assignments.
I also felt there were too many life events in the narrative, to properly work through each experience and while the issues were resolved and character growth achieved; it sometimes felt quite superficial rather than the profound lesson learnt.
An enjoyable read with relatable characters, probably more suited to a younger reader (up to 16).
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinion of it.
July 24, 2019
I rather have no female characters/love interest in a book rather than this nonsense. Nothing really makes sense when you look at the book as a whole. The MC is 16 but honestly he should have been 10-14 and the 'teaser' and prostitute plot line should have been cut. The world building is not very good because while we know that magic is in this world it is not explained.
Why 1 star? Because the MC attempts to force himself on a girl, faces no consequences, leaves the compound for a bit and when he comes back the girl instantly starts hanging herself on him again without any acknowledgement of the fact that she had to kick him in the groin to get away from him the last time they were together. But luckily (/s) he learned about sex from a prostitute while he was away and instead of forcing her he 'gently coaxes' her to have sex with him in a shed....Yep.....That really happens
Why 1 star? Because the MC attempts to force himself on a girl, faces no consequences, leaves the compound for a bit and when he comes back the girl instantly starts hanging herself on him again without any acknowledgement of the fact that she had to kick him in the groin to get away from him the last time they were together. But luckily (/s) he learned about sex from a prostitute while he was away and instead of forcing her he 'gently coaxes' her to have sex with him in a shed....Yep.....That really happens
September 13, 2017
This book starts out with a bang. Kirrin gets beat up by a gang of three, escapes them by hiding in a carriage and, inadvertently, taken to an unfamiliar place outside of town. It is here that Kirrin stays until he is able to 'pay' for trying to steal some food. During this time, he learns how to fight properly and learn some tricks so he doesn't get in the same situation again. Throughout this book, you see Kirrin mature. He tries to do everything he can to impress his benefactor continually getting in and out of increasingly dire situations. In spite of it all, Kirrin is eventually forced to make a choice for his future and the safety of his mother that binds him to a life he could not have foreseen. It is in this story that the reader is finally able to get to know Kirrin's background and realize the reasons he had become who you see in the first three books of this series. If you have read the previous books in the series, then highly recommend reading this one for it greatly enhances the total storyline.
September 26, 2017
Follow Kirrin, a boy without a father, who isn’t a native to the city, and thus is bullied. During one attack he takes refuge in a Lord’s carriage and ends up at his estate. He is caught stealing a sweet roll (breakfast before he leaves!), and rather than a harsh sentence, spends a month in the kitchens and is also taught to fight; to take care of himself. Thus begins a series of tests …. Grooming him for what? We watch him face moral dilemmas, and he gradually realizes that the Lord who commands his loyalty is not a good man. The end of the book is the beginning of his search for the kind of man he will become. I couldn’t believe it ended …. It left me wanting MORE! Kirrin is about to make some choices ….. Great book – you see how we can be trapped into making unwitting choices, and how each choice leads to another …. Apparently this is the back story to another series, as to how Kirrin became the man he is in that story. Now I definitely want to read that series!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
January 15, 2021
Intriguing story with a promise and a nice manifestation how good intentions can be turned into something much darker.
Kirrin was an unfortunate kid, small and different, and therefore bullied by other kids. During one attempted escape, he ends up at the so'har 's estate, and unknowingly becomes a part of a much larger scheme. Being trained and manipulated, Kirrin is used for the benefit of his "employer"..
I really liked the premise, and slipped into the flow of the story easily. The darker vibe was present quite early in the book, and all the signs pointed to the danger lurking in the background. However, after about a third of the book, my focus started to falter and I started to sense the effect of the detailed descriptions. The writing style was unique, and I enjoyed the world building, although the descriptive parts could have been shorter to speed up the pace. I also liked the way Kirrin was portrayed, realistic and a bit conflicted, which contributed to the believability of the character and the story.
Kirrin was an unfortunate kid, small and different, and therefore bullied by other kids. During one attempted escape, he ends up at the so'har 's estate, and unknowingly becomes a part of a much larger scheme. Being trained and manipulated, Kirrin is used for the benefit of his "employer"..
I really liked the premise, and slipped into the flow of the story easily. The darker vibe was present quite early in the book, and all the signs pointed to the danger lurking in the background. However, after about a third of the book, my focus started to falter and I started to sense the effect of the detailed descriptions. The writing style was unique, and I enjoyed the world building, although the descriptive parts could have been shorter to speed up the pace. I also liked the way Kirrin was portrayed, realistic and a bit conflicted, which contributed to the believability of the character and the story.
February 19, 2019
This book is one that starts of slow. It brings you to a point of knowing the characters and beginning to see flaws in them. The main character is a young boy who is experiencing typical teenage angst by being bullied as well as dealing with a very protective mother. His stumble into his life that he begins to head down all though accidental is still hilarious.
Going on the journey with Kirrin takes you through many things that I related to with my own youth. But to see him experience the “grown up” parts of life at such an early age is what makes the story intriguing.
This is definitely a good read if you like adventure as well as going through life experiences. For him to find out how many of his choices that he made have had him divert from what his original intentions where for his life to what they become. Then for him to go through the dilemma that he is possessed with. Is what keeps you turning the pages.
Going on the journey with Kirrin takes you through many things that I related to with my own youth. But to see him experience the “grown up” parts of life at such an early age is what makes the story intriguing.
This is definitely a good read if you like adventure as well as going through life experiences. For him to find out how many of his choices that he made have had him divert from what his original intentions where for his life to what they become. Then for him to go through the dilemma that he is possessed with. Is what keeps you turning the pages.
April 7, 2023
dnf @ 67%
cw: racism & misogyny like WHOA, capitalist/colonialist propaganda
I picked this up cuz I adore Joel Froomkin as a narrator. another reviewer said something about losing the suspension of disbelief when the pov character’s age is revealed to be 17 and not like 10-12 and, tbh, not only does that track—the book doesn’t get better from there. it devolves from a potentially interesting fantasy world with a plucky young hero into an overtly racist trash heap that features a mishmash of all the worst “boys will be boys” sorts of tropes while also idolising the worst sorts of exploitative power games. the author seems to be making an extended joke at the mc’s expense, as it’s very clear to the reader that the fancy lord is manipulating him for his own ends and I just… I don’t get it, I guess. why fucking bother to create a fantasy world if you’re just gonna uphold the worst parts of this one? plus the world building never becomes more than vague set dressing.
it’s gross.
cw: racism & misogyny like WHOA, capitalist/colonialist propaganda
I picked this up cuz I adore Joel Froomkin as a narrator. another reviewer said something about losing the suspension of disbelief when the pov character’s age is revealed to be 17 and not like 10-12 and, tbh, not only does that track—the book doesn’t get better from there. it devolves from a potentially interesting fantasy world with a plucky young hero into an overtly racist trash heap that features a mishmash of all the worst “boys will be boys” sorts of tropes while also idolising the worst sorts of exploitative power games. the author seems to be making an extended joke at the mc’s expense, as it’s very clear to the reader that the fancy lord is manipulating him for his own ends and I just… I don’t get it, I guess. why fucking bother to create a fantasy world if you’re just gonna uphold the worst parts of this one? plus the world building never becomes more than vague set dressing.
it’s gross.
July 29, 2018
The characters were believable and made both good and bad decisions that were reasonable at the time, but had realistic consequences. I cared about the characters, because they felt real, and the circumstances also felt real, even though the rules of this world are different from our own. As in real life, the author didn't explain what was really going on and left me to figure it out as the characters did, which left me very engaged in their choices and actions.
I enjoyed the book and was surprised when it was finished. It was clearly intended to be continued, but book one could stand on its own if you aren't concerned with the unanswered questions. I want to see more of what happens, and whether Kirrin can find a clear way through the place his choices have led him, so I will be reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the book and was surprised when it was finished. It was clearly intended to be continued, but book one could stand on its own if you aren't concerned with the unanswered questions. I want to see more of what happens, and whether Kirrin can find a clear way through the place his choices have led him, so I will be reading the rest of the series.
May 7, 2018
I wasn't able to finish this book. It started out very good. I loved the characters. Then the middle of the novel hit. This described scrappy boy went from what I believed was just that to being written as if it was a female character.
The technical aspects seemed to be fine. I can forgive a lot when it comes to spelling, transitions, and even less than a stellar organization of the plot. I can not figure out how to deal with a major shift in perception of a character from male to apparent female POV.
Since I can't see my way through to finish this book, 64% complete according to my Fire Tablet, I will not be attempting to read the second one.
The technical aspects seemed to be fine. I can forgive a lot when it comes to spelling, transitions, and even less than a stellar organization of the plot. I can not figure out how to deal with a major shift in perception of a character from male to apparent female POV.
Since I can't see my way through to finish this book, 64% complete according to my Fire Tablet, I will not be attempting to read the second one.
February 13, 2021
The main character behaves like a 12yo, yet is said to be 18. I don't know what's going on here, perhaps the planet has a shorter revolution period, or the author was trying to escape the censors, but this disparity is very evident. There's a scene where he saves another "boy", who is only a couple of years younger than him, and as a reward, the "boy" offers him some.... CANDY! My bet is on the censors.
I started reading because someone said he sexually assaults someone. Unfortunately, the book is so goddamn boring I either didn't get to that part or the assault is so mild (like kissing) it just escaped my notice. I made half-way through before giving up. It is really, really boring.
I started reading because someone said he sexually assaults someone. Unfortunately, the book is so goddamn boring I either didn't get to that part or the assault is so mild (like kissing) it just escaped my notice. I made half-way through before giving up. It is really, really boring.
October 14, 2018
Book is alright
This book is entertaining. By the end of this book, I was mildly curious to learn more about this world. It is a decent filler for between books in a series. I think that if I tried to binge read this series, I would get bored with it very fast. At the end of this book, I have yet to care about the characters. Nothing against the writing, I am just more interested in the happenings, than who it happened to. Hopefully, the characters will flesh out a little more in later books.
This book is entertaining. By the end of this book, I was mildly curious to learn more about this world. It is a decent filler for between books in a series. I think that if I tried to binge read this series, I would get bored with it very fast. At the end of this book, I have yet to care about the characters. Nothing against the writing, I am just more interested in the happenings, than who it happened to. Hopefully, the characters will flesh out a little more in later books.
June 11, 2019
This young adult read was as much a cautionary tale as it was an adventure. In today's culture, movies like The Bourne Identity or James Bond encourage kids of many ages to aspire to become spies or thieves, but in a time when being able to read was an accomplishment, children usually followed in their parents' career paths. How would an otherwise well-brought up unworldly child become a spy or thief? Read this and you will find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2021
Kirrin is a small young man which means he is always getting attacked by other young men. When Kirrin uses the carriage of a so'har to get away from them, he ends up working on the estate for three months. While there, Kirrin is trained in what we would call street fighting by two men who work on the estate. Then a shadow dancer is brought in and Kirrin learns how to be invisible. This story is full of stressful situations, some action, and romance plus ends in a cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
December 7, 2017
Best Cherry Popper Advice
This story of a young man who choices leads him to the dark side is a action packed entertaining interesting read. His getting advice from the guys leads him to strikeout, but when a woman teaches him he gets the girl. Unfortunately he just wanted the prize and not the person. This is a story of careful what you wish for, you might get it but it is nothing like you thought.
This story of a young man who choices leads him to the dark side is a action packed entertaining interesting read. His getting advice from the guys leads him to strikeout, but when a woman teaches him he gets the girl. Unfortunately he just wanted the prize and not the person. This is a story of careful what you wish for, you might get it but it is nothing like you thought.
November 26, 2018
This one is a little sad because you know how its going to end and the only one that doesn’t is Kirrin. At the same time you’ve gotta feel happy for his enjoyment in learning new skills, whilst being horrified at what he’s becoming and willing to do to cover his tracks. Fast paced coming of age story, where mistakes can’t be taken back. I liked Kip and the other one, although its questioning whether they’re friends or if they once walked Kirrin’s path. Looking forward to reading the next one.
December 6, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. The main character's development ultimately is a turn-off. He goes from being naive lad with whom we can relate. Yet, as the story develops, he becomes far less likable. His attempted rape is dishonorable and disgusting. The author then has the girl regularly have relations with him...believable? Hardly. Finished the first book, but I have no desire to see where the story goes. Disappointing.
January 3, 2021
How quickly life can change.
Kirrin is running from a bully when he hides in a carriage and is unintentionally taken to the estate of Hak'kar, the so’har, where he ends up working in the kitchen and on the estate. Kirrin's agility, schooling and loyalty make him wanted by the so'har to do certain tasks. What a start to life as a young man of eighteen years.
This very good story has captivated me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kirrin is running from a bully when he hides in a carriage and is unintentionally taken to the estate of Hak'kar, the so’har, where he ends up working in the kitchen and on the estate. Kirrin's agility, schooling and loyalty make him wanted by the so'har to do certain tasks. What a start to life as a young man of eighteen years.
This very good story has captivated me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
This was a good fantasy adventure story! The characters are well developed and complex, if not always likeable. The story world is detailed and beautifully written. I enjoyed this story, but beware it is a little darker than most straight fantasy and if you enjoy characters that sometimes do things that aren't the best for them, but wholly in character, then you will love this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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