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Blademage #1
Blademage Beastmaster
Charlie Naylor is a good guy, but he's never been great at multi-tasking. When Larynk, the God of Corn, sends Charlie into a fantasy game, he just can't help himself trying. By combining his love of daggers, magic, and animals, he becomes the Blademage Beastmaster.
With a dangerous new pet, a deadly selection of daggers, and some awesome spells, he must make allies and kill monsters as he walks his path to glory. If he can do that, then he might just create a legacy for himself.
He used work in an office where he pushed paper, filled in spreadsheets, and made coffee. Now, he casts, conjures, stabs, and tames.
With a dangerous new pet, a deadly selection of daggers, and some awesome spells, he must make allies and kill monsters as he walks his path to glory. If he can do that, then he might just create a legacy for himself.
He used work in an office where he pushed paper, filled in spreadsheets, and made coffee. Now, he casts, conjures, stabs, and tames.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
266 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 22, 2018
I enjoyed this amusing LitRPG story. An ordinary human is whisked, by betting gods, into a fantasy gamer type land to see if he could become a hero. The idea of bored gods trying to get more interesting jobs by tricking other gods in betting on a game, is amusing. The storyline is interesting and easily keeps your attention. You soon become invested in Charlie’s success and I enjoyed his progress in the game. The narrator of the audiobook, Scott Bennett, did a great job of infusing the humour in the story into his voice and he made it easy to distinguish the different characters as he gave them individual voices. This is a captivating, humours adventure that leaves space to continue the game at the end. I hope that there will be more books in this world.
April 25, 2019
I read the first two books in the series. I couldn't finish the third. They were mediocre.
The prose was decent.
Flaw #1: It felt way too linear, like a series of complete in and of themselves short stories.
Flaw #2: Some parts felt very rushed. I realize editors like to trim the fat from books, that it's one of their main purposes in life, but I feel like the author/editor is trying to turn this into one of those cliff notes novels made for ADHD young adults that make you feel like you're skimming a novel instead of reading it. It just feels extremely rushed at times and not in a "isn't this exciting and action-packed" kind of way, but more like "I'm bored with my own story so I'm just going to skip to the good parts." kind of way.
Flaw #3: Some parts were extremely repetitive.
Half the characters in the book, both good and evil, lie to the main character or refuse to give their supposed ally vital information. I'm not talking little lies or deceptions, but major ones, like not telling Luke Skywalker that Darth Vader was his father. This happens over and over and over and over to the point where if it were me I'd tell all my "friends" to take a hike and go solo. His friends routinely abuse him verbally and physically and one basically steals all his money right after he has a big cash windfall.
Another repetitive theme is when the main character first encounters a group that will later turn out to be his friends, they start out with extreme and unjustified hostility. We're talking kidnapping, drugging, torture, etc. But that's okay, right? Because in the end it turns out we're all friends! No! That's not all right! It means your "friends" are evil psychopaths! Winning their friendship now just means you're on the good side of evil psychopaths who are still going to mistreat other innocent people even if they're now nice to you. This is not progress! He didn't make them into good people by becoming their friends. They're still quite evil.
And the kind of stuff he puts up with from these people! If it were me, I'd either put some distance between myself and that kind of person or recognize them as an evil force to be stopped. But I wouldn't keep trying to butter them up and make them my buddies.
Flaw #4: The main character keeps doing stupid stuff like forgetting the incredibly cool things he can do.
Can't seem to defeat the monster? Wounded to the point of death? Dagger just isn't doing enough damage? Oh, yeah, I forgot I can do magic! Or forgot I have another weapon better in this situation than the one I'm currently using. Maybe I should try and use magic before I die! In fact, I probably should have started using magic the first time I noticed that my dagger wasn't good enough!
And when he's in an evil guy's vault full of treasure, does he load up on loot? No, he takes a tiny little bit of treasure. It's like being in the middle of Fort Knox and instead of taking a giant gold ingot, he takes a souvenir Fort Knox pen and a T-shirt. Note that taking more treasure would have been a HUGE advantage to him and his friends, as in a life or death advantage. I felt this part was contrived as the author put the MC in the vault to reveal a plot development, but then realized, "Hey, if the MC loots this vault, he pretty much wins at life and the book series ends here. Better come up with a lame excuse for him not to do this."
The prose was decent.
Flaw #1: It felt way too linear, like a series of complete in and of themselves short stories.
Flaw #2: Some parts felt very rushed. I realize editors like to trim the fat from books, that it's one of their main purposes in life, but I feel like the author/editor is trying to turn this into one of those cliff notes novels made for ADHD young adults that make you feel like you're skimming a novel instead of reading it. It just feels extremely rushed at times and not in a "isn't this exciting and action-packed" kind of way, but more like "I'm bored with my own story so I'm just going to skip to the good parts." kind of way.
Flaw #3: Some parts were extremely repetitive.
Half the characters in the book, both good and evil, lie to the main character or refuse to give their supposed ally vital information. I'm not talking little lies or deceptions, but major ones, like not telling Luke Skywalker that Darth Vader was his father. This happens over and over and over and over to the point where if it were me I'd tell all my "friends" to take a hike and go solo. His friends routinely abuse him verbally and physically and one basically steals all his money right after he has a big cash windfall.
Another repetitive theme is when the main character first encounters a group that will later turn out to be his friends, they start out with extreme and unjustified hostility. We're talking kidnapping, drugging, torture, etc. But that's okay, right? Because in the end it turns out we're all friends! No! That's not all right! It means your "friends" are evil psychopaths! Winning their friendship now just means you're on the good side of evil psychopaths who are still going to mistreat other innocent people even if they're now nice to you. This is not progress! He didn't make them into good people by becoming their friends. They're still quite evil.
And the kind of stuff he puts up with from these people! If it were me, I'd either put some distance between myself and that kind of person or recognize them as an evil force to be stopped. But I wouldn't keep trying to butter them up and make them my buddies.
Flaw #4: The main character keeps doing stupid stuff like forgetting the incredibly cool things he can do.
Can't seem to defeat the monster? Wounded to the point of death? Dagger just isn't doing enough damage? Oh, yeah, I forgot I can do magic! Or forgot I have another weapon better in this situation than the one I'm currently using. Maybe I should try and use magic before I die! In fact, I probably should have started using magic the first time I noticed that my dagger wasn't good enough!
And when he's in an evil guy's vault full of treasure, does he load up on loot? No, he takes a tiny little bit of treasure. It's like being in the middle of Fort Knox and instead of taking a giant gold ingot, he takes a souvenir Fort Knox pen and a T-shirt. Note that taking more treasure would have been a HUGE advantage to him and his friends, as in a life or death advantage. I felt this part was contrived as the author put the MC in the vault to reveal a plot development, but then realized, "Hey, if the MC loots this vault, he pretty much wins at life and the book series ends here. Better come up with a lame excuse for him not to do this."
May 24, 2019
I usually don't write reviews but I had to for this book. I love LitRPG as a genre and have been devouring them. Sadly this book had far too many issues. It had potential however there are just too many mistakes. The math doesn't add up often. Gaining levels but then gains them again later. Doesn't get full stats when gaining multiple levels. It just feels like no thought or tracking was put into a lot of the rpg elements.
I could work around some of that but the kicker is how stupid the MC is. He just does whatever and expects things to work out for the best. He let's people pretty much treat him however they want to. Also some of his decisions make absolutely no sense. I mean no sense at all.
It's not the worst I've read but it definitely is one of my 5 least liked litrpgs. Purchase with caution.
I could work around some of that but the kicker is how stupid the MC is. He just does whatever and expects things to work out for the best. He let's people pretty much treat him however they want to. Also some of his decisions make absolutely no sense. I mean no sense at all.
It's not the worst I've read but it definitely is one of my 5 least liked litrpgs. Purchase with caution.
May 26, 2018
I only gave this book 2 stars because I dislike books were the main character is stupid and somewhat cowardly. The overall writing isn’t too bad but very simplistic. I think this book was meant to be a comedy. Unfortunately it just ended up seeming stupid. It is too bad because I see a lot of potential in this writing.
February 23, 2019
This is the first time I've read a book by Deck Davis and the first audiobook I've listened to by J. Scott Bennett and I can say that while it starts off slow It gets much better after the first two chapters once the story actually starts to get going. While it's a LitRPG it feels like it was inspired greatly by classic fantasy and fiction like that seen in the 1920s - 1950s and the main character feels like a classic everyman. While there are a few instances of subtle cursing the book also feels like it would be great for a younger audience who is trying to get into the genre and it doesn't have any of the harem aspect or over sexualization a lot of the genre seems to suffer from, It very much feels the kind of book you can enjoy with your family or read your kids for bed time. The cast of supporting characters around the main character are developed pretty well for such a short book and there are hints at much more world building coming in the next book. The narrator does a great job of bringing you into the world the author has created in a very calming use your imagination kind of tone that you could easily picture reading to large groups of people in a family friendly venue like a library and contributes further to classic fiction and family audience vibe the book itself gives off. If you enjoy classic fantasy and fiction and want something you can enjoy with your kids or family or want something in the genre that isn't full of obscure references and over sexualization I definitely think this is the book for you.
March 17, 2018
Sit, sat, sitting
Stand, standing, stood
All of these are verbs that change with verb tense. I would hope an author or translator (where appropriate) would know the difference. Unfortunately, it would seem LitRPG authors have the idea that there is no need to change verb tense regardless of how it's being used. Any third grader provably could tell when stood isn't the right word to use, but yet LitRPG authors can't seem to figure it out.
As a result, what should be a fun enjoyable read keeps turning into a series of WTF moments as poor grammar sucks the enjoyment right out of the story.
If you are capable of ignoring such nonsense, you should find this to be a rather wonderful story filled with creatures, friends, areas and scheming that would please just about anyone. It's a cool story and other books in this world will be greatfully received as long as someone in the publishing process (author, editor, proofreader …) figures out verb tense.
Stand, standing, stood
All of these are verbs that change with verb tense. I would hope an author or translator (where appropriate) would know the difference. Unfortunately, it would seem LitRPG authors have the idea that there is no need to change verb tense regardless of how it's being used. Any third grader provably could tell when stood isn't the right word to use, but yet LitRPG authors can't seem to figure it out.
As a result, what should be a fun enjoyable read keeps turning into a series of WTF moments as poor grammar sucks the enjoyment right out of the story.
If you are capable of ignoring such nonsense, you should find this to be a rather wonderful story filled with creatures, friends, areas and scheming that would please just about anyone. It's a cool story and other books in this world will be greatfully received as long as someone in the publishing process (author, editor, proofreader …) figures out verb tense.
June 19, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"I. Do. Not. Have. A. Big. Nose."
Whilst Charlie Mailer, a rather unprepossessing office worker, is saying the final goodbye to his beloved dog of 16 years, he finds himself transported into a fantasy world - the subject of a bet made by the bored God of Corn in his attempt to get a better job. Surprised and confused, Charlie sets out into an alien world of weird creatures, confrontations, new friends and the need to increase his ratings in this virtual environment. Why? He didn't know. Despite everything, he found he enjoyed it much better than the life he'd left behind. But things will beome much darker...
I.Scott Bennett narrates this charming, comedic story with warmth and a touch of the sinister. The reading is clear and well intonated, the individual characters seperately voiced. A fine performance.
Blademage Beastmaster is a gentle, fun LitRPG story suitable for younger readers, with enough intrigue and acton to maintain interest.
"I. Do. Not. Have. A. Big. Nose."
Whilst Charlie Mailer, a rather unprepossessing office worker, is saying the final goodbye to his beloved dog of 16 years, he finds himself transported into a fantasy world - the subject of a bet made by the bored God of Corn in his attempt to get a better job. Surprised and confused, Charlie sets out into an alien world of weird creatures, confrontations, new friends and the need to increase his ratings in this virtual environment. Why? He didn't know. Despite everything, he found he enjoyed it much better than the life he'd left behind. But things will beome much darker...
I.Scott Bennett narrates this charming, comedic story with warmth and a touch of the sinister. The reading is clear and well intonated, the individual characters seperately voiced. A fine performance.
Blademage Beastmaster is a gentle, fun LitRPG story suitable for younger readers, with enough intrigue and acton to maintain interest.
October 20, 2018
Book one
Mistakes: a few, at first it was normal misspelled words or words used incorrectly. Then toward the end the author tells us three times how much fink is needed at home. Dude I got it the first time. No need to hammer me with it.
Plot: would have been more interesting if everything didn't so easily come to the MC. Honestly felt like this was written for a five year old at times.
Characters: Flink was interesting, there wasn't really anything to the MC though. You can't grow when everything just falls in your lap. I never got a hint of the MC having to actually struggle.
4.5/10
Mistakes: a few, at first it was normal misspelled words or words used incorrectly. Then toward the end the author tells us three times how much fink is needed at home. Dude I got it the first time. No need to hammer me with it.
Plot: would have been more interesting if everything didn't so easily come to the MC. Honestly felt like this was written for a five year old at times.
Characters: Flink was interesting, there wasn't really anything to the MC though. You can't grow when everything just falls in your lap. I never got a hint of the MC having to actually struggle.
4.5/10
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June 13, 2020Not good
I honestly think I'm done giving Deck Davis books a try, I really have tried.. ok so the mc is horrible, he comes off like a soft 12 yearold .
If EVERYONE in a town act's like a dick why stay . 100 gold for a great magic dagger but at the same time he had to pay 50 gold to sleep on a floor. Grab a tent ... just so many ridicules thing's happen to drive the plot ,to force the story . As for the lit/game lit mechanics I guess that was okay for the most part.
The story comes off like a pre-tean writing. I dont know just BLEH . I don't know what else to say ... just terrible sorry
I honestly think I'm done giving Deck Davis books a try, I really have tried.. ok so the mc is horrible, he comes off like a soft 12 yearold .
If EVERYONE in a town act's like a dick why stay . 100 gold for a great magic dagger but at the same time he had to pay 50 gold to sleep on a floor. Grab a tent ... just so many ridicules thing's happen to drive the plot ,to force the story . As for the lit/game lit mechanics I guess that was okay for the most part.
The story comes off like a pre-tean writing. I dont know just BLEH . I don't know what else to say ... just terrible sorry
April 1, 2019
Like many other novels written by Deck Davis, the writing and plot are very basic and more than a bit juvenile. The MC is kind of washed out personality wise and has very little true conflict and growth. The world and story could use some sharpening and depth to them. The other characters, even his so called friends, were quick to take advantage of him. Worst of all, he let them. And then justified it by saying that they reminded him of himself years ago. Very annoying.
Enjoyable read even though it wasn't anything other than ordinary. I will read book two, maybe.
Enjoyable read even though it wasn't anything other than ordinary. I will read book two, maybe.
March 19, 2018
Fun read! 6/10 will read sequel.
Start and finished this in an afternoon and enjoyed the read. From the ridiculousness of the gods “jobs” and the story throughout, it just reads like a “good fun” style of story. Nothings to take to serious, though the rpg system is a little weird in the sense that in doesn’t go in-depth at all in regards to anyone else’s skills/classes so you have to kinda just guess what anyone other than the MC can do.
Start and finished this in an afternoon and enjoyed the read. From the ridiculousness of the gods “jobs” and the story throughout, it just reads like a “good fun” style of story. Nothings to take to serious, though the rpg system is a little weird in the sense that in doesn’t go in-depth at all in regards to anyone else’s skills/classes so you have to kinda just guess what anyone other than the MC can do.
March 27, 2018
A bit of treasure....
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
I passed this book up several times, but decided to give it a chance based on reviews. I totally enjoyed the time I spent with this story. I was most impressed by the way the author managed to bypass some of the more aggressive, nasty tropes way too common in LitRPG. So, kudos for successfully stepping outside of the formulaic box.
Flink and Apollo were perfect! The story held my interest (read without a single break) and it left me feeling like I'd just been gifted with some much appreciated R&R.
👏👏👏👏👏
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
I passed this book up several times, but decided to give it a chance based on reviews. I totally enjoyed the time I spent with this story. I was most impressed by the way the author managed to bypass some of the more aggressive, nasty tropes way too common in LitRPG. So, kudos for successfully stepping outside of the formulaic box.
Flink and Apollo were perfect! The story held my interest (read without a single break) and it left me feeling like I'd just been gifted with some much appreciated R&R.
👏👏👏👏👏
December 25, 2018
Another LitRPG title and series.
I really enjoyed the book. As in other books in the genre, a central character grows.
Charlie is really a likable character. As he grows you really feel good for him. His naming of the character reminds me of some crazy Dungeon Masters back in the day. "Blademage" sounds just too cool. Charlie is like me when I was a teenager playing D&D.
I look forward to the series.
I really enjoyed the book. As in other books in the genre, a central character grows.
Charlie is really a likable character. As he grows you really feel good for him. His naming of the character reminds me of some crazy Dungeon Masters back in the day. "Blademage" sounds just too cool. Charlie is like me when I was a teenager playing D&D.
I look forward to the series.
September 22, 2019
Solid Story
Enjoyed the story line and main character. Interesting that the author chose to add some foul language for no apparent benefit. That is the only reason he gets four stars.
I like literature that uses words for meaning, depth, and development. The foul language (curse words) did not add and only served to detract from a good, simple story.
Enjoyed the story line and main character. Interesting that the author chose to add some foul language for no apparent benefit. That is the only reason he gets four stars.
I like literature that uses words for meaning, depth, and development. The foul language (curse words) did not add and only served to detract from a good, simple story.
March 21, 2018
5 🌟
Finally a story that was worth reading from start to finish Rarely does this happen! The author has written a good story with a good character and a flowing plot that's exciting to read I've enjoyed it☺
Finally a story that was worth reading from start to finish Rarely does this happen! The author has written a good story with a good character and a flowing plot that's exciting to read I've enjoyed it☺
March 28, 2018
Light, Warm, and Funny
A light and fast LitRPG book that focuses nicely on the relationships the characters have. The humor is very good, and the editing is nice. Its good fare for a teen, or anyone looking for a fun read. Recommended.
A light and fast LitRPG book that focuses nicely on the relationships the characters have. The humor is very good, and the editing is nice. Its good fare for a teen, or anyone looking for a fun read. Recommended.
April 1, 2018
This a pretty bog standard LitRPG story, but a fun one. The story is almost picaresque until the end when we find out there's a metaplot going on in the background. There are the standard indie author typos and the prose isn't that great, but again, it was fun if a little pointless.
April 13, 2018
It's alright.
Simplistic and best suited for younger readers. It felt like a first attempt to me by an author. It is a light read, no real surprises or depth to characters but it is not terrible either. Won't read another in the series but it was okay for what it is.
Simplistic and best suited for younger readers. It felt like a first attempt to me by an author. It is a light read, no real surprises or depth to characters but it is not terrible either. Won't read another in the series but it was okay for what it is.
July 14, 2018
Story has some promise, but am I the only one picturing the LWT's Catheter Cowboy everytime this reader speaks? A 70 year old rustic gentleman's voice does not work well with a 30 something RPG adventurer.
I'm sure he's great in a more appropriate genre, but it's painful here. Like Cathing.
I'm sure he's great in a more appropriate genre, but it's painful here. Like Cathing.
October 21, 2018
What a fun imagination put to the pages! Deck Davis is a talented story teller. And Scott Bennett performs his story flawlessly. I loved this godly world brought to earth in a fun, and sometimes funny way. The characters are as developed as they are unique. The world created for them is a perfect fit, and the jokes are hilarious.
I loved this book and rated the story with four stars, the narration with five stars, and overall this is a 4.5-star book.
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I loved this book and rated the story with four stars, the narration with five stars, and overall this is a 4.5-star book.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
March 17, 2018
Good start to a series
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, but the book won me over. The story is solid, the RPG element is good and hook for the next book is excellent.
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, but the book won me over. The story is solid, the RPG element is good and hook for the next book is excellent.
March 26, 2018
Great read
Great read.. still has a few typos.. worth it though
.......... reminded me of the Hatfield and Macy's :) :)
Great read.. still has a few typos.. worth it though
.......... reminded me of the Hatfield and Macy's :) :)
March 27, 2018
Enjoyable.
This was quite enjoyable and fun read for me. The ending even took me by surprise.
Cursing and some crued language kept this book from getting 5 stars.
This was quite enjoyable and fun read for me. The ending even took me by surprise.
Cursing and some crued language kept this book from getting 5 stars.
April 12, 2018
Awesome book.
This is an awesome book, a little slow at the start but it picks up nicely, can’t wait for more :)
This is an awesome book, a little slow at the start but it picks up nicely, can’t wait for more :)
May 23, 2018
not worth reading in MY opinion, I managed 2 hours in 3 days before stopping.
June 12, 2018
Cute book. easy to read. definitely geared toward young adults, but a fun read.
July 23, 2018
I'm new to the genre of LitRPGS, but this was the best possible introduction to it. Now im hooked. I'll definitely gonna check out all of Davis's work! Thanks for such a cool book bro, keep writing!
October 26, 2018
Unremarkable MC.. a push over yet' overall a decent read, but forgettable. liked the last part of the book better than the rest of it, that's why 3 stars and not 2.
October 29, 2018
Fun, freaking fun!.
I read the bad reviews for book 2 because of missing RPG elements, but I read it anyway,
I liked this too much to ignore the second.
I read the bad reviews for book 2 because of missing RPG elements, but I read it anyway,
I liked this too much to ignore the second.
June 11, 2019
Good Read.
The first book of the LitRPG series. Enjoyed the story with the main character being transported to a world with RPG mechanics.
The first book of the LitRPG series. Enjoyed the story with the main character being transported to a world with RPG mechanics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews