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Fostering Faust #1
Fostering Faust
((Minor Spoiler and Warning at the bottom of the blurb. Please read all the way through.))Alex is dead.Dead, and apparently with a one way ticket to a place that only the worst of the worst go.All for a simple choice he made about a product his company owned.Damned for all time.Luckily for him, he’s about to be given a chance.Another choice to make.He can instead, return to the land of the living, though his soul would belong to another. Except the world he’s being sent to, isn’t the same one he came from. It’s not even a similar period in time, but from something long past in history.The dark ages.And part of the deal to live again, is to make pacts with others. Pacts that would bind others in secrecy. That they could never speak of what they'd done.Deals for anything, and everything. From things as simple as a meal, to their very lives. How much would you give of yourself to live on in the world is an easy question.The better question, is how much would you take from others?If Alex wants to keep living, to keep his soul from being sent to the darkest corner of hell, he’ll have to ask himself that This novel explores dark subjects, and what people will give up of themselves, and each other, to get what they want. The main character is written as a real person in a tough situation, and will not make choices that line up with societal and cultural norms.It contains adult themes and moral ambiguities.As with my previous work, explicit scenes are found within. It has violence and a harem relationship.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2018
820 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 23, 2018
Rating 5.0 stars
I feel a little weird about that rating as this is not the type of story I usually read. Also a 5 star story usually means that I love it, and in this case that is not really true. But, it did make me think in a way I was not used to and for that I can't find many faults with the telling of the story. I could not decide where or why I would take away stars, so for that I gave it five stars. The main protagonist is not a good guy, one could go as far as to say he is evil, but I found myself liking him. I tend to place myself in the main character shoes while I read and try to imagine what I would do in that person's situation. While I would not do what he did, I completely understand his thought process and from a perspective of pure logic, I could not fault anything that he did.
This story made me think a lot about the concept of evil (example: which is worse: Doing something terrible to someone else and having them hate you for it, or slowing breaking that person down so that they do that same thing and make them love you for it?)
Another question: Which is worse: Doing something bad to someone else because you hate them, or doing something bad to someone else because you don't care either way?
The story beings with the main character waking up in a realm to find out he is dead and that he is going to hell. He wasn't really evil, he was just an executive of a company that made a product that turned out to be dangerous and instead of perfecting the technology to make sure it was safe, he quickly patched the problem and placed a warning label on it so that he would not be held responsible. So, because he didn't really care, those deaths fell to him. He is offered a deal by a Goddess of hell for him to be sent to another world and to collect souls for her. He agrees and finds himself in a new world with Kings, Dukes and Counts and he ends up being one of those Counts.
This is where the question of evil comes in. I can say that I do not think Alex is a good guy, but I can't bring myself to think of him as evil. He died and was going to go to hell, so now he has to make deals with other people in order to stay out of hell. If he was alive and making deals to sell other people souls for power or something, then I could state for sure he was absolutely evil. In this case though, he is just trying to stay out of hell himself, so while he is a servant of evil, he is not doing it by choice so does that make him evil? It Surely doesn't make him good, but evil?
Now, if Alex went around tricking everyone no matter what into giving up their souls, then I could say he is evil. However, the only people that he offered deals to were people that were sentenced to death. So they do lose their souls, but they also get to live. Also, they were already going to one hell anyway. So does that make him a good guy? No, but does that make him evil? Maybe, but there are much worse evils out there.
So here comes another ethics question for you, Ready? If someone is starving and you do not feed them, are you evil or responsible for their death? If you never came by in the first place, they would still have died? Now what about this; lets say you decide to feed that person and make sure they live, but you require them to have sex with you for that help. Are you now a good person because you saved a life or a bad person because you made her have sex with you? At no point did you force them into sex, they could always have said no and you would not have harmed them in any way. Out of those two scenarios, which one is worse?
That was the most interesting part of the story. I found myself kind of liking the main character. He never did anything just to be cruel, but he did a lot of bad stuff. He was a sociopath and did not care one way or the other. He never told someone he would kill them if they did not do what he asked, instead he found people who were going to die anyway and offered them a choice, even if it was a shitty choice. He also found that making women do things that shamed them or took away their pride also seemed to take a piece of their soul, which helped fill his quota. So, almost all the people he made deals with in this book were women. It was actually pretty diabolical reading how he broke every woman down and made them into what he wanted and never once did he force them to do anything that they did not agree to.
There was a lot of sex in this book and as you can probably ascertain by what I wrote above, it was not the kind, soft, lovemaking sex. It was masochistic and dirty. Alex had sex and wanted to own his women and break them. He wanted to "break them in half".
I feel a little weird about that rating as this is not the type of story I usually read. Also a 5 star story usually means that I love it, and in this case that is not really true. But, it did make me think in a way I was not used to and for that I can't find many faults with the telling of the story. I could not decide where or why I would take away stars, so for that I gave it five stars. The main protagonist is not a good guy, one could go as far as to say he is evil, but I found myself liking him. I tend to place myself in the main character shoes while I read and try to imagine what I would do in that person's situation. While I would not do what he did, I completely understand his thought process and from a perspective of pure logic, I could not fault anything that he did.
This story made me think a lot about the concept of evil (example: which is worse: Doing something terrible to someone else and having them hate you for it, or slowing breaking that person down so that they do that same thing and make them love you for it?)
Another question: Which is worse: Doing something bad to someone else because you hate them, or doing something bad to someone else because you don't care either way?
The story beings with the main character waking up in a realm to find out he is dead and that he is going to hell. He wasn't really evil, he was just an executive of a company that made a product that turned out to be dangerous and instead of perfecting the technology to make sure it was safe, he quickly patched the problem and placed a warning label on it so that he would not be held responsible. So, because he didn't really care, those deaths fell to him. He is offered a deal by a Goddess of hell for him to be sent to another world and to collect souls for her. He agrees and finds himself in a new world with Kings, Dukes and Counts and he ends up being one of those Counts.
This is where the question of evil comes in. I can say that I do not think Alex is a good guy, but I can't bring myself to think of him as evil. He died and was going to go to hell, so now he has to make deals with other people in order to stay out of hell. If he was alive and making deals to sell other people souls for power or something, then I could state for sure he was absolutely evil. In this case though, he is just trying to stay out of hell himself, so while he is a servant of evil, he is not doing it by choice so does that make him evil? It Surely doesn't make him good, but evil?
Now, if Alex went around tricking everyone no matter what into giving up their souls, then I could say he is evil. However, the only people that he offered deals to were people that were sentenced to death. So they do lose their souls, but they also get to live. Also, they were already going to one hell anyway. So does that make him a good guy? No, but does that make him evil? Maybe, but there are much worse evils out there.
So here comes another ethics question for you, Ready? If someone is starving and you do not feed them, are you evil or responsible for their death? If you never came by in the first place, they would still have died? Now what about this; lets say you decide to feed that person and make sure they live, but you require them to have sex with you for that help. Are you now a good person because you saved a life or a bad person because you made her have sex with you? At no point did you force them into sex, they could always have said no and you would not have harmed them in any way. Out of those two scenarios, which one is worse?
That was the most interesting part of the story. I found myself kind of liking the main character. He never did anything just to be cruel, but he did a lot of bad stuff. He was a sociopath and did not care one way or the other. He never told someone he would kill them if they did not do what he asked, instead he found people who were going to die anyway and offered them a choice, even if it was a shitty choice. He also found that making women do things that shamed them or took away their pride also seemed to take a piece of their soul, which helped fill his quota. So, almost all the people he made deals with in this book were women. It was actually pretty diabolical reading how he broke every woman down and made them into what he wanted and never once did he force them to do anything that they did not agree to.
There was a lot of sex in this book and as you can probably ascertain by what I wrote above, it was not the kind, soft, lovemaking sex. It was masochistic and dirty. Alex had sex and wanted to own his women and break them. He wanted to "break them in half".
May 9, 2018
A marvelously Machiavellian MC
If you've ever played D&D and wonder "How can someone be lawful and Evil at the same time ?" you'll find the answer here. The MC joins the short ranks of irredeemably evil yet likeable characters, this is no hero, no antihero, he's not even a villain , he's a greedy manipulative jerk and he's a joy to read.
If you've ever played D&D and wonder "How can someone be lawful and Evil at the same time ?" you'll find the answer here. The MC joins the short ranks of irredeemably evil yet likeable characters, this is no hero, no antihero, he's not even a villain , he's a greedy manipulative jerk and he's a joy to read.
May 9, 2018
Loved it
I couldn't put this book down. I actually read it all in one sitting and like all books from this author I can't wait for the sequel.
I couldn't put this book down. I actually read it all in one sitting and like all books from this author I can't wait for the sequel.
September 22, 2018
Fostering faust
Once in a while, you look at a cover, or read a blurb and thing to yourself: _ok this is definitely out of my alley, but I’m intrigued_. Books that make you want to take a chance on them.
This has been one of those. And…
Let’s just say I was disappointed.
I really liked the writing style. I liked the premise. I liked the whacky personality of the Goddess. I liked the really strong beginning, with the first deal. I _really_ liked the narrator’s performance.
And then the book started devolving into a repetitive set scenes, interspersed with actual story.
That makes me sad. So much opportunities wasted.
So what’s wrong with this book?
- We understand that there is a pantheon in attendance, but we never hear about the other gods and their influence
- Although our governing goddess is presented as a somewhat… controversial deity, nobody refuses the deals on that basis, which seriously undermines the original buildup on her notoriety
- The world-building is sketchy, at best. It feels like matte painting; hardly substantial, which is a shame because the characters could have benefitted from more tangible surroundings.
- Throughout the book, the MC never really comes under any real threat, or even mild duress
My most salient point however is a lingering sense of wasted opportunity for depth.
All in all, I think I may have misunderstood this book’s intent and purpose altogether, and expected more from it than it was ever professing to offer.
See, I took the book seriously. Maybe I shouldn’t have.
Final score: 2
Once in a while, you look at a cover, or read a blurb and thing to yourself: _ok this is definitely out of my alley, but I’m intrigued_. Books that make you want to take a chance on them.
This has been one of those. And…
Let’s just say I was disappointed.
I really liked the writing style. I liked the premise. I liked the whacky personality of the Goddess. I liked the really strong beginning, with the first deal. I _really_ liked the narrator’s performance.
And then the book started devolving into a repetitive set scenes, interspersed with actual story.
That makes me sad. So much opportunities wasted.
So what’s wrong with this book?
- We understand that there is a pantheon in attendance, but we never hear about the other gods and their influence
- Although our governing goddess is presented as a somewhat… controversial deity, nobody refuses the deals on that basis, which seriously undermines the original buildup on her notoriety
- The world-building is sketchy, at best. It feels like matte painting; hardly substantial, which is a shame because the characters could have benefitted from more tangible surroundings.
- Throughout the book, the MC never really comes under any real threat, or even mild duress
My most salient point however is a lingering sense of wasted opportunity for depth.
All in all, I think I may have misunderstood this book’s intent and purpose altogether, and expected more from it than it was ever professing to offer.
See, I took the book seriously. Maybe I shouldn’t have.
Final score: 2
April 19, 2019
3.5 Stars to 4 stars, This book will not be for everyone due to the adult content but I liked it and will continue with the next book when it comes out.
June 20, 2018
1 star, I put a book down. 2 stars, I wouldn't read again and won't pick up a sequel. 3 stars, I won't read again, but maybe the sequel would move forward. 4 stars, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to a friend. 5 stars, I'll reread it, recommend it.
If I could give this 2.5 stars, I would, but I'm willing to pick up the sequel. Why 2.5 stars? Because only the continuation of the plot itself and what I think might be an interesting twist (or if I'm already guessing it, and obvious one) may be at the end. So if I'm willing to read the sequel, why the low score? Because it is almost more shallow than an upside down spoon.
I like the story of Don Giovanni, Faust, the Crossroads, and other "sold my soul to the devil" stories, and fall from grace and occasional redemption. I was intrugued by the description, in that the author states:
Warning: This novel explores dark subjects, and what people will give up of themselves, and each other, to get what they want. The main character is written as a real person in a tough situation, and will not make choices that line up with societal and cultural norms.
It contains adult themes and moral ambiguities
OK, then, there might be some depth there, just, there isn't. The author is honest. The MC is written as being in a tough situation. In the first few pages, the exposition describes why he's destined to hell (that isn't a spoiler, the author says as much in the description on Amazon) and in such a way that it is just an accounting fact. The author states also that the MC accepts the situation and analytically immediately moves to what his choices are, with no emotional nor moral consideration of the actions that brought him there. For me, that limited the empathy I could have with the character.
The author was also honest when they stated "will not make choices that line of with societal and cultural norms." I originally interpreted that as the actions of the character would add depth by creating intriguing reasoning for their actions and maybe clarity around understanding of the greater meaning. Nope, instead it means the MC is essentially going to make decisions based purely on immediate solving of the problem in front of him, and in a way that a modern character would, and that there will be very little backlash because of it.
So in a nutshell, the MC is placed into another world to do the bidding of their patron demon to make deals to gather soul energy or something. By doing this, he gets a reprieve from immediate punishment of damnation in Hell (which isn't called hell, just the worst part of the deepest, darkest place his sort of people are sent). There doesn't seem to be a reward, so much as a reprieve only, which is slightly intriguing.
Immediately, with just a few simple (and I mean simple in a let's get the story moving, vs realistic and straighforward) plot points, the MC is established in a situation where he:
• can begin his mission,
• have very few, pesky obstacles (except for the major plot phases) interfering with their activities,
• receive convenient guidance from a internal encyclopedia so they will have the intrinsic knowledge needed to live in this new world and inhabiting this body.
This helps move the storyline along, but at the cost of skimming along on the surface of what could be a deeper lake of possibilities.
Now we are then introduced to something that might not have been obvious at the onset: this book has LitRPG elements. You, as the reader, do not get visibility into menus or HUDs providing stats and perks, but the mechanics of the soul dealing system are laid out pretty succinctly, and are later expanded upon when they become inconvenient.
And so, the MC begins to make deals, quickly establishes his not-so-secret intention to subvert women into a harem of tools and sex-slaves, and also, by virtue of not being a spend-thrift fop as the previous inhabitant of the body, also gets benefit that the county he runs (he's a count, not a sheriff) can effectively become profitable enough that all of his expenditures throughout the rest of the story are affordable with little more than a nod to the cost. Again, a lost opportunity for depth.
The protagonist moves into the main plot lines (interactions with other nobles) and quickly shows that he is smarter and more intuitive than all of them, and due to the fact that he played wargames with his father when he was younger (but importantly was not described as a gamer at his introduction) will also be able to micro-manage all of his military commanders to ultimate victory, except when desperately outnumbered.
Did I say desperately? Not really desperately, more like his plans won't work perfectly and he'll have to delay or adjust later. Just kidding, how about adding a Deus Ex Machina moment to wrap up that minor inconvenience of being outnumbered so the book can come to a denouement quickly enough for the author to get cracking on the next in the series.
What else can I criticize? The MC is a pretty bad mix of creepy and not directly misogynistic or abusive (except for the one masochist member of the harem) that you can't figure out if he's worth any emotion or response. I mean, he isn't a high-villain. He isn't Machiavellian (I disagree with one of the other viewers), because he doesn't have or need plan Bs for his plan A, or plan Cs for his plan Bs in an exponential complexity. He isn't even emotionally torn up about his actions because he doesn't consider any of his harem beyond the equation needed to bend them to his will. And none of them (sorry if this is a spoiler, but really, you shouldn't be surprised by now) are ever going to surprise him except for the one that may end up being the major series plot twist.
So, why did I bother reading it all the way through and will look for the next in the series:
• It was a quick read.
• I liked the personalities of the female characters and their actions. The author writes good female characters, until a point when they might actually become independent in the plot themselves.
• I would like to see the main plotline and end resolution to see how clever it might be.
If I could give this 2.5 stars, I would, but I'm willing to pick up the sequel. Why 2.5 stars? Because only the continuation of the plot itself and what I think might be an interesting twist (or if I'm already guessing it, and obvious one) may be at the end. So if I'm willing to read the sequel, why the low score? Because it is almost more shallow than an upside down spoon.
I like the story of Don Giovanni, Faust, the Crossroads, and other "sold my soul to the devil" stories, and fall from grace and occasional redemption. I was intrugued by the description, in that the author states:
Warning: This novel explores dark subjects, and what people will give up of themselves, and each other, to get what they want. The main character is written as a real person in a tough situation, and will not make choices that line up with societal and cultural norms.
It contains adult themes and moral ambiguities
OK, then, there might be some depth there, just, there isn't. The author is honest. The MC is written as being in a tough situation. In the first few pages, the exposition describes why he's destined to hell (that isn't a spoiler, the author says as much in the description on Amazon) and in such a way that it is just an accounting fact. The author states also that the MC accepts the situation and analytically immediately moves to what his choices are, with no emotional nor moral consideration of the actions that brought him there. For me, that limited the empathy I could have with the character.
The author was also honest when they stated "will not make choices that line of with societal and cultural norms." I originally interpreted that as the actions of the character would add depth by creating intriguing reasoning for their actions and maybe clarity around understanding of the greater meaning. Nope, instead it means the MC is essentially going to make decisions based purely on immediate solving of the problem in front of him, and in a way that a modern character would, and that there will be very little backlash because of it.
So in a nutshell, the MC is placed into another world to do the bidding of their patron demon to make deals to gather soul energy or something. By doing this, he gets a reprieve from immediate punishment of damnation in Hell (which isn't called hell, just the worst part of the deepest, darkest place his sort of people are sent). There doesn't seem to be a reward, so much as a reprieve only, which is slightly intriguing.
Immediately, with just a few simple (and I mean simple in a let's get the story moving, vs realistic and straighforward) plot points, the MC is established in a situation where he:
• can begin his mission,
• have very few, pesky obstacles (except for the major plot phases) interfering with their activities,
• receive convenient guidance from a internal encyclopedia so they will have the intrinsic knowledge needed to live in this new world and inhabiting this body.
This helps move the storyline along, but at the cost of skimming along on the surface of what could be a deeper lake of possibilities.
Now we are then introduced to something that might not have been obvious at the onset: this book has LitRPG elements. You, as the reader, do not get visibility into menus or HUDs providing stats and perks, but the mechanics of the soul dealing system are laid out pretty succinctly, and are later expanded upon when they become inconvenient.
And so, the MC begins to make deals, quickly establishes his not-so-secret intention to subvert women into a harem of tools and sex-slaves, and also, by virtue of not being a spend-thrift fop as the previous inhabitant of the body, also gets benefit that the county he runs (he's a count, not a sheriff) can effectively become profitable enough that all of his expenditures throughout the rest of the story are affordable with little more than a nod to the cost. Again, a lost opportunity for depth.
The protagonist moves into the main plot lines (interactions with other nobles) and quickly shows that he is smarter and more intuitive than all of them, and due to the fact that he played wargames with his father when he was younger (but importantly was not described as a gamer at his introduction) will also be able to micro-manage all of his military commanders to ultimate victory, except when desperately outnumbered.
Did I say desperately? Not really desperately, more like his plans won't work perfectly and he'll have to delay or adjust later. Just kidding, how about adding a Deus Ex Machina moment to wrap up that minor inconvenience of being outnumbered so the book can come to a denouement quickly enough for the author to get cracking on the next in the series.
What else can I criticize? The MC is a pretty bad mix of creepy and not directly misogynistic or abusive (except for the one masochist member of the harem) that you can't figure out if he's worth any emotion or response. I mean, he isn't a high-villain. He isn't Machiavellian (I disagree with one of the other viewers), because he doesn't have or need plan Bs for his plan A, or plan Cs for his plan Bs in an exponential complexity. He isn't even emotionally torn up about his actions because he doesn't consider any of his harem beyond the equation needed to bend them to his will. And none of them (sorry if this is a spoiler, but really, you shouldn't be surprised by now) are ever going to surprise him except for the one that may end up being the major series plot twist.
So, why did I bother reading it all the way through and will look for the next in the series:
• It was a quick read.
• I liked the personalities of the female characters and their actions. The author writes good female characters, until a point when they might actually become independent in the plot themselves.
• I would like to see the main plotline and end resolution to see how clever it might be.
May 11, 2018
Another great book though a touch darker than the others
I have nothing but praise for the author as usual. The way he relays to the reader what thoughts and emotions the characters are feeling without just outright saying them is amazing, it makes it very easy to get immersed in the story. With all his books, I love how the main character always manages to slowly build up loyalty with others. You don't really ever notice it until a character shows how truly loyal they are the MC, and then you're just like of course they're that loyal as you start mentally listing everything the MC did to build that loyalty. This book is darker than others he's written though. As usual, the MC builds a harem, but this time through coercion, one such unwillingly submits to him the first time they're together, though she didn't have to do so therefore making it not so unwilling. It feels dark if nothing else but she quickly ends up caring for him very much, making it seem as just a bad start to the relationship. All in all, I very much look forward to the sequel, as well as anything the author writes.
I have nothing but praise for the author as usual. The way he relays to the reader what thoughts and emotions the characters are feeling without just outright saying them is amazing, it makes it very easy to get immersed in the story. With all his books, I love how the main character always manages to slowly build up loyalty with others. You don't really ever notice it until a character shows how truly loyal they are the MC, and then you're just like of course they're that loyal as you start mentally listing everything the MC did to build that loyalty. This book is darker than others he's written though. As usual, the MC builds a harem, but this time through coercion, one such unwillingly submits to him the first time they're together, though she didn't have to do so therefore making it not so unwilling. It feels dark if nothing else but she quickly ends up caring for him very much, making it seem as just a bad start to the relationship. All in all, I very much look forward to the sequel, as well as anything the author writes.
July 8, 2025
Fostering Faust, the first book in Randi Darren’s Fostering Faust series, is a dark blend of LitRPG and harem fantasy that seeks to push boundaries but stumbles in execution. While it boasts an interesting premise rooted in manipulation and personal gain, its shallow characters, troubling themes, and inconsistent narrative structure make it a difficult book to recommend, especially when compared to its contemporaries in the genre.
Premise and Potential
At the core of Fostering Faust is a Faustian bargain: the protagonist, Alex, is granted the power to control and manipulate others by making deals, exploiting their weaknesses, and fostering his influence. On paper, this sounds like a unique twist on the typical LitRPG protagonist's journey. Instead of merely gaining power through grinding or leveling up, Alex gains it through psychological and social manipulation. This twist could have provided an intriguing character study of moral ambiguity, but Darren's execution falls short.
Character Development: Shallow and Disturbing
Alex, like many protagonists in the harem genre, is a power fantasy self-insert. However, unlike the best works in the genre that temper their protagonist's growth with real-world consequences or emotional development, Alex remains largely unchallenged throughout the book. He doesn’t wrestle with his choices in any meaningful way, and his rapid rise to dominance feels less like an exploration of power and more like wish-fulfillment.
More concerning, however, is how the novel treats its female characters. They are often reduced to objects, manipulated by Alex with little to no agency. Their consent is regularly coerced or obtained through dubious means, which makes their relationships with Alex feel exploitative rather than genuine. Darren’s depiction of these dynamics is not framed as a critique of power, but rather as something to be indulged in, which leaves a sour taste, especially when compared to more nuanced works in the genre.
Worldbuilding: Thin and Uninspired
The world of Fostering Faust lacks the depth and complexity that’s found in other popular LitRPG or harem fantasy novels. There is little attention paid to developing the setting or the rules that govern Alex’s power. While the Faustian deal is interesting in concept, it is underutilized. The mechanics of the world seem to exist only to justify Alex’s manipulation, rather than being an integral part of the narrative.
In contrast, more successful LitRPG novels like Will Wight’s Cradle series or Dakota Krout’s Divine Dungeon series pay close attention to worldbuilding, ensuring that their systems feel logical and grounded. The protagonists in those series also interact with the world in a way that feels earned, rather than simply handed to them. In Fostering Faust, the world is more of a backdrop to Alex’s manipulations than a fully-realized setting.
Comparison to Contemporaries: Lacking Depth and Substance
When compared to other LitRPG and harem fantasy works, Fostering Faust feels especially thin. Where novels like Aleron Kong’s The Land or Travis Bagwell’s Awaken Online succeed is in providing a balance between action, strategy, and character development. Even in the more explicit or harem-centric works, there’s often an attempt to create well-rounded characters and explore their relationships with some level of depth.
Fostering Faust doesn’t manage this balance. It feels more focused on shock value and titillation than on crafting a meaningful narrative. The relationships are shallow, the power dynamics uncomfortable, and the plot unfocused. It feels as though Darren is trying to imitate elements of his contemporaries, but without understanding why those elements work in the first place. As a result, the novel lacks both the strategic depth of more serious LitRPG stories and the emotional engagement of more character-driven harem fantasies.
Writing Style and Structure: Inconsistent and Overindulgent
One of the most significant issues with Fostering Faust is its inconsistent tone and structure. The writing often veers between long-winded exposition, unnecessary sexual content, and half-hearted attempts at humor. The novel frequently indulges in scenes that add little to the overall plot, dragging down the pacing and leaving the reader feeling disengaged.
Moreover, the manipulation that’s meant to drive the plot is executed in a way that feels unearned. Rather than being a clever or morally complex character, Alex is simply handed the ability to dominate others with little effort. This lack of tension or challenge makes for a dull narrative. Where novels like Daniel Schinhofen’s Apocalypse Gates series manage to keep the reader invested with character growth and meaningful conflicts, Fostering Faust seems content to coast on its edgy premise without digging deeper.
Conclusion and Rating
Fostering Faust may appeal to a niche audience that is specifically looking for dark, harem-centric LitRPG fiction, but it is far from a standout entry in the genre. The novel’s reliance on manipulative power dynamics, weak character development, and lackluster worldbuilding hold it back from reaching the heights of its contemporaries. The concept of a Faustian deal is promising, but Darren’s execution is too shallow and indulgent to make the most of it.
When compared to more balanced and thoughtfully crafted works like The Land or Awaken Online, Fostering Faust simply doesn’t measure up. While it may have some appeal for readers who are looking for a power fantasy with dark undertones, most will find it lacking in substance and depth.
Overall, I would rate Fostering Faust 2 out of 5 stars. It has potential, but it’s lost in an overindulgent and ethically dubious narrative that fails to deliver on its premise.
July 31, 2018
Couldn't get enough
When I first read the name the description I wasn't exactly thrilled to check out the book, in fact, passing on it multiple times. I certainly wish I would have read it sooner.
The way the story is written and how the characters unfold reminds me of one of my favorite books, so that made it really easy to enjoy. The writing style is clear and mature without being confusing or convoluted. I really enjoyed the character development and how everyone was treated differently and yet the same in a way.
There are definitely some erotic parts. They are very well done.
I do have one thing to warn though: it is definitely the story of a man subjugating the world, most especially women. If you're not a fan of a man with a harem and the story of how he bends everyone to his will, then you're probably not going to be a big fan of this book.
However, if you're looking for a story about a guy that wheels and deals and bends people to his will, then I think you will thoroughly enjoy the story, I know I sure did.
When I first read the name the description I wasn't exactly thrilled to check out the book, in fact, passing on it multiple times. I certainly wish I would have read it sooner.
The way the story is written and how the characters unfold reminds me of one of my favorite books, so that made it really easy to enjoy. The writing style is clear and mature without being confusing or convoluted. I really enjoyed the character development and how everyone was treated differently and yet the same in a way.
There are definitely some erotic parts. They are very well done.
I do have one thing to warn though: it is definitely the story of a man subjugating the world, most especially women. If you're not a fan of a man with a harem and the story of how he bends everyone to his will, then you're probably not going to be a big fan of this book.
However, if you're looking for a story about a guy that wheels and deals and bends people to his will, then I think you will thoroughly enjoy the story, I know I sure did.
June 17, 2018
Softcore Isekai
Guy dies, recruited by 'evil' goddess to get her souls. Agrees, and his main way to get them is sleeping with as many women as he can.
Guy dies, recruited by 'evil' goddess to get her souls. Agrees, and his main way to get them is sleeping with as many women as he can.
July 28, 2023
Fostering Faust by Randi Darren and WD Arand
[Synopsis]
Alex was a bastard in life, dying alone after heading a global technology firm. Finding himself in Limbo, a wraith named Leah appears and notified him that his failure to bug test a VR device capable of uploading one's consciousness lead to hundreds of thousands of people having their souls deleted. She makes him a deal... 'You can be reborn in a new world but you must make bargains in my name'. Alex accepts, looking for any alternative to Hell, and finds himself reborn as the influential Count Brit.
[Characters]
As Count Brit, Alex uses his Gordon Gecko-like business affinity to reorganize his realm's commerce and make himself so rich that money doesn't matter. A savvy man accomplishing most of his feats off screen, he also introduces strategic warfare to the battlefield through a knowledge of strategy games. He attends to the minutiae of his county including dispensing justice, which brings him in direct contact with law breaking women that he bends to his whims. This leads to the creation of...
The Numbered are women who serve a function in Alex's court such as maids, bodyguards, and assassins. They begin with Riley or 1, who is among the first to enter Alex's dungeon. Accused of a crime, she proves one of the easier to break and becomes a doting (and clingy) maid. 2 is Carla, who was part of a bandit party attempting to waylay Alex's group on a trip to the capitol. She is converted and bound in oaths to become his bodyguard and bed fellow, leading him to turn out most of the numbered. This goes all the way to 5 in this story, along with...
Alex's wives who are interviewed during a trip to the capitol. Anna proves to be an airhead but one so savvy at the business of manipulating people that she easily enters Alex's affairs with Leah. The other exists to be manipulated, earning her place as a wife by filching cum from #2 under Alex's command.
[Progression Mechanics]
Upon sealing his initial bargain with Leah, Alex is granted a crystal. For every deal he makes, the crystal will grow darker until entirely black. The more these deals are in Alex's favor, the darker it becomes. Alex receives a quota every month that he easily exceeds, filling crystals well ahead of time before receiving a means of storing months worth. These deals are Faustian bargains and Alex ties both women and men in oaths with deals progressing as the series go on.
[Final Thoughts]
What do you do when you want to write a harem rape fantasy but also want to get paid by Amazon? Well, you water everything down and force consent into every single chapter. Female characters are subbed out with duplicates only to be re-developed and sexually dominated along similar lines. Alex soon generates unlimited money and there's not really any stakes in this story. Funniest part of the story is when Alex gives everyone herpes and is so blasé about it that Leah has to cure it for him and give him magic cum as a mulligan.
3/10
[Synopsis]
Alex was a bastard in life, dying alone after heading a global technology firm. Finding himself in Limbo, a wraith named Leah appears and notified him that his failure to bug test a VR device capable of uploading one's consciousness lead to hundreds of thousands of people having their souls deleted. She makes him a deal... 'You can be reborn in a new world but you must make bargains in my name'. Alex accepts, looking for any alternative to Hell, and finds himself reborn as the influential Count Brit.
[Characters]
As Count Brit, Alex uses his Gordon Gecko-like business affinity to reorganize his realm's commerce and make himself so rich that money doesn't matter. A savvy man accomplishing most of his feats off screen, he also introduces strategic warfare to the battlefield through a knowledge of strategy games. He attends to the minutiae of his county including dispensing justice, which brings him in direct contact with law breaking women that he bends to his whims. This leads to the creation of...
The Numbered are women who serve a function in Alex's court such as maids, bodyguards, and assassins. They begin with Riley or 1, who is among the first to enter Alex's dungeon. Accused of a crime, she proves one of the easier to break and becomes a doting (and clingy) maid. 2 is Carla, who was part of a bandit party attempting to waylay Alex's group on a trip to the capitol. She is converted and bound in oaths to become his bodyguard and bed fellow, leading him to turn out most of the numbered. This goes all the way to 5 in this story, along with...
Alex's wives who are interviewed during a trip to the capitol. Anna proves to be an airhead but one so savvy at the business of manipulating people that she easily enters Alex's affairs with Leah. The other exists to be manipulated, earning her place as a wife by filching cum from #2 under Alex's command.
[Progression Mechanics]
Upon sealing his initial bargain with Leah, Alex is granted a crystal. For every deal he makes, the crystal will grow darker until entirely black. The more these deals are in Alex's favor, the darker it becomes. Alex receives a quota every month that he easily exceeds, filling crystals well ahead of time before receiving a means of storing months worth. These deals are Faustian bargains and Alex ties both women and men in oaths with deals progressing as the series go on.
[Final Thoughts]
What do you do when you want to write a harem rape fantasy but also want to get paid by Amazon? Well, you water everything down and force consent into every single chapter. Female characters are subbed out with duplicates only to be re-developed and sexually dominated along similar lines. Alex soon generates unlimited money and there's not really any stakes in this story. Funniest part of the story is when Alex gives everyone herpes and is so blasé about it that Leah has to cure it for him and give him magic cum as a mulligan.
3/10
May 12, 2018
There are no words to adequately describe or praise this book.
There are no words to adequately describe or praise this book. The main character is evil, pure and simple. He's not nice. He's not a good guy in a bad situation. He is definitely not the same cookie cutter hero you see in most novels. He's no nice guy trying to be good in a bad situation. Alex is an egotistical, maniacal, self centered bastard.
In order to avoid paying for the sins he committed in his past life Alex is committing even greater sins in his new life. But it is not forced. Free will. Every decision is understandable and believable. Everything is natural and organic. This is what makes the book so good.you feel pity for his victims but still find yourself rooting for Alex. I want more. Can't wait for the next book.
Maybe it's just me but, I really can't stand any of the HERO books that have a good guy that refuses to kill (even when someone plainly deserves it) and always manages to win in the end by being nice and making friends of everyone. Life just doesn't work that way.
There are no words to adequately describe or praise this book. The main character is evil, pure and simple. He's not nice. He's not a good guy in a bad situation. He is definitely not the same cookie cutter hero you see in most novels. He's no nice guy trying to be good in a bad situation. Alex is an egotistical, maniacal, self centered bastard.
In order to avoid paying for the sins he committed in his past life Alex is committing even greater sins in his new life. But it is not forced. Free will. Every decision is understandable and believable. Everything is natural and organic. This is what makes the book so good.you feel pity for his victims but still find yourself rooting for Alex. I want more. Can't wait for the next book.
Maybe it's just me but, I really can't stand any of the HERO books that have a good guy that refuses to kill (even when someone plainly deserves it) and always manages to win in the end by being nice and making friends of everyone. Life just doesn't work that way.
May 30, 2018
An all-in-one fantasy/harem novel filled with adventure and moving at a good pace. Our protagonist has died, gone to hell and been resurrected in another world by a goddess with needs. A familiar theme variation so far. Problem is "Protag" must harvest power for the goddess or lose his life & soul. Suffice to say the deals aren't very good for most folks. Smacks of dealing with the Devil. Along the way, Protag builds a little harm of rather diverse characters. This book held my attention and had a satisfying conclusion. I would read a sequel if one occurs. Recommended.
May 27, 2018
Perfect for everyone who likes stories about a guy building a harem and prefers a lot of sexual content
Well It wasnt realy what I expected when I took the book at kindle unlimited, but as it didnt cost me extra so ...
Anyways for those into Harem, building an empire( mainly military conquest with little tactics) and well sex... I can only recommend this book.
Well It wasnt realy what I expected when I took the book at kindle unlimited, but as it didnt cost me extra so ...
Anyways for those into Harem, building an empire( mainly military conquest with little tactics) and well sex... I can only recommend this book.
June 19, 2018
Ok
At first it was hard to get into but once I got on a roll it went pretty smooth after that. Is Leah one of Runner's wives? After the other series I suspect that it is so.
At first it was hard to get into but once I got on a roll it went pretty smooth after that. Is Leah one of Runner's wives? After the other series I suspect that it is so.
August 8, 2019
This book was a very pleasant surprise.
It started off with a standards Lit-RPG trope of Hero dies in our world and is reborn in a new reality, this almost caused me to chuck it in the bin, but I’m glad I kept reading…. Very glad.
When I was in my late teens I discovered the works of John Normal and read Tarnsman of Gor. I fell in love with his mix of fantasy fiction and eroticism. In Fostering Faust, Randi Darren achieves the same level of fantastic storytelling, and well written male dominance fantasy.
These days the type of fiction I most enjoy mixes strong narrative fiction with harem, mind control and male dominance fantasies, with a hero who is both dominant, but also likable, compassionate someone we can root for. Alex is exactly the right kind of hero, Dominant but Fair, Strong but Compassionate. The story of this first book in the series is an epic fantasy, and a very well written narrative. I enjoyed our hero’s journey from the moment of his arrival to his final victory and warning.
Some of the things I enjoyed most about this book:
The Harem is built slowly but is a real harem story, not just a two timing expanded story. All the characters are interesting, unique, and leave me wanting to know more about them.
The War Strategies and battle sequences were fantastic.
The Sex scenes were graphic and hot ( always a huge plus in my book ), Especially during the future wife interview process. Each was well written and arousing.
The world is both unique and familiar.
And despite what the first few pages would suggest, there was little to no Lit-RPG elements, ( game mechanics, character sheets, endless min-maxing etc.. this was Storytelling at hit’s finest and hottest.
Some Things That Could have been better:
More Sex: ok what we got was absolutely great, however the author skipped over many opportunities for additional graphic sex, and more importantly opportunities for steamy or character developing pillow talk. Give us more interludes with each of the girls, don’t just one and done each of them. Let us see them giving in slowly to their desires.
More Kinks: Ok we got a small taste of girl girl, and some more that was implied but never shown. We also got some really steamy pain play, which nether our Hero nor this reader is really into, but man it was hot and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. But would love to see more kinky play, backdoor, girl girl and maybe even a bit of not-entirely-consensual would be great.
That’s really it, I loved the story as a whole, cannot wait to read the next book and it looks like it and book three are already out YAY. Then I'm going to re-read this one;
In short.. Loved it.
Favorite Girl: One and Two :D love to be the meat in that sandwich.
It started off with a standards Lit-RPG trope of Hero dies in our world and is reborn in a new reality, this almost caused me to chuck it in the bin, but I’m glad I kept reading…. Very glad.
When I was in my late teens I discovered the works of John Normal and read Tarnsman of Gor. I fell in love with his mix of fantasy fiction and eroticism. In Fostering Faust, Randi Darren achieves the same level of fantastic storytelling, and well written male dominance fantasy.
These days the type of fiction I most enjoy mixes strong narrative fiction with harem, mind control and male dominance fantasies, with a hero who is both dominant, but also likable, compassionate someone we can root for. Alex is exactly the right kind of hero, Dominant but Fair, Strong but Compassionate. The story of this first book in the series is an epic fantasy, and a very well written narrative. I enjoyed our hero’s journey from the moment of his arrival to his final victory and warning.
Some of the things I enjoyed most about this book:
The Harem is built slowly but is a real harem story, not just a two timing expanded story. All the characters are interesting, unique, and leave me wanting to know more about them.
The War Strategies and battle sequences were fantastic.
The Sex scenes were graphic and hot ( always a huge plus in my book ), Especially during the future wife interview process. Each was well written and arousing.
The world is both unique and familiar.
And despite what the first few pages would suggest, there was little to no Lit-RPG elements, ( game mechanics, character sheets, endless min-maxing etc.. this was Storytelling at hit’s finest and hottest.
Some Things That Could have been better:
More Sex: ok what we got was absolutely great, however the author skipped over many opportunities for additional graphic sex, and more importantly opportunities for steamy or character developing pillow talk. Give us more interludes with each of the girls, don’t just one and done each of them. Let us see them giving in slowly to their desires.
More Kinks: Ok we got a small taste of girl girl, and some more that was implied but never shown. We also got some really steamy pain play, which nether our Hero nor this reader is really into, but man it was hot and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. But would love to see more kinky play, backdoor, girl girl and maybe even a bit of not-entirely-consensual would be great.
That’s really it, I loved the story as a whole, cannot wait to read the next book and it looks like it and book three are already out YAY. Then I'm going to re-read this one;
In short.. Loved it.
Favorite Girl: One and Two :D love to be the meat in that sandwich.
February 3, 2023
Всички книги на този автор са насочени главно към някакъв недомислен нърдски еротизъм, преливащ в порно и ориентиран главно към доминация над жените. Но по един особено нефелен и детински начин, показващ, че авторът и хабер си няма от БДСМ и целия си живот е тренирал с жени само в главата си.
В резултат на това не само самите еро-порно сцени са доста лемави, ами и извън тях репликите на "флиртуване" на главния герой с всякакви жени са доста, доста крийпи в своята неопитност и незнание как общуват нормалните хора.
На фона на цялата тази секси дейност, самото фентъзи действие в книгите е само бегло споменат декор за авторовите фантазии.
В резултат на това не само самите еро-порно сцени са доста лемави, ами и извън тях репликите на "флиртуване" на главния герой с всякакви жени са доста, доста крийпи в своята неопитност и незнание как общуват нормалните хора.
На фона на цялата тази секси дейност, самото фентъзи действие в книгите е само бегло споменат декор за авторовите фантазии.
July 18, 2018
this author has the ability to make you like and enjoy the full cast of secondary characters, and love / hate the main one'
March 16, 2019
Love it
I am so loving how all the different series are tied together. I cannot wait to see how it all works out.
I am so loving how all the different series are tied together. I cannot wait to see how it all works out.
June 21, 2018
Corrupting book
This is a real dark side book. If you are a pure soul, do not read this book, because you will be corrupted by it. The story goes around a COO that dies suddenly and finds himself in Hell. One there he makes a pact with a demon to collect souls in her name in another world to escape an eternity of torments. This world happens to be a medieval world and he incarnate in the body of noble and immediately starts to get his part of the bargain.
The is a kind of light version of Marquis de Sade books, were the main character is evil and always wins. And there is also lots of graphical sex scenes. Although I appreciated the book, I am not sure I want to follow the adventures of an evil Lord.
This is a real dark side book. If you are a pure soul, do not read this book, because you will be corrupted by it. The story goes around a COO that dies suddenly and finds himself in Hell. One there he makes a pact with a demon to collect souls in her name in another world to escape an eternity of torments. This world happens to be a medieval world and he incarnate in the body of noble and immediately starts to get his part of the bargain.
The is a kind of light version of Marquis de Sade books, were the main character is evil and always wins. And there is also lots of graphical sex scenes. Although I appreciated the book, I am not sure I want to follow the adventures of an evil Lord.
June 24, 2018
Interesting
As with other books by this author, very well done. The characters are diverse, three dimensional beings, the story flows and the MC is all sorts of interesting. Having said all that, not sure if I’ll pick up next in series, as the premise is just too far over the line for me in the soul selling notion. It’s just one step too far for me to be able to enjoy an otherwise excellent book.
As with other books by this author, very well done. The characters are diverse, three dimensional beings, the story flows and the MC is all sorts of interesting. Having said all that, not sure if I’ll pick up next in series, as the premise is just too far over the line for me in the soul selling notion. It’s just one step too far for me to be able to enjoy an otherwise excellent book.
June 21, 2018
Wow...Horny as hell and just fantastic!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the synopsis. Not many books come with a warning. I also wonder what it says about me that i absolutely LOVE this story. I dream about it and I was looking forward to the next day to read more of it. Now it's finished I'm desperate for more!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the synopsis. Not many books come with a warning. I also wonder what it says about me that i absolutely LOVE this story. I dream about it and I was looking forward to the next day to read more of it. Now it's finished I'm desperate for more!!!
June 12, 2018
Fantastic!
Most harem books are more about the sex than anything else. Fostering Faust while having amazingly well written sex scenes has an outstanding story that draws you in and makes you just have to read another page to find out what will happen next! Well written and an addictive joy to read! I couldn't put it down, and read it all in one go! The detail on the fighting and battle scenes were awesome! Fantasy reading at best!
Most harem books are more about the sex than anything else. Fostering Faust while having amazingly well written sex scenes has an outstanding story that draws you in and makes you just have to read another page to find out what will happen next! Well written and an addictive joy to read! I couldn't put it down, and read it all in one go! The detail on the fighting and battle scenes were awesome! Fantasy reading at best!
January 24, 2022
Easily, 1 star, this book is really terrible in almost every ways:
- The story idea is good but not new, I don`t mind if it written well, it already made so many times in very much better writing.
-The MC is sucks, the author meant to write anti-hero, again it fails, he is new to that world but he easily defeat any challenge that faced him!!!!, he want to get laid with every girl, so he force them to sleep with him in exchange of food and cloths, not to mention the females love/enjoy/request to be humiliated. really wow!
-there are some sex scenes, and they were short and very bad, humiliations, adding that he force them to sleep with him, made it triple terrible.
IMO this story failed to hit any good point, I really wonder how anyone love this book, why is this book/author so poplar?!!! btw I read other book by the same author, it wasn`t so bad as this one, however the humiliations part against the women still there, I couldn`t continue.
I read a lot of reviewer here that they gave it 4+ star, while they gave other very good one 2 or 3 star, anyway please reviewer be fair when write the review.
- The story idea is good but not new, I don`t mind if it written well, it already made so many times in very much better writing.
-The MC is sucks, the author meant to write anti-hero, again it fails, he is new to that world but he easily defeat any challenge that faced him!!!!, he want to get laid with every girl, so he force them to sleep with him in exchange of food and cloths, not to mention the females love/enjoy/request to be humiliated. really wow!
-there are some sex scenes, and they were short and very bad, humiliations, adding that he force them to sleep with him, made it triple terrible.
IMO this story failed to hit any good point, I really wonder how anyone love this book, why is this book/author so poplar?!!! btw I read other book by the same author, it wasn`t so bad as this one, however the humiliations part against the women still there, I couldn`t continue.
I read a lot of reviewer here that they gave it 4+ star, while they gave other very good one 2 or 3 star, anyway please reviewer be fair when write the review.
May 17, 2018
Good Grief (No, Really)
A dark and interesting story full of dark and interesting characters, doing generally dark and interesting things. However, be warned that this is a serious B&D environment, where Control is key.
For me the most interesting character is the goddess involved, as this world and story directly reflect her dark, twisted, and broken nature. Knowing her from a fantastically good series, I take delight in seeing things from her angle. Each of Darren’s stories has been a veritable world within worlds, tied together in multiple ways, and have been a delight for those reasons. He even takes tongue-in-cheek potshots at characters in his other books.
As much as I love the author and ALL his work, and as much as I appreciate what he’s doing in this meta-story, I have to give the book a 3/5 simply because for me, personally, the story got too dark overall. It’s a very adult story with very adult themes running throughout (and not just those that are sexual). It’s just not my kink, but if it’s yours, then enjoy.
A dark and interesting story full of dark and interesting characters, doing generally dark and interesting things. However, be warned that this is a serious B&D environment, where Control is key.
For me the most interesting character is the goddess involved, as this world and story directly reflect her dark, twisted, and broken nature. Knowing her from a fantastically good series, I take delight in seeing things from her angle. Each of Darren’s stories has been a veritable world within worlds, tied together in multiple ways, and have been a delight for those reasons. He even takes tongue-in-cheek potshots at characters in his other books.
As much as I love the author and ALL his work, and as much as I appreciate what he’s doing in this meta-story, I have to give the book a 3/5 simply because for me, personally, the story got too dark overall. It’s a very adult story with very adult themes running throughout (and not just those that are sexual). It’s just not my kink, but if it’s yours, then enjoy.
June 12, 2018
Another good read
I really like Randi's wild wastes and super sales series. Now that he has linked those two series together it'll be interesting to see him wrap this one in as well
I really like Randi's wild wastes and super sales series. Now that he has linked those two series together it'll be interesting to see him wrap this one in as well
July 24, 2018
Interesting dark and different
I'm way into fantasy, powers, magic etc, the main guy here doesn't really have that other than the power of deals and oaths, which isn't really interesting on the face of it, and not unique in this world, but the way he plays it and the story is loads of fun, serious yet playful, both light hearted and heavy hearted, without any real stressing or huge suspense, which is great because i'm not a fan of lots of stress and suspense in my fun books. And Anna reminds me of Tina from fimblewinter Daniel black series, except with extra hidden intelligence. Same silly cute bouncy fun understanding helpful attitude. So I certainly recommend this one 👍👏
I'm way into fantasy, powers, magic etc, the main guy here doesn't really have that other than the power of deals and oaths, which isn't really interesting on the face of it, and not unique in this world, but the way he plays it and the story is loads of fun, serious yet playful, both light hearted and heavy hearted, without any real stressing or huge suspense, which is great because i'm not a fan of lots of stress and suspense in my fun books. And Anna reminds me of Tina from fimblewinter Daniel black series, except with extra hidden intelligence. Same silly cute bouncy fun understanding helpful attitude. So I certainly recommend this one 👍👏
June 9, 2018
Worth reading
Lots to groan and moan about but I still recommend it. With more books his writing should get better. Jumped somtimes to another situation without connecting scenes
Lots to groan and moan about but I still recommend it. With more books his writing should get better. Jumped somtimes to another situation without connecting scenes
May 12, 2018
A wonderful story by a wonderful author
I love this novel. I like smart, morally relativistic, main characters, I especially like them when the author "doesn't" force them to go all in and be edgier than a death metal band made of razor blades. Alex was just the right blend of evil but human to make him likeable as a character. The world was a mostly realistic medical world with just a dash of magic and I enjoyed watching the chAracters do their thing. This author has never left me with any complaints beyond wondering why he didn't right more and he still continues to deliver. Well done. 5/5
I love this novel. I like smart, morally relativistic, main characters, I especially like them when the author "doesn't" force them to go all in and be edgier than a death metal band made of razor blades. Alex was just the right blend of evil but human to make him likeable as a character. The world was a mostly realistic medical world with just a dash of magic and I enjoyed watching the chAracters do their thing. This author has never left me with any complaints beyond wondering why he didn't right more and he still continues to deliver. Well done. 5/5
August 15, 2019
I am not going to say I gave it a chance. I did not. As I am writing this. I am disgusted that I am in a mind of a completed asshole. Do I want to know how these people feel. No. They should be sent to the deepest part of hell. He is worse than that he is the paved road to that hell and does not care he is doing it. I won't read another book from this author. My people have to have some good. This character has none. and how this author wrote the women. not a spine in the group. I feel tainted from just listening to this. What is the point? Where does it go? into a mind of a disgusting soul. If I knew this person was real. I would agree that he get murdered by one of his "numbers".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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