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Histories of Drakmoor #1
Awakening
Gavin Cross is a young man in an unfamiliar city with no knowledge of how he came to be there. A desperate choice awakens a power he must learn to control, or it will kill him.
Marcus is an ancient master, possessing countless secrets of forgotten lore. He trivializes workings of magic anyone else would say is impossible.
Gavin becomes Marcus's first apprentice in uncounted years and must thread his way through a society where people who’ve never met him regard him with unease at best or outright fear at worst. But when he discovers a plot to destabilize and overthrow that society, Gavin must make another choice.
Option One: a society’s leadership who would prefer Gavin dead. Option Two: a traitor who actively seeks Gavin’s death. Hmmm, looks like it’s time to make Option Three...
Marcus is an ancient master, possessing countless secrets of forgotten lore. He trivializes workings of magic anyone else would say is impossible.
Gavin becomes Marcus's first apprentice in uncounted years and must thread his way through a society where people who’ve never met him regard him with unease at best or outright fear at worst. But when he discovers a plot to destabilize and overthrow that society, Gavin must make another choice.
Option One: a society’s leadership who would prefer Gavin dead. Option Two: a traitor who actively seeks Gavin’s death. Hmmm, looks like it’s time to make Option Three...
373 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2018
1794 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
27 books147 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 9, 2024
The book starts promising enough, sadly it does not deliver past the first 50 pages.
The world building is non existent, the main characters have only one dimension: Stupid.
After being (obviously) summoned to another world, but stripped of all memories, our protagonist is such a bumbling moron, he does not even stop for a second to think and ask questions.
To top that off, he is immediately recruited to be the apprentice of some super powerful wizard of a family that supposedly does no longer exist. Obviously, as you do, the wizards proceeds to simply kill a full house of people to free the female slave side-kick. And our protagonist and said slave are known to be parts of some ancient prophecy.
Of course nobody bother telling the protagonist about it and despite him being SUPER important, they just let the bumbling dipshit walk around the city (after he was already attacked by slavers at the start of the book) because why not, what could possibly happen to him? Of course he now gets attacked by the "evil" people of this story and the "big evil god" tries to recruit him.
Obviously the first thing the protagonist, who lost ALL his memories, first looks up the wizard house he belongs to in a library, because there aren't literally thousands of books with more important topics for someone who has lost his memories. Such as: Who am I? Where am I? What is this place? Why am I a wizard? Why the F do I not remember anything?
And we have not even gotten past 10% of the first book. STill nobody talked to the poor protagonist, nobody told him to be on the lookout, nobody told him he is part of a prophecy and NOBODY is there to protect him.
The fact that the book is rated at 4 stars clearly shows that goodreads rating system is broken.
This book does not deserve more than the 1 star I am giving it and I advice any serious reader of fantasy fiction to not touch this book, even if it is the last book on earth.
The world building is non existent, the main characters have only one dimension: Stupid.
After being (obviously) summoned to another world, but stripped of all memories, our protagonist is such a bumbling moron, he does not even stop for a second to think and ask questions.
To top that off, he is immediately recruited to be the apprentice of some super powerful wizard of a family that supposedly does no longer exist. Obviously, as you do, the wizards proceeds to simply kill a full house of people to free the female slave side-kick. And our protagonist and said slave are known to be parts of some ancient prophecy.
Of course nobody bother telling the protagonist about it and despite him being SUPER important, they just let the bumbling dipshit walk around the city (after he was already attacked by slavers at the start of the book) because why not, what could possibly happen to him? Of course he now gets attacked by the "evil" people of this story and the "big evil god" tries to recruit him.
Obviously the first thing the protagonist, who lost ALL his memories, first looks up the wizard house he belongs to in a library, because there aren't literally thousands of books with more important topics for someone who has lost his memories. Such as: Who am I? Where am I? What is this place? Why am I a wizard? Why the F do I not remember anything?
And we have not even gotten past 10% of the first book. STill nobody talked to the poor protagonist, nobody told him to be on the lookout, nobody told him he is part of a prophecy and NOBODY is there to protect him.
The fact that the book is rated at 4 stars clearly shows that goodreads rating system is broken.
This book does not deserve more than the 1 star I am giving it and I advice any serious reader of fantasy fiction to not touch this book, even if it is the last book on earth.
June 12, 2020
ok is the best i can do for this series, 1.5 stars. it isn't terrible but there is absolutely nothing new. the plot is really a bunch of well worn fantasy tropes tied together in 50-100 page blocks. character development is minimal at best, the main character is at barely 1 dimensional and there is no supporting characters of interest. the author does do a good job of keeping the story moving, it was an easy light read. i would recommend it for young readers accept that for some unknown reason the author continually veered into dark very adult segues.
November 15, 2020
Rating 2.0 stars
This book was kind of boring. Kind of simple. Nothing really happened, and when something did happen there wasn't any follow up. The story follows Gavin Cross as he arrives in this new world with no memories of his previous life. He comes across a slave who has escaped her master and he protects her with magic. He is a wizard in a world of mages. Mages can use spells but wizards know words of magic. The slave is actually the daughter of another countries king, which makes her a princess. We find out that Gavin is related to one of the noble wizard lines and he is the last of his family (at least on this world). He is taken to be the apprentice of a master wizard and goes to the college to learn magic. All of this is pretty standard and I didn't mind the setup. I am always looking for something that stands out in a book. More than one thing is always preferable but there needs to be something that makes the story great. It could be the magic system, world building, the characters, the action. There needs to be something that makes the story memorable. This book had nothing that stood out. Everything was flat. I kept waiting for more to happen. I thought that since Gavin was going to the college to learn magic, then this would be a big part of the story but it wasn't. I liked Kiri and felt that her story was very interesting and there would be more about her, but again there was almost nothing. Then there were the things that I thought were bad about the story Overall this was a very weak story. I felt no emotion from any of the characters. Even when there was a tragedy, the characters seemed to get over it very quickly. It is possible that the narration added to my opinion as I felt it was pretty bland and void of emotion as well.
This book was kind of boring. Kind of simple. Nothing really happened, and when something did happen there wasn't any follow up. The story follows Gavin Cross as he arrives in this new world with no memories of his previous life. He comes across a slave who has escaped her master and he protects her with magic. He is a wizard in a world of mages. Mages can use spells but wizards know words of magic. The slave is actually the daughter of another countries king, which makes her a princess. We find out that Gavin is related to one of the noble wizard lines and he is the last of his family (at least on this world). He is taken to be the apprentice of a master wizard and goes to the college to learn magic. All of this is pretty standard and I didn't mind the setup. I am always looking for something that stands out in a book. More than one thing is always preferable but there needs to be something that makes the story great. It could be the magic system, world building, the characters, the action. There needs to be something that makes the story memorable. This book had nothing that stood out. Everything was flat. I kept waiting for more to happen. I thought that since Gavin was going to the college to learn magic, then this would be a big part of the story but it wasn't. I liked Kiri and felt that her story was very interesting and there would be more about her, but again there was almost nothing. Then there were the things that I thought were bad about the story Overall this was a very weak story. I felt no emotion from any of the characters. Even when there was a tragedy, the characters seemed to get over it very quickly. It is possible that the narration added to my opinion as I felt it was pretty bland and void of emotion as well.
July 3, 2020
Lacking in story continuity.
This feels as if someone read a very good book and then told it to another person leaving out the good bits and getting parts confused. The training is abysmal, the time frame is missing, the lack of action nonsensical. The first part, the middle and the end all feel like different books told by different people. Several characters are criminally underutilized and left to flounder. This has the makings of a great series but was lacking in so many ways.
This feels as if someone read a very good book and then told it to another person leaving out the good bits and getting parts confused. The training is abysmal, the time frame is missing, the lack of action nonsensical. The first part, the middle and the end all feel like different books told by different people. Several characters are criminally underutilized and left to flounder. This has the makings of a great series but was lacking in so many ways.
June 22, 2020
Intriguing Read
Gavin is transported from his world to another where he has no memories of his past. He immediately finds himself protecting the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. In the battle, he discovers that he has magic. His mentor to be finds them and takes Gavin as his apprentice. As the story progresses, Gavin finds himself clashing with some of the powers to be while protecting friends and the kingdom. I like the action, humor, and possible romance. I look forward to the next book.
Gavin is transported from his world to another where he has no memories of his past. He immediately finds himself protecting the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. In the battle, he discovers that he has magic. His mentor to be finds them and takes Gavin as his apprentice. As the story progresses, Gavin finds himself clashing with some of the powers to be while protecting friends and the kingdom. I like the action, humor, and possible romance. I look forward to the next book.
December 31, 2022
Fun story to follow. Definitely going to read the series but there were some repetitive scenarios, otherwise it would have gotten 5 stars.
April 25, 2022
4 It Teaches Them Fortitude Stars
Awakening is the first book in the Histories of Drakmoor series by Robert M. Kerns.
Gavin Cross' character grows immensely throughout this first book. A confused young man, with a strong moral compass. A dedicated student, mentor, and defender. Until he stands at the full height of the power House Kilroth possesses, beautifully highlighting the true strength of the name.
I can not in good conscience give this work of literature a full five star rating. There is simply not a cohesive foundation of the world building. I enjoy the history of the characters this book explores, going into detail on many nationalities, and the Godswar in particular. Alas, there are still areas within the full understanding of this structured world that lay destitute. It's an unfinished puzzle before me. Perhaps the next book will facilitate it connecting the rest of the proverbial dots.
While the aforementioned disparity comes between me and truly being able to enrich myself in this work, there is still much here that offered immeasurable enjoyment. The world building is fantastic, especially when one consideres how detailed the magic structure and its history is. The author did such justice to that aspect of the world building alone, invariably leaving this to stand as one of my favorite depictions of magic. Reading different authors depictions of magic is something that intrinsically amplifies my enjoyment within the action itself. Comparing the imaginative leaps different people take to build similar worlds is fascinating. The Words of Power aspect is reminiscent of Kate Bishop for me, maybe that adds credence in my subconscious, to this variation of magic? There is such a "shock and awe" affect when manifesting these Words.
The story progressed far more quickly than I had expected. The author some how managed a style of speech that was long almost laborious, but in the most fascinating and mind-grabbing fashion. While the plot itself came to fruition almost as if it snuck up on you, shockingly moving past plot points before you even realized you were already on the other side. I don't even know how to properly describe the sensation. When a story seems to totally capture your attention, picking you up and carrying you along until you somehow find yourself at the end, not having realized you've already completed the entire journey. A truly good book, that I'm excited to continue on with the sequel.
I wish we could've have gotten more time to experience Marcus' character. There is such a prevalent insistence by the authors tone, and the character himself, along with his naysayers: that his time come and passed. I hope there is some manifestation that brings his character's influence into the future books. Only experiencing his presence for this short time, I still came to enjoy the character immensely.
To finish this review off, my two final concerns are as follows:
1. Who will be the love interest? Lillian? Kira? Or no one at all?
2. When will understand Gavin's past? And the true nature of his sudden appearance?
Awakening is the first book in the Histories of Drakmoor series by Robert M. Kerns.
Gavin Cross' character grows immensely throughout this first book. A confused young man, with a strong moral compass. A dedicated student, mentor, and defender. Until he stands at the full height of the power House Kilroth possesses, beautifully highlighting the true strength of the name.
I can not in good conscience give this work of literature a full five star rating. There is simply not a cohesive foundation of the world building. I enjoy the history of the characters this book explores, going into detail on many nationalities, and the Godswar in particular. Alas, there are still areas within the full understanding of this structured world that lay destitute. It's an unfinished puzzle before me. Perhaps the next book will facilitate it connecting the rest of the proverbial dots.
While the aforementioned disparity comes between me and truly being able to enrich myself in this work, there is still much here that offered immeasurable enjoyment. The world building is fantastic, especially when one consideres how detailed the magic structure and its history is. The author did such justice to that aspect of the world building alone, invariably leaving this to stand as one of my favorite depictions of magic. Reading different authors depictions of magic is something that intrinsically amplifies my enjoyment within the action itself. Comparing the imaginative leaps different people take to build similar worlds is fascinating. The Words of Power aspect is reminiscent of Kate Bishop for me, maybe that adds credence in my subconscious, to this variation of magic? There is such a "shock and awe" affect when manifesting these Words.
The story progressed far more quickly than I had expected. The author some how managed a style of speech that was long almost laborious, but in the most fascinating and mind-grabbing fashion. While the plot itself came to fruition almost as if it snuck up on you, shockingly moving past plot points before you even realized you were already on the other side. I don't even know how to properly describe the sensation. When a story seems to totally capture your attention, picking you up and carrying you along until you somehow find yourself at the end, not having realized you've already completed the entire journey. A truly good book, that I'm excited to continue on with the sequel.
I wish we could've have gotten more time to experience Marcus' character. There is such a prevalent insistence by the authors tone, and the character himself, along with his naysayers: that his time come and passed. I hope there is some manifestation that brings his character's influence into the future books. Only experiencing his presence for this short time, I still came to enjoy the character immensely.
To finish this review off, my two final concerns are as follows:
1. Who will be the love interest? Lillian? Kira? Or no one at all?
2. When will understand Gavin's past? And the true nature of his sudden appearance?
January 20, 2024
Great premise but no depth.
There were many grammar errors throughout which was frustrating but I can usually overlook that if the plot/characters are well done. However, as many people have said, the plot and characters were flat. I would’ve liked the author to have spent more time showing Gavin learning everything that he knows by the end of the book. Gavin starts the book knowing one word of power and by the end he seems to know all of them but there was no mention of the learning process outside of “I read it in a book one day”.
I love the mentor/mentee trope but this one was so short-lived and I didn’t feel a strong emotional response when Marcus died.
In addition, and this is probably just my own issue, I couldn’t get over how often people said each others’ names during conversation. Many of the sentences started or ended with the characters names and I just don’t think people talk like that. To me, it made the dialogue feel stunted and too planned out instead of being natural.
I’m bummed because I read the first half in a very short period of time and it had great potential, but the second half really just emphasized the issues and was hard to get through. I did finish the book, but will not be continuing the series :(
There were many grammar errors throughout which was frustrating but I can usually overlook that if the plot/characters are well done. However, as many people have said, the plot and characters were flat. I would’ve liked the author to have spent more time showing Gavin learning everything that he knows by the end of the book. Gavin starts the book knowing one word of power and by the end he seems to know all of them but there was no mention of the learning process outside of “I read it in a book one day”.
I love the mentor/mentee trope but this one was so short-lived and I didn’t feel a strong emotional response when Marcus died.
In addition, and this is probably just my own issue, I couldn’t get over how often people said each others’ names during conversation. Many of the sentences started or ended with the characters names and I just don’t think people talk like that. To me, it made the dialogue feel stunted and too planned out instead of being natural.
I’m bummed because I read the first half in a very short period of time and it had great potential, but the second half really just emphasized the issues and was hard to get through. I did finish the book, but will not be continuing the series :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2019
Outstanding
It is getting rare to find an adult treatment of fantasy of this kind, I'm sorry to say. All too often the MC is either clueless or bumbling or emotionally fraught for some reason.
This guy is none of that. He understandably takes a bit to get his feet under himself but he then operates with principle and honor and doesn't let his power go to his head. Very refreshing!
The plot is complex and not easily perceived. The world and the magic system are mildly unique, interesting and sensible. The author assumes, as is sensible, that an old culture will be mature and sophisticated, but not necessarily decadent. There are bad guys and traitors and hence the plot.
Very good read. I soaked it right up and went right on to the next in the series. I highly recommend it for anyone that appreciates mature fantasy.
It is getting rare to find an adult treatment of fantasy of this kind, I'm sorry to say. All too often the MC is either clueless or bumbling or emotionally fraught for some reason.
This guy is none of that. He understandably takes a bit to get his feet under himself but he then operates with principle and honor and doesn't let his power go to his head. Very refreshing!
The plot is complex and not easily perceived. The world and the magic system are mildly unique, interesting and sensible. The author assumes, as is sensible, that an old culture will be mature and sophisticated, but not necessarily decadent. There are bad guys and traitors and hence the plot.
Very good read. I soaked it right up and went right on to the next in the series. I highly recommend it for anyone that appreciates mature fantasy.
March 23, 2020
Epic
This story was well composed in it's world building and magic system. Plots schemed, and dark forces at work as a bid for power ensues from a noble seeking influence, a king wanting absolute authority and an ancient who wants to reclaim his mantle of a God.
Gavin is not an OP character but is far more powerful in the magical arts than the current generation. That is because he knows many words of power, how magic was conducted in the old ways. He is fragile but capable and makes many friends along the way to fulfill his purpose.
I would reccomend this to anyone interested in light political intrigue, fantasy, and world building rich in its own history.
This story was well composed in it's world building and magic system. Plots schemed, and dark forces at work as a bid for power ensues from a noble seeking influence, a king wanting absolute authority and an ancient who wants to reclaim his mantle of a God.
Gavin is not an OP character but is far more powerful in the magical arts than the current generation. That is because he knows many words of power, how magic was conducted in the old ways. He is fragile but capable and makes many friends along the way to fulfill his purpose.
I would reccomend this to anyone interested in light political intrigue, fantasy, and world building rich in its own history.
May 23, 2021
Cliche
Not bad, but ticks virtually every European fantasy trope on the list as it staggers from one cliche story beat to the next cliche story beat. Ancient wizard mentor? Check. Secret princess love interest? Check. Random nobody with a bloodline of power and authority? Check. Vaguely racist lack of diversity? Check. Gods popping up to give information dumps or witty banter? Check. Nonhuman species that do not matter to the narrative? Check. International guilds of thieves, assassins, and spies? Check. Coincidences saving the protagonist at every turn? Check.
It isn't bad; my fourteen year old self would have loved it. But my current self skimmed sections.
Not bad, but ticks virtually every European fantasy trope on the list as it staggers from one cliche story beat to the next cliche story beat. Ancient wizard mentor? Check. Secret princess love interest? Check. Random nobody with a bloodline of power and authority? Check. Vaguely racist lack of diversity? Check. Gods popping up to give information dumps or witty banter? Check. Nonhuman species that do not matter to the narrative? Check. International guilds of thieves, assassins, and spies? Check. Coincidences saving the protagonist at every turn? Check.
It isn't bad; my fourteen year old self would have loved it. But my current self skimmed sections.
December 21, 2021
Good fantasy story, the world the author created is an interesting one, how wizardly interacts with politics is interesting, a shame we don't get much exposition of other races besides the humans, but hopefully we will get more from them in the future. Now there is a scene that feels forced introduced by the author wich make no sense at all
October 26, 2022
Not the worst thing I’ve ever read, but certainly not good. The author can write a clear sentence, and even cogent paragraphs, but fails to create compelling characters, or plot. There are absolutely no stakes, and no tension to maintain interest. The main character is, if not quite a Mary Sue, hyper competent at everything from wizardry to the (ridiculously trite) legal system of the world in which he finds himself, and simply strides through the story saving the day righting all the wrongs he encounters because he’s just so awesome. Childish nonsense.
Smacks of a first novel. One that probably should have been archived, rather than published, and perhaps revised and published in future.
Smacks of a first novel. One that probably should have been archived, rather than published, and perhaps revised and published in future.
October 23, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: None found.
Plot: I want to call this portal fantasy. MC is transported to a different world with no memory of his past. He learns he is related to the most powerful House of mages. His branch of the family having fled the world during the God War.
What ensues is him picking up the family mantel and coming to terms with the power he welds.
Characters: The Mc is likable and so is his first companion. I would like more depth on her.
7.5/10 This could have been a lot longer.
Mistakes: None found.
Plot: I want to call this portal fantasy. MC is transported to a different world with no memory of his past. He learns he is related to the most powerful House of mages. His branch of the family having fled the world during the God War.
What ensues is him picking up the family mantel and coming to terms with the power he welds.
Characters: The Mc is likable and so is his first companion. I would like more depth on her.
7.5/10 This could have been a lot longer.
July 7, 2020
Looking for a MC you can trust?
Are you like me? Have you found too many heroes that can’t get the job done because they are scared that all it takes is one wrong turn and they will be the bad guy? What would happen if the old wizard doesn’t play the game of “you need to learn yourself”? If like me you need a break from the heroes that just can’t solve future problems because it wouldn’t be right. Well you have found just the series for you! So find a spot to sit and enjoy, happy reading.
Are you like me? Have you found too many heroes that can’t get the job done because they are scared that all it takes is one wrong turn and they will be the bad guy? What would happen if the old wizard doesn’t play the game of “you need to learn yourself”? If like me you need a break from the heroes that just can’t solve future problems because it wouldn’t be right. Well you have found just the series for you! So find a spot to sit and enjoy, happy reading.
May 26, 2020
Better than it looks and the cover looks pretty cool!
I really enjoyed this book! Our main character lands in the middle of a new world with no memory but plenty of magic, saves a slave girl on the run and then things really hit the fan!! Evil Gods, assassin guild: duplicitous politicians abound. A quick paced plot and great world building ensured that you will be waiting on tinder hooks to read book 2
I really enjoyed this book! Our main character lands in the middle of a new world with no memory but plenty of magic, saves a slave girl on the run and then things really hit the fan!! Evil Gods, assassin guild: duplicitous politicians abound. A quick paced plot and great world building ensured that you will be waiting on tinder hooks to read book 2
January 17, 2021
What can i say.. I have read far far worse.
The first book lead me to starting to read book two.
And i may not finish book two...
The story is rather predictable
3 stars because i did enjoy book one somewhat.
(Spoiler/Prediction)
MC is from Our Earth
MC probably was transported just before he died etc etc
IE the comment about how his daughter is much older than he thinks etc.
Honestly do not know if i will ever pick up where i dropped book 2 at (round page 100)
Maybe..
The first book lead me to starting to read book two.
And i may not finish book two...
The story is rather predictable
3 stars because i did enjoy book one somewhat.
(Spoiler/Prediction)
MC is from Our Earth
MC probably was transported just before he died etc etc
IE the comment about how his daughter is much older than he thinks etc.
Honestly do not know if i will ever pick up where i dropped book 2 at (round page 100)
Maybe..
January 28, 2021
Enjoyable but thin
To start this review I want to say I enjoyed this book and will likely buy the next in the series however I feel like the author missed out on alot of opportunities to improve their book through world building and characters building.
The book is riddled with time skips that I feel were moments when some development could occur, there weren't huge skips but occured with a ridiculous frequency. If a character was going from one place to another ... time skip, some training to be done ... time skip. All these skips can make parts of the book harder to follow as the author seems to just speed run between events. Start, conflict/challenge and resolution happen in a few pages for what big parts of the story. I really feel that if the author chose to add more detail to the world, characters and events the book would have been much more enjoyable than it is.
For example, some of the side characters that are supposed to be close to our main character and involved in his life just feel like strangers despite the fact that they apparently spend most days together, because almost all of their interactions happen during time skips. The author could have easily added in the occasion casually meet up where these characters talk about their days, what they have learned and minor issues they faced/resolved that would have given the author opportunities to develop character and foreshadow useful knowledge.
To start this review I want to say I enjoyed this book and will likely buy the next in the series however I feel like the author missed out on alot of opportunities to improve their book through world building and characters building.
The book is riddled with time skips that I feel were moments when some development could occur, there weren't huge skips but occured with a ridiculous frequency. If a character was going from one place to another ... time skip, some training to be done ... time skip. All these skips can make parts of the book harder to follow as the author seems to just speed run between events. Start, conflict/challenge and resolution happen in a few pages for what big parts of the story. I really feel that if the author chose to add more detail to the world, characters and events the book would have been much more enjoyable than it is.
For example, some of the side characters that are supposed to be close to our main character and involved in his life just feel like strangers despite the fact that they apparently spend most days together, because almost all of their interactions happen during time skips. The author could have easily added in the occasion casually meet up where these characters talk about their days, what they have learned and minor issues they faced/resolved that would have given the author opportunities to develop character and foreshadow useful knowledge.
January 24, 2023
Really Fascinating
This is a new author for me, but he’s certainly caught my attention with this story.
The fascination for me lies in the characters he’s peopled this book with, and to a lesser extant with the world building and it’s events active and passive.
The author takes his time fleshing out all of his characters so that you have a clear chance to respond solidly - liking or disliking a notable based on the backstory (read: substance) that he provides. Excepting in the case of one rather ugly little bit player who’s sort of needfully one-dimensional, I feel like character development is where Mr. Kerns’ real magic lays.
He knows how to persuade a reader into affection for or into hating any actor he puts on a page with a rare talent for driving a story on by moving those people pieces very skillfully around his story board.
Loved this book, and now I’m off to start number two!
This is a new author for me, but he’s certainly caught my attention with this story.
The fascination for me lies in the characters he’s peopled this book with, and to a lesser extant with the world building and it’s events active and passive.
The author takes his time fleshing out all of his characters so that you have a clear chance to respond solidly - liking or disliking a notable based on the backstory (read: substance) that he provides. Excepting in the case of one rather ugly little bit player who’s sort of needfully one-dimensional, I feel like character development is where Mr. Kerns’ real magic lays.
He knows how to persuade a reader into affection for or into hating any actor he puts on a page with a rare talent for driving a story on by moving those people pieces very skillfully around his story board.
Loved this book, and now I’m off to start number two!
March 20, 2023
So this book was quite enjoyable. It was one that I couldn't put down. So why just 4 stars? Well mostly because it was just to "clean." What do I mean by that? Well the main character, everything just went to good for him. He seems way overpowered and doesn't show much emotion at all. However that is also part of the charm of the book. I kept waiting for something to happen that would break my thoughts on him. It never happened. Now do I suspect more is coming later in the series? I think so. And that will keep me reading onto the next book. Now if some tension doesn't build in the next book or so then maybe I'll get tired of this. But for now I enjoyed it but just couldnt give it 5 full stars.
July 6, 2024
Curiously flat. It felt like everyone was going through the motions and it was difficult to care about any of them. Like they had a series of plot points they wanted to fit in and that was it. And Gavin is one of my least favourite character types, where he shows up knowing nothing and five minutes later he is chatting with the gods on equal terms and dictating to kings. He knows every obscure law (except when it is convenient for the plot) and can do anything with his magic. And yeah, what did happen to his void injury that no one had ever survived and was going to gradually drain all his strength? Did it remember a prior appointment? Come to think of it, what happened to the whole undead king subplot? Rubbish!
June 26, 2020
It was a decent story, well thought out and described. It does have some flaws that is increasingly found in indie fantasy novels. First, the character arrives, helpless, and then gains power in an expotential rate. However, how the increases his knowledge and power is never presented nor explained. "I read a lot," doesn't cut it.
In addition, the MC is being presented as a 'Marty Sue', the male equivilent of 'Mary Sue.' He overcomes every obstacale without raising a sweat until, someone sneaks up behind him and smack him in the head.
That was disappointing. L. E. Modesitt, Jr., does it much better.
In addition, the MC is being presented as a 'Marty Sue', the male equivilent of 'Mary Sue.' He overcomes every obstacale without raising a sweat until, someone sneaks up behind him and smack him in the head.
That was disappointing. L. E. Modesitt, Jr., does it much better.
October 12, 2021
Has the feel of Terry Goodkind
Good reading, good story line so far. The reason, to me it has the feel of the Sword of Truth books, is how he finds his power and the price when power is used and a code for rightness of justice. This is just the first book, it moves a little on the fast side, feels like it could have more depth to make it last longer, but it makes me want to read the next books with hope of a same nature of a good story line. I have a really hard time finding books to hold my attention and not get burned out on the story line. This book held my attention because it wasn't predictable. I would recommend it for you to give it a try.
Good reading, good story line so far. The reason, to me it has the feel of the Sword of Truth books, is how he finds his power and the price when power is used and a code for rightness of justice. This is just the first book, it moves a little on the fast side, feels like it could have more depth to make it last longer, but it makes me want to read the next books with hope of a same nature of a good story line. I have a really hard time finding books to hold my attention and not get burned out on the story line. This book held my attention because it wasn't predictable. I would recommend it for you to give it a try.
May 31, 2020
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 October 2019
Plot, plot and counterplot. Heroes don't come any better - especially when they respect women. Gavin has amnesia, but retains his ability to summon magical powers. The pace hots up from the kick-off, the mystery deepens almost with the turn of every page and the magic is ... magical. The intermittent use of modern syntax was somewhat disconcerting at times, especially in conjunction with more formal 'medieval' dialogue - but Gavin is cool and turning that world upside down. A strong start to a series which promises more escapist reading.
June 12, 2020
Mediocre
The author combines a bunch of tropes to create a garbled story. There's little depth. Things just kind of happen. The magic system is poorly defined. The characters are poorly developed. The MC goes from totally ignorant of the world he's in to the most powerful living wizard, who also happens to be rich, a consummate leader and skilled politician in 3 months. But the author just glosses over his training. Also the characters who live in an epic midevil fantasy string think and act way too much like middle class Americans.
The author combines a bunch of tropes to create a garbled story. There's little depth. Things just kind of happen. The magic system is poorly defined. The characters are poorly developed. The MC goes from totally ignorant of the world he's in to the most powerful living wizard, who also happens to be rich, a consummate leader and skilled politician in 3 months. But the author just glosses over his training. Also the characters who live in an epic midevil fantasy string think and act way too much like middle class Americans.
August 22, 2020
Mostly Just Lost
I tried to follow this story but eventually it just wore me down enough that I no longer cared. The writing is OK, the editing is, well, average for KU but definitely subpar for literature of any merit. Character development appears to have been an afterthought and world building was minimal, details being supplied as was convenient. The storyline holds promise and with some effort and a good editor, this book could shine. But as presented it is mostly a missed opportunity
I tried to follow this story but eventually it just wore me down enough that I no longer cared. The writing is OK, the editing is, well, average for KU but definitely subpar for literature of any merit. Character development appears to have been an afterthought and world building was minimal, details being supplied as was convenient. The storyline holds promise and with some effort and a good editor, this book could shine. But as presented it is mostly a missed opportunity
August 28, 2020
This was quite underwhelming. The idea was ok I guess but it just never quite caught my attention or interest. I appreciated that it was aimed at slightly older audiences than teen fantasy novels without being horribly dark or disturbing but that was the extent of my appreciation. Most of the characters were ok but pretty 'meh' overall and I kept forgetting who was who. It was ok, its definitely nowhere near the worst thing I've read this year but I couldn't give it a 3 because it just fell so flat for me, personally.
September 29, 2020
Not bad
First let me say I been putting off reading this book because I wish they were more of his sifi series such I loved. After I always in a sifi mood when I look up this author. When book 4 came out in this series and not his sifi series have up and tried it. It had a quick start, witch hooked me. Then it quickly slowed, but that was more of building the story for future action. So have it a solid 4 stars. Being kindle unlimited give it a try. His web page said he's working on book four of his sifi series so let's hope that's comes soon.
First let me say I been putting off reading this book because I wish they were more of his sifi series such I loved. After I always in a sifi mood when I look up this author. When book 4 came out in this series and not his sifi series have up and tried it. It had a quick start, witch hooked me. Then it quickly slowed, but that was more of building the story for future action. So have it a solid 4 stars. Being kindle unlimited give it a try. His web page said he's working on book four of his sifi series so let's hope that's comes soon.
March 27, 2021
OK
The plot is interesting and I was interested to know what would happen next. The characters are decent. But something seemed off, and I'm not sure I still have a finger on it. Part of it I can summarize as, often there are too many words. And it's not like Mozart's critic's "too many notes." He's not Mozart in prose. I've marked a couple of examples. They represent lots of other passages that include too much descriptive text--too much "tell," not show.
And then I reach the last page, only to discover I've yet to reach any kind of ending? No. No!
The plot is interesting and I was interested to know what would happen next. The characters are decent. But something seemed off, and I'm not sure I still have a finger on it. Part of it I can summarize as, often there are too many words. And it's not like Mozart's critic's "too many notes." He's not Mozart in prose. I've marked a couple of examples. They represent lots of other passages that include too much descriptive text--too much "tell," not show.
And then I reach the last page, only to discover I've yet to reach any kind of ending? No. No!
January 26, 2020
Awesome storyline
I love the storyline and can’t wait to see what happens next . That said, there are some issues that make it a difficult read at times. Occasionally, the dialog is stilted and unnatural with missing context. Nothing that a quick re-read can’t solve or overlook but it does tend to be a distraction. (Editing issues, maybe?)
If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get the next book.
I love the storyline and can’t wait to see what happens next . That said, there are some issues that make it a difficult read at times. Occasionally, the dialog is stilted and unnatural with missing context. Nothing that a quick re-read can’t solve or overlook but it does tend to be a distraction. (Editing issues, maybe?)
If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get the next book.
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