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Conquering the Kingdom #1
Conquer
Win the annual Conquer tournament and earn wealth and power without measure.
Lose and you're dead.
No pressure.
The game is Conquer, played for the king's amusement by the most notorious criminals and ambitious lordlings.
Aron Stone, street rat turned commander of the king's First Legion, doesn't have patience for pointless games. But when a series of unfortunate events earns him the king's ire, he is forced to participate.
Armed with a ragtag troop of dwarves, a beautiful but short-tempered sorceress, and a doting mistress, Aron must grow his forces, locate valuable weapons and magical artifacts, and win the day. Only complete victory will allow him to escape the arena and get his revenge.
Disclaimer: This book has medieval cursing including shite and arse, sex with tavern wenches, drunken dwarves, creatures that want to eat your head off, sex with multiple women on multiple occasions, dark-magic wielding magicians, and more sex with various races including faeries, elves and others of the author's invention. The novel is not meant for people under the age of 18.
Lose and you're dead.
No pressure.
The game is Conquer, played for the king's amusement by the most notorious criminals and ambitious lordlings.
Aron Stone, street rat turned commander of the king's First Legion, doesn't have patience for pointless games. But when a series of unfortunate events earns him the king's ire, he is forced to participate.
Armed with a ragtag troop of dwarves, a beautiful but short-tempered sorceress, and a doting mistress, Aron must grow his forces, locate valuable weapons and magical artifacts, and win the day. Only complete victory will allow him to escape the arena and get his revenge.
Disclaimer: This book has medieval cursing including shite and arse, sex with tavern wenches, drunken dwarves, creatures that want to eat your head off, sex with multiple women on multiple occasions, dark-magic wielding magicians, and more sex with various races including faeries, elves and others of the author's invention. The novel is not meant for people under the age of 18.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2018
439 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Thanks for reading all!
Thanks for reading all!
December 30, 2019
“Conquer (Conquering the Kingdom #1)” isn’t lesfic, but the hetero and group sex is mostly fade-to-black.
MC Aron meets and has sex with fairies, magicians and a tavern wench…maybe it was two of them.
Anyway, besides the sex, Aron finds himself sentenced to participate in the Arena for the entertainment of the king and his cohorts. He meets and secures the help of dwarves, who are pissed off because the king has captured all the women dwarves.
There are eight races in all, and they were all at peace until power hungry humans arrived in their lands 200 years ago. And stole all the women dwarves, apparently!
I picked the book because of the cover; why doesn’t someone write a harem book with hot women without the man? Who might write such a book, C.W. Ashley??
All-in-all this is an entertaining book but it’s not a “wow” book; I enjoyed the narration. It reminded me of the Russell Crowe movie “The Gladiator”, but with more sex and dwarves. 3.5*
MC Aron meets and has sex with fairies, magicians and a tavern wench…maybe it was two of them.
Anyway, besides the sex, Aron finds himself sentenced to participate in the Arena for the entertainment of the king and his cohorts. He meets and secures the help of dwarves, who are pissed off because the king has captured all the women dwarves.
There are eight races in all, and they were all at peace until power hungry humans arrived in their lands 200 years ago. And stole all the women dwarves, apparently!
I picked the book because of the cover; why doesn’t someone write a harem book with hot women without the man? Who might write such a book, C.W. Ashley??
All-in-all this is an entertaining book but it’s not a “wow” book; I enjoyed the narration. It reminded me of the Russell Crowe movie “The Gladiator”, but with more sex and dwarves. 3.5*
January 24, 2019
I only made it around 25% into this book before I realized that this is actually the second time I had tried to read it. Both times, I reached the same part before boredom took me and I had to stop. The story was so forgettable that I didn't even remember having read it before until I had a deja vu moment about 20% into the story.
The characters were very one dimensional and their actions and dialog were predictable. Not only that. The plot was predictable too. I only had to read the first quarter of the first book to know how the story would end. The foreshadowing was too obvious and the plot pacing too slow for an action-adventure story.
The characters were very one dimensional and their actions and dialog were predictable. Not only that. The plot was predictable too. I only had to read the first quarter of the first book to know how the story would end. The foreshadowing was too obvious and the plot pacing too slow for an action-adventure story.
January 2, 2019
This one was a return for me.
The voice actor picked for this particular book killed it for me. I would rather hear someone read a dictionary to me. Very English mono tone with zero excitement or acting in fight scenes.
The voice actor picked for this particular book killed it for me. I would rather hear someone read a dictionary to me. Very English mono tone with zero excitement or acting in fight scenes.
September 25, 2018
It's ok
Premise is ok but rest is to predictable. MC is loved by common man so king is worried. Throws MC into a giant arena cheats like crazy to try to kill MC.
Premise is ok but rest is to predictable. MC is loved by common man so king is worried. Throws MC into a giant arena cheats like crazy to try to kill MC.
April 29, 2020
4.2 stars
Expertly written book, but a little too long.
I did chuckle a little when the main character revealed his name to be the same as the author but beyond that, I was thoroughly impressed with the well developed and fully realized protagonist. 'Badass' male lead characters are a dime-a-dozen but this is one of the few that I actually believed, he wasn't invincible, but he was extremely capable, focused, and experienced. He was stoic but not to the point of being an emotionless wall of meat with a sword. The writer pulled off the most essential and key feat when writing a character: He made me give a shit about him!
The story is a very eclectic mix of genres, this is not a 'sword and sorcery' fantasy romp. It's a fairly mature military thriller with mystery and intrigue. But luckily the action is not sacraficed at all. As a writer myself I've always prided myself on an ability to write an exciting action scene but this work is VERY impressive. I can't remember the last time I've seen swordplay written so well.
My main gripe is the length. This could have easily been 2 books, because it does drag on a little too long as a single read. I understand why there is so much content in this book, but an editor could have trimmed a lot of fat so to speak.
Also a lot the sex scenes are fade-to-black or fade to black halfway through. This didn't affect my score, but if you're someone who gets excited about reading about sex in detail, it could leave you a little bit unsatisfied.
Overall, a great effort. Read as much as possible if you have the time.
Expertly written book, but a little too long.
I did chuckle a little when the main character revealed his name to be the same as the author but beyond that, I was thoroughly impressed with the well developed and fully realized protagonist. 'Badass' male lead characters are a dime-a-dozen but this is one of the few that I actually believed, he wasn't invincible, but he was extremely capable, focused, and experienced. He was stoic but not to the point of being an emotionless wall of meat with a sword. The writer pulled off the most essential and key feat when writing a character: He made me give a shit about him!
The story is a very eclectic mix of genres, this is not a 'sword and sorcery' fantasy romp. It's a fairly mature military thriller with mystery and intrigue. But luckily the action is not sacraficed at all. As a writer myself I've always prided myself on an ability to write an exciting action scene but this work is VERY impressive. I can't remember the last time I've seen swordplay written so well.
My main gripe is the length. This could have easily been 2 books, because it does drag on a little too long as a single read. I understand why there is so much content in this book, but an editor could have trimmed a lot of fat so to speak.
Also a lot the sex scenes are fade-to-black or fade to black halfway through. This didn't affect my score, but if you're someone who gets excited about reading about sex in detail, it could leave you a little bit unsatisfied.
Overall, a great effort. Read as much as possible if you have the time.
October 24, 2018
Can we get an editor?
Great story, good writing, great pacing, so many inconsistencies!
Between getting soldier's names wrong/reversed (a particular set of brothers, one of which can sew), having different descriptions of body parts (colors are important!), to enemies using different weapons from one paragraph to the next. Grrr.
I completely would have given this five stars if there hadn't been so many errors. There were some tense issues (past, present, future), but that was it for the grammar. The rest of the issues are inconsistencies between descriptions WHICH DRIVES ME NUTS! Almost knocked off to stars, but I really liked the book.
Great story, good writing, great pacing, so many inconsistencies!
Between getting soldier's names wrong/reversed (a particular set of brothers, one of which can sew), having different descriptions of body parts (colors are important!), to enemies using different weapons from one paragraph to the next. Grrr.
I completely would have given this five stars if there hadn't been so many errors. There were some tense issues (past, present, future), but that was it for the grammar. The rest of the issues are inconsistencies between descriptions WHICH DRIVES ME NUTS! Almost knocked off to stars, but I really liked the book.
January 16, 2019
Very well written
I know this is a pen name and not the first book this author has written. Still it is well written, the pacing is good and had some parts that will have you glued to the screen. There aren't any dead zones where he over explains something like all the minutia in a landscape, or a dress, or the architecture. There's just enough detail to describe the scene and let your imagination take hold, then more good story telling. Great first book, can't wait for the next in the series.
I know this is a pen name and not the first book this author has written. Still it is well written, the pacing is good and had some parts that will have you glued to the screen. There aren't any dead zones where he over explains something like all the minutia in a landscape, or a dress, or the architecture. There's just enough detail to describe the scene and let your imagination take hold, then more good story telling. Great first book, can't wait for the next in the series.
March 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much ao many twists
I choose the rating cause it kept me hook from the beginning to end especially the end. I would deffinetly recom3nd this to my family and friends
I choose the rating cause it kept me hook from the beginning to end especially the end. I would deffinetly recom3nd this to my family and friends
October 14, 2019
3.5 stars, not bad for this type of book, I do like this type of book and this one was pretty good. This type of book is not for everyone but I enjoy them and this one I liked. Great start for a first book in a series and I look forward to the next one.
October 21, 2018
Boring
No surprises, simply a typical story with no character development, no plot to speak of, simply the old story of a king bringing about his own demise.
No surprises, simply a typical story with no character development, no plot to speak of, simply the old story of a king bringing about his own demise.
August 4, 2022
I was disappointed when the MC didn't die after repeatedly ignoring his own lofty platitudes.
Don't get me wrong, this book checked a lot of the right boxes:
- Easy reading
- Good narrator (for the audiobook version)
- Mostly wholesome and varied spicy elements (this is a LitRPG fantasy harem series after all)
- Interesting magic and warfare
The big problem is that the MC's internal dialogue is a combination of lofty ideals and appeals to his own authority (a good leader knows, only an experienced warrior could do X, etc). He then ignores his own advice, putting himself and others in danger, saying he won't be making promises he can't keep shortly after making a promise he cant keep and more.
If this overconfidence and idealism was presented as a character flaw and part of a character arc it *might* be acceptable. The problem is that this does not appear to develop much over the course of this book. It is also not presented ironically as seen in other fantasy like Grim Company. Most of the characters personality is tied up in his idealism (acceptable) and military leadership experience (apparently misplaced) and his sexual appetites (which are both significant and consensual). This leaves a disappointing shell of an MC.
If you are here for some fun LitRPG themed fantasy warfare with the MC bedding as many women as he can you will likely be satisfied with this book. If you want a fleshed out MC with a meaningful character arc, you may need to look elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong, this book checked a lot of the right boxes:
- Easy reading
- Good narrator (for the audiobook version)
- Mostly wholesome and varied spicy elements (this is a LitRPG fantasy harem series after all)
- Interesting magic and warfare
The big problem is that the MC's internal dialogue is a combination of lofty ideals and appeals to his own authority (a good leader knows, only an experienced warrior could do X, etc). He then ignores his own advice, putting himself and others in danger, saying he won't be making promises he can't keep shortly after making a promise he cant keep and more.
If this overconfidence and idealism was presented as a character flaw and part of a character arc it *might* be acceptable. The problem is that this does not appear to develop much over the course of this book. It is also not presented ironically as seen in other fantasy like Grim Company. Most of the characters personality is tied up in his idealism (acceptable) and military leadership experience (apparently misplaced) and his sexual appetites (which are both significant and consensual). This leaves a disappointing shell of an MC.
If you are here for some fun LitRPG themed fantasy warfare with the MC bedding as many women as he can you will likely be satisfied with this book. If you want a fleshed out MC with a meaningful character arc, you may need to look elsewhere.
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January 13, 2019Slow Start, New Twist
This book starts off a bit slow and predictable, building up to the seemingly inevitable unjustified accusations of treason.
Aron was shown to be a responsible trusted leader.
The subplots with the spy and spymaster added some variety to the story.
The twist, where the game world exists as a fantasy world within a fantasy world, was a nice fresh perspective. Magic lets you suspend a lot of disbelief and go with it. Convenient to see it all through the eyes of the rare citizen, Aron, who had never paid attention and so wasn't familiar with any of the rules or characteristics, allowing everything to be conveniently explained to the reader.
A lot of echoes of Hunger Games in some aspects, but plenty of new as well.
The secondary characters were revealed slowly and there was ample time spent for their personalities to be revealed and develop as they got to know Aron. Well done. Bart the stalwart dwarves captain, Hera the aloof and alluring mage, Lily the Archer with more talents then she would usually get credit for, and Fa'ara the Czezaris sorceress.
The conflict with Sasha Sands was interesting, and resolved in an unexpected way.
I liked the twist on the Czezari, first painted as heartless murderers, then later in the book redeemed as misunderstood victims.
This book starts off a bit slow and predictable, building up to the seemingly inevitable unjustified accusations of treason.
Aron was shown to be a responsible trusted leader.
The subplots with the spy and spymaster added some variety to the story.
The twist, where the game world exists as a fantasy world within a fantasy world, was a nice fresh perspective. Magic lets you suspend a lot of disbelief and go with it. Convenient to see it all through the eyes of the rare citizen, Aron, who had never paid attention and so wasn't familiar with any of the rules or characteristics, allowing everything to be conveniently explained to the reader.
A lot of echoes of Hunger Games in some aspects, but plenty of new as well.
The secondary characters were revealed slowly and there was ample time spent for their personalities to be revealed and develop as they got to know Aron. Well done. Bart the stalwart dwarves captain, Hera the aloof and alluring mage, Lily the Archer with more talents then she would usually get credit for, and Fa'ara the Czezaris sorceress.
The conflict with Sasha Sands was interesting, and resolved in an unexpected way.
I liked the twist on the Czezari, first painted as heartless murderers, then later in the book redeemed as misunderstood victims.
July 27, 2019
A typical Fantasy LitRPG-ish run of the mill thing. The story itself is the familiar one of clear cut good and evil and their ongoing uneven battle. Good Narration and above average story, but... I guess I'm getting to old for this sh!t... that is the Harem part. That cost this book at least a star. I've grown to detest the completely unnecessary Harem elements of certain books. It simply doesn't add anything other than relegation to lower tiers of literature.
I may be getting too old for these kinds of books, but sans the check-out line queue of overly willing women wanting to please the MC, they can be good. I wish these authors could find another outlet for their need to write Harem into otherwise good stories.
Not sure if I'll go onto book #2.
I may be getting too old for these kinds of books, but sans the check-out line queue of overly willing women wanting to please the MC, they can be good. I wish these authors could find another outlet for their need to write Harem into otherwise good stories.
Not sure if I'll go onto book #2.
January 8, 2023
Hmmm...
I can't lie, I could not get past the second page.
It opens with a battle scene and in the !middle of fighting the author tells you a bunch of details about who the main character is and how he is super important and gives you his name but tells you it was not given to him by his mother, while he never met but by a nursemaid. Then he says "These are the thoughts going through my head..."
So in the middle of a giant battle, the main character is unironically thinking about his own back story, including how he got his name. Really?
With writing that heavy handed and obtuse, I could not bring myself to read any further. If you can, then I hope it gets better for you.
I can't lie, I could not get past the second page.
It opens with a battle scene and in the !middle of fighting the author tells you a bunch of details about who the main character is and how he is super important and gives you his name but tells you it was not given to him by his mother, while he never met but by a nursemaid. Then he says "These are the thoughts going through my head..."
So in the middle of a giant battle, the main character is unironically thinking about his own back story, including how he got his name. Really?
With writing that heavy handed and obtuse, I could not bring myself to read any further. If you can, then I hope it gets better for you.
January 14, 2019
Lots of Excitement, Good Plot
This first book in the series unrolls the plot in a slow deliberate manner. So much so that enjoyment was enhanced with each revealed twist. This is a tale of magic and survival that the main character doesn’t fully understand. But as time passes he teams with others that bring understanding and experience. Soon his goals materialize as accomplishable encouraging his followers to greater heights. A well written story that spawns the tale with style. I highly recommend this book!
This first book in the series unrolls the plot in a slow deliberate manner. So much so that enjoyment was enhanced with each revealed twist. This is a tale of magic and survival that the main character doesn’t fully understand. But as time passes he teams with others that bring understanding and experience. Soon his goals materialize as accomplishable encouraging his followers to greater heights. A well written story that spawns the tale with style. I highly recommend this book!
February 8, 2020
So much wrong with this book.
* From the beginning, the plot progression is obvious.
* Sex starts too early in the book. Almost no introduction of the character(s).
* Characters are so, so one-dimensional. They meet MC and say within minutes, "You're not like the others, you're amazing". Women fall for him that don't fall for other men seconds after meeting him. Relationships here are vapid and fake.
* I like the overpowered protagonist, but when you even go as far as to mention his giant penis and literally everyone praises him endlessly, it's ridiculous.
* From the beginning, the plot progression is obvious.
* Sex starts too early in the book. Almost no introduction of the character(s).
* Characters are so, so one-dimensional. They meet MC and say within minutes, "You're not like the others, you're amazing". Women fall for him that don't fall for other men seconds after meeting him. Relationships here are vapid and fake.
* I like the overpowered protagonist, but when you even go as far as to mention his giant penis and literally everyone praises him endlessly, it's ridiculous.
September 20, 2018
Well done! May I have some more please?!
This was a fantastic story that was riveting, action-filled and well-written! Fun that the character had the author's name and that the protagonist was an honourable get flawed man. He reminded me a bit of Odysseus in striving to be a decent man yet beset by enemies on all sides. Well-edited (thank goodness) and I look forward to the next book.
This was a fantastic story that was riveting, action-filled and well-written! Fun that the character had the author's name and that the protagonist was an honourable get flawed man. He reminded me a bit of Odysseus in striving to be a decent man yet beset by enemies on all sides. Well-edited (thank goodness) and I look forward to the next book.
February 23, 2024
I made it to the 3rd chapter maybe? I'm not sure, I couldn't get any further, the first 3 women we meet in the book our MC sleeps with them. It feels like a serious take on the Patrick Stewart episode of Extras.
Aron Stone the author a devilishly handsome and rugged... oh no that's the protagonist, he just happens to have the same name as the author. Another nod to Ricky Gervais, I get serious Michael Scott vibes with his screen play.
I can't recommend this book.
Aron Stone the author a devilishly handsome and rugged... oh no that's the protagonist, he just happens to have the same name as the author. Another nod to Ricky Gervais, I get serious Michael Scott vibes with his screen play.
I can't recommend this book.
October 24, 2018
Very Well Done
It isn’t often that you find good dialogue in a story, let alone that good dialogue carried over into internal dialogue. It’s even rarer to find such in this particular genre. When a such a find also includes great plot, editing, characters, and a fascinating world to stage it all in... well. Really great work. Very recommended.
It isn’t often that you find good dialogue in a story, let alone that good dialogue carried over into internal dialogue. It’s even rarer to find such in this particular genre. When a such a find also includes great plot, editing, characters, and a fascinating world to stage it all in... well. Really great work. Very recommended.
August 4, 2022
Great story
Finally a MC that is not dumb. The MC is outfitted by the king, but he is not completely blindsighted. He makes good decisions, but the odds are stacked against him. Still, the story has some loss, but not because the MC makes obvious mistakes. A refreshing change in this genre.
Finally a MC that is not dumb. The MC is outfitted by the king, but he is not completely blindsighted. He makes good decisions, but the odds are stacked against him. Still, the story has some loss, but not because the MC makes obvious mistakes. A refreshing change in this genre.
August 3, 2023
🎧📚
Narrated by Gary Furlong
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a fantasy FFMF that reminds me of The Hunger Games. Sort of.
Hunger Games is dystopian and political. This is built on the same founding but very differently executed.
Normally, I don't mind any spice, but don't include it if it's not a natural fit in the scene/story.
I won't continue this series.
Narrated by Gary Furlong
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a fantasy FFMF that reminds me of The Hunger Games. Sort of.
Hunger Games is dystopian and political. This is built on the same founding but very differently executed.
Normally, I don't mind any spice, but don't include it if it's not a natural fit in the scene/story.
I won't continue this series.
September 28, 2018
Great book
Man can this author paint a visual picture. I mean when the battles are joined you can almost smell the blood it is so detailed. Great book one in this series. Can’t wait for book 2
Man can this author paint a visual picture. I mean when the battles are joined you can almost smell the blood it is so detailed. Great book one in this series. Can’t wait for book 2
November 2, 2018
Conquer
I was pleasantly surprised by this book the Author Aron Stone shows us he has talent and did a great job with the story. The MC is well written and informed the whole idea of a noble hero with a harmble back ground. 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book the Author Aron Stone shows us he has talent and did a great job with the story. The MC is well written and informed the whole idea of a noble hero with a harmble back ground. 5 stars
January 9, 2019
Many of the other reviews are accurate, predictable, similar theme to other stories, etc. But still entertaining and I enjoyed it, listening to it may be easier and I didn't really have any problem with the actors voice. He's no Nick Podehl by any means but I have heard far worse.
October 10, 2019
A good story
I enjoyed the story and found the main character enjoyable. The incident that forces him into the arena game is a bit rushed or forced, I mean it didn’t seem completely logical. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I enjoyed the story and found the main character enjoyable. The incident that forces him into the arena game is a bit rushed or forced, I mean it didn’t seem completely logical. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
December 10, 2020
Overall a decent story, with a fairly unique concept. The consist and repeated references to the MCs views on honor & duty, respect and valor do get a bit old. Half of references would still have conveyed the same message, and bogged the story down less.
Minor gripes aside it was a decent read.
Minor gripes aside it was a decent read.
June 6, 2022
Wow! What a fantastic book. I was hooked and couldn't stop reading. This book kept me on my toes the whole way through. Can't help but fall in love with Aron Stone and his harem of women, to his friends from all nine races.
February 11, 2024
14 Just how many similes and metaphors can a story support? Also, how many ‘ages’ can be mished mashed together eg Roman, Medieval etc. The story is hackneyed and the prose and dialogue was awful. It felt to me as if the story was written primarily for teenaged boys. I am not a teenaged boy.
October 3, 2018
Fun
This book was a lot longer than I expected. Not saying that is a bad thing. Seems like it could be a long series as well. Looking forward to the next one
This book was a lot longer than I expected. Not saying that is a bad thing. Seems like it could be a long series as well. Looking forward to the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews