What do you think?
Rate this book
The Itemancer: Book 1
Rowan Loran is an apprentice Itemancer, able to alter the properties of objects with a touch, using a special type of energy called XP. His master works him hard, and he is content with his lot. Everything changes when a marauding dragon attacks his sleepy hometown, and he kills it. Suddenly he is sitting on an unbelievable pool of XP. Enough to make him a god.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2018
84 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 16, 2019
This book felt rushed in between fighting. The fights were well written and engaging but the world building was lacking. And his sword, dagger, amulet and map becoming sentient was cool, except for the harem-like actions the three girls portrayed. For example..... buxom women following me like ducklings. Two girls on each side of him and one on top when he sleeps. I could go on, but you get the gist of it.
And why did he even listen to the royal Dragon chick? Hello, he killed 2 dragons already and she demanded he give his XP to revive them. Heck no. Grow a set and run away from her. Or, you know, kill her too.
The growth of the group was too fast to be believable or even fun to read. There was just this low level guy in the beginning and then days later, bam! He is a god. Okay read, but not interested in the sequel.
And why did he even listen to the royal Dragon chick? Hello, he killed 2 dragons already and she demanded he give his XP to revive them. Heck no. Grow a set and run away from her. Or, you know, kill her too.
The growth of the group was too fast to be believable or even fun to read. There was just this low level guy in the beginning and then days later, bam! He is a god. Okay read, but not interested in the sequel.
December 28, 2018
The book itself wasn't bad but to me it suffered from two major flaws. And no, to strong to quickly isn't one of them. Afterall that was part of the blurb from the get go.
The first big problem to me is. The book feels incredible short and extremely action heavy. To the point were at times it seems as if someone wrote a full book, then cut out anything that were the breathers in between, character developement etc and glued together only the action sequences. This felt, weird and off to me.
Secondly, the characters reasoning and actions don't make all that much sense. The book starts with the MC killing one dragon and getting an absurd ammount of Xp, he proceeds to kill a second one shortly after and eventually encounters a third dragon. His approach to the dragons completely changes with the third one, to his own detriment and for absolutely no reason.
Beware minor spoilers. We come to learn that the first dragon came specifically to kill him, because of a prophecy. The second one who's the first ones brother comes to find his brother and finish the job for him. The third one reveals that these dragons are actually the imperial family. The dragons long ago having infiltrated human society and taken over.
Despite this revelation, the MC instantly becomes deferential towards her and scrapes and bows. Even as she threatens him, his companions and everyone else with death and destruction. He decides for no good reason whatsoever to sacrifice millions of XP to bring the two dragons who tried to kill him prior back to life, allows the third dragon to send him to "hell" to aquire these Xp, where we learn the dragons are known as ruthless meddlers who care not for the consequences of their actions.
After he brings back the two dragons he killed, for absolutely no good reason. He's promptly backstabbed and banished by the third dragon. Which everyone could've seen coming from a mile away. The entire time his actions made zero sense and the whole deal could've been easily resolved by simply STABBING HER RIGHT IN THE FACE and increasing his dragon kill count to three.
The first big problem to me is. The book feels incredible short and extremely action heavy. To the point were at times it seems as if someone wrote a full book, then cut out anything that were the breathers in between, character developement etc and glued together only the action sequences. This felt, weird and off to me.
Secondly, the characters reasoning and actions don't make all that much sense. The book starts with the MC killing one dragon and getting an absurd ammount of Xp, he proceeds to kill a second one shortly after and eventually encounters a third dragon. His approach to the dragons completely changes with the third one, to his own detriment and for absolutely no reason.
Beware minor spoilers. We come to learn that the first dragon came specifically to kill him, because of a prophecy. The second one who's the first ones brother comes to find his brother and finish the job for him. The third one reveals that these dragons are actually the imperial family. The dragons long ago having infiltrated human society and taken over.
Despite this revelation, the MC instantly becomes deferential towards her and scrapes and bows. Even as she threatens him, his companions and everyone else with death and destruction. He decides for no good reason whatsoever to sacrifice millions of XP to bring the two dragons who tried to kill him prior back to life, allows the third dragon to send him to "hell" to aquire these Xp, where we learn the dragons are known as ruthless meddlers who care not for the consequences of their actions.
After he brings back the two dragons he killed, for absolutely no good reason. He's promptly backstabbed and banished by the third dragon. Which everyone could've seen coming from a mile away. The entire time his actions made zero sense and the whole deal could've been easily resolved by simply STABBING HER RIGHT IN THE FACE and increasing his dragon kill count to three.
September 26, 2019
Not going to lie, I had an idea and went out looking to see if it had been done. I found The Itemancer by Forrest Minter. It's shorter than what I expected, so I read it in a night.
The story is interesting enough in itself but here's our spoiler alert.
The story leaves out on a cliffhanger, but I had fun enough to read the second book. Overall and even with its grammar errors (which I have no right commenting about), it was a solid 3.5 outta 5.
The story is interesting enough in itself but here's our spoiler alert.
The story leaves out on a cliffhanger, but I had fun enough to read the second book. Overall and even with its grammar errors (which I have no right commenting about), it was a solid 3.5 outta 5.
April 13, 2023
I like the idea but it really lacks in execution. The author rides through the storypoints as there would be prices to be fast.
In my opinion nearly everything but the fights need more space, needs to be refined. Why not give us time to meet the MC, to like him, before he maybe gets a first companion and than the next and so fort.
Also - why is the mc so devote to that dragon girl? He killed two dragons, got even mightier but he does everything she demands?!
And if the MC knows "Fleshmancer" is an ugly title - shouldn't the author too and just invent something different?
As i said - i love the idea of item-mancing - but give it more space, maybe restrict the pace in that the MC discovers new features to give to his items.
End is a real cliffhanger... I may read the next book - in hope that the author gets better over time.
In my opinion nearly everything but the fights need more space, needs to be refined. Why not give us time to meet the MC, to like him, before he maybe gets a first companion and than the next and so fort.
Also - why is the mc so devote to that dragon girl? He killed two dragons, got even mightier but he does everything she demands?!
And if the MC knows "Fleshmancer" is an ugly title - shouldn't the author too and just invent something different?
As i said - i love the idea of item-mancing - but give it more space, maybe restrict the pace in that the MC discovers new features to give to his items.
End is a real cliffhanger... I may read the next book - in hope that the author gets better over time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
Good start
This is the first story that I have read about itemancy. The concept itself was interesting, but the main character was a rather whingeing, juvenile young boy. A dragon comes to his town, Terendale, and Rowan kills him. His master determines that he should go to the capital to sell the body. From the extreme amount of XP, he approaches god-level and creates legendary weapons. On his way to the capital, his adventures take an unexpected turn and he winds up in Hell. Ultimatelly, it was easier to identify with his spirits than with him. Character and world -building and plot could use more depth. The next instalment will determine whether or not I will continue reading.
This is the first story that I have read about itemancy. The concept itself was interesting, but the main character was a rather whingeing, juvenile young boy. A dragon comes to his town, Terendale, and Rowan kills him. His master determines that he should go to the capital to sell the body. From the extreme amount of XP, he approaches god-level and creates legendary weapons. On his way to the capital, his adventures take an unexpected turn and he winds up in Hell. Ultimatelly, it was easier to identify with his spirits than with him. Character and world -building and plot could use more depth. The next instalment will determine whether or not I will continue reading.
December 30, 2018
Not a bad book.
The book is fairly simple but the idea is a bit novel on the magic system. It was entertaining but not difficult to understand. The author spent time with the world building in this book. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 I rounded up.Overall it was a interesting read.
The book is fairly simple but the idea is a bit novel on the magic system. It was entertaining but not difficult to understand. The author spent time with the world building in this book. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 I rounded up.Overall it was a interesting read.
February 21, 2019
Fun Read
Good read. Frustrated that the author felt a “need” to add any foul language into the book. Not necessary and detracted from reading it. I do not need “shock” words to enable a good story to take me along. They take me away from immersion into the characters and story line.
Good read despite the distractions.
Good read. Frustrated that the author felt a “need” to add any foul language into the book. Not necessary and detracted from reading it. I do not need “shock” words to enable a good story to take me along. They take me away from immersion into the characters and story line.
Good read despite the distractions.
December 17, 2018
Interesting premise horrible execution
It reads like the fever dream of a 13 year old boy with the frantic pacing and nonsensical plot leading to a fast but unsatisfactory conclusion.
It reads like the fever dream of a 13 year old boy with the frantic pacing and nonsensical plot leading to a fast but unsatisfactory conclusion.
December 28, 2018
Good Read.
A LitRPG Harem story. A interesting story of a apprentice able to apply aspects to items. Gained a lot of XP to become some what over powered. Did not like how they wrapped up the end of the book. Maybe to lead to the next book.
A LitRPG Harem story. A interesting story of a apprentice able to apply aspects to items. Gained a lot of XP to become some what over powered. Did not like how they wrapped up the end of the book. Maybe to lead to the next book.
January 29, 2019
Uninspired
MC is OP... That's the whole story. I mean, I like junk food reading as much as the next guy, and this book at least isnt filled with errors and cringe, but it's... A bit boring.
MC is OP... That's the whole story. I mean, I like junk food reading as much as the next guy, and this book at least isnt filled with errors and cringe, but it's... A bit boring.
December 10, 2018
Too powerfull too fast
Fanfiction. Story has no buildup, and is too simplistic. Needs to work on plot, but the writing style has potential.
Fanfiction. Story has no buildup, and is too simplistic. Needs to work on plot, but the writing style has potential.
December 23, 2018
More please
Love the story.
Hated that it ended.
If another book is written that will be awesome.
Cannot wait to read more.
Love the story.
Hated that it ended.
If another book is written that will be awesome.
Cannot wait to read more.
January 4, 2019
I like it.
It is a original story that is pretty good. I like the character development and the world building. I look forward to the next one.
It is a original story that is pretty good. I like the character development and the world building. I look forward to the next one.
January 20, 2019
Interesting concept
The story isn't bad just scattered, to short, and very op. The main character is basically a walking plot device with sidekicks of doom.
The story isn't bad just scattered, to short, and very op. The main character is basically a walking plot device with sidekicks of doom.
January 29, 2019
Fantastic!!
I luck out and found another entertaining story from start to end it's a harden book PG rated the story is exciting and enjoyable until it ends
I luck out and found another entertaining story from start to end it's a harden book PG rated the story is exciting and enjoyable until it ends
February 25, 2019
Not bad
Good book. Too short for the price though. Otherwise enjoyable. Hopefully subsequent books will be novels instead of mere novellas.
Good book. Too short for the price though. Otherwise enjoyable. Hopefully subsequent books will be novels instead of mere novellas.
April 24, 2019
Upgrades
Fun quick read. Like the story and magic system. The MC is a bit simple but the author keeps it entertaining.
Fun quick read. Like the story and magic system. The MC is a bit simple but the author keeps it entertaining.
April 27, 2019
Fantastic
I genuinely enjoy the story, and I really didn't expect much from it. It's very creative, the main character is an overpowered but all of his friends are just interesting.
I genuinely enjoy the story, and I really didn't expect much from it. It's very creative, the main character is an overpowered but all of his friends are just interesting.
April 29, 2019
Fun
A very unique book that has the litrpg feel without sheets of constant numbers. The characters are fresh as well with a very enjoyable story to wrap it all up.
A very unique book that has the litrpg feel without sheets of constant numbers. The characters are fresh as well with a very enjoyable story to wrap it all up.
May 19, 2020
Good read
Fun read. I like the ideas and characters created. I’m glad the author decided to write. I hope to read more!
Fun read. I like the ideas and characters created. I’m glad the author decided to write. I hope to read more!
May 16, 2023
Short but Good!
Sort of LitRPG with a gear focused twist. The book is a very quick read, only taking maybe 3 hours.
Recommended!
Sort of LitRPG with a gear focused twist. The book is a very quick read, only taking maybe 3 hours.
Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews