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Wolfman Warlock #1
Bibliomancer: A Completionist Chronicles Series
The vaunted power of the Mage’s College. Unbounded freedom among the Wolfmen. The best of both worlds.
Recent college grad Sam King was hoping for a backpacking trip across Europe as a graduation present. Instead he’s going to get a different kind of trip: a three-month stint in the ultimate immersive gaming experience. As a lifelong geek, gamer, and outsider, it’s a better gift then he’d ever dreamed.
But when he jumps feetfirst into the world of Eternium, run by CAL, the Certified Altruistic Lexicon, it’s not exactly what he expected. All he wants is to quest, game, grind some levels, and get his hands on awesome loot. You know, have fun! But the Mage’s College seems to have a very different definition of fun, one involving study, blisteringly strict regulations, aristocratic hierarchy, and tons of pay to play.
Sam crosses the College and finds himself running for his life with a back-talking book that is far more than it seems and a class that no one has even heard of. If he can navigate the deadly College politics and the looming war with the barbaric Wolfmen, he might just find the fun and adventure he was looking for.
Recent college grad Sam King was hoping for a backpacking trip across Europe as a graduation present. Instead he’s going to get a different kind of trip: a three-month stint in the ultimate immersive gaming experience. As a lifelong geek, gamer, and outsider, it’s a better gift then he’d ever dreamed.
But when he jumps feetfirst into the world of Eternium, run by CAL, the Certified Altruistic Lexicon, it’s not exactly what he expected. All he wants is to quest, game, grind some levels, and get his hands on awesome loot. You know, have fun! But the Mage’s College seems to have a very different definition of fun, one involving study, blisteringly strict regulations, aristocratic hierarchy, and tons of pay to play.
Sam crosses the College and finds himself running for his life with a back-talking book that is far more than it seems and a class that no one has even heard of. If he can navigate the deadly College politics and the looming war with the barbaric Wolfmen, he might just find the fun and adventure he was looking for.
390 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2019
679 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,110 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 2, 2021
I consider this a side-novel in the series, co-authored with Dakota Trout and in Trout's universe.
Who knows, there might be quite a few more in the future and I am sure I'll enjoy them all. Why? Because while it's formula, it's a very fun formula. LitRPG is sometimes freaking fantastic but even the meh ones are like coming home.
That is, if you're an RPGer, you generally LIVE here anyway, so, you know, YOU KNOW.
And I know. And this is all about hitting those skills and falling into trouble and discovering a super-special mage-class and seeing what kind of trouble you can get into.
In this case, it's becoming an enemy of mankind and doing it with a smile. Gotta love those talking books, too. It's like I'm playing Neir. :)
Who knows, there might be quite a few more in the future and I am sure I'll enjoy them all. Why? Because while it's formula, it's a very fun formula. LitRPG is sometimes freaking fantastic but even the meh ones are like coming home.
That is, if you're an RPGer, you generally LIVE here anyway, so, you know, YOU KNOW.
And I know. And this is all about hitting those skills and falling into trouble and discovering a super-special mage-class and seeing what kind of trouble you can get into.
In this case, it's becoming an enemy of mankind and doing it with a smile. Gotta love those talking books, too. It's like I'm playing Neir. :)
September 17, 2019
Goodness galore
What else could be as great as seeing another Completionist book? A new series in the same world that advances the world building and has some awesome interactions with the main series.
The characters and classes are super interesting and I look forward to (please make the happen) when the two protagonists meet up in the future.
What else could be as great as seeing another Completionist book? A new series in the same world that advances the world building and has some awesome interactions with the main series.
The characters and classes are super interesting and I look forward to (please make the happen) when the two protagonists meet up in the future.
March 21, 2020
Did not enjoy. Kinda wish I'd quit.
Not badly written but his book was annoying. I think this was meant to be a comedy?
This is a full VR immersion game lit book, and the game itself is a scam. It's super expensive, pay to play, pay to win, in game purchases that cost hundreds and thousands of real world dollars, and not that much fun to play.
The MC Sam should have logged out, quit, and demanded his rich parents money back on day one. I should have quit reading it right then too, but like the MC, I wanted to see if it got any better.
It did get a little better, but it never stopped be annoying. I kept checking to see how much longer I had to go, and looking forward to the end.
---
Why did this book bother me? There is a kind of children's book humor, or is it YA? where everything is lousy. The people are mean, the food is bad, and the MC is a long suffering underdog with a target on his back. Kind of a no good very bad day. This book reminded me of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events in a game world. If that kind of "kick them when they're down" humor sets you to giggling than this might be your cup of tea. I find it a little mean spirited and take no delight in the suffering and misfortune of others. but that's me. You might love this. As I said, it's not badly written, it's the content and spirit of the book I couldn't stand.
Not badly written but his book was annoying. I think this was meant to be a comedy?
This is a full VR immersion game lit book, and the game itself is a scam. It's super expensive, pay to play, pay to win, in game purchases that cost hundreds and thousands of real world dollars, and not that much fun to play.
The MC Sam should have logged out, quit, and demanded his rich parents money back on day one. I should have quit reading it right then too, but like the MC, I wanted to see if it got any better.
It did get a little better, but it never stopped be annoying. I kept checking to see how much longer I had to go, and looking forward to the end.
---
Why did this book bother me? There is a kind of children's book humor, or is it YA? where everything is lousy. The people are mean, the food is bad, and the MC is a long suffering underdog with a target on his back. Kind of a no good very bad day. This book reminded me of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events in a game world. If that kind of "kick them when they're down" humor sets you to giggling than this might be your cup of tea. I find it a little mean spirited and take no delight in the suffering and misfortune of others. but that's me. You might love this. As I said, it's not badly written, it's the content and spirit of the book I couldn't stand.
November 3, 2019
I couldn't finished it 47%, I can't waste my time anymore. I don't get all the great reviews this book get. I understand when reading fantasy novel such as this, certain suspension of disbelief is required - but this book can't even let me do that.
Spoiler alert.
The book is about immersive game in-lieu of vacation in Europe. However, the story line is such that the protagonist jumps through all sorts of hoops (spending money, punishments and other menial chores, e.g. working in raw sewage etc.) and put up with it. It all being explained away as he is geeky, easily bullied, and he really likes playing mage class. It is a game! A game, an MMO where he is an experienced player. What sort of an experienced MMO player put up with crap described in the storyline - even if he is easily bullied (which is another cliches). Anyone who played MMO understand grinding, understood abusive behaviors from other players, but abusive NPCs and the players are subservient to such NPCs - would you still continue and play?
I am extremely disappointed, particularly this is work from two authors whose previous works I enjoyed very much.
Spoiler alert.
The book is about immersive game in-lieu of vacation in Europe. However, the story line is such that the protagonist jumps through all sorts of hoops (spending money, punishments and other menial chores, e.g. working in raw sewage etc.) and put up with it. It all being explained away as he is geeky, easily bullied, and he really likes playing mage class. It is a game! A game, an MMO where he is an experienced player. What sort of an experienced MMO player put up with crap described in the storyline - even if he is easily bullied (which is another cliches). Anyone who played MMO understand grinding, understood abusive behaviors from other players, but abusive NPCs and the players are subservient to such NPCs - would you still continue and play?
I am extremely disappointed, particularly this is work from two authors whose previous works I enjoyed very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2019
Really really slow start, but absolutely excellent ending.
I'm going to complain a bit first. The first 40% of this book is dull and feels like it was written by a different author.
The first two chapters are backstory for our MC. Normally this would be for developing the character and creating sympathy in the reader. This book fails entirely at having a sympathetic character. Spoiled rich kid who is ostracized by his rich peers? Boo fucking hoo.
Even after chapter 3 when we finally get into the game world it's a slow, mostly dull, build up. If I had to edit I would recommend chopping everything but a few choice bits until Sam meets the adventuring group he teams up with.
That said, the rest of this LitRPG story is an action packed romp. Love the tie in with related series, good humor, decent development, etc.
Is that enough to merit 4 stars still? For me, on this day, yes.
I'm going to complain a bit first. The first 40% of this book is dull and feels like it was written by a different author.
The first two chapters are backstory for our MC. Normally this would be for developing the character and creating sympathy in the reader. This book fails entirely at having a sympathetic character. Spoiled rich kid who is ostracized by his rich peers? Boo fucking hoo.
Even after chapter 3 when we finally get into the game world it's a slow, mostly dull, build up. If I had to edit I would recommend chopping everything but a few choice bits until Sam meets the adventuring group he teams up with.
That said, the rest of this LitRPG story is an action packed romp. Love the tie in with related series, good humor, decent development, etc.
Is that enough to merit 4 stars still? For me, on this day, yes.
February 7, 2023
Nope.
I tried. But this is just not working.
I feel like I'm reading a book meant for a teenager, the author(s) are trying so hard to be witty.
In chapter 9, and I've yet to let go of my disbelief. I don't think it's ever going to happen. And I don't do forced reading.
Game over.
I tried. But this is just not working.
I feel like I'm reading a book meant for a teenager, the author(s) are trying so hard to be witty.
In chapter 9, and I've yet to let go of my disbelief. I don't think it's ever going to happen. And I don't do forced reading.
Game over.
September 24, 2019
Good book but it would have been a great book if they had shortened the bibliomancers spell development sections. I must have skimmed 20% of this book because of it.
December 31, 2020
My review is based on the 2nd half of the book. Bibliomancer is the 1st book of the Wolfman warlock series and is set in the same universe as the completionist chronicles. Main character Sam is much like Joe, maybe a bit too much for my taste. Why start a second series about a magic wielding character when there are so many other classes in eternia? Also, the first half of the book is quite useless. It is a new introduction to eternia (we already have that, thank you) as well as too much of Sam's background before game launch. The book gets interesting by the time Sam receives Bill, his backtalking book and the 2nd half as mentioned is really enjoyable. For me there is a discrepancy between the arse Sam we meet in the completionist chronicles and the good Sam that is portrayed in bibliomancer, I am curious how this will work out in the end. I don't think you miss anything substantially if you do not read this book, but if you are a completionist, it is not had either. Still, I enjoyed Jaxons side quest way more.
July 1, 2022
Updated Review 7/1/22: I don't hate it as much as before. I think I was spoiled with how wonderful the main storyline is and what a great character Joe is. That being said, I actually enjoyed reading this book again now that I'm even further in the series (with Invent coming to audible next month!). I appreciate Sam more as a character and understand better why he's such a piece of crap.
Original Review (1 star): Sam is just such an awful main character. After having Joe for so long, Sam is just such a joke. There is nothing about Sam that made me care one single bit about his fate in this story. His team members weren't interesting or well developed either. The best character wasn't even human (Bill). Im also not sure why the author needed to focus another entire book on the Mage Guild when we already know what happens to them. Same with the Wolfmen War. I would think plenty of ideas could come from this land, and it feels old and cheap to try and recycle and respin stuff touched on in the first 2 of the series.. This book was such a let down compared to the others in the Completionist Chronicles, :(
Original Review (1 star): Sam is just such an awful main character. After having Joe for so long, Sam is just such a joke. There is nothing about Sam that made me care one single bit about his fate in this story. His team members weren't interesting or well developed either. The best character wasn't even human (Bill). Im also not sure why the author needed to focus another entire book on the Mage Guild when we already know what happens to them. Same with the Wolfmen War. I would think plenty of ideas could come from this land, and it feels old and cheap to try and recycle and respin stuff touched on in the first 2 of the series.. This book was such a let down compared to the others in the Completionist Chronicles, :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
Rating 3.0 stars
It is amazing how one book can have almost all the same elements of another book, written by the same author but one is vastly superior than another. The plot of this book is very similar to the subplot of the ritualist book (not sure if subplot is the right word versus secondary storyline). It worked for the ritualist books series but didn't really work for this one. Overall this one really didn't work for me. I would recommend the ritualist series over this.
It is amazing how one book can have almost all the same elements of another book, written by the same author but one is vastly superior than another. The plot of this book is very similar to the subplot of the ritualist book (not sure if subplot is the right word versus secondary storyline). It worked for the ritualist books series but didn't really work for this one. Overall this one really didn't work for me. I would recommend the ritualist series over this.
October 4, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: I found two, no none where from the broken wolf speech. I also felt that the puns just didn’t fit with this story.
Plot: playing a new game. Filled with repetition and arrogant mages the MC decided to become a traitor to the human race.
Characters: They are okay and likable enough, some of their choices are not even though the reason the MC makes he choices are reasonable, the choice of the side characters are based on greed.
Mistakes: I found two, no none where from the broken wolf speech. I also felt that the puns just didn’t fit with this story.
Plot: playing a new game. Filled with repetition and arrogant mages the MC decided to become a traitor to the human race.
Characters: They are okay and likable enough, some of their choices are not even though the reason the MC makes he choices are reasonable, the choice of the side characters are based on greed.
October 8, 2019
I liked this much better than one of the other "sidequest" books in this world; that one put me off so much that I dragged my feet about reading this one. If you like the series this is a worthwhile bit of colour for the main storyline.
October 8, 2024
Bibliomancer by James A. Hunter and Dakota Krout is a fun LitRPG that easily kept me entertained.
I liked the tone and voice, especially the banter between MC and his book. I was a bit disappointed how late into the story we actually got to the book part, and I must say I enjoyed it a lot more from there on.
Personally I prefer no stat pages, but just generally leveling up and learning new skills and spells, but at least it wasn't overly much here, just a few times throughout the book.
I didn't love the characters as much as with some other litRPGs I've read, but overall it was really entertaining and a quick read.
I liked the tone and voice, especially the banter between MC and his book. I was a bit disappointed how late into the story we actually got to the book part, and I must say I enjoyed it a lot more from there on.
Personally I prefer no stat pages, but just generally leveling up and learning new skills and spells, but at least it wasn't overly much here, just a few times throughout the book.
I didn't love the characters as much as with some other litRPGs I've read, but overall it was really entertaining and a quick read.
August 24, 2020
Rating: 4.4/5
Review: I am glad that I picked this up after my withdrawal pangs from the Completionist Chronicles. Much like the Dakota Krout series, this flows into the same world of Eternium yet with a different hero.
Sam is fun to follow through out the novel and the various characters remain interesting in their brief appearances. The snark is what you would expect from Hunter and Krout and brings levity when needed.
A fun read that demands more.
Review: I am glad that I picked this up after my withdrawal pangs from the Completionist Chronicles. Much like the Dakota Krout series, this flows into the same world of Eternium yet with a different hero.
Sam is fun to follow through out the novel and the various characters remain interesting in their brief appearances. The snark is what you would expect from Hunter and Krout and brings levity when needed.
A fun read that demands more.
July 19, 2022
Witty, funny, and an action-packed adventure! My entire family enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this story. An exciting gaming world, well-written characters, and many laugh-out-loud moments kept everyone 12+ on our long car ride thoroughly engaged.
January 18, 2022
a fast and fun read.
Read
December 16, 2019oh my! this was so good. I love a good gamer story and this was really good! Honestly this reads like I'm telly the story of how one of my gaming sessions went. I don't want to say more for fear of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
Not sure how I feel about Krout opening up his worlds to other authors. Not that
Hunter does a good job, and it's interesting to see how he weaves his character through the story. I will especially look forward to future books. We saw in the main story line that players had been choosing the wolfman side, and I always wondered what happened with them when it became less of a game. It looks like Bibliomancer is going to allows us to see how that side plays out.
Hunter does a good job, and it's interesting to see how he weaves his character through the story. I will especially look forward to future books. We saw in the main story line that players had been choosing the wolfman side, and I always wondered what happened with them when it became less of a game. It looks like Bibliomancer is going to allows us to see how that side plays out.
March 7, 2020
After two and a half hours I turned off the audiobook.
The MC seemed as dumb as an inflatable dart board. Not someone I would want to spend an elevator ride with, much less the remaining ten hours of the audiobook.
The MC seemed as dumb as an inflatable dart board. Not someone I would want to spend an elevator ride with, much less the remaining ten hours of the audiobook.
March 8, 2020
Sweet read
Sad I slept on this but happy I waited for the audio book. It's a sweet read and hilariously funny
Sad I slept on this but happy I waited for the audio book. It's a sweet read and hilariously funny
November 3, 2019
Good Read.
The book fits within the first book (or before) of the normal series. The focus is with the magic university with the new guy and the changes the happened. Enjoyed the book with a different view of the world.
The book fits within the first book (or before) of the normal series. The focus is with the magic university with the new guy and the changes the happened. Enjoyed the book with a different view of the world.
October 16, 2019
Okay, but a bit disappointed with the storyline. I will continue reading this series, but I want more Joe and his team, please.
October 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this, it was such a fun read with a few surprises along the way. Love the characters and may possibly start to like the world.
May 9, 2020
Pay to win game world with a annoying pampered kid just out of college. What is not to dislike about him.
May 9, 2020
It seems a number of people have held inconsistencies between this book and the ritualist series, or chosen to compare them, or otherwise justified their negative opinions about this book using the completionist chronicles in some way.
I don't do that. When I read bibliomancer, I did-so fresh, having not read the other series. Needless to say, complaints about how similar the testing is, or that likely everybody in the game starts off deficient in some category or other, those complaints fall on deaf ears.
That being said, it's still a good-not-great book. the entire thing takes place over the course of 72hrs (starting from Sam meeting Fiona at the pub and not counting a fairly sizable training montage) and just soooooo much of the book is devoted to exploring the setting and system, especially given that the majority of the progress that Sam makes is wiped away 5hrs in. Still the book is well written and generally interesting. I think that the series has potential (and Sam's cameos in the actual completionist chronicles makes me despair in that regard) once the series gets going.
Edit/spoiler for ruthless: Given the author's decision to fold WW into TCC, I have revisited my initial inclination to treat the two series as completely separate. As a result, I am forced to admit that I wish that there were more differences between Sam and Joe. Sam has a rediculously high Mana efficiency, while Joe has a gigantic Mana pool. The net result is the same. Sam prepares spell scrolls, while Joe prepares rituals. Joe is arbitrarily rich, Sam is arbitrarily rich. Joe is "extended family" of the king, Sam is basically the wolf king's personal mage assassin. Both characters are "unique" spellcasters who can learn spells from any class.
I don't do that. When I read bibliomancer, I did-so fresh, having not read the other series. Needless to say, complaints about how similar the testing is, or that likely everybody in the game starts off deficient in some category or other, those complaints fall on deaf ears.
That being said, it's still a good-not-great book. the entire thing takes place over the course of 72hrs (starting from Sam meeting Fiona at the pub and not counting a fairly sizable training montage) and just soooooo much of the book is devoted to exploring the setting and system, especially given that the majority of the progress that Sam makes is wiped away 5hrs in. Still the book is well written and generally interesting. I think that the series has potential (and Sam's cameos in the actual completionist chronicles makes me despair in that regard) once the series gets going.
Edit/spoiler for ruthless: Given the author's decision to fold WW into TCC, I have revisited my initial inclination to treat the two series as completely separate. As a result, I am forced to admit that I wish that there were more differences between Sam and Joe. Sam has a rediculously high Mana efficiency, while Joe has a gigantic Mana pool. The net result is the same. Sam prepares spell scrolls, while Joe prepares rituals. Joe is arbitrarily rich, Sam is arbitrarily rich. Joe is "extended family" of the king, Sam is basically the wolf king's personal mage assassin. Both characters are "unique" spellcasters who can learn spells from any class.
May 22, 2020
I'm struggling to review this book fairly
Over all it's a decent book but the bibliomancer class in general just...doesn't do it for me. Also, a personal pet-peave is grammar and this book had a lot of grammar mistakes that kept breaking immersion because they were bad enough that I had trouble understanding the sentence the author was intending.
Having said all that, it was still a good book and played in the authors universe pretty well with his other series. The references to the other series were a little heavy handed but still fun and made you smile if you enjoyed the other series.
All in all a short but pretty good read and I will likely read the next book in this series. I do however expect better grammar from an author that has written this many books, and waivered between 3 and 4 stars because of that and the shortness of the book. In the end I felt it would be a bit harsh and gave him the 4th star. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that my decision to give 4 stars was heavily influenced by the lack of a cringy pun involving the book title in the final sentence. Something so benign really shouldnt affect a book review but I was literally clenched and waiting for the awful puns the author ends his stories with...but he didnt do it this time! And it left me in surprisingly happy lol. Sometimes it's the little things (and I'm sure some people like the puns so it really shouldn't matter).
Over all it's a decent book but the bibliomancer class in general just...doesn't do it for me. Also, a personal pet-peave is grammar and this book had a lot of grammar mistakes that kept breaking immersion because they were bad enough that I had trouble understanding the sentence the author was intending.
Having said all that, it was still a good book and played in the authors universe pretty well with his other series. The references to the other series were a little heavy handed but still fun and made you smile if you enjoyed the other series.
All in all a short but pretty good read and I will likely read the next book in this series. I do however expect better grammar from an author that has written this many books, and waivered between 3 and 4 stars because of that and the shortness of the book. In the end I felt it would be a bit harsh and gave him the 4th star. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that my decision to give 4 stars was heavily influenced by the lack of a cringy pun involving the book title in the final sentence. Something so benign really shouldnt affect a book review but I was literally clenched and waiting for the awful puns the author ends his stories with...but he didnt do it this time! And it left me in surprisingly happy lol. Sometimes it's the little things (and I'm sure some people like the puns so it really shouldn't matter).
June 2, 2020
I usually don't review anymore, because Goodreads and Amazon seem to think that authors can't read and other people's books without getting something in return. Let's see how it turns out.
I thought this was a great collaboration between my two favorite gamelit/litrpg authors. Dakota's world keeps opening up more and more and getting James to play in his sandbox is a great treat. I salute them keeping track of all the stats and changes that occur, especially considering the timeline of this book and how it fits into the Completionist Chronicles world. I decided to avoid as much of that as possible in my own gamelit series, because unless you're able to do it like James and Dakota, it's more of an obstacle to a reader than something to enjoy.
I highly recommend both authors, though now I'll have to make double sure I don't accidentally steal any of their ideas when writing my own books.
I thought this was a great collaboration between my two favorite gamelit/litrpg authors. Dakota's world keeps opening up more and more and getting James to play in his sandbox is a great treat. I salute them keeping track of all the stats and changes that occur, especially considering the timeline of this book and how it fits into the Completionist Chronicles world. I decided to avoid as much of that as possible in my own gamelit series, because unless you're able to do it like James and Dakota, it's more of an obstacle to a reader than something to enjoy.
I highly recommend both authors, though now I'll have to make double sure I don't accidentally steal any of their ideas when writing my own books.
June 13, 2020
Sadly, the authors want as many persons to be able to read this book, so it was written in a childish way (high school drama, stupid puns, kiddie memes). The protagonist may have just finished college, but he is still living in a thirteen year old's world.
I'm not sure I will pick up the sequel. This book is too... sanitized.
I finished this book and I'm not sure I will continue. This "pack these very specific rounds for your gun before you even know what you are going to shoot" type magic is not to my liking. I liked the Ritualist because he was constantly breaking stuff, and over powered. I hate these prepare in advance type magic. It doesn't help that this book seems more kiddie than the Ritualist series.
I understand the author has to eat, and thus sell to many customers, and age groups as possible (and sell to the younger groups on amazon you need to follow certain guidelines). That doesn't mean I will praise a dumbed down novel.
2.5/5 Stars
I'm not sure I will pick up the sequel. This book is too... sanitized.
I finished this book and I'm not sure I will continue. This "pack these very specific rounds for your gun before you even know what you are going to shoot" type magic is not to my liking. I liked the Ritualist because he was constantly breaking stuff, and over powered. I hate these prepare in advance type magic. It doesn't help that this book seems more kiddie than the Ritualist series.
I understand the author has to eat, and thus sell to many customers, and age groups as possible (and sell to the younger groups on amazon you need to follow certain guidelines). That doesn't mean I will praise a dumbed down novel.
2.5/5 Stars
December 26, 2019
Not bad. Doesn’t really break much new ground.
Started a bit slow. But it picked up. You get to see Sam struggle against the Mage College and pick up an interesting class built around utilizing magical books and paper.
The classes is interesting, though it feels a bit unsustainable. It is surprisingly similar to the ritualistic in terms of preparation.
What is most interesting is seeing how he falls in with the wolfmen. You almost feel it is a reasonable idea. His interaction with humans will also be interesting. This books ends really early in the known timeline. So it will be interesting to see how Sam will deal with those eventual events. There are hints of a nemesis, but it isn’t clear how they will intertwine.
Characters are fun. Tons of terrible puns as well. Better than I had expected, but it had nothing on the ritualist.
Started a bit slow. But it picked up. You get to see Sam struggle against the Mage College and pick up an interesting class built around utilizing magical books and paper.
The classes is interesting, though it feels a bit unsustainable. It is surprisingly similar to the ritualistic in terms of preparation.
What is most interesting is seeing how he falls in with the wolfmen. You almost feel it is a reasonable idea. His interaction with humans will also be interesting. This books ends really early in the known timeline. So it will be interesting to see how Sam will deal with those eventual events. There are hints of a nemesis, but it isn’t clear how they will intertwine.
Characters are fun. Tons of terrible puns as well. Better than I had expected, but it had nothing on the ritualist.
February 28, 2021
Clean LitRPG which tells another story in the Completionist Chronicles universe. This book had entertainment value and is the start of another series which will be entertaining in the genre. It is a standalone novel and you can jumop in even if you have not read any of the other books.
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
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