Valor

Legend of the Arch Magus #3

by Michael Sisa

*Error in the previous upload has been fixed.

VOLUME 3 OF LEGEND OF THE ARCH MAGUS

An Arch Magus dies, only to find himself in the body of a young man in a medieval Kingdom. He finds out that he is the second son of a Duke, exiled to a desolated town by his own family. Shackled by the notorious reputation of his new shell, he tries his best to develop his domain, implementing new policies and innovations, leading his subjects to prosperity. In this world where magic is undeveloped, he shall once again pave a new path.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult, Audiobook, Action, Time Travel

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2019

Reviews

[Steve Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.0 stars

I am really enjoying this series. I love how Lark is such a young character and everyone underestimates him and yet he has more knowledge than anyone else in this time period. I wish there was more of him in this story. The story was told from a lot of other points of view. It might of been only half from Lark's point of view. The other half was from many other characters who weren't as interesting. Lark is sent to the capital for the King's birthday since he is one of the candidates for the throne. While the last book dealt with the beast invasion. This book dealt with the conflict with the empire and the Kingdom isn't doing well. I enjoy the day to day of Lark doing magic and making his town better and preparing from what is ahead. I didn't care much about the war since Lark wasn't really apart of that. I am hoping he is more involved in the next book.

[Teck Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like always, I rate this 5 beast invasions! Amazing world-building and development. Love it love it!

[Louis Glick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the story, hate the writing.

This book would be great if he were to take it to a competent editor / proof reader, and stop letting autocorrect molest it every other paragraph.

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn short, but so damn good

I was thinking that I needed another installment of this series and luckily I noticed another had released. These books are so damn short, but I love them nonetheless. I never realized just how short these chapters really are; signing up to his patreon ended up being a new kind of torture, as one of his followers commented "Reading these chapters one by one as they come out is like telling a drug addict to ration their cocaine for a year".. I restlessly await more books

[Mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super but short, this is one of my favourites, looking forward to the next book!!!

[Melissa Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! My only complaint was that it was too short. I love this series. Highly recommended.

[Hjörtur Þorgeirsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent sequel

I've been following the author since he was on royal road and loved it since. This one has a lot of build up but kind of lacks the same action the others had. Some of the non-MC characters fall a bit flat and don't feel as alive as in previous books in the series. The book seems to be building up to an all out war which is exciting though. I'll be buying the next one, which can't come soon enough for my tastes.

[Mimy Sanachit · Rating 5 out of 5]

So short

Cant wait for next book. He’s going to fight!! Glad that the MC is likeable and not a fan of harems.

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valor (Legend of the Arch Magus, #3) by Michael Sisa is a gripping continuation of the epic fantasy series that further solidifies its place in the genre. This third installment builds on the momentum of the previous books, offering a blend of intense action, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The story follows Havellion, the reincarnated Arch Magus, as he continues to navigate the complex and dangerous world of magic and power. Sisa’s narrative is both engaging and intricate, with a well-paced plot that balances thrilling battles with moments of introspection and strategy. Compared to its contemporaries, such as Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle, Valor stands out for its unique premise and the protagonist’s ongoing struggle to reclaim his former status and influence.

"Sisa’s masterful storytelling and rich world-building make Valor a standout entry in the Legend of the Arch Magus series, offering a fresh and compelling take on epic fantasy."

One of the key strengths of Valor is its character development. Havellion’s journey continues to be a central focus, with his growth as both a mage and a leader taking center stage. His internal conflicts, especially those related to his past life and current challenges, add depth to his character and make him more relatable. This nuanced portrayal is comparable to the character arcs seen in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy and Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law series, where protagonists undergo significant personal growth amidst complex political landscapes.

The supporting characters in Valor are also well-developed, each contributing to the overall narrative in meaningful ways. Allies and adversaries alike are given motivations and backstories that make them more than mere plot devices. This attention to detail enriches the world-building and adds emotional weight to the story’s conflicts and resolutions. In comparison to other series, such as George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, Sisa’s characters are equally compelling and multifaceted, contributing to the story’s overall appeal.

Sisa’s world-building continues to be a highlight of the series. The vivid descriptions of the magical landscapes, the intricacies of the political dynamics, and the detailed exploration of the magic system are all meticulously crafted. This immersive world is on par with the detailed settings found in Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive and the expansive universe of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time. However, Sisa’s focus on the protagonist’s personal journey and the impact of his reincarnation gives the narrative a unique edge.

  

  The climax of Valor is intense and satisfying, providing a thrilling resolution to the main conflicts while setting the stage for future developments in the series. The resolution of key plot threads offers a sense of closure while also leaving room for further exploration of the magical world and its inhabitants.
  

While Valor excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Some sections of the book can feel overly dense with political intrigue and magical theory, which may be overwhelming for readers who prefer a faster-paced narrative. Additionally, the pacing can occasionally lag due to the extensive world-building and character development, though this is a minor issue considering the overall quality of the narrative.

In comparison to its contemporaries, Valor holds its ground as a standout entry in the epic fantasy genre. It combines the immersive world-building and intricate political dynamics of series like A Song of Ice and Fire with the character depth and personal growth found in The Kingkiller Chronicle. Sisa’s ability to balance magic, politics, and character development makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valor, the 3rd book in Michael Sisa’s "Legend of the Arch Magus" series, published in 2020 and narrated by Tom Taylorson, continues the saga of the reincarnated Arch Magus, Havellion, with a tighter focus on action, magical warfare, and leadership. This audiobook builds on the kingdom-building foundation of its predecessors, "The Expansion" and "The Upheaval," while introducing higher stakes and external threats. Though it retains the series’ escapist progression fantasy appeal, Valor struggles a little with character depth and pacing, making it a solid but not perfect addition to the series.

In Valor, Havellion’s burgeoning domain faces escalating challenges as his reforms attract the attention of powerful adversaries. Sisa shines in depicting Havellion’s strategic genius, blending magical innovation with military tactics to defend and expand his territory. The audiobook’s highlight is its vivid portrayal of large-scale magical battles, where Havellion’s arcane mastery takes center stage. These sequences are thrilling, showcasing Sisa’s ability to craft dynamic action that feels both tactical and fantastical. The continued emphasis on kingdom-building - through infrastructure, magical academies, and economic growth - remains a satisfying draw for anyone who enjoys watching a desolate region transform into a powerhouse.

Sisa’s prose is lean and accessible, prioritizing plot momentum over intricate world-building or emotional nuance. This keeps the story engaging but limits its depth. Havellion, while compelling as a brilliant mage and leader, remains overly competent, with few personal flaws or vulnerabilities. Supporting characters, though slightly more developed than in earlier books, often serve as plot devices - loyal allies or one-dimensional foes - lacking the complexity to elevate the narrative.

Tom Taylorson’s narration is, once again, a standout. His commanding voice perfectly captures Havellion’s authoritative presence, while his versatility breathes life into the diverse cast, from grizzled soldiers to cunning rivals. Taylorson’s pacing enhances the intensity of battle scenes and adds gravitas to Havellion’s strategic monologues. His work ensures Valor remains a compelling listen, even during slower moments.

Valor remains firmly in the realm of light, escapist fantasy rather than a profound epic, and offers an action-packed, magic-heavy adventure with stellar narration.

[Michael Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good plot bad English

I am loving the plot but the writing is terrible. The bad grammar has now been in three books. I thought it was maybe the early work and it would get better. If anything it is getting worse. This author needs to get an editor or just proof read his own bloody work! Sentence after sentence holds random words or ones in the wrong tense. I can’t see a first draft being wholly this bad.

On the other hand I do want to know the end of the story, it’s just so frustrating.

[Roberto Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series started fine but quickly lost steam. The books don't tell a story, just chapters in a web novel. There is a disconnect between each book and no attempt at character progression. The short length of each one reinforces this.

[Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's lovely how much this book sucks.

If I read the word "Since" one more time, I'm going to shoot somebody. The grammar is awful, the pacing is awful, the abrupt jumps are unfathomable. And the language used to describe things, let's just say it's very repetitive three books in.

Nevertheless, it is fun to read drivel this bad. There's a certain sense of masochism to try to figure out what exactly did the author mean when he wrote this crap.

Also the numbers. THREE BOOKS IN AND NOT A SINGLE FUCKING NUMBER IS CONSISTENT.

[Jerome · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sub-par take on the reincarnation sub-genre. It's very clear that the series was never seen by a real editor. The prose are dull and the dialogue is lacking. It's very clear that the author absorbed a lot of shōnen anime/manga/light novels and created a writing style that is essentially "Japanese media localized by amateurs" which ends up with a bunch of cartoonish characters with no substance and a consistently cringy reading experience.

[Maarten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay plot and story line, sadly the grammar and spelling mistakes never allowed me to fully immerse myself in the book.
Desperately needs an decent editor.

[LWM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing direction & plot twist regarding the war; Lark has to make a choice.

I cannot stop reading this series -- I've now gone through the first three books in less than twenty-four hours, and an enjoying myself. The already established characters are still evolving, while Lark continues to extend his genuine goodwill and assistance to all new additions to Blackstone's population, with the same conditions and.firm expectations in return for his providing safe harbor, the opportunity to survive and thrive, possibly find employment and real the benefits of joining Lark's community. I'm also enjoying the world building and innovative ideas Lark continues to incorporate as he maintains his focus and efforts on successfully pushing his little town to be self sufficient & prosperous, while maximizing their every one of their resources to ensure Blackstone grows exponentially in trade and capital. The saga is like a mini-series of a disgraced young noble thrown out of his family who is charged with the welfare & survival (or destruction) of a dying small town, and the twists that are thrown in as he surprises everyone in the kingdom who knew of his previous reputation.

Lark not only ensures his town & people's survival, he exceeds and defies all odds against them thriving, much less recovering from the tragedies suffered. He has a secret advantage that helped him achieve the highest levels of success in the growth & struggles against nature, enemies, and dangers.

This book pulls him into kingdom politics, and he's inadvertently, yet not surprisingly, blamed for suggestions he made, along with very pointed warnings of possible risks, which the seriously deviant political schemes among the high ranking nobles conveniently forget about. I especially like that "valor" in this title infers that Lark does, in fact, demonstrate a strong moral sense of ethics, and possesses an exceedingly mature, honorable courage. Four point five stars - the focus wasn't concentrated on Lark as much as other significant characters that affect the story and plot twists. Good storytelling...

[Jordan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

For the life of me I can’t remember what actually happened in this book, but it was fun and dumb and read like a poorly translated anime. And really, the fact that I can’t remember any of it is not really a knock against it, not in any serious way. It reads like an episodic anime where sometimes there are big threats, sometimes we’ve got filler episodes, and things don’t really tie up all that neatly at the end of a book, rather all the stories kind of bleed into one another. So some of the important characters in this book got set up in the last, and this book introduces seemingly irrelevant characters who I imagine become important later.

I’ve heard people say the writing gets better. I dunno, maybe it does. Now instead of torturing characters so they spill the beans, they just torture them so they spill “it”. I guess that’s better. Every character also uses the exact same slang, including the narrator. It’s just a bizarre read. It’s like, I don’t really notice how a talented author will give characters voices until I read a book like this where every character has the exact same voice. I mean that as a compliment to every other author I’ve read who can separate them. Of course, there’s some great authors out there like Abercrombie or GRRM who you can instantly tell who’s talking by their mannerisms, so I haven’t never noticed it I should say.

Anyway, this is my version of a trashy romance novel. A stupid anime power fantasy. Live and let live.

[Rob Enderle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I screwed up with this series in that I read the first two books some time ago, wasn't aware the next two were published, then got and read the 5th book thinking my mind must be going because I had no real clue what had happened in the meantime. I'm not reading 3 and 4 and stuff is making sense again. So read these in order, though reading them out of order could have been worse. The concept of an old man in a young man's body fascinates me (I'm an old man) and the fun of this series is that everyone underestimated the kid who has near god-like powers and experience but lacks a body that will handle the power. Decent fights and battles made interesting due to his limitations and the some of the overpowered antagonists he has to face. A ton of fun, burned through this book in a day as I didn't want to put it down until I could begin connecting to the 5th book I read. I'll try not to do that again.

[Murphies_law · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated the horrible and unnecessary scenes in this book.

The empire in this book is described as fanatic, bloodthirsty, rather primitive and given the context of the later books - REALLY stupid. In the last books , in contrast, the empire is supposed to be the most sophisticated nation on the continent. *ROFL*
Besides the fact that the empire never could dream of holding this big, hard to reach territory given the enemies surrounding both nations and the pirates making sea travel almost impossible, the insane killing spree of the armies while the conquest make the land more or less worthless as well.

I rather hated the whole ever more empowered princess arc and found it funny that the author totally forgets about her later..

[Fred Tyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the issues I mentioned in book one are still here, and I cannot seem to keep reading much longer. I keep mentally trying to fix his writing in my head to make it sound better, but its tiring. The characters do seem to change things up a bit now and then, so that is appreciated. Still, though, it is like sandpaper on the fingertips. It might not hurt right away, but after a while it is very painful to read. Plus, a lot of the settings seem to be turned to 11. Sometimes that is fun, but eventually even that is monotonous. A character's emotions are either flat or enraged; nothing in-between. I could go on, but considering I keep reading these books in one sitting, I will give the author an "it's okay" rating.

[Soima Traian · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the on hand good, on the other disapointing

On the on hand good, on the other disapointing. The MC keeps revolutionizing the town, acceaving great things in town development, he even gets some apprentices, on the other the rest of the kingdom seems mentally retarded. Then there's the sickening part about throwing children into the fire without it heaving much effect on the overall story. What kind of twisted psicho the author is or is targeting by putting this kind of things in his books I don't know, but it pretty much ruined the experience for me. I'm not going to waste my time with this series anymore.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, fun read

This series is very enjoyable. I'm a big fan of a consistent, reliable and seasoned protagonist. It allows me formulate how the mc might handle a given situation in an unreliable world. As opposed to a wishy-washy mc that spends most of the time being winy and indecisive like a lot of fantasy books seem to be doing lately. Im over the constant inner dilemma and prolonged monologues characters go through when someone who's important to the mc's life is on the line, or their own life. On another note, these books are too short. That's not really a knock on the writer, they seem to be priced accordingly with their length, I just want more.

[Pieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in the same style as the previous parts, it is an enjoyable read. I still like the main character, the world building and the plot. The book though includes a lot of switches from points of view, a storytelling mechanic I am not a big fan off and it reached a point were I was fast forwarding some parts. Secondly, the book reads very much like a prologue to the next book. Sure, it is decent light novel length, but since many parts were not even about Lark and did not add much to the story, it felt too short. It sets the setting for the next book, and it does it well, but as a result it is lacking to me.

[Fat Frog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Battles are total nonsense again.

A 1000 strong army gets instantly destroyed by boulders? LOL
The 1000 army, while standing in the trap that they set, give a black flag signal, that then destroys their own army.... The soldiers receiving the black flag signal would see that it is their own army that is in the path of the boulders. They would never trigger the trap.

Only 40 survive.... and then comes some cheezy super-hero type conversation. YOU BETRAYED ME? HOW COULD YOU! lol. so dumb.

The editing of the book is terrible. Large amount of errors, misused words, etc. Even a high schooler paid in Robux could fix most of these errors.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy can write a story

Yes there are grammatical errors. So what? The story is so good I can cheerfully overlook that type of errors. This continuing story of a magician who died and is reborn into the recently dead body of a young gentleman of bad character. Needless to say there is a huge change in his actions. He see what needs to be done to improve his town and gets it going. It takes awhile but finally his people believe in him. The detail of his actions to solve problems as they arise is what makes this book so interesting. I cannot wait for book 4.

[Dean Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it, I love it, I want some more of it.

I love this series this author is a joy to read well written. and it follows the story of the old hand at the upstart noble series it's pretty good I really like reading it. I want to read more of it and I hope this author continues to write more books. I would definitely love reading them by the way the story is awesome. I'm not going to ruin it for you though you just got to read it trust me. I love to read I read a book a day I would read three of these if given the chance of a day.

[Lanzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ketiga dalam siri Legend of the Arch Magus, bergenre high fantasi dgn elemen2 medieval, kingdom building, dan sword & sorcery. Plot novel ketiga ni lebih perlahan, banyak menfokuskan pada elemen2 politik. Namun, elemen2 kingdom building, peperangan dan pertarungan masih ada dan menghiburkan.

Plot novel kali ni menfokuskan pada perjalanan Lark Marcus ke ibu-kota Kingdom of Lukas untuk mengadap Raja Alvis. Di sepanjang perjalanan, dia terpaksa menghadapi pelbagai cabaran. Selepas 1/2 buku, plot mula menfokuskan pada pencerobohan The Great Empire ke atas Kingdom of Lukas...

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing in these books is so hilariously bad that I keep coming back for more. Obvious metaphor. Colloquialisms galore. Laughable descriptions. In the evenings, my wife watches Rich Housewives of Beverly Hills and for a long time I couldn’t understand the appeal and when I challenged her about watching the show, she said, “It’s mindless, but just compelling enough to keep my attention after a hard day of work.” I couldn’t really empathize with her until I realized that’s the same reason I keep on with these books.

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Though I missed seeing Lark continuing to better Blackstone town, I am enjoying his exploits outside of his home. Different POV's in a fantasy book usually are a hit or miss, what with them getting a bit confusing, but this being a smaller book the POV's actually help in moving the plot along and giving us an insight into how and why things happen.

The race to the throne is heating up. while Lark isn't pursuing the throne, all he is doing is something that helps him. And now there is a war that Lark can further prove himself in. The adventure is heating up.

[Deoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Remove a star if you don’t like sword and sorcery stories where a powerful character is reincarnated in the body of someone wrongfully killed. I found the first three volumes entertaining.

Otherwise the main character is overpowered. The world building is just okay. There is minimal character development and, until now, no romance. But I’m looking forward to the next.