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A town put to the sword. The young forcibly recruited. An old man out for revenge.After his town is put to the sword and the children are taken to replace the fallen, an old man is out for revenge. He’s ready to fail at the most difficult challenge in the cultivation.Too corrupted to even take the first steps, the sly old elder simply agreed with those who told him that it was impossible. Then he quietly ignored them, rubbed his hands together, and started anyway. He had always failed in what he he lost his way from the academy, his command was devastated by a Mage, he lost his town, and now his last hopes for the future had been stolen by a group of raiders. The only thing that had never failed him was his sharp mind and philosophy. He would cultivate... no matter what it cost him.A lifetime of failure can dull and dampen a soul. A reason to live, a goal, can change that in an instant. It is always darkest just before the dawn.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 24, 2019
Flabbergasted that this is more than 2 stars by anyone
A 3rd grader could have written this better.
I quit on the first page as this author doesn't have a clue how to write.
The examples I found on the first page were:
"The front line has fallen"
There is a main commander.
*piiiiii boom
The "main commander" didn't even have a name?
A message runner is going to tell a subcommander that he is now in charge or the other subcommander is going to be in charge?
I am not even going to touch the "*piiii boom" sound effects.
I didn't proceed further but I am confident we would not ever figure out why a "main commander" had 2 second in commands. Nor would we find out why said second in commands were in their tents while the "main commander" was fighting on the front lines.
A 3rd grader could have written this better.
I quit on the first page as this author doesn't have a clue how to write.
The examples I found on the first page were:
"The front line has fallen"
There is a main commander.
*piiiiii boom
The "main commander" didn't even have a name?
A message runner is going to tell a subcommander that he is now in charge or the other subcommander is going to be in charge?
I am not even going to touch the "*piiii boom" sound effects.
I didn't proceed further but I am confident we would not ever figure out why a "main commander" had 2 second in commands. Nor would we find out why said second in commands were in their tents while the "main commander" was fighting on the front lines.
December 7, 2019
Basically fan fiction quality
I wanted to like this. It has good bones but the story is not ready yet. The opening scene pretty much tells the tail. There is no flow to the story that takes you through the defeat. There is a mage. Everyone dies. Not sure why or how.
I wanted to like this. It has good bones but the story is not ready yet. The opening scene pretty much tells the tail. There is no flow to the story that takes you through the defeat. There is a mage. Everyone dies. Not sure why or how.
July 16, 2021
Mini-Review:
Rating for Audiobook
4.5 Stars for Narration by Travis Baldree (He is one of the main narrators in LitRPG/Gamelit Genres & did a great job of making the story come alive.)
4.5 Stars for Main Character Elder/Artorian
4 Stars for Artorian's Training/Cultivation
3 Stars for General Pacing
The ideas behind the story are pretty great. The main character is an old man that becomes a warrior to project the children that have become a part of his chosen family. I love Artorian. He's not perfect. He's not the nicest man. He's a man who drives all of himself to become a person that can protect those he has taken into his heart. The ideas for the way he trains himself to reach that goal were cool.
However, the writing does not come across as completely polished. The writing seems to be simple and do not always convey the complexity of the character, event, setting, etc. I like the story enough that I am going to venture into the Kindle version of the next book in the series. *crossed fingers* I hope I like it!
Would I recommend the audiobook? Yes! It was fun to listen to the story.
Rating for Audiobook
4.5 Stars for Narration by Travis Baldree (He is one of the main narrators in LitRPG/Gamelit Genres & did a great job of making the story come alive.)
4.5 Stars for Main Character Elder/Artorian
4 Stars for Artorian's Training/Cultivation
3 Stars for General Pacing
The ideas behind the story are pretty great. The main character is an old man that becomes a warrior to project the children that have become a part of his chosen family. I love Artorian. He's not perfect. He's not the nicest man. He's a man who drives all of himself to become a person that can protect those he has taken into his heart. The ideas for the way he trains himself to reach that goal were cool.
However, the writing does not come across as completely polished. The writing seems to be simple and do not always convey the complexity of the character, event, setting, etc. I like the story enough that I am going to venture into the Kindle version of the next book in the series. *crossed fingers* I hope I like it!
Would I recommend the audiobook? Yes! It was fun to listen to the story.
October 18, 2020
Dropped this book after four chapters since the villain was basically like 'I want child soldiers to cut their faces because I'm eeeevvvviiiilll! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!' and also because the author constantantly uses sound effects for even the smallest thing like spitting which really ground my gears.
December 19, 2019
Overuse of italics and asterisks make a difficult read
I only made it through 4 chapters because the way it was written kept pulling me out of the story. So many words are italicized, or set between asterisks, that you can’t make it through a sentence without being thrown out of it. Disappointing and irritating
I only made it through 4 chapters because the way it was written kept pulling me out of the story. So many words are italicized, or set between asterisks, that you can’t make it through a sentence without being thrown out of it. Disappointing and irritating
January 25, 2020
For fans of the Divine Dungeon universe, but not for general reading.
This prequel series features one of the Mages seen in the Divine Dungeon series, starting back when he wasn't a Mage. Or even a cultivator.
Let's be frank on this - unless you have read and liked Dakota Krout's Divine Dungeon series, you will probably be lost in this book. One of the reasons is the first problem I had with the book, which did cost it the fifth star: over half of the book is nothing but an exploration of the cultivation mechanics that underlie the Divine Dungeon universe. It is simultaneously interesting, and extremely boring. There's a few events that take place here and there, but overall, it's all about Artorian experimenting with cultivation.
Then, there is a second bit, that cost this book its fourth star.
The italicized words.
Every sentence - almost every - has one italicized word to place some kind of emphasis on it. It is immensely distracting. At first. Then it becomes irritating, immensely.
I am willing to give the series a pass, because I absolutely love the Divine Dungeon (except book 5), but those two points will probably kill more than one reader's desire to keep reading.
This prequel series features one of the Mages seen in the Divine Dungeon series, starting back when he wasn't a Mage. Or even a cultivator.
Let's be frank on this - unless you have read and liked Dakota Krout's Divine Dungeon series, you will probably be lost in this book. One of the reasons is the first problem I had with the book, which did cost it the fifth star: over half of the book is nothing but an exploration of the cultivation mechanics that underlie the Divine Dungeon universe. It is simultaneously interesting, and extremely boring. There's a few events that take place here and there, but overall, it's all about Artorian experimenting with cultivation.
Then, there is a second bit, that cost this book its fourth star.
The italicized words.
Every sentence - almost every - has one italicized word to place some kind of emphasis on it. It is immensely distracting. At first. Then it becomes irritating, immensely.
I am willing to give the series a pass, because I absolutely love the Divine Dungeon (except book 5), but those two points will probably kill more than one reader's desire to keep reading.
January 20, 2020
Everything is better in italics right??
Be warned - this book suffers from an *egregious* overuse of italics. This is not an exaggeration. If you made a drinking game of taking a shot for every italicized word you would be dead by the third page.
Aside from the major literary issue, there is a decent story here. Unfortunately, it's a slow burn. Like really slow. The first 25% of the book is basically an old man reminiscing and spending time with kids. While it's touching and well written, it's very mundane and way too long. Not what I expected from the author of the Divine Dungeon series. I had to check Amazon reviews to see if it was worth continuing.
Fortunately, I did continue and it did get better. I love the beginning of cultivating stories and exploration into the fantasy mechanics. It’s a bit awkward having the journey taken by a feeble elder, but it certainly fulfills the power growth aspect. The problem is the story remains painfully slow despite the terrible situation the hero’s loved ones are left in. Seriously, this guy can’t be rushed and neither can the authors. If this was a Taken movie, the daughter would be on her third or fourth forced pregnancy before Liam Neeson finally got around to rescuing her.
Despite the flaws and a truly silly boss fight, I'm curious to see how the story unfolds in the next book. I just hope the authors back way off the use of italics and don’t discover the Caps Lock key next.
Be warned - this book suffers from an *egregious* overuse of italics. This is not an exaggeration. If you made a drinking game of taking a shot for every italicized word you would be dead by the third page.
Aside from the major literary issue, there is a decent story here. Unfortunately, it's a slow burn. Like really slow. The first 25% of the book is basically an old man reminiscing and spending time with kids. While it's touching and well written, it's very mundane and way too long. Not what I expected from the author of the Divine Dungeon series. I had to check Amazon reviews to see if it was worth continuing.
Fortunately, I did continue and it did get better. I love the beginning of cultivating stories and exploration into the fantasy mechanics. It’s a bit awkward having the journey taken by a feeble elder, but it certainly fulfills the power growth aspect. The problem is the story remains painfully slow despite the terrible situation the hero’s loved ones are left in. Seriously, this guy can’t be rushed and neither can the authors. If this was a Taken movie, the daughter would be on her third or fourth forced pregnancy before Liam Neeson finally got around to rescuing her.
Despite the flaws and a truly silly boss fight, I'm curious to see how the story unfolds in the next book. I just hope the authors back way off the use of italics and don’t discover the Caps Lock key next.
March 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for a good cultivation story as I like the depiction of systematic and measured progress. This novel is a good example of the genre, taking particular care to describe the protagonist's methodology.
What elevates Axiom above its peers, however, is the depiction of loving wisdom. For once we don't see someone obsessively seeking strength out of fear or vengeance, but instead, they strive due to a protective instinct. There was a brief and fascinating scene where the Elder gave up the person he had been, in order to consciously become the person that his children needed. The moment resonated with me.
I also treasured the way his loving nature transformed those around him. Any decent person who came within the Elder's circle was shriven of their worries and departed, happy and purposeful. That's the sort of influence for which we all should strive.
Don't get me wrong, this is not high-brow, arty literature. It has plenty of action. But it also has a true heart.
I'm a sucker for a good cultivation story as I like the depiction of systematic and measured progress. This novel is a good example of the genre, taking particular care to describe the protagonist's methodology.
What elevates Axiom above its peers, however, is the depiction of loving wisdom. For once we don't see someone obsessively seeking strength out of fear or vengeance, but instead, they strive due to a protective instinct. There was a brief and fascinating scene where the Elder gave up the person he had been, in order to consciously become the person that his children needed. The moment resonated with me.
I also treasured the way his loving nature transformed those around him. Any decent person who came within the Elder's circle was shriven of their worries and departed, happy and purposeful. That's the sort of influence for which we all should strive.
Don't get me wrong, this is not high-brow, arty literature. It has plenty of action. But it also has a true heart.
February 21, 2020
A truckload of philosophy
I came for a fun dungeon dive but by 35% of the novel it was mostly philosophical rambling about the meaning of names, and identify of people and energy. I wanted to like this, I really did, but it was so slow. The main character is wonderful, but all the other characters feel caricaturish. It's also written in omniscient view, and head hopping through several different characters per scene was confusing as hell.
I came for a fun dungeon dive but by 35% of the novel it was mostly philosophical rambling about the meaning of names, and identify of people and energy. I wanted to like this, I really did, but it was so slow. The main character is wonderful, but all the other characters feel caricaturish. It's also written in omniscient view, and head hopping through several different characters per scene was confusing as hell.
December 20, 2019
DNF - I was driven nuts by the editing (or perhaps writing style, although I think the editing is to blame) in which a really excessive use of italics is used. One appears every paragraph - if not more frequently - and these aren’t restricted to speech, as would be expected, but are pervasive.
April 3, 2020
Everyone complains about the itallics, but really, it's bad.
Although it's not what had me give up on this book.
The MC is supposed to be an old wise man, and "self-taught philosopher"?
Amongst other things, he's frequently letting out bad jokes that everyone always fonds Ohh soo funyyyy.
Although it's not what had me give up on this book.
The MC is supposed to be an old wise man, and "self-taught philosopher"?
Amongst other things, he's frequently letting out bad jokes that everyone always fonds Ohh soo funyyyy.
April 15, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect here. I remember when Krout put out a chance get to write a story in his world to fans and I assumed this is one of those. I was very hesitant to read it, uncertain of the quality.
I love the creativity on display here. By this point I've seen a lot of cultivation books so it's impressive that Vanderkerken managed to something new and interesting with it. The story it's self is a relatively simplistic training arc but the style and character makes it engaging. Highly recommend for fans of Dungeon born and cultivating books.
I love the creativity on display here. By this point I've seen a lot of cultivation books so it's impressive that Vanderkerken managed to something new and interesting with it. The story it's self is a relatively simplistic training arc but the style and character makes it engaging. Highly recommend for fans of Dungeon born and cultivating books.
January 28, 2021
Having read and enjoyed the Divine Dungeon series I was curious as to how I would find this one. It's not going to win any awards as high literature but I enjoyed the plot and it's pretty easy to read. I very much enjoy the "old man goes back to war to protect the ones he loves" concept and I don't think you see it enough.
If you're looking for award winning writing you won't find it here. But if you just want some fun and easy to read story then it might be worth a go. It probably does help if you have read the Divine Dungeon series beforehand though.
If you're looking for award winning writing you won't find it here. But if you just want some fun and easy to read story then it might be worth a go. It probably does help if you have read the Divine Dungeon series beforehand though.
March 23, 2020
I liked it.
I loved how the main character processes things.
For me it felt like I was getting super invested in the characters first, then seeing how the main character learns and breaks things down without breaking the story. The way he worked through things felt super fun to be apart of. I liked how he enjoyed teaching too. That was also fun.
Overall, good book. It kept the humor from the other dungeon series and is an interesting story for character building.
I loved how the main character processes things.
For me it felt like I was getting super invested in the characters first, then seeing how the main character learns and breaks things down without breaking the story. The way he worked through things felt super fun to be apart of. I liked how he enjoyed teaching too. That was also fun.
Overall, good book. It kept the humor from the other dungeon series and is an interesting story for character building.
April 30, 2020
An exploration of cultivation mechanics surrounded by a subpar story.
If you like the divine dungeon series, and more specificity: you really want to spend hours learning about its magic system, then is this the book for you! If however, you don't want that or you want good story and writing, just skip it.
Just a fair warning if you've come for the juicy bits of magic system exploration, it takes a while to get going before the main character even learns the basics of magic.
If you like the divine dungeon series, and more specificity: you really want to spend hours learning about its magic system, then is this the book for you! If however, you don't want that or you want good story and writing, just skip it.
Just a fair warning if you've come for the juicy bits of magic system exploration, it takes a while to get going before the main character even learns the basics of magic.
July 21, 2020
Honestly the premise was cool and the tie back to the Divine Dungeon(DD) series was awesome.
What wasn't great, the writing. It was a complete slog, with the interesting portions/happenings in the book being a brief few pages while the rest of the book the MC waxes poetic about being on a pillow.
Also, it seemed weird that gatherers' powers were downgraded, they became essentially normal people with extra strength which was not how things were in the DD series.
From my initial expectation being within the DD universe, I thought this would be an exciting, fun story with the serious moments peppered in when they are needed.
It was nearly the opposite and I'm not sure if it was due to my expectations or I just really don't like this style of book. Felt like going from Malazan to the Kharkanas books, not fun for me.
What wasn't great, the writing. It was a complete slog, with the interesting portions/happenings in the book being a brief few pages while the rest of the book the MC waxes poetic about being on a pillow.
Also, it seemed weird that gatherers' powers were downgraded, they became essentially normal people with extra strength which was not how things were in the DD series.
From my initial expectation being within the DD universe, I thought this would be an exciting, fun story with the serious moments peppered in when they are needed.
It was nearly the opposite and I'm not sure if it was due to my expectations or I just really don't like this style of book. Felt like going from Malazan to the Kharkanas books, not fun for me.
February 27, 2020
I couldn't get through this book. The italics and asterisks were ridiculous and annoying. If an author continually is forced to use fonts styles and symbols to convey inflection and importance, than that author lacks writing skills.
Listening to a good narration might solve the issue.
And to Dakota Krout - get out of fan fiction before it erodes your own reputation.
Listening to a good narration might solve the issue.
And to Dakota Krout - get out of fan fiction before it erodes your own reputation.
May 31, 2023
Really loved this book. I don't often get to read about a philosophical grandpa on his death bed learning complex magic to extend his lifespan and get stronger so he can rescue captured kids. Loved the novelty and the premise.
Pros: well-developed and complex magic system, kind MC, adorable kid characters, interesting worldbuilding, thoughts on philosophy, and some satisfying justice/vengeance at the end.
Cons: overuse of italics, writing style can be amateurish at times, and Artorian's grief at losing the children seems a bit unreal (though I think it's he's immersing himself in his work as a coping mechanism, the grief just seems to vanish abruptly)
Neutrals: while the philosophy was a plus for me, if you want more consistent action you will find it grating. The detailed magic system could be boring if you don't enjoy learning about fictional systems. The tone and focus of the book shifts from action to thoughtful philosophy quite a few times. If you want more consistency/sameness you may only enjoy certain parts of the book.
Hope my review was useful to you! Have a lovely day all.
Pros: well-developed and complex magic system, kind MC, adorable kid characters, interesting worldbuilding, thoughts on philosophy, and some satisfying justice/vengeance at the end.
Cons: overuse of italics, writing style can be amateurish at times, and Artorian's grief at losing the children seems a bit unreal (though I think it's he's immersing himself in his work as a coping mechanism, the grief just seems to vanish abruptly)
Neutrals: while the philosophy was a plus for me, if you want more consistent action you will find it grating. The detailed magic system could be boring if you don't enjoy learning about fictional systems. The tone and focus of the book shifts from action to thoughtful philosophy quite a few times. If you want more consistency/sameness you may only enjoy certain parts of the book.
Hope my review was useful to you! Have a lovely day all.
March 23, 2021
It honestly hurts my soul rating Dakota's books so low, but I've decided his collaborations with Dennis Vanderkerken are just not good. The other collab I've read was Bibliomancer and I HATED that book. They just don't read as "Dakota Krout". I can feel that it's different, and not in a good way. The narration was also not good in my opinion. I sadly won't be continuing this series, even though I'll be missing out on world building for the rest of his books
July 22, 2020
I understand the other negative reviews. The first half of the book is just plain boring. For a book playing in the Divine Dungeon universe it takes an awful amount of time until someone actually starts cultivating.
It gets better in the second half when Artorian starts progressing. The plot stays kinda shallow and predictable, but I had fun learning more about the church and corruption.
It gets better in the second half when Artorian starts progressing. The plot stays kinda shallow and predictable, but I had fun learning more about the church and corruption.
March 31, 2020
Beginning: 3.5☆
Middle: 2☆
End: 4☆
Overall: 3☆
Middle: 2☆
End: 4☆
Overall: 3☆
August 22, 2022
Oof, a bit boring and repetitive =(
June 26, 2021
Axiom is the first book in the Artorian’s Archives series by Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout.
I loved this book. The transition from happy, secluded, small town every day happenings to desperately striving for more strength to search out lost loved ones. All while keeping this delicious layer of humor and good-natured deviousness.
Artorian, or Elder, is such a sly old man. I adored the way in which his teaching of the “sproutlings” in the village was portrayed. It’s the ultimate depiction of fun learning practically brought to life. He goes about adopting all these lost or neglected individuals. From his sprouts, to many initiates and acolytes within the cloister, and even some absolutely fascinating little fluffs. The duality of being so completely protective and fondly regarded by those he cares about, to the flipped switch of without regret snapping neck after neck is such an intriguing and beguiling MC to try to grasp.
I was waiting to be disappointed that he’d either not make it to an attempted rescue within this first book, or he’d save all of the children and a new mystery would await. Thankfully the story played out perfectly, imo. With just enough hope still burrowing through the possibilities abounding in the rest of Artorian’s path.
I’m hopelessly waiting to see what these mysterious phantasms at the end will come to bring into his journey.
Also, maybe if half the people leaving bad reviews actually read past the first page/chapter, they’d have less to pointlessly complain about. (Which matters absolutely none in the scheme of the book.)
I loved this book. The transition from happy, secluded, small town every day happenings to desperately striving for more strength to search out lost loved ones. All while keeping this delicious layer of humor and good-natured deviousness.
Artorian, or Elder, is such a sly old man. I adored the way in which his teaching of the “sproutlings” in the village was portrayed. It’s the ultimate depiction of fun learning practically brought to life. He goes about adopting all these lost or neglected individuals. From his sprouts, to many initiates and acolytes within the cloister, and even some absolutely fascinating little fluffs. The duality of being so completely protective and fondly regarded by those he cares about, to the flipped switch of without regret snapping neck after neck is such an intriguing and beguiling MC to try to grasp.
I was waiting to be disappointed that he’d either not make it to an attempted rescue within this first book, or he’d save all of the children and a new mystery would await. Thankfully the story played out perfectly, imo. With just enough hope still burrowing through the possibilities abounding in the rest of Artorian’s path.
I’m hopelessly waiting to see what these mysterious phantasms at the end will come to bring into his journey.
Also, maybe if half the people leaving bad reviews actually read past the first page/chapter, they’d have less to pointlessly complain about. (Which matters absolutely none in the scheme of the book.)
January 22, 2020
The premise for this book almost feels like a fantasy novel's take on those old action movies where the former military person is pushed too far and comes back out of retirement for the sake of vengeance, but it takes this basic idea in a number of interesting ways over the course of this book.
It is also worth noting that while this book is tagged as being 'a divine dungeon series' it is very much a book that you could happily jump into, whether you have read any of those books or not, your enjoyment will come from this character's journey through adversary.
One issue you encounter in litrpg quite often is the main character being given an overpowered or unique skil/class that gives them too much of an advantage and that happens in this case too, but it is given a subtle little twist that it is basically just giving the main character a level playing field due to his age and lack of health at the start of the book.
The narrator does a very good job of helping to bring this book and the characters to life, enhancing the characters and ensuring the more complicated parts are clearly communicated tot he listener too.
Overall, an entertaining start to this series and I will be looking forward to subsequent instalments.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
It is also worth noting that while this book is tagged as being 'a divine dungeon series' it is very much a book that you could happily jump into, whether you have read any of those books or not, your enjoyment will come from this character's journey through adversary.
One issue you encounter in litrpg quite often is the main character being given an overpowered or unique skil/class that gives them too much of an advantage and that happens in this case too, but it is given a subtle little twist that it is basically just giving the main character a level playing field due to his age and lack of health at the start of the book.
The narrator does a very good job of helping to bring this book and the characters to life, enhancing the characters and ensuring the more complicated parts are clearly communicated tot he listener too.
Overall, an entertaining start to this series and I will be looking forward to subsequent instalments.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 27, 2021
I really, really hate it when I see that reviews from the "grammar nazi's" take over a good book's review stream(?)! This book is so much better than those reviews indicate! This is the 5th maybe 6th book I've read of cultivation and I finally feel that I now have a firm grasp on just what that means (yeah, I'm a nube)! This book was a bit pedantic as it broke down the process of cultivation (a mystical gathering of magical energy within one's self) , but it was also a very measured and interesting approach. My take away is that there is more than one way to skin that particular cat!
This is a story of an old man who wanted to rewrite his life, and for just this once, actually make a difference! An old man seeking justice and revenge, he begins cultivating (without any outside help/interference) his own way! This slice-of-life book might be a bit slower than my usual fare, but that didn't stop me from absolutely loving it! And wow... that last battle? Effing Fantastic!
I'd seriously love to get the next one should the opportunity arise...
I want to thank both of the authors (Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout), the narrator (Travis Baldree), and Mountdale press for providing me with this lovely review copy!
This is a story of an old man who wanted to rewrite his life, and for just this once, actually make a difference! An old man seeking justice and revenge, he begins cultivating (without any outside help/interference) his own way! This slice-of-life book might be a bit slower than my usual fare, but that didn't stop me from absolutely loving it! And wow... that last battle? Effing Fantastic!
I'd seriously love to get the next one should the opportunity arise...
I want to thank both of the authors (Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout), the narrator (Travis Baldree), and Mountdale press for providing me with this lovely review copy!
August 8, 2021
Sound effects, are used in almost every line, which is extremely jarring. Italics over used with no reason as to why they're even being used. Point of view changes frequently, sometimes multiple times in a single page, with very little to indicate who the point of view is coming from.
The bad people are laughably 2D and are just obnoxious.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but the writing is so bad I gave up after the first couple of chapters before I even got to the cultivation.
Considering I loved Dakota Krouts other series, I think this book was written almost entirely by Dennis with Krouts name tacked on to increase sales
The bad people are laughably 2D and are just obnoxious.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but the writing is so bad I gave up after the first couple of chapters before I even got to the cultivation.
Considering I loved Dakota Krouts other series, I think this book was written almost entirely by Dennis with Krouts name tacked on to increase sales
July 21, 2022
A lot of the reviews mentioned a slow start so I was patient. But this book has a lot more problems than slow start. First, the main character loved to lecture. It was a part of his job in the village. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean the lectures were very good. So, everywhere he goes he lectures people and teaches them philosophy in life. But, they are slow and sloppy sections. However, I was waiting for the cultivation that was supposed to rescue this book. Unfortunately, the cultivation story was not very well written either.
July 27, 2021
Not sure why this has such high reviews on Amazon, the entire book is basically a prologue leading up to the next one. The first 3/4 of the book are just about refining spiritual energy within the main characters body and crazy in-depth explanations of how he processes it. Feels like the book could've been trimmed down quite a bit in parts. Will proceed to the second book and see if the pace picks up a little bit, the first book is definitely a slow burn.
May 19, 2020
2 stars, maybe 2.5. 90% and don't even care if I finish. Sorry but not a fan of this one. A lot of issues for me but mostly I found it boring and I was not invested in the story or the MC. Did not like the magic system and found a lot of data dumps for the most interesting parts. I just did not enjoy it but looks like other have so it maybe a outlier for me.
July 9, 2020
It started okay
But it kept getting worse. Bad guys are psychotic and evil because...bad. Boring. A lot of tell and little show. Plot? MC? Narrative direction? I realize I’m only 20% in, but I should still be able to identify the MC. Even the world building is lacking.
Essentially, it’s a few well written scenes that do nothing to create a story.
DNF
But it kept getting worse. Bad guys are psychotic and evil because...bad. Boring. A lot of tell and little show. Plot? MC? Narrative direction? I realize I’m only 20% in, but I should still be able to identify the MC. Even the world building is lacking.
Essentially, it’s a few well written scenes that do nothing to create a story.
DNF
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