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Death Knight #1
Skeleton with a Heart
He went by many names, Guardian Legion Commander, the Tree Knight, A member of the Order of Light. The Clan Spirit Champion, the Dragon Tamer, Phoenix Rider, shadow Whisperer and Friend of the Fairies, oh, and Anthony. He died in a war forgotten, removed from the history books. So he has rested for centuries in the dark. And then. Someone had the audacity to wake him up from his nap! Come on, is nothing sacred anymore?
Aila Wranoris is a princess of the Underdark in the Northern reaches of the Stoha Mountains. The Dark Elves have remained out of the war that has ground to a halt between the Humans and the Beast-Kin. Now, in their research they have found signs of mysterious 'doorways'. She is sent to the Deepwood in the South, between the lands of Radal in the West held by the humans and Selenus in the East, controlled by the Beast-Kin.
And she just woke up a Death Knight, though this one looks like he might have hit his skull a few times and a heart beats within his chest.
Their adventure has only begun. Anthony! Put your armor dammit! Stop using your ribs as a Xylophone! You're freaking out the Dark Elf.
Lets see if they can make it?
***Warning this is a SHORT book!!***
Aila Wranoris is a princess of the Underdark in the Northern reaches of the Stoha Mountains. The Dark Elves have remained out of the war that has ground to a halt between the Humans and the Beast-Kin. Now, in their research they have found signs of mysterious 'doorways'. She is sent to the Deepwood in the South, between the lands of Radal in the West held by the humans and Selenus in the East, controlled by the Beast-Kin.
And she just woke up a Death Knight, though this one looks like he might have hit his skull a few times and a heart beats within his chest.
Their adventure has only begun. Anthony! Put your armor dammit! Stop using your ribs as a Xylophone! You're freaking out the Dark Elf.
Lets see if they can make it?
***Warning this is a SHORT book!!***
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2019
About the author
Michael Chatfield
70 books1,402 followersMichael Chatfield is a Canadian Army veteran and international bestselling author who writes the kind of books he always wanted to read—character-driven, gritty, tactical, and grounded in reality.
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 18, 2020
Very imaginative and fun!
Skeleton with a Heart by Michael Chatfield is a fantasy book with an epic feel to it. There's humans, elves of various kinds, goblins, hobgoblin, gnomes, and more creatures. The two main characters include a dark elf and a dead Guardian Warrior that must have been a powerful mage in life too. He is a skeleton now but wears armor so only his elf traveling companion knows he is all bones. He does have a heart too! Is action packed and full of magic and adventure. Something exciting is happening every page! The book isn't a cliffhanger but it just ends, more of a "to be continued " book. I plan to follow up and see what happens!
Skeleton with a Heart by Michael Chatfield is a fantasy book with an epic feel to it. There's humans, elves of various kinds, goblins, hobgoblin, gnomes, and more creatures. The two main characters include a dark elf and a dead Guardian Warrior that must have been a powerful mage in life too. He is a skeleton now but wears armor so only his elf traveling companion knows he is all bones. He does have a heart too! Is action packed and full of magic and adventure. Something exciting is happening every page! The book isn't a cliffhanger but it just ends, more of a "to be continued " book. I plan to follow up and see what happens!
June 21, 2019
Entertaining and funny
I've read a few different stories from this author and he has delivered again. The MC is a lighthearted, clumsy oaf that propels this story along nicely. While for the first book of this series it was only a dipping of the toes into the greater plot line i thought it was easy road to introducing the cast for later adventures. If you're looking for my opinion, then take a read you'll enjoy it.
I've read a few different stories from this author and he has delivered again. The MC is a lighthearted, clumsy oaf that propels this story along nicely. While for the first book of this series it was only a dipping of the toes into the greater plot line i thought it was easy road to introducing the cast for later adventures. If you're looking for my opinion, then take a read you'll enjoy it.
December 1, 2020
I've never liked a skeleton so much! He is so funny and likable. A good enjoyable story.
June 22, 2019
So good. What a great setup for a fantastic series. With a full mix of fantasy races, interesting characters, cool abilities unique to each race and a happy go lucky MC skeleton with hidden depths, this tale was engaging and energetic. My only complaint is that it was over too soon. I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2019
This was just bad. Every problem was solved easily. The death knight was like a max level video game character wandering through a beginner zone. Info dumps were all over the book instead of spreading information out. It was like a first attempt at a LitRPG book posted up on gamefaqs.
October 7, 2020
Did not finish. I was playing a drinking game where I took a shot every time the author used the word "she" and I passed out after the first few pages.
September 30, 2021
My Rating System:
5- Perfect for my taste, could not physically stop reading/listening, wanted more afterword.
4- Almost perfect, could not stop reading/listening, probably wanted more afterword.
3- Enjoyed the book, could see others loving it, need to think if I want more.
2- Can see why others might like the book, but I could not, I do not want more.
1- What is this? What went wrong? Why did they do this? This doesn't make any sense! (No idea who it is for but definitely not for me).
[Audiobook Version]
This was a great start to an epic story (hopefully). The characters were wonderful and helped enhance the story and world. One of the protagonists, Anothony, was a blast to learn about. I loved how goofy Anthony was and his overall personality. The best way to compare him is to that of a paladin who wants everyone to be happy. I also love the fact that he is not afraid to hand out punishment when needed. He made the story more engaging and added life to it. While the story was interesting and had a decent flow, I do wish the story didn't skip around so much. There were many missed opportunities where the reader could have learned more about the characters and world but instead, skips to the next major scene. I really wanted to learn more about the characters and the world. Another small annoyance was that sometimes the dialogue did not match with the individual talking. Especially since most of the humor and information was through the conversations between the characters. On the other hand, there were times where the dialogue was a perfect match and made the scene unforgettable. The last issue, depending on preference, is that the magic is pretty simple compared to other works. I can see that this was probably done to focus on the story and characters. However, I think it would have improved the story and increased the reader's engagement. Overall, it was a solid first book and a great tale.
5- Perfect for my taste, could not physically stop reading/listening, wanted more afterword.
4- Almost perfect, could not stop reading/listening, probably wanted more afterword.
3- Enjoyed the book, could see others loving it, need to think if I want more.
2- Can see why others might like the book, but I could not, I do not want more.
1- What is this? What went wrong? Why did they do this? This doesn't make any sense! (No idea who it is for but definitely not for me).
[Audiobook Version]
This was a great start to an epic story (hopefully). The characters were wonderful and helped enhance the story and world. One of the protagonists, Anothony, was a blast to learn about. I loved how goofy Anthony was and his overall personality. The best way to compare him is to that of a paladin who wants everyone to be happy. I also love the fact that he is not afraid to hand out punishment when needed. He made the story more engaging and added life to it. While the story was interesting and had a decent flow, I do wish the story didn't skip around so much. There were many missed opportunities where the reader could have learned more about the characters and world but instead, skips to the next major scene. I really wanted to learn more about the characters and the world. Another small annoyance was that sometimes the dialogue did not match with the individual talking. Especially since most of the humor and information was through the conversations between the characters. On the other hand, there were times where the dialogue was a perfect match and made the scene unforgettable. The last issue, depending on preference, is that the magic is pretty simple compared to other works. I can see that this was probably done to focus on the story and characters. However, I think it would have improved the story and increased the reader's engagement. Overall, it was a solid first book and a great tale.
April 10, 2020
I picked this up because the cover and title caught my eye and hey, Kindle Unlimited means jumping in is free. This was a weird amount of fun.
It's relatively light, though the world-building there is interesting and it's short enough that more world-building world have been too much. In fact, there are a few places where we are fed larger chunks of what is going on all at once, which feels a bit awkward.
The soul of the story, though, is about the characters, and they are genuinely charming.
If you do not like modern language in your fantasy, definitely give this a pass, but I loved the use of it and the dialogue between the characters often made me chuckle.
A dark elf and a skeleton knight wandering around is interesting by itself, as far as I'm concerned, but I got rather attached to them and their shenanigans. The goblins are also bizarrely charming and I can't explain why.
I'll definitely be picking up the next book, and might stick my head in to the author's other series to see what they're like.
It's relatively light, though the world-building there is interesting and it's short enough that more world-building world have been too much. In fact, there are a few places where we are fed larger chunks of what is going on all at once, which feels a bit awkward.
The soul of the story, though, is about the characters, and they are genuinely charming.
If you do not like modern language in your fantasy, definitely give this a pass, but I loved the use of it and the dialogue between the characters often made me chuckle.
“How are you whistling?” Aila asked after a few hours.
“I ’unno. Magic?” Anthony shrugged and then went on whistling.
“Are you a familiar knight?” Gunnar asked.
“I don’t know. Do I look familiar to you?” Anthony asked, perplexed.
A dark elf and a skeleton knight wandering around is interesting by itself, as far as I'm concerned, but I got rather attached to them and their shenanigans. The goblins are also bizarrely charming and I can't explain why.
I'll definitely be picking up the next book, and might stick my head in to the author's other series to see what they're like.
February 6, 2026
I really wasn't the book I anticipated or wanted
I almost DNF'd this one. I picked it up because Michael Chatfield is such a fantastic writer. But gods, he's so much better than this book... now if you wanna read a great book series pick-up Two Week Curse! Well I did go ahead and finish it, 'cause it's short and surprisingly it got better as I read further. Anthony's, although undead, his class didn't change! He's a Guardian fighting for justice for every living being. You better believe he's OP. But he uses his magic differently, in a way I've never seen before. It's interesting.
But if you're looking for a way to fill up a few hours grab the book. Just know there's better out there...
I almost DNF'd this one. I picked it up because Michael Chatfield is such a fantastic writer. But gods, he's so much better than this book... now if you wanna read a great book series pick-up Two Week Curse! Well I did go ahead and finish it, 'cause it's short and surprisingly it got better as I read further. Anthony's, although undead, his class didn't change! He's a Guardian fighting for justice for every living being. You better believe he's OP. But he uses his magic differently, in a way I've never seen before. It's interesting.
But if you're looking for a way to fill up a few hours grab the book. Just know there's better out there...
January 22, 2021
An Honor balanced Lich for the good of All
I wanted to give 3 1/2 stars, but gave 4 because I couldn't. This was an interesting read, but it ended too soon. A fight awakened a planet Guardian that is a Lich, in his current state. It is the Skeleton with a heart, handing out judgements against wrong-doers and has interesting fermilliars assisting him. Then the conclusion happens in the homeland of the elves who now begin preparing for a worldwide war against demons.
Then the story ends... thats it. Sure I'd like to see more, but this book was too short. I'm left hanging and having to get the next book.
Read in 1 day
I wanted to give 3 1/2 stars, but gave 4 because I couldn't. This was an interesting read, but it ended too soon. A fight awakened a planet Guardian that is a Lich, in his current state. It is the Skeleton with a heart, handing out judgements against wrong-doers and has interesting fermilliars assisting him. Then the conclusion happens in the homeland of the elves who now begin preparing for a worldwide war against demons.
Then the story ends... thats it. Sure I'd like to see more, but this book was too short. I'm left hanging and having to get the next book.
Read in 1 day
September 2, 2020
3.5 Stars
I took a chance on this series because Chatfield has a good track record. The blurb made it sound like a comedy but in reality, it is a straight sword and sorcery fantasy with the occasional humorous elements.
The titular character is over-powered but his arc is more about finding himself. After all, death can have a deleterious impact on one's memories. I get the feeling that his memories will congeal just in time to appreciate the true scope of the evil he and his friends will be forced to confront. We'll see.
I took a chance on this series because Chatfield has a good track record. The blurb made it sound like a comedy but in reality, it is a straight sword and sorcery fantasy with the occasional humorous elements.
The titular character is over-powered but his arc is more about finding himself. After all, death can have a deleterious impact on one's memories. I get the feeling that his memories will congeal just in time to appreciate the true scope of the evil he and his friends will be forced to confront. We'll see.
March 12, 2021
Fantasy
An event is coming that will disrupt the world. Aila sets off to spread the word. During her adventure she accidentally awakens a guardian that has immense powers. The comical guardian joins Aila’s adventure while attempting to regain his memories.
The most important question, is this novel worth reading?
If you want a Comedy Fantasy then yeah, give this short novel a read.
It is like the author made an outline for a serious fantasy read, and was just like, let’s spice this read up with essentially a goofy god.
An event is coming that will disrupt the world. Aila sets off to spread the word. During her adventure she accidentally awakens a guardian that has immense powers. The comical guardian joins Aila’s adventure while attempting to regain his memories.
The most important question, is this novel worth reading?
If you want a Comedy Fantasy then yeah, give this short novel a read.
It is like the author made an outline for a serious fantasy read, and was just like, let’s spice this read up with essentially a goofy god.
September 7, 2020
What is this miracle?
I expected some goofy parody, a few knocks at old tropes, some over the top caricatures...
This, is an amazing piece of written artwork! This is pure, pure joy! I love every piece of it! Anthony is my spirit brother! I wanna join the Guardians today! Every part sings and draws me onward, leading to laughter and pride and I can't stop gushing! More! Now! Please!
I expected some goofy parody, a few knocks at old tropes, some over the top caricatures...
This, is an amazing piece of written artwork! This is pure, pure joy! I love every piece of it! Anthony is my spirit brother! I wanna join the Guardians today! Every part sings and draws me onward, leading to laughter and pride and I can't stop gushing! More! Now! Please!
June 17, 2020
~85%
Quite funny short fantasy. While the book starts looking like there are just a dark elf and an undead knight going around on a simple errand - and Anthony pretty much stirs trouble by trying to do things right - the book eventually reveals that there's more going on than an elf needing to deliver a simple message and Anthony's desire to regain his memories.
Quite funny short fantasy. While the book starts looking like there are just a dark elf and an undead knight going around on a simple errand - and Anthony pretty much stirs trouble by trying to do things right - the book eventually reveals that there's more going on than an elf needing to deliver a simple message and Anthony's desire to regain his memories.
October 3, 2020
Short but good story!!!
Took me awhile to read this. Not because I didn't want to but because the Authors other book came out and I had to start the series all over again. Like I said in the title this book is alot sorter than Michael's other books but it still packs a punch and makes you wanna jump straight to the next book.
Took me awhile to read this. Not because I didn't want to but because the Authors other book came out and I had to start the series all over again. Like I said in the title this book is alot sorter than Michael's other books but it still packs a punch and makes you wanna jump straight to the next book.
January 13, 2023
Nice short story
I really enjoyed this short novel. It was entertaining but just enough to whet my appetite for more. I hope the following books in the series will be complete novels with more detailed character and world building. Shortness aside, I recommend this novel. It was a fun read.
I really enjoyed this short novel. It was entertaining but just enough to whet my appetite for more. I hope the following books in the series will be complete novels with more detailed character and world building. Shortness aside, I recommend this novel. It was a fun read.
March 2, 2024
High fantasy 👍
As someone who primarily reads high fantasy books and series, and I enjoyed the overall story. The general use of grammar was a little lacking; the same descriptive words showed up in the same sentence. This book is great for young teens who are into high fantasy like lord of the rings and D&D. 4/5 , 8.5/10
As someone who primarily reads high fantasy books and series, and I enjoyed the overall story. The general use of grammar was a little lacking; the same descriptive words showed up in the same sentence. This book is great for young teens who are into high fantasy like lord of the rings and D&D. 4/5 , 8.5/10
April 11, 2025
Pretty funny
It’s a first book by a new author. There are several passages that made me laugh out loud. The book however does switch between a deadly serious issue, comic relief and lost love, sometimes a bit too fast. I liked reading it, but I feel conflicted on how the story is going to continue.
It’s a first book by a new author. There are several passages that made me laugh out loud. The book however does switch between a deadly serious issue, comic relief and lost love, sometimes a bit too fast. I liked reading it, but I feel conflicted on how the story is going to continue.
March 12, 2020
Fun lighthearted and depth
One of my new favorite reads, quick but with very little filler. Definitely starting a new series with wit, irreverence, and interesting characters. Can't wait for book 2.
One of my new favorite reads, quick but with very little filler. Definitely starting a new series with wit, irreverence, and interesting characters. Can't wait for book 2.
March 14, 2020
Great 1st!!
I’m loathe to write a good review. Feel like Kindle charges me for sequels when I pay for Kindle Unlimited and leave positive reviews. Suffice it say, this one was short and cool. Do your worst Kindle!
I’m loathe to write a good review. Feel like Kindle charges me for sequels when I pay for Kindle Unlimited and leave positive reviews. Suffice it say, this one was short and cool. Do your worst Kindle!
May 6, 2020
Enjoyable start to a series
Easy read, the 2 sides of Anthony keep your interest serious judge and comedic almost fool. The hints that even with all memories he was always falling into trouble or sharing things up.
Easy read, the 2 sides of Anthony keep your interest serious judge and comedic almost fool. The hints that even with all memories he was always falling into trouble or sharing things up.
May 21, 2020
It was okay
The book was okay. I had a hard time with it, and ended up skimming through most of it because it just didn’t hold my interest. It wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. It’s described as hilarious, but I didn’t think it was.
The book was okay. I had a hard time with it, and ended up skimming through most of it because it just didn’t hold my interest. It wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. It’s described as hilarious, but I didn’t think it was.
August 26, 2020
Interesting
Interesting start to the series. I had a bit of trouble getting into the book. Think it took me 3 or 4 chapters to get into it properly but once I did it turned into an excellent ride.
Interesting start to the series. I had a bit of trouble getting into the book. Think it took me 3 or 4 chapters to get into it properly but once I did it turned into an excellent ride.
November 16, 2020
If you go at the series thinking of the MC as a god (if not godlike) then the power makes more sense.
It's OK, I would read more.
(Note that book 2 is essentially a continuation of book 1 and so on).
It's OK, I would read more.
(Note that book 2 is essentially a continuation of book 1 and so on).
March 3, 2021
Really fun story
This was a really fun story, it would have been better only if it was longer, so I look forward to the next book. I recommend this series and really hope it keeps expanding the universe.
This was a really fun story, it would have been better only if it was longer, so I look forward to the next book. I recommend this series and really hope it keeps expanding the universe.
June 10, 2021
This was a very fun, quick read.
There is a lot here to work with. I read this one after coming across the author's later work. It is quite interesting to see how it has evolved. This is a simple story with fun characters and a world that has good growth potential.
There is a lot here to work with. I read this one after coming across the author's later work. It is quite interesting to see how it has evolved. This is a simple story with fun characters and a world that has good growth potential.
May 28, 2022
I laughed, out loud even!
Hi literature this is not.
What a fun read it is.
It’s a bit campy, it’s a bit sarcastic, It’s a bit slapstick, but I found myself laughing out loud.
Overall a fun read.
Hi literature this is not.
What a fun read it is.
It’s a bit campy, it’s a bit sarcastic, It’s a bit slapstick, but I found myself laughing out loud.
Overall a fun read.
July 17, 2022
Great light hearted fantasy book with some!e great lines
I would recommend this book to folks who are looking for an easy fantasy read. It felt like I was reading a light novel series. Good humor and good life lessons.
I would recommend this book to folks who are looking for an easy fantasy read. It felt like I was reading a light novel series. Good humor and good life lessons.
August 12, 2022
Skeleton with a heart
A short but sweet read I gobbled up like a favorite pastry. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. I am an avid reader and I highly recommend this one!
A short but sweet read I gobbled up like a favorite pastry. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. I am an avid reader and I highly recommend this one!
May 14, 2023
Great start to great fun and humor!
Great story start with no wasted time. Hilarious and entertaining. Only complaint was it was over to soon, but hey! That means I can start the next one sooner lol!! 😍😁
Great story start with no wasted time. Hilarious and entertaining. Only complaint was it was over to soon, but hey! That means I can start the next one sooner lol!! 😍😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews