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The Crafter #1
Legacy
As a ten year old orphan, all Wick ever wanted was money, power, and well, what else was there? Enough is never enough. His father's death left him only with a glass amulet, his trusty spade, and two level one skills. Six months in the backwater city of Outlast, Wick has finally decided to make his move for a brighter future. It may cost him the beating of his life, but he lives by the Sprawler's Code: The strong live long, but the bold get the gold.
Follow Wick on the beginning of his new life as he explores new powers and manipulate anyone foolish enough to get in his way.
Story Does Contain: Male Lead, Fast Pace, Slightly Overpowered Protagonist, Greedy Protagonist, Right of Passage, Multiple Magic Systems, Mystery
Story Does NOT Contain: Harem, Ultraviolence, Horror, Mopey Protagonist
2nd Edition with Edits
Follow Wick on the beginning of his new life as he explores new powers and manipulate anyone foolish enough to get in his way.
Story Does Contain: Male Lead, Fast Pace, Slightly Overpowered Protagonist, Greedy Protagonist, Right of Passage, Multiple Magic Systems, Mystery
Story Does NOT Contain: Harem, Ultraviolence, Horror, Mopey Protagonist
2nd Edition with Edits
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2019
508 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 9, 2019
Frustating
Over the last couple of years, my level of annoyance from poor editing has really come down. I've been doing a lot of Beta editing and copy editing for many indie authors in the genre, and that has really made me focus beyond those things.
Yet this is a published book. People can actually pay money for it and I was being yanked from immersion in almost every paragraph due to errors and mistakes which would have been easily remediated by having 1 person spend a couple of days reading the book prior to release.
It was so bad that my rating was nearly a 2*.
Now, I pushed through it and got to the end because the concept is interesting and the premise is engaging. I also hear that the author is releasing an edited update sometime in the next month.
My hope for the second book is that this doesn't take place in such a backassward way. Do it beforehand and don't annoy the people that are reading your books.
@the author, if you don't have anyone to do this for you, send me a note and I'll Beta/copy edit for you.
Over the last couple of years, my level of annoyance from poor editing has really come down. I've been doing a lot of Beta editing and copy editing for many indie authors in the genre, and that has really made me focus beyond those things.
Yet this is a published book. People can actually pay money for it and I was being yanked from immersion in almost every paragraph due to errors and mistakes which would have been easily remediated by having 1 person spend a couple of days reading the book prior to release.
It was so bad that my rating was nearly a 2*.
Now, I pushed through it and got to the end because the concept is interesting and the premise is engaging. I also hear that the author is releasing an edited update sometime in the next month.
My hope for the second book is that this doesn't take place in such a backassward way. Do it beforehand and don't annoy the people that are reading your books.
@the author, if you don't have anyone to do this for you, send me a note and I'll Beta/copy edit for you.
July 14, 2019
Interesting MC, good premise, bad execution.
I like watching the chronological progression of the MC from the beginning to the end and this story kept leaping forward and back in a way that eliminated all my curiosity and made all past parts insignificant.
And the writer finished off by not connecting past and future into a present so either it is going to continue with this style of writing in the second book or just ignore past and continue from the future; and I am not interested in any of those scenarios.
I like watching the chronological progression of the MC from the beginning to the end and this story kept leaping forward and back in a way that eliminated all my curiosity and made all past parts insignificant.
And the writer finished off by not connecting past and future into a present so either it is going to continue with this style of writing in the second book or just ignore past and continue from the future; and I am not interested in any of those scenarios.
July 11, 2019
Although the book is more of a three star "I liked it", there's enough promise and originality to bump this up a bit.
This one is a bit of a mixed bag but damn if it isn't ambitious, trying to tell a story that's a bit deeper and more thought through than you'd normally get from "smart orphan takes on the world".
The wordsmithing, pacing, and worldbuilding can all use work but there's something there that makes it stand out a bit.
This one is a bit of a mixed bag but damn if it isn't ambitious, trying to tell a story that's a bit deeper and more thought through than you'd normally get from "smart orphan takes on the world".
The wordsmithing, pacing, and worldbuilding can all use work but there's something there that makes it stand out a bit.
March 10, 2020
Some have said the LitRPG elements of this were light? I disagree. The entire world is basically litRPG. And I am of the opinion LitRPG is just lazy world building. So that was a mart against this book.
Then you have the main character. Highly unlikable to me. So there is that. Two things against this book.
But the other story elements kept me interested enough to finish this fairly short book. If you actually like LitRPG then this is a solid read for you. If you don't like LitRPG then avoid this one and find something else that will really satisfy you.
Then you have the main character. Highly unlikable to me. So there is that. Two things against this book.
But the other story elements kept me interested enough to finish this fairly short book. If you actually like LitRPG then this is a solid read for you. If you don't like LitRPG then avoid this one and find something else that will really satisfy you.
March 12, 2020
There were several moments while reading this book that I was sure it was a five-star experience, only for it to stumble ever so slightly. The most common problem, for me, was when the author forced me to acknowledge Wick's inherent selfishness.
Wick's character is one of those whose behavior and intentions are dissonant. If the reader was privy to his actions only, we might think Wick was a well-intentioned and moral individual, always looking out for the other guy. But instead, we are forced to see his inner motivations, and they reflect a user of people, a manipulator, and a shameless hoarder of power and wealth.
This character flaw is somewhat offset by his hyper-competence. Early in the book, Wick is gifted with an eidetic memory that nicely complements his already acute mental faculties. It's fun to witness him penetrate deceptions and outwit much-older opponents. I just wish I could barrack for him without reservation.
As interesting as it is to play around with a choice between love and power, there is a worm at the core. Is it fair to offer that irrevocable and life-changing choice to a child? As you can see, I'm torn. This is a well-written book with an interesting magic system and well-crafted characters. Perhaps it's so realistic that it has me riled up. In short, this is a superbly written book with some difficult themes.
Wick's character is one of those whose behavior and intentions are dissonant. If the reader was privy to his actions only, we might think Wick was a well-intentioned and moral individual, always looking out for the other guy. But instead, we are forced to see his inner motivations, and they reflect a user of people, a manipulator, and a shameless hoarder of power and wealth.
This character flaw is somewhat offset by his hyper-competence. Early in the book, Wick is gifted with an eidetic memory that nicely complements his already acute mental faculties. It's fun to witness him penetrate deceptions and outwit much-older opponents. I just wish I could barrack for him without reservation.
As interesting as it is to play around with a choice between love and power, there is a worm at the core. Is it fair to offer that irrevocable and life-changing choice to a child? As you can see, I'm torn. This is a well-written book with an interesting magic system and well-crafted characters. Perhaps it's so realistic that it has me riled up. In short, this is a superbly written book with some difficult themes.
April 2, 2020
The book is what it claims to be ... a fast paced uncomplicated scene setter. The MC is simplistic badass, who shows little to no character development. Instead, he gains new flashy abilities, collects cool gear, recruits allies and lackies. The main 'villain' is a petty bully, who is easily crushed by the all powerful MC.
July 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The authors ability to tie the past and future of the same character seamlessly into an intricate story full of adventure and a surprisingly deep world background that gives the impression there is so much more to explore and discover. Looking forward to next novel.
February 27, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: A few scattered throughout the book.
Plot: An orphan has a chance for a legendary future, if he can reach out and take it.
Characters: Found the Mc to be an interesting character to follow.
7/10
Mistakes: A few scattered throughout the book.
Plot: An orphan has a chance for a legendary future, if he can reach out and take it.
Characters: Found the Mc to be an interesting character to follow.
7/10
July 12, 2020
I'm going to skip writing some grand review, and just stick to the points that came to mind.
I thought this was pretty well written (spoken, in this case), and it kept me reading against my initial doubts. Next month I might check out the second.
That said, this was really annoying to get though. Crafting didn't come into play until 2+ hours in, when I was about ready to give up. Even then I'd be hard pressed to call that crafting. At the very least it's programming, and barely any of that.
I get the MC is an... antagonist? Anti-hero? Creep? but it got really trying with him pointlessly pontificating his mental prowess and power pursuit. I know there's a lot of world to establish, and you want to make certain things stick in the readers head, but it just seemed overtly repetitive. Like you don't trust the reader to get the points of the story.
Finally, the future bits are completely unnecessary, and would have been better served in a future book. I'm sure it satisfies some need to make sure the ahole gets his comeuppance, but it hurts the story. In this case it just feels like the MC flexing how powerful he is now, removes any tension that may happen in the past events, and that the writer has no confidence he'll be able to tell the rest of the story in future books. Like I said, it did keep me interested enough to want to check out the second book, but I'm really hoping this aspect gets lost in it.
I thought this was pretty well written (spoken, in this case), and it kept me reading against my initial doubts. Next month I might check out the second.
That said, this was really annoying to get though. Crafting didn't come into play until 2+ hours in, when I was about ready to give up. Even then I'd be hard pressed to call that crafting. At the very least it's programming, and barely any of that.
I get the MC is an... antagonist? Anti-hero? Creep? but it got really trying with him pointlessly pontificating his mental prowess and power pursuit. I know there's a lot of world to establish, and you want to make certain things stick in the readers head, but it just seemed overtly repetitive. Like you don't trust the reader to get the points of the story.
Finally, the future bits are completely unnecessary, and would have been better served in a future book. I'm sure it satisfies some need to make sure the ahole gets his comeuppance, but it hurts the story. In this case it just feels like the MC flexing how powerful he is now, removes any tension that may happen in the past events, and that the writer has no confidence he'll be able to tell the rest of the story in future books. Like I said, it did keep me interested enough to want to check out the second book, but I'm really hoping this aspect gets lost in it.
April 10, 2020
This was a really great book.
It's hard to find a book that tells the past and present at the same time well and this one does leave a blank space in between (covered by book 2 I think) but I really enjoyed it.
Despite being called 'the crafter' there's no crafting in it. It's more of a story about an orphans struggle to raise himself and his fellow orphans from the gutter to greatness. Why? For selfish reasons. I love that Wick is completely open that he's not a saint, rather closer to a villian.
It's hard to find a book that tells the past and present at the same time well and this one does leave a blank space in between (covered by book 2 I think) but I really enjoyed it.
Despite being called 'the crafter' there's no crafting in it. It's more of a story about an orphans struggle to raise himself and his fellow orphans from the gutter to greatness. Why? For selfish reasons. I love that Wick is completely open that he's not a saint, rather closer to a villian.
March 17, 2020
*possible spoiler*
Highly enjoyable, engaging story. Especially good as an audio book. Wick could be an antagonist or protagonist depending on your leaning. But in the same mould as Locke lamora, bean, artimis fowl. Wick is a perfect child genius aloof and all knowing. So happy I've discovered this series when book two is out. Heading straight into it now. I hope it will be as interesting as the first book. Kudos Mr foster.
Highly enjoyable, engaging story. Especially good as an audio book. Wick could be an antagonist or protagonist depending on your leaning. But in the same mould as Locke lamora, bean, artimis fowl. Wick is a perfect child genius aloof and all knowing. So happy I've discovered this series when book two is out. Heading straight into it now. I hope it will be as interesting as the first book. Kudos Mr foster.
May 25, 2020
Fun, Fun, Fun
The book was just fun to read. One of my pet irritants is when authors put foul language in a book designed to be fun...only one in this book and totally unnecessary.
The character in this book is developed well. He is greedy, selfish, and struggles with those character flaws. Mr. Foster did a good job of creating in the reader a desire to like the protagonist while sometimes thinking him the antagonist. Well done sir.
The book was just fun to read. One of my pet irritants is when authors put foul language in a book designed to be fun...only one in this book and totally unnecessary.
The character in this book is developed well. He is greedy, selfish, and struggles with those character flaws. Mr. Foster did a good job of creating in the reader a desire to like the protagonist while sometimes thinking him the antagonist. Well done sir.
January 12, 2021
I tried this one twice but I couldn't get beyond my avid dislike of the main character. I usually don't mind a self centered hero but this main character is portrayed like a cheap villain sitting atop a pile of food laughing as the peasants starve.
Turns out I enjoy reading about thieves and rogues with a noble heart, but really hate reading about jerks who just want to sleep on a pile of gold.
Turns out I enjoy reading about thieves and rogues with a noble heart, but really hate reading about jerks who just want to sleep on a pile of gold.
March 8, 2024
This is a DNF. I really tried and wanted to like this but the MC is not at all someone you want to spend time with. The story jumps around to the point where I just lost interest. I will at least give some points for originality and structurally it was ok but just got put off every few pages and just did not get the whole world structure etc. Hey I will give points for having a spade as a tool and a weapon. :)
December 17, 2019
Good, solid book
This was an enjoyable, very light litrpg book. The protagonist was interesting and fun to read. I have to admit I didn't really like the format the author chose. Each chapter was either in the past or in the future. I would have much preferred to just read the whole story from start to end linearly. But, overall if you're like me and enjoy litrpg, you will like this book.
This was an enjoyable, very light litrpg book. The protagonist was interesting and fun to read. I have to admit I didn't really like the format the author chose. Each chapter was either in the past or in the future. I would have much preferred to just read the whole story from start to end linearly. But, overall if you're like me and enjoy litrpg, you will like this book.
December 26, 2019
It was a little annoying at first..
I disliked the jumping in time, from the past to the future. It was annoying and disruptive to the immersion of the story. By the end of the novel, it actually had grown on me, and I really like how the book ended. I really liked the ending! *Dragon faced smile*
I disliked the jumping in time, from the past to the future. It was annoying and disruptive to the immersion of the story. By the end of the novel, it actually had grown on me, and I really like how the book ended. I really liked the ending! *Dragon faced smile*
January 5, 2020
Another great story
Of you've ever read any of fosters other works you know how well he writes his stories. If you haven't then you definitely should. This is a great book. It may be a series or a so how novel. It was written in a way that allows for it to be either. I'm definitely impressed and looking forward to the next book by foster.
Of you've ever read any of fosters other works you know how well he writes his stories. If you haven't then you definitely should. This is a great book. It may be a series or a so how novel. It was written in a way that allows for it to be either. I'm definitely impressed and looking forward to the next book by foster.
February 27, 2020
Wow.. just wow
It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a book as much as this. It takes real skill to make a protagonist as flawed and likable as in this novel. Reminds me of one of my favorite novels Lies of locke lamora.
Only buy this book if you’re alive, with two eyes, a brain and enjoy reading something original, fantastic and bold... If not you should stay away.
It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a book as much as this. It takes real skill to make a protagonist as flawed and likable as in this novel. Reminds me of one of my favorite novels Lies of locke lamora.
Only buy this book if you’re alive, with two eyes, a brain and enjoy reading something original, fantastic and bold... If not you should stay away.
March 12, 2020
Entertaining
Pretty well written. Multiple places where the wrong word was used but could be an artifact of spell check I guess.
I am a bit confused by the nature of the protagonist. Likable enough but the background seemed a bit thin there. Otherwise good effort. Good story progression and I will be reading the sequel.
Pretty well written. Multiple places where the wrong word was used but could be an artifact of spell check I guess.
I am a bit confused by the nature of the protagonist. Likable enough but the background seemed a bit thin there. Otherwise good effort. Good story progression and I will be reading the sequel.
April 7, 2020
It was a really good read
I saw this a while back, but was hesitant on reading. Boy was I wrong. Wick may be wicked, but damn he is a very interesting character. The past/future concept was a little off putting at first, but as the story got deeper it flowed without an issue. Very unique concept and writing style. Will definitely read book 2
I saw this a while back, but was hesitant on reading. Boy was I wrong. Wick may be wicked, but damn he is a very interesting character. The past/future concept was a little off putting at first, but as the story got deeper it flowed without an issue. Very unique concept and writing style. Will definitely read book 2
April 7, 2022
This is a story of a mentally sick child who doesn't act like a 10 years old child at all, even if he had matured very very early.
Having some greed is good and even necessary, but having too much of it is disgusting and disturbing.
All in all the story wasn't worth reading at all, so I dropped it near 50 %.
Having some greed is good and even necessary, but having too much of it is disgusting and disturbing.
All in all the story wasn't worth reading at all, so I dropped it near 50 %.
December 22, 2019
Surprisingly a great read
This is a great read. Not so much of the crafting aspect which i thought would be the main magic system but not disappointed. I’d highly recommend reading this.
This is a great read. Not so much of the crafting aspect which i thought would be the main magic system but not disappointed. I’d highly recommend reading this.
February 1, 2020
I don’t really know what genre this is.
But it’s pretty dang fantastic. A MC in the image of Locke Lamora, a magic system Sanderson would be proud of, a dash of wuxia pilgrims and litrpg skills cobbled together into a graceful and thrilling story.
But it’s pretty dang fantastic. A MC in the image of Locke Lamora, a magic system Sanderson would be proud of, a dash of wuxia pilgrims and litrpg skills cobbled together into a graceful and thrilling story.
March 8, 2020
A good read
As promised, no moody protagonist, no harem. Refreshing, to say the least!
I liked that Wick is driven, makes hard choices and generally doesnt care about others. Its not an easy character for me to identify with, but that makes him more believable.
On to book 2.
As promised, no moody protagonist, no harem. Refreshing, to say the least!
I liked that Wick is driven, makes hard choices and generally doesnt care about others. Its not an easy character for me to identify with, but that makes him more believable.
On to book 2.
March 26, 2020
Dancing in happiness
This was a ridiculously good book. A stupendous good book. I don't even know how else to describe it. I normally hate clash back books. I find them jarring and unnecessary, but this story was good enough to justify it.
This was a ridiculously good book. A stupendous good book. I don't even know how else to describe it. I normally hate clash back books. I find them jarring and unnecessary, but this story was good enough to justify it.
April 15, 2020
Excellent book!
I really enjoyed this book, and getting to experience the mind of a genius from childhood to adult. The shifting perspectives of having narratives from different characters was great. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed this book, and getting to experience the mind of a genius from childhood to adult. The shifting perspectives of having narratives from different characters was great. I look forward to the rest of the series.
April 26, 2020
Bravo
This was an excellent book. The main character is someone you shouldn’t like but can’t help but like. The plot held me from the beginning to the end, and I'm looking forward to book two.
This was an excellent book. The main character is someone you shouldn’t like but can’t help but like. The plot held me from the beginning to the end, and I'm looking forward to book two.
May 31, 2020
Pretty good
This was a pretty good book. I dont really like how sometimes its in the past and sometimes its in the future I prefer a more steady timing book but I think this author did a good job of keeping them seperate.
This was a pretty good book. I dont really like how sometimes its in the past and sometimes its in the future I prefer a more steady timing book but I think this author did a good job of keeping them seperate.
October 8, 2020
Money money money,
this protagonist is greedy. But I guess that’s what you get when fate itself drives you forward. Book is good, not too long but full of content, leaves me wanting more. Finished it in two sittings even if you will believe it.
this protagonist is greedy. But I guess that’s what you get when fate itself drives you forward. Book is good, not too long but full of content, leaves me wanting more. Finished it in two sittings even if you will believe it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews