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The Golden Remnant Saga #1
Shadow of the Lantern Bearer
Magic is a disease. It spreads like a plague and drives the infected mad with power.
Death is the only cure.
Seventeen-year-old Kole Felmen is destined for a life spent executing infected sorcerers and disposing of their tainted remains.
But his first execution ends in disaster. Fearing he has been infected with the sorcerer's plague, Kole sees only one option: flee his village before his mind snaps and he destroys everyone he loves.
His chance for escape lies with a band of treasure hunters traveling to a lost ruin from a plague-ravaged empire, where ancient dangers lurk and the shadows of the past still linger…
Embark on a journey across a shattered empire in this coming-of-age fantasy brimming with ancient mysteries and deadly adventure. Shadow of the Lantern Bearer is perfect for fans of Robert Jordan, David Eddings, and Anthony Ryan.
Death is the only cure.
Seventeen-year-old Kole Felmen is destined for a life spent executing infected sorcerers and disposing of their tainted remains.
But his first execution ends in disaster. Fearing he has been infected with the sorcerer's plague, Kole sees only one option: flee his village before his mind snaps and he destroys everyone he loves.
His chance for escape lies with a band of treasure hunters traveling to a lost ruin from a plague-ravaged empire, where ancient dangers lurk and the shadows of the past still linger…
Embark on a journey across a shattered empire in this coming-of-age fantasy brimming with ancient mysteries and deadly adventure. Shadow of the Lantern Bearer is perfect for fans of Robert Jordan, David Eddings, and Anthony Ryan.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2020
198 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Chris R. Underwood
1 book35 followersChris R. Underwood writes character-driven sword and sorcery inspired by the classic epic fantasy novels he grew up with. His obsession with fantasy began more than two decades ago with a dog-eared copy of The Hobbit. Many suspect that Chris actually is a hobbit, given that he is a short, curly-haired, hairy-footed homebody.
Chris lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his partner and daughter.
Get exclusive alternate maps of the Golden Remnant as well as world lore and updates about the series at his websites
See also Chris Underwood (2^)
Chris lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his partner and daughter.
Get exclusive alternate maps of the Golden Remnant as well as world lore and updates about the series at his websites
See also Chris Underwood (2^)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 11, 2020
I really didn't expect to like this so much -- I have low expectations of Kindle Unlimited books, generally, especially ones that are what seem to be the start of a multi-book series (which to my displeasure this is the only one so far).
But the central conceit was an interesting one -- what if sorcery is a fatal, communicable disease? That there raises the interest level far above the usual fantasy magic-as-wish-fulfillment conceit, so it was worth reading a couple pages to see what the prose was like, and initially there was the standard bullied boy in a small village where adventurers drop by setup -- but then the characters started being interesting, and then I found out more about the magic remnants of a fallen empire, and I was definitely still reading on, all the way to the end.
(Which doesn't even get halfway through whatever the longer story is. But the journey is good reading, so far.)
Anyway, if there are further books in this series I'll be looking for them. I'm really surprised this wasn't considered for publication by an actual press.
But the central conceit was an interesting one -- what if sorcery is a fatal, communicable disease? That there raises the interest level far above the usual fantasy magic-as-wish-fulfillment conceit, so it was worth reading a couple pages to see what the prose was like, and initially there was the standard bullied boy in a small village where adventurers drop by setup -- but then the characters started being interesting, and then I found out more about the magic remnants of a fallen empire, and I was definitely still reading on, all the way to the end.
(Which doesn't even get halfway through whatever the longer story is. But the journey is good reading, so far.)
Anyway, if there are further books in this series I'll be looking for them. I'm really surprised this wasn't considered for publication by an actual press.
August 3, 2020
This was a kindle free book and I wanted some undemanding escapism. The initial signs were promising; the alternative was rejected out of hand after the first sentence. This is probably a personal thing, but the whole ‘apostrophe in the character name’ thing is a bit of a deal-breaker for me, so I went with this one instead. It’s good. It’s very good. I got my escapism, but it was dark and a bit twisted and the author is bold enough to kill off his characters. Major characters. The world building works and there is plenty of action; no standing around in the middle of an action sequence to tediously explain the plot and throw in a few more apostrophe characters. The plot moves along nicely, with some unexpected twists to keep you interested. Strong characterisation makes it easy to get involved and I was actually really surprised that there were almost 500 pages; it flashed past a bit too quickly. I was hoping to move on to the next one, but it’s not out yet, unfortunately. The acid test: would I have bought this? Yes, definitely. And if the next one isn’t included in my kindle subscription, I will happily pay for it. It’s not LOTR, but it was a pleasant surprise to find this level of originality and high-quality writing in a genre which often feels bloated and cliched. One to watch. Hope he’s got the follow up ready for a quick release!
May 21, 2020
Excellent epic adventure
Bundling really creative but accessible ideas, great characters, and a very readable style, Shadow of the Lantern Bearer is one of the best fantasies I’ve read this year. I hate to say too much about the book for fear of spoilers, but I will say the main character is an intriguing blend of an ordinary, down-to-earth young man who is also, largely due to his dad’s solid character, both ethical and honorable. Secondary characters give the story depth and intrigue, a sense that a lot of worldbuilding has gone on in the background.
The story starts with essentially a dungeon crawl, and has very much the feel of litrpg. Before long, however, the deeper elements in the story come to the front, and it becomes clear that some sort of fate or eucatastrophe is the real mover of the story. I’m looking forward to the next entries in this series.
Bundling really creative but accessible ideas, great characters, and a very readable style, Shadow of the Lantern Bearer is one of the best fantasies I’ve read this year. I hate to say too much about the book for fear of spoilers, but I will say the main character is an intriguing blend of an ordinary, down-to-earth young man who is also, largely due to his dad’s solid character, both ethical and honorable. Secondary characters give the story depth and intrigue, a sense that a lot of worldbuilding has gone on in the background.
The story starts with essentially a dungeon crawl, and has very much the feel of litrpg. Before long, however, the deeper elements in the story come to the front, and it becomes clear that some sort of fate or eucatastrophe is the real mover of the story. I’m looking forward to the next entries in this series.
July 1, 2021
I found Shadow of the Lantern Bearer to basically read itself, mostly due to almost every chapter having an interesting new turn or discovery.
Add to that an interesting premise - magic having been twisted into a plague that combines it's power with horrifying madness - and you have an interesting read that only rarely goes into any lengths in the pacing (for me about two or three times in the middle, but those where quickly over).
All in all a pleasant surprise, and definitely one of the better books I've read this year.
Add to that an interesting premise - magic having been twisted into a plague that combines it's power with horrifying madness - and you have an interesting read that only rarely goes into any lengths in the pacing (for me about two or three times in the middle, but those where quickly over).
All in all a pleasant surprise, and definitely one of the better books I've read this year.
October 3, 2020
This books blurb does it a massive injustice.
This is not really a coming of age story about the character that was unjustly shunned from the place he loves going on an epic adventure with powerful allies and mentors on his side... without spoiling much it is a grimdark story about a guy trying to find a place for himself in a rather sensible but unpleasant high magic world.
The plot direction is not unusual from the generic epic adventure coming of age stories, but things start to go pretty bad pretty fast. So even if the direction might feel similar the execution is quite refreshing.
The characters are interesting and they get good amount of exposure on the pages.
A few month after reading the book I dont remember much about the battle scenes. I would say they drive the plot, but are not the focus of the book. They are fast, precise and to the point. They set the stage and imagination but dont spend time on the theatrics and slow motioned actions.
Eagerly waiting for the sequel.
This is not really a coming of age story about the character that was unjustly shunned from the place he loves going on an epic adventure with powerful allies and mentors on his side... without spoiling much it is a grimdark story about a guy trying to find a place for himself in a rather sensible but unpleasant high magic world.
The plot direction is not unusual from the generic epic adventure coming of age stories, but things start to go pretty bad pretty fast. So even if the direction might feel similar the execution is quite refreshing.
The characters are interesting and they get good amount of exposure on the pages.
A few month after reading the book I dont remember much about the battle scenes. I would say they drive the plot, but are not the focus of the book. They are fast, precise and to the point. They set the stage and imagination but dont spend time on the theatrics and slow motioned actions.
Eagerly waiting for the sequel.
August 2, 2020
An Old School Epic
The thing about most fantasy books is - you get one or the other. Either the world building is amazing and the story telling is blah. Or the storytelling is amazing and the world building is lacking. To me for a book to be great you have to combine the two. Here we have an author that excelled in three areas (3rd not mentioned). A great story, an amazing world and in addition a great character. By far the best book I read in 2020.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: The path is clear.
The thing about most fantasy books is - you get one or the other. Either the world building is amazing and the story telling is blah. Or the storytelling is amazing and the world building is lacking. To me for a book to be great you have to combine the two. Here we have an author that excelled in three areas (3rd not mentioned). A great story, an amazing world and in addition a great character. By far the best book I read in 2020.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: The path is clear.
October 23, 2020
4 Stars Recommend
This is a fun read with good characters to which you shouldn’t get too attached. Looking forward to the next one.
This is a fun read with good characters to which you shouldn’t get too attached. Looking forward to the next one.
June 9, 2020
Great piece of fantasy, I just wish it was longer!
Excellent first book and a series I hope continues. If you like The Kingkiller Chronicles, you will love this book.
Excellent first book and a series I hope continues. If you like The Kingkiller Chronicles, you will love this book.
July 20, 2025
Underwood cites Wheel of Time as a major inspiration for this book and for his love of fantasy in general, and you can really feel the WoT vibes in Lantern Bearer’s worldbuilding. The Golden Remnant is a land that has been twisted irrevocably by mad sorcerers and their creations, when magic also began to bring madness to its wielders. Kole, village boy turned protagonist, winds up literally shining a light into his world’s dark corners, and what he finds there could damn or save them all.
The world was fascinating to explore, the battles were tense, and Kole’s tale is already one laced with tragedy. I will definitely be owning this entire series as it comes out.
The world was fascinating to explore, the battles were tense, and Kole’s tale is already one laced with tragedy. I will definitely be owning this entire series as it comes out.
June 4, 2020
Very good book which appears to be the first from this author
The pacing and characters are good, and the style makes reading easy.
Although described as a "coming of age" book, it doesn't under-rate the main character as do many other books. The "feel" is of a author with more experience crafting a story than just this book.
I look forward to the continuation of this series, and to other work from Chris R. Underwood.
The pacing and characters are good, and the style makes reading easy.
Although described as a "coming of age" book, it doesn't under-rate the main character as do many other books. The "feel" is of a author with more experience crafting a story than just this book.
I look forward to the continuation of this series, and to other work from Chris R. Underwood.
June 4, 2020
Great Book
This is the first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. I hope that it doesn't take long for the next book in this series.
This is the first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. I hope that it doesn't take long for the next book in this series.
April 21, 2020
Awesome sauce
This an extremely well
Written book. All
The way to the epilogue I was absolutely absorbed by the story.
Well done.
This an extremely well
Written book. All
The way to the epilogue I was absolutely absorbed by the story.
Well done.
May 15, 2022
This book had such a great concept and such fascinating, thought-out world building. It lived and breathed differently to other fantasy worlds because of the rich history that crept into every scene, a history readers become aware of bit by bit rather than being introduced to via an exposition dump.
The setting is essentially a post-apocalyptic one - centuries ago, magic became corrupted and all the sorcerers - of which there're different classes, each with their own skillset - went mad. In the present day, magically-made monsters run wild and magic is treated like a plague that needs to be quarantined before it spreads. Kole Felman, the protagonist, comes from a family of corpse-draggers, who execute anyone infected by magic, and dispose of corpses, which ordinary people are afraid to handle in case they get contaminated.
All this makes for a dark, creepy ambiance with an impending sense of dread and paranoia around the magic plague and the effects it has on the infected (which feels eerily topical in a post-covid world...). Kole finds himself potentially infected after a botched execution and decides to venture into the nearby swamp with a group of treasure-hunters to look for an ancient ruin to give himself time to see if he's going mad.
The plot was extremely tightly woven and fast-paced, jumping from one obstacle to the next with enough action to keep you reading but also enough character-driven introspection to keep you invested in the story. I was surprised at how quickly the journey into the temple wrapped up, and kickstarted the next part of the plot - I expected it to drag on a lot longer.
Kole is a wonderful narrator - very much a teenager, but endearing in his desire to help people and his insecurities about how he and his family are treated for their profession. He grows and develops as the story progresses, and picks up powers and abilities that help him on the way, but it all feels very earned. The descriptions of him learning how to use his magic, failing and trying again, and at the same time resisting the urge to use it, were heartbreaking as well as gripping.
I loved the side characters too - the treasure hunters are all colourful and jump off the page, and their banter gives a lot of depth to their history and relationships. I was really disappointed when all but one of them were killed off at the end of the first act - I felt like they had more to give the story. Mara, the only survivor, was in my opinion the least interesting of the lot, but I grew to like her mentor-like relationship with Kole - I really, really hope the sequels don't turn it into a romantic relationship. I was almost happy when she seemed to die at the end of the book, because it felt like her story was done and she'd passed her mission onto Kole in a way that made sense - and then came the epilogue. Oh well.
Darvin was hands-down my favourite character. Think of him as the fanon version of Draco Malfoy - he starts off as the cliche schoolyard bully and rival to Kole, and his character development is beautiful and touching to behold. I thought his growing friendship with Kole was also brilliant, from them saving each other grudgingly, and then not to grudgingly, and then ending the book bantering and joking around. I almost found myself hoping it was something that would turn romantic - but I highly doubt that, considering the narration went out of its way to bash us on the head with how straight they were. Regardless, they work really well as foils to one another and I think it could be a really interesting, conflicted friendship to explore, especially when Darvin finds out that Kole is a sorcerer.
I'm excited to see where this series goes - unfortunately, going by the author's blog. it sounds like it's going to be a long wait. It always sucks to get invested in a series when you know the next books are going to take a while, but I'm glad I stumbled upon this one. Highly underrated and deserves far more attention than it's getting!
The setting is essentially a post-apocalyptic one - centuries ago, magic became corrupted and all the sorcerers - of which there're different classes, each with their own skillset - went mad. In the present day, magically-made monsters run wild and magic is treated like a plague that needs to be quarantined before it spreads. Kole Felman, the protagonist, comes from a family of corpse-draggers, who execute anyone infected by magic, and dispose of corpses, which ordinary people are afraid to handle in case they get contaminated.
All this makes for a dark, creepy ambiance with an impending sense of dread and paranoia around the magic plague and the effects it has on the infected (which feels eerily topical in a post-covid world...). Kole finds himself potentially infected after a botched execution and decides to venture into the nearby swamp with a group of treasure-hunters to look for an ancient ruin to give himself time to see if he's going mad.
The plot was extremely tightly woven and fast-paced, jumping from one obstacle to the next with enough action to keep you reading but also enough character-driven introspection to keep you invested in the story. I was surprised at how quickly the journey into the temple wrapped up, and kickstarted the next part of the plot - I expected it to drag on a lot longer.
Kole is a wonderful narrator - very much a teenager, but endearing in his desire to help people and his insecurities about how he and his family are treated for their profession. He grows and develops as the story progresses, and picks up powers and abilities that help him on the way, but it all feels very earned. The descriptions of him learning how to use his magic, failing and trying again, and at the same time resisting the urge to use it, were heartbreaking as well as gripping.
I loved the side characters too - the treasure hunters are all colourful and jump off the page, and their banter gives a lot of depth to their history and relationships. I was really disappointed when all but one of them were killed off at the end of the first act - I felt like they had more to give the story. Mara, the only survivor, was in my opinion the least interesting of the lot, but I grew to like her mentor-like relationship with Kole - I really, really hope the sequels don't turn it into a romantic relationship. I was almost happy when she seemed to die at the end of the book, because it felt like her story was done and she'd passed her mission onto Kole in a way that made sense - and then came the epilogue. Oh well.
Darvin was hands-down my favourite character. Think of him as the fanon version of Draco Malfoy - he starts off as the cliche schoolyard bully and rival to Kole, and his character development is beautiful and touching to behold. I thought his growing friendship with Kole was also brilliant, from them saving each other grudgingly, and then not to grudgingly, and then ending the book bantering and joking around. I almost found myself hoping it was something that would turn romantic - but I highly doubt that, considering the narration went out of its way to bash us on the head with how straight they were. Regardless, they work really well as foils to one another and I think it could be a really interesting, conflicted friendship to explore, especially when Darvin finds out that Kole is a sorcerer.
I'm excited to see where this series goes - unfortunately, going by the author's blog. it sounds like it's going to be a long wait. It always sucks to get invested in a series when you know the next books are going to take a while, but I'm glad I stumbled upon this one. Highly underrated and deserves far more attention than it's getting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
This is probably going to be a long review because I have ALOT to say.
And let me start by saying I never wanted this book to end! The beginning of Kole’s story starts off kind of slow but it gives you some good background for the rest of the book. I believe this is the first book published by this author and I have to observe that it is incredible. So many twist and turns and heartbreak(there is a decent bit of death pretty early on and throughout the book)
BUT THAT ENDING THOUGH!!!!!!
Never saw it coming but so incredibly happy to have a familiar face back in the action. I liked how a few things were obscured from us so we don’t get the full picture yet and we have to keep guessing and theorizing until the next book. Which hopefully doesn’t take too long to come out as I’m already having SotLB book withdraws. The only thing I had a problem with, and hope you give him a little more backbone, is Koles naivety and sometimes childish behavior, he’s been through too much to still be acting like that. And that’s not even a big issue I just don’t think it fit his character to be honest. Please read this series! I highly recommend it, you will definitely not be disappointed. I’m so glad I took a chance on this book. I know you will be too.
P.s- I’m really scared to know what Darvin is gonna do once he finds out Kole is a sorcerer 😳😳😳😳
And let me start by saying I never wanted this book to end! The beginning of Kole’s story starts off kind of slow but it gives you some good background for the rest of the book. I believe this is the first book published by this author and I have to observe that it is incredible. So many twist and turns and heartbreak(there is a decent bit of death pretty early on and throughout the book)
BUT THAT ENDING THOUGH!!!!!!
Never saw it coming but so incredibly happy to have a familiar face back in the action. I liked how a few things were obscured from us so we don’t get the full picture yet and we have to keep guessing and theorizing until the next book. Which hopefully doesn’t take too long to come out as I’m already having SotLB book withdraws. The only thing I had a problem with, and hope you give him a little more backbone, is Koles naivety and sometimes childish behavior, he’s been through too much to still be acting like that. And that’s not even a big issue I just don’t think it fit his character to be honest. Please read this series! I highly recommend it, you will definitely not be disappointed. I’m so glad I took a chance on this book. I know you will be too.
P.s- I’m really scared to know what Darvin is gonna do once he finds out Kole is a sorcerer 😳😳😳😳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
Shadow of the Lantern Bearer is a book I picked up between reading other huge epic fantasy books. I went in expecting the book to be completely focused on the journey to the ruins and the treasure hunt. However I was very very very wrong. I was not expecting this book to turn out the way it did and I am very intrigued as to what is to come in the next book (I really really hope the next book comes out soon).
The author does not pull his punches with the twists and turns, and the pain and suffering. Each character seems to go through hell and back through this book. We see themes of acceptance of oneself, loneliness, and learning to trust yourself and others. The author isn't afraid to hurt any character... even the main ones... in ways that are unimaginable.
After reading he epilogue I have many many many questions and have some theories about how our main character Kole may play into all that is happening. I am also excited to see how Kole and Darvin's friendship evolves, and also how Kole's relationship with the other side characters evolve as well.
Overall I am looking forward to the second book and can sense themes of revenge, friendship, right vs. wrong and struggle might be a main focus in book 2.
Overall I would give this book a strong 4/5.
The author does not pull his punches with the twists and turns, and the pain and suffering. Each character seems to go through hell and back through this book. We see themes of acceptance of oneself, loneliness, and learning to trust yourself and others. The author isn't afraid to hurt any character... even the main ones... in ways that are unimaginable.
After reading he epilogue I have many many many questions and have some theories about how our main character Kole may play into all that is happening. I am also excited to see how Kole and Darvin's friendship evolves, and also how Kole's relationship with the other side characters evolve as well.
Overall I am looking forward to the second book and can sense themes of revenge, friendship, right vs. wrong and struggle might be a main focus in book 2.
Overall I would give this book a strong 4/5.
July 9, 2020
Epic fantasy with a dash of Indiana Jones and a pinch of the apocalypse
Great and unique world building. Personal stakes for the characters and epic stakes for the world at large. Interesting and likable characters that develop or reveal themselves organically in synch with the story. The plot is fast paced, and the plotting is tight (except hear the end).
If I have a criticism of the book is that there were a few too many coincidences near the end of the book. This place the main character needed to go just happened to be where he ended up. And then the characters friends show up to rescue him from this impossible and forlorn place though they don’t even know he’s there.
This is a good book and well worth the read. I read a lot of fantasy novels and this was one of the more enjoyable ones I read this year.
Great and unique world building. Personal stakes for the characters and epic stakes for the world at large. Interesting and likable characters that develop or reveal themselves organically in synch with the story. The plot is fast paced, and the plotting is tight (except hear the end).
If I have a criticism of the book is that there were a few too many coincidences near the end of the book. This place the main character needed to go just happened to be where he ended up. And then the characters friends show up to rescue him from this impossible and forlorn place though they don’t even know he’s there.
This is a good book and well worth the read. I read a lot of fantasy novels and this was one of the more enjoyable ones I read this year.
February 8, 2021
Good start of a fantasy series
I liked this story. It had an interesting combination of a world that is on the brink, one that suffered a great cataclysm and is still trying to survive the fallout of those actions.
The power of the story is the main character’s journey of self discovery coupled with intriguing world building - which should be at the core of every good fantasy epic.
I would have liked more understanding of one of the main characters - Mara - and hope to see more of her thoughts and opinions in a future book. But that is my only disappointment - that I didn’t get more. Thus I give it 5 stars
I liked this story. It had an interesting combination of a world that is on the brink, one that suffered a great cataclysm and is still trying to survive the fallout of those actions.
The power of the story is the main character’s journey of self discovery coupled with intriguing world building - which should be at the core of every good fantasy epic.
I would have liked more understanding of one of the main characters - Mara - and hope to see more of her thoughts and opinions in a future book. But that is my only disappointment - that I didn’t get more. Thus I give it 5 stars
October 3, 2021
A Tense Adventure
This book has been a journey in itself. Underwood's style of writing paints pictures without overwhelming with details. Every scene can been seen, smelt, and heard. Some of the most intense moments had me sitting up, hunched over my kindle. The main character, Kole, is down to Earth and just plain honest. He behaves in a believable way that's refreshing for the genre. The supporting characters are just as filled with personality that keeps the story moving. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who like their fantasy-adventure to have a dash of horror.
This book has been a journey in itself. Underwood's style of writing paints pictures without overwhelming with details. Every scene can been seen, smelt, and heard. Some of the most intense moments had me sitting up, hunched over my kindle. The main character, Kole, is down to Earth and just plain honest. He behaves in a believable way that's refreshing for the genre. The supporting characters are just as filled with personality that keeps the story moving. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who like their fantasy-adventure to have a dash of horror.
July 25, 2022
I really hope the Author writes the second book soon.
I absolutely loved the book, loved the characters and the prose.
There was not a lot of action, which usually puts me off books since I love action, but the mystery and adventure and dialogue was really well done that it’s absence didn’t really affect me.
Sometimes I find that the dialogue between characters and their overall interaction between each other is very unconventional or not appropriate as per the setting but I felt no such thing while reading it.
The emotion is also very well done, I actually cared for the MC, added bonus of it being ?mostly? single POV, and wanted to follow him on his journey.
Keep it up Chris.
I absolutely loved the book, loved the characters and the prose.
There was not a lot of action, which usually puts me off books since I love action, but the mystery and adventure and dialogue was really well done that it’s absence didn’t really affect me.
Sometimes I find that the dialogue between characters and their overall interaction between each other is very unconventional or not appropriate as per the setting but I felt no such thing while reading it.
The emotion is also very well done, I actually cared for the MC, added bonus of it being ?mostly? single POV, and wanted to follow him on his journey.
Keep it up Chris.
March 18, 2023
Great tale for an adventure-hungry reader
It’s been a while since I read anything that really peaked my interest. And that’s pretty sad when it’s coming from a writer. But this one really grabbed me by the ears and took me on a wild ride. The author has a great sense of pacing and well fleshed out characters, and both the world he’s created and magic system are excellent. Just a great adventure tale with lots of wonderful, mysterious locations. The author also created. lot of original ideas without all of the boring and tired old tropes which plague most fantasy novels. The story never once slowed down or lost my interest, and for that I’m giving this one five stars!
It’s been a while since I read anything that really peaked my interest. And that’s pretty sad when it’s coming from a writer. But this one really grabbed me by the ears and took me on a wild ride. The author has a great sense of pacing and well fleshed out characters, and both the world he’s created and magic system are excellent. Just a great adventure tale with lots of wonderful, mysterious locations. The author also created. lot of original ideas without all of the boring and tired old tropes which plague most fantasy novels. The story never once slowed down or lost my interest, and for that I’m giving this one five stars!
September 16, 2020
Excellent surprise
I really enjoyed this book. The MC is very relatable having a core set of principles that makes you want to root for him. Also in this book magic is a plague and that made for a nice constraint. The MC gets infected with magic but cannot use it for fear of hurting people around here.
The pace is relatively slow and could use a bit more conflict. But I was looking for a book like this so I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book feels more like suspense than action
Definitely will read the next book
I really enjoyed this book. The MC is very relatable having a core set of principles that makes you want to root for him. Also in this book magic is a plague and that made for a nice constraint. The MC gets infected with magic but cannot use it for fear of hurting people around here.
The pace is relatively slow and could use a bit more conflict. But I was looking for a book like this so I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book feels more like suspense than action
Definitely will read the next book
May 31, 2022
Stunning
Absolutely grabbed me by the hair and shoved my attention into the early chapters, and didn't let up with every page and chapter. This novel is thoroughly awesome. Instantly at the top of my favorites list for deep worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a writing style thats catchy, real, and visceral. I can't recommend this enough, and I can't wait to continue exploring the incredible world of magic, gods, and the shattered ruins of an amazing world. Kole is incredible to follow. I can't wait for more.
Absolutely grabbed me by the hair and shoved my attention into the early chapters, and didn't let up with every page and chapter. This novel is thoroughly awesome. Instantly at the top of my favorites list for deep worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a writing style thats catchy, real, and visceral. I can't recommend this enough, and I can't wait to continue exploring the incredible world of magic, gods, and the shattered ruins of an amazing world. Kole is incredible to follow. I can't wait for more.
February 15, 2025
Gah reading this before the rest of the series is complete might have been a mistake given how thoroughly I enjoyed it.
I love the characters, world-building, and plot of this. It was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish and yet felt like cinema given how easily the visuals came to mind.
Kole is a great protagonist and he went through so many struggles and pain yet is still able to show his strength of character and hold true to himself by the end.
I eagerly await the next books in this series, and thank the author for this amazing read!
I love the characters, world-building, and plot of this. It was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish and yet felt like cinema given how easily the visuals came to mind.
Kole is a great protagonist and he went through so many struggles and pain yet is still able to show his strength of character and hold true to himself by the end.
I eagerly await the next books in this series, and thank the author for this amazing read!
June 26, 2020
Decent world ruined for lack of contrast
The world being a grim dark to a point near parody left the truly black bits feeling washed out against a background of ash and soot. The writing isn’t bad it just feels too much like it’s trying with every word to remind the reader of the cruelty of life. We see no pure moments with which to contrast the cruelty and the whole story suffers for it, becoming one dimensional in its depravity.
The world being a grim dark to a point near parody left the truly black bits feeling washed out against a background of ash and soot. The writing isn’t bad it just feels too much like it’s trying with every word to remind the reader of the cruelty of life. We see no pure moments with which to contrast the cruelty and the whole story suffers for it, becoming one dimensional in its depravity.
July 18, 2020
Great start to a well made world
I enjoyed the well rounded characters, creative world building, and the mechanics of the system of sorcery. It balanced the power and consequences nicely, and provided a intuitive logic to its restraint.
My only hesitation to wholeheartedly endorsing this book is its sequels are unpublished, so we don’t know if the plot arc will wrap up in a reasonable three books, or if this will become an interminable dragging-on of sequels.
I enjoyed the well rounded characters, creative world building, and the mechanics of the system of sorcery. It balanced the power and consequences nicely, and provided a intuitive logic to its restraint.
My only hesitation to wholeheartedly endorsing this book is its sequels are unpublished, so we don’t know if the plot arc will wrap up in a reasonable three books, or if this will become an interminable dragging-on of sequels.
July 28, 2020
Best fantasy book in a while
Good characters, interesting setting, I want the next one now
The magic is interesting without being overdone. Dialog was natural and the writing style was better than most fantasy on amazon. Well written action as well. Only critical is that there were some anachronisms in what the protagonist had knowledge about.
Good characters, interesting setting, I want the next one now
The magic is interesting without being overdone. Dialog was natural and the writing style was better than most fantasy on amazon. Well written action as well. Only critical is that there were some anachronisms in what the protagonist had knowledge about.
August 25, 2020
Good book
This book was a lot darker than the books I usually read, but the author does a great job of writing it. Definitely look forward to the second book to see if any of my theories get confirmed
This book was a lot darker than the books I usually read, but the author does a great job of writing it. Definitely look forward to the second book to see if any of my theories get confirmed
February 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I don't read a lot of books in this genre, but the premise was different (to me) and kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 28, 2022
Get drawn into a world of whispered magic and terrifying monsters
It took me a while to warm to this story... but once I was in it I found it hard to put down. A fantastic imagination has created a world of wonder and intrigue. More please!
It took me a while to warm to this story... but once I was in it I found it hard to put down. A fantastic imagination has created a world of wonder and intrigue. More please!
May 25, 2020
Intriguing storyline
I like the story because whilst it has a central theme , there are numerous side stories. I would like to read the next volume
I like the story because whilst it has a central theme , there are numerous side stories. I would like to read the next volume
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