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Binding Words #4
Forged Bonds
Sean and his Bonded settled in Hearthglen to learn, train, and grow. Taking on an apprentice, setting up his shop, and Bonding both Chastity and Andrea to him, Sean felt like he would finally be able to learn about this world and try his hand at new things.
Sean stepped on some toes as he tried to find his place in the city, but by ignoring conventions, he friended smith and Shaper alike, forging friendships across the divide. The newly formed alliance discovered common ground when opposition rose up to hinder them.
Sean never anticipated the assassins that came for him and his Bonded. With Ida paralyzed and Ryann killed in front of him, Sean lashed out. He killed the attackers, healed Ida, and pulled Ryann back to the world of the living.
Guards rushing toward them, Sean had decisions to make— ones that could shake the very foundations of Hearthglen, and maybe the world.
(This work contains adult situations that some might find offensive, the least of which is graphic sex. This book is about an Overpowered MC, and contains a harem. You’ve been warned.)
Sean stepped on some toes as he tried to find his place in the city, but by ignoring conventions, he friended smith and Shaper alike, forging friendships across the divide. The newly formed alliance discovered common ground when opposition rose up to hinder them.
Sean never anticipated the assassins that came for him and his Bonded. With Ida paralyzed and Ryann killed in front of him, Sean lashed out. He killed the attackers, healed Ida, and pulled Ryann back to the world of the living.
Guards rushing toward them, Sean had decisions to make— ones that could shake the very foundations of Hearthglen, and maybe the world.
(This work contains adult situations that some might find offensive, the least of which is graphic sex. This book is about an Overpowered MC, and contains a harem. You’ve been warned.)
15 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 17, 2020
611 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
67 books1,314 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
February 10, 2021
This book Slows down and gives you time with the characters
The pace of Forged Bonds seems a little slower, but that is a good thing if you like the people in it. There is less violent action, and more slice of life moments. Daniel Schinhofen is falling into the Too Large Harem trap where adding just one more wife seems to be goal. There has to be an upper limit at some point, but it's not in this book. I like where this is going and I'm enjoying the ride, But the family dynamic became a little unwieldy about two wives ago.
The pace of Forged Bonds seems a little slower, but that is a good thing if you like the people in it. There is less violent action, and more slice of life moments. Daniel Schinhofen is falling into the Too Large Harem trap where adding just one more wife seems to be goal. There has to be an upper limit at some point, but it's not in this book. I like where this is going and I'm enjoying the ride, But the family dynamic became a little unwieldy about two wives ago.
January 24, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
I am really enjoying this series. It is pretty much the same as the last couple of books in the series, so if you enjoyed them, you will enjoy this one. The story starts off right where book 3 left off. I had to go back and download book 3 again and read the last chapter since there was so much going on that I needed to remind myself what happened. That is one of the main problems with this book having so many characters and it being such a long time since the last book. I kind of forgot the details of the last book. Getting back up to speed with names and characters takes a while. Sean is building his business, strengthening his group and expanding his work contacts. With his power he could be doing so much more, but he is already so much more powerful than anyone else, he doesn't need to. He picks up any new talents as they come along but doesn't seek out getting more powerful. He is more interested in making the people around him more powerful. This story is a slow burn. I am not sure where the author is trying to take us, but I do enjoy building stories and at this point I am just enjoying the ride. There is some action but not much. Way less than than 1st and second book. Overall, I hope it doesn't take as long for the next book to come out.
I am really enjoying this series. It is pretty much the same as the last couple of books in the series, so if you enjoyed them, you will enjoy this one. The story starts off right where book 3 left off. I had to go back and download book 3 again and read the last chapter since there was so much going on that I needed to remind myself what happened. That is one of the main problems with this book having so many characters and it being such a long time since the last book. I kind of forgot the details of the last book. Getting back up to speed with names and characters takes a while. Sean is building his business, strengthening his group and expanding his work contacts. With his power he could be doing so much more, but he is already so much more powerful than anyone else, he doesn't need to. He picks up any new talents as they come along but doesn't seek out getting more powerful. He is more interested in making the people around him more powerful. This story is a slow burn. I am not sure where the author is trying to take us, but I do enjoy building stories and at this point I am just enjoying the ride. There is some action but not much. Way less than than 1st and second book. Overall, I hope it doesn't take as long for the next book to come out.
May 20, 2020
Fewer fights, more building and a lot of character interactions. 5 stars
Sean is steeling in quite nicely in his new of Hearthglen. But has his craft and skill grow, so do the number of eyes on him. And not all of these eyes hold a friendly regard. With Sean and his friends and companions slowly moving up in the world, both new allies and adversaries take note of him and a quiet life may be just a bit harder to reach than he had hoped for.
In short this fourth novel is solid addition to the series and just as enjoyable as the previous one. With a greater focus on character interactions and relationship building the world of Binding Worlds comes more and more alive. As with most of Schinhofen's novel and the world he creates, the is an emphasis on rich world building and variety of interesting characters.
In all this was a good book and I'm looking forward to the fifth installment in the series.
Sean is steeling in quite nicely in his new of Hearthglen. But has his craft and skill grow, so do the number of eyes on him. And not all of these eyes hold a friendly regard. With Sean and his friends and companions slowly moving up in the world, both new allies and adversaries take note of him and a quiet life may be just a bit harder to reach than he had hoped for.
In short this fourth novel is solid addition to the series and just as enjoyable as the previous one. With a greater focus on character interactions and relationship building the world of Binding Worlds comes more and more alive. As with most of Schinhofen's novel and the world he creates, the is an emphasis on rich world building and variety of interesting characters.
In all this was a good book and I'm looking forward to the fifth installment in the series.
January 19, 2020
This book starts right where the previous book ended. I have really enjoyed this series so far, which surprised me as I didn't care for the author's other works.
The story goes about as I expected, although there are some nice twists put in. The characters are developing nicely and I am beginning to see the author settle into the world and characters. The author does a good job describing the world and the characters without drowning the reader in minutiae.
Some have complained about the amount of time between books in this series, but if the author continues this quality then I don't mind waiting a few months between books.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and eager to see where the author takes the story. There was some nice intrigue hinted in this book and I want to see where it goes.
The story goes about as I expected, although there are some nice twists put in. The characters are developing nicely and I am beginning to see the author settle into the world and characters. The author does a good job describing the world and the characters without drowning the reader in minutiae.
Some have complained about the amount of time between books in this series, but if the author continues this quality then I don't mind waiting a few months between books.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and eager to see where the author takes the story. There was some nice intrigue hinted in this book and I want to see where it goes.
January 19, 2020
This is my favourite of the author's books to date. Those who read my reviews know that I can only take so much "I love YOU more" back-and-forth and introspective emotional crises, something I find a lot of in his books, to the extent that I've had to bail on a couple of series accordingly. Of course, just my opinion, but I know I'm not completely alone in finding pages and pages of relationship/emotional angst to be too much.
There was a bit of that in the earlier parts of this series, but this book seems to have broken through to the other side. Yes, there is relationship stuff, unavoidable to a certain extent in a harem situation, but it seems better balanced. I could just read and enjoy this book, so I hope this is a sign of future works.
There was a bit of that in the earlier parts of this series, but this book seems to have broken through to the other side. Yes, there is relationship stuff, unavoidable to a certain extent in a harem situation, but it seems better balanced. I could just read and enjoy this book, so I hope this is a sign of future works.
August 23, 2025
Continued adventures of Sean, the OP MC, as he grows the business and his harem in the town of Hearthglen. Finally, Sean had to meet the lords and ladies in the upper royalty in the city. Another great adventure in the series, and as I said this was 17th book by the author I have read almost in a row and there are 7 more books remaining in the series so it would continue. So let's go and Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read, so I can't stay and spend more time on this review. Remember, I loved reading this and love reading more. You should also read what you love, and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read, so I can't stay and spend more time on this review. Remember, I loved reading this and love reading more. You should also read what you love, and then just Keep on Reading.
January 19, 2020
I wanted to love this book.
But I only liked it this time. The story elements are a solid continuation of the last three and the writing was still good, but as often happens with series that include harem elements, they have begun getting out of hand. I have no great care for monogamy, but this is starting to push the boarders of incredulity. Two lovers? Yeah fine whatever, that happens often enough in our reality, so no problems there. Second book: three lovers? Ok so that’s a bit out there but still acceptable and hasn’t interferes with the plot much so whatever it’s fine. Third book: no lover gain but the outside lover got married in, yeah ok reasonable. Again, no real plot problems. Fourth book: an additional lover for a total of 4 and an obvious set up for two more, plus the introduction of two sucubus characters, and a slightly more subtle will they won’t they intro... and you begin to see the scope of the issue. I really don’t mind sex and sexuality being explored in novels, but when it takes up what felt like a quarter of the book... it got to be a bit much. this was not helped by the fact that most of the actual excitement in the book was packed into the last quarter, and so the drag felt even worse in that regard. Overall it was still good and I’ll be reading the next one, but there really needs to be less harem and more story in this harem story going forward, or it will swiftly lose my interest.
But I only liked it this time. The story elements are a solid continuation of the last three and the writing was still good, but as often happens with series that include harem elements, they have begun getting out of hand. I have no great care for monogamy, but this is starting to push the boarders of incredulity. Two lovers? Yeah fine whatever, that happens often enough in our reality, so no problems there. Second book: three lovers? Ok so that’s a bit out there but still acceptable and hasn’t interferes with the plot much so whatever it’s fine. Third book: no lover gain but the outside lover got married in, yeah ok reasonable. Again, no real plot problems. Fourth book: an additional lover for a total of 4 and an obvious set up for two more, plus the introduction of two sucubus characters, and a slightly more subtle will they won’t they intro... and you begin to see the scope of the issue. I really don’t mind sex and sexuality being explored in novels, but when it takes up what felt like a quarter of the book... it got to be a bit much. this was not helped by the fact that most of the actual excitement in the book was packed into the last quarter, and so the drag felt even worse in that regard. Overall it was still good and I’ll be reading the next one, but there really needs to be less harem and more story in this harem story going forward, or it will swiftly lose my interest.
January 20, 2020
Story, plot, progress!
The problem so many authors have is that they continue to add new items/ideas/systems in every book as often as they did in the first in the series. This practice is unsustainable and leads to ideas being forgotten or overshadowed. This book did not do that and did an excellent job of advancing the plot and fleshing out the existing world mechanics.
Our MC is still overpowered but it's not thrown in our face at every turn. He's learned to temper himself and invest more in others. The business is continuing to thrive and even expanding, but not in a 'wow, that was easy' kind of way, which makes it very enjoyable.
We've been given more background on some of our supporting/side characters and the world has been expanding at a calm, controlled pace. For me, many characters went from liked to loved or disliked to hated as, I would imagine, the author designed. There were a few development surprises in there as well, and I enjoyed them quite a bit.
All in all, this was an amazing continuation of the series with minor and appropriate additions. We can see what's coming down the road, but there's enough fog in the air to present no small number of surprises along the way. Ready to pre-order book 5!
The problem so many authors have is that they continue to add new items/ideas/systems in every book as often as they did in the first in the series. This practice is unsustainable and leads to ideas being forgotten or overshadowed. This book did not do that and did an excellent job of advancing the plot and fleshing out the existing world mechanics.
Our MC is still overpowered but it's not thrown in our face at every turn. He's learned to temper himself and invest more in others. The business is continuing to thrive and even expanding, but not in a 'wow, that was easy' kind of way, which makes it very enjoyable.
We've been given more background on some of our supporting/side characters and the world has been expanding at a calm, controlled pace. For me, many characters went from liked to loved or disliked to hated as, I would imagine, the author designed. There were a few development surprises in there as well, and I enjoyed them quite a bit.
All in all, this was an amazing continuation of the series with minor and appropriate additions. We can see what's coming down the road, but there's enough fog in the air to present no small number of surprises along the way. Ready to pre-order book 5!
May 15, 2020
I cant stand Schinhofen books anymore. The way MC and other characters has to explain their feelings and everything ever all the freaking time my Gooooood! Shut up and doooo something ! You are the most OP being in this world and you making F-in showers. Sex scenes feels like "ohh you really want to F me? blushing ohh let me suck on your count 3 orgasms ohh he put his dick 2cm and ohhh 10 orgasms". And than next girl, MC let me help with something, Girl ohh you are so good let me be yours forever, MC ohh blushing no,no, too much woman,Girl its ok, MC ok than, repeat Sex scene.
No more, that was last DS book i read.
No more, that was last DS book i read.
June 18, 2020
I love the story and hate the execution.
It's great to watch Sean transform society with justice and inventions while fighting off the selfish and powerful with a growing band of like-minded companions.
It's not so great to wade through a repeating cycle of seduction as an entry into his ever-expanding harem. Sean always starts off clueless with a new girl, then is a stammering, blushing innocent. He then reluctantly admits an attraction and finally, we get to the sexy times. I'm okay with this if it's his first girl, but his sixth wife? Come on! I ended up skipping about fifty percent of the book, and the main story suffered not at all.
There's subtle misogyny throughout these books. Sean is kind and giving toward his wives, but there is never any doubt that he is the center of their lives. He is not one member in a partnership of equals, instead, he is the hub of their wheel. The reader has the sense that, once a woman is drawn into his circle, they no longer have an independent life.
It's great to watch Sean transform society with justice and inventions while fighting off the selfish and powerful with a growing band of like-minded companions.
It's not so great to wade through a repeating cycle of seduction as an entry into his ever-expanding harem. Sean always starts off clueless with a new girl, then is a stammering, blushing innocent. He then reluctantly admits an attraction and finally, we get to the sexy times. I'm okay with this if it's his first girl, but his sixth wife? Come on! I ended up skipping about fifty percent of the book, and the main story suffered not at all.
There's subtle misogyny throughout these books. Sean is kind and giving toward his wives, but there is never any doubt that he is the center of their lives. He is not one member in a partnership of equals, instead, he is the hub of their wheel. The reader has the sense that, once a woman is drawn into his circle, they no longer have an independent life.
April 11, 2020
Fewer fights, more building and a lot of character interactions. 5 stars
Sean is steeling in quite nicely in his new of Hearthglen. But has his craft and skill grow, so do the number of eyes on him. And not all of these eyes hold a friendly regard. With Sean and his friends and companions slowly moving up in the world, both new allies and adversaries take note of him and a quiet life may be just a bit harder to reach than he had hoped for.
In short this fourth novel is solid addition to the series and just as enjoyable as the previous one. With a greater focus on character interactions and relationship building the world of Binding Worlds comes more and more alive. As with most of Schinhofen's novel and the world he creates, the is an emphasis on rich world building and variety of interesting characters.
In all this was a good book and I'm looking forward to the fifth installment in the series.
Sean is steeling in quite nicely in his new of Hearthglen. But has his craft and skill grow, so do the number of eyes on him. And not all of these eyes hold a friendly regard. With Sean and his friends and companions slowly moving up in the world, both new allies and adversaries take note of him and a quiet life may be just a bit harder to reach than he had hoped for.
In short this fourth novel is solid addition to the series and just as enjoyable as the previous one. With a greater focus on character interactions and relationship building the world of Binding Worlds comes more and more alive. As with most of Schinhofen's novel and the world he creates, the is an emphasis on rich world building and variety of interesting characters.
In all this was a good book and I'm looking forward to the fifth installment in the series.
June 18, 2022
White Knight harem fantasy
These books have been becoming more and more a basic arse white knight harem fantasy. It's not that I can't see the appeal of being a good guy who gets all the girls and who magically empowers his partners, but it makes for poor narrative. It's condescending, patriarchal and the 'modern guy comes in with a superior cultural background and his superior morals benefit everyone' trope is based on colonialist myths - the society has been written just to prove the mc is a good guy and create opportunities to show that he deserves to be worshipped by his ever increasing harem and respected by the Freund's he never had on earth
These books have been becoming more and more a basic arse white knight harem fantasy. It's not that I can't see the appeal of being a good guy who gets all the girls and who magically empowers his partners, but it makes for poor narrative. It's condescending, patriarchal and the 'modern guy comes in with a superior cultural background and his superior morals benefit everyone' trope is based on colonialist myths - the society has been written just to prove the mc is a good guy and create opportunities to show that he deserves to be worshipped by his ever increasing harem and respected by the Freund's he never had on earth
January 31, 2020
Good Read.
The story continues from the previous book. City life. Family grows. Bonds made. Enemies made. Battles fought. Looking forward to the next book.
The story continues from the previous book. City life. Family grows. Bonds made. Enemies made. Battles fought. Looking forward to the next book.
July 9, 2025
Book Review: "Forged Bonds" (Binding Words #4) by Daniel Schinhofen
by Kiba, the 38-year-old ice Alpha wolf—Alpha, strategist, and playful soul of the snowfields 🐺❄️
Introduction
Awoooo, gather round, cubs and kin, ‘cause your Alpha’s got a tale colder than a moonless tundra night and just as wild. "Forged Bonds", the fourth howl in Daniel Schinhofen’s Binding Words series, landed on January 14, 2020, with a full 534 pages of fantasy-harem-magic-mess. This book throws Sean, our overly-bonded hero, headfirst into the ice storm of city politics, family-building, and high-stakes shenanigans. We’re talking romance, power, grief, hot springs, soul contracts, assassins, and more emotional drama than a den of teenage wolves during mating season.
Essential Hook & Thesis
What if every word you swore had the power to shape your life, your pack, and the world itself? That’s the heart of Forged Bonds—it ain’t just about surviving, it’s about making your word law, building something real, and defending it when the world comes for your heart. This is the book where “chosen family” stops being a cozy dream and becomes a blood-and-sweat battle for survival, growth, and a future you want to live in.
Plot Summary
Sean, now alpha of an ever-growing pack of Bonded, finally parks his tired paws in Hearthglen. Here, the guy tries to build a home, take an apprentice, start a shop, and bond with Chastity and Andrea—yup, the harem’s not shrinking, snowflakes, it’s multiplying. But peace is a myth for this pack: old grudges, city politics, and jealous rivals keep nipping at their heels. When assassins ambush Sean and his family, everything flips. One Bonded is paralyzed, another killed in front of him, and the pack has to claw their way out—healing wounds, resurrecting the dead, and blowing up alliances like a wolf grenading a chicken coop. The fallout? Sean’s next choices could shake Hearthglen—and the world—down to its bones.
The Author
Daniel Schinhofen is basically the omega-turned-alpha of indie fantasy LitRPG/GameLit. Since his first book in 2016, he’s clawed his way up to over sixty works, known for rich world-building, evolving harems, and more slice-of-life downtime than you’ll see in most isekai. He’s an Amazon bestseller (multiple times), a master of reader community-building, and his “Binding Words” series is arguably his strongest pack run—heavy on emotion, heavier on the harem, but always honest about its intent. No major awards, but for the fans, his name howls louder than a direwolf under a full moon.
Characters
Sean – Still the “reluctant alpha.” More powerful than a blizzard, but emotionally knotted like a tumbleweed in a windstorm. He’s loyal, introspective, slow to anger but brutal when provoked. Watching him struggle with his own pack, culture clash, and responsibilities is both infuriating and kinda endearing.
Chastity & Andrea – Newly Bonded, each with their own scars, strengths, and baggage. Chastity brings grit and stubbornness, Andrea brings warmth and emotional nuance. The chemistry? Tangled, and often raw, but always believable.
Ida – Her trauma, paralysis, and healing journey hit hard. Ida’s story explores the cost of violence and the power of chosen family.
Ryann – Her fate is the emotional meat of the mid-book, driving Sean to desperate, near-divine acts.
Supporting Cast – From apprentices to rivals, this book overflows with side characters. Some are memorable (the smiths and shapers), others are a bit cardboard, but the variety keeps the story lively.
Structure
Forged Bonds is paced like a lazy river—smooth, meandering, but with surprise rapids when things get spicy. The first half is pure slice-of-life: shop set-ups, relationship wrangling, dinners, politics, and crafting. The back half kicks the tempo up with assassins, resurrections, and city-wide drama. Chapters are meaty, with just enough shifting POV and internal monologue to keep things interesting—though sometimes, the repetition of emotional beats will have you rolling your eyes and reaching for a strong cup of coffee (or blood, if that’s your thing). Schinhofen’s structure is deliberate: he wants you to *live* in this world, not just sprint through it.
Themes & Analysis
This book digs deep into consent, found family, power, trauma, healing, and identity. Sean’s pack isn’t a harem for wish fulfillment; it’s a survival strategy, a political force, and a messy, lived-in relationship drama. The magical contract system is still a brilliant metaphor for real-world boundaries and obligations, though it sometimes gets lost in the relationship weeds. Schinhofen isn’t afraid to show the cost of violence, the complexity of love (platonic, romantic, and sexual), and the harsh trade-offs of leadership. For a book loaded with erotica, the emotional depth can be a sucker punch.
Scenes: Sex, Harem, Erotica, and Romance
Let’s get this outta the way—yeah, there’s a harem, and the sex scenes are both explicit and numerous. But it’s rarely played for cheap thrills: consent, vulnerability, and emotional healing are front and center. The scenes can blur together (Sean’s awkwardness gets repetitive), and the pace sometimes stalls under the weight of so many Bonded negotiations. But when the narrative lands, the relationships feel honest, raw, and genuinely transformative. The steamy moments aren’t just “bonus content”—they’re critical to how the characters grow and bond. That said, if you’re not down with poly romance, this will either be a guilty pleasure or a dealbreaker.
World-Building
Hearthglen is no Tolkien city—it’s alive, teeming with guilds, politics, prejudices, and new magic. The magical-contract system remains one of the most unique in fantasy—every deal, every word, every bond has literal weight. Schinhofen’s eye for daily life, city infrastructure, and even “magical plumbing” (yeah, really) is as sharp as an alpha’s fang. The slice-of-life approach gives the world a real sense of immersion—though, again, you might find yourself wishing for more adventure and less discussion about bathhouses. Compared to other fantasy harems, this world feels lived-in, not just “set dressing” for bedroom scenes.
Praise & Critique
Praise:
- Deep, authentic character work—the emotional arcs are layered and often brutal.
- Unique world mechanics—the binding word contracts are endlessly fascinating.
- Slow-burn relationship drama—if you want character-driven stories, you’ll be in heaven.
- Slice-of-life immersion—the day-to-day realism is rare in harem fantasy.
Critique:
- Harem bloat—the pack is getting unwieldy, and new additions start to blend together.
- Pacing drag—first half is glacial, too many repetitive sex/romance negotiations.
- Alpha worship—Sean remains the center of every relationship, which can get old and even a little patriarchal.
- Loose plot threads—major storylines (gods, politics, revenge) are left simmering while the story focuses on more “domestic” matters.
- Some confusing narrative jumps—especially if you haven’t binge-read the previous books. Newcomers will feel lost; even fans might need a recap.
Comparison
Compared to Schinhofen’s Alpha World or Last Horizon series: Forged Bonds has more emotional depth, less stat-checking, and more “adult” realism. Where many harem fantasies rush through relationship drama for smut or battle, this one lingers, letting you feel every scar and every bond. Against the wider GameLit and fantasy harem kennel: it’s top-tier for relationship realism, if not always for narrative momentum.
Personal Evaluation
Alright, Kiba’s cold truth: This audiobook threw me through the ice more than once. So many characters, so many scenes, so much emotional swirl that I felt lost in the blizzard. It’s easy to lose track, especially with all the point-of-view shifts and the ever-growing cast. But there’s something hypnotic about how Schinhofen lets you *live* in this messy, complicated world. I wanted more focus, more plot, less relationship roundabout, but damn if the world didn’t pull me in every time I wanted to step out. It confused me, sure, but it also made me care—a rare feat.
Conclusion
Forged Bonds is a slow-burn, emotionally dense, poly romance fantasy with teeth—and fluff. If you’re here for fights and quests, you might bounce. But if you love found family, magical rules, and seeing characters heal through connection and struggle, you’ll feel right at home. Would I recommend it? To the right pack, absolutely—just know what you’re in for. My frosted rating: 4 out of 5 frozen paws—brilliant world, real emotion, but a little lost in its own fluff.
May your contracts be binding and your pack unbreakable. Now let’s go tear up the tundra.
by Kiba, the 38-year-old ice Alpha wolf—Alpha, strategist, and playful soul of the snowfields 🐺❄️
Introduction
Awoooo, gather round, cubs and kin, ‘cause your Alpha’s got a tale colder than a moonless tundra night and just as wild. "Forged Bonds", the fourth howl in Daniel Schinhofen’s Binding Words series, landed on January 14, 2020, with a full 534 pages of fantasy-harem-magic-mess. This book throws Sean, our overly-bonded hero, headfirst into the ice storm of city politics, family-building, and high-stakes shenanigans. We’re talking romance, power, grief, hot springs, soul contracts, assassins, and more emotional drama than a den of teenage wolves during mating season.
Essential Hook & Thesis
What if every word you swore had the power to shape your life, your pack, and the world itself? That’s the heart of Forged Bonds—it ain’t just about surviving, it’s about making your word law, building something real, and defending it when the world comes for your heart. This is the book where “chosen family” stops being a cozy dream and becomes a blood-and-sweat battle for survival, growth, and a future you want to live in.
Plot Summary
Sean, now alpha of an ever-growing pack of Bonded, finally parks his tired paws in Hearthglen. Here, the guy tries to build a home, take an apprentice, start a shop, and bond with Chastity and Andrea—yup, the harem’s not shrinking, snowflakes, it’s multiplying. But peace is a myth for this pack: old grudges, city politics, and jealous rivals keep nipping at their heels. When assassins ambush Sean and his family, everything flips. One Bonded is paralyzed, another killed in front of him, and the pack has to claw their way out—healing wounds, resurrecting the dead, and blowing up alliances like a wolf grenading a chicken coop. The fallout? Sean’s next choices could shake Hearthglen—and the world—down to its bones.
The Author
Daniel Schinhofen is basically the omega-turned-alpha of indie fantasy LitRPG/GameLit. Since his first book in 2016, he’s clawed his way up to over sixty works, known for rich world-building, evolving harems, and more slice-of-life downtime than you’ll see in most isekai. He’s an Amazon bestseller (multiple times), a master of reader community-building, and his “Binding Words” series is arguably his strongest pack run—heavy on emotion, heavier on the harem, but always honest about its intent. No major awards, but for the fans, his name howls louder than a direwolf under a full moon.
Characters
Sean – Still the “reluctant alpha.” More powerful than a blizzard, but emotionally knotted like a tumbleweed in a windstorm. He’s loyal, introspective, slow to anger but brutal when provoked. Watching him struggle with his own pack, culture clash, and responsibilities is both infuriating and kinda endearing.
Chastity & Andrea – Newly Bonded, each with their own scars, strengths, and baggage. Chastity brings grit and stubbornness, Andrea brings warmth and emotional nuance. The chemistry? Tangled, and often raw, but always believable.
Ida – Her trauma, paralysis, and healing journey hit hard. Ida’s story explores the cost of violence and the power of chosen family.
Ryann – Her fate is the emotional meat of the mid-book, driving Sean to desperate, near-divine acts.
Supporting Cast – From apprentices to rivals, this book overflows with side characters. Some are memorable (the smiths and shapers), others are a bit cardboard, but the variety keeps the story lively.
Structure
Forged Bonds is paced like a lazy river—smooth, meandering, but with surprise rapids when things get spicy. The first half is pure slice-of-life: shop set-ups, relationship wrangling, dinners, politics, and crafting. The back half kicks the tempo up with assassins, resurrections, and city-wide drama. Chapters are meaty, with just enough shifting POV and internal monologue to keep things interesting—though sometimes, the repetition of emotional beats will have you rolling your eyes and reaching for a strong cup of coffee (or blood, if that’s your thing). Schinhofen’s structure is deliberate: he wants you to *live* in this world, not just sprint through it.
Themes & Analysis
This book digs deep into consent, found family, power, trauma, healing, and identity. Sean’s pack isn’t a harem for wish fulfillment; it’s a survival strategy, a political force, and a messy, lived-in relationship drama. The magical contract system is still a brilliant metaphor for real-world boundaries and obligations, though it sometimes gets lost in the relationship weeds. Schinhofen isn’t afraid to show the cost of violence, the complexity of love (platonic, romantic, and sexual), and the harsh trade-offs of leadership. For a book loaded with erotica, the emotional depth can be a sucker punch.
Scenes: Sex, Harem, Erotica, and Romance
Let’s get this outta the way—yeah, there’s a harem, and the sex scenes are both explicit and numerous. But it’s rarely played for cheap thrills: consent, vulnerability, and emotional healing are front and center. The scenes can blur together (Sean’s awkwardness gets repetitive), and the pace sometimes stalls under the weight of so many Bonded negotiations. But when the narrative lands, the relationships feel honest, raw, and genuinely transformative. The steamy moments aren’t just “bonus content”—they’re critical to how the characters grow and bond. That said, if you’re not down with poly romance, this will either be a guilty pleasure or a dealbreaker.
World-Building
Hearthglen is no Tolkien city—it’s alive, teeming with guilds, politics, prejudices, and new magic. The magical-contract system remains one of the most unique in fantasy—every deal, every word, every bond has literal weight. Schinhofen’s eye for daily life, city infrastructure, and even “magical plumbing” (yeah, really) is as sharp as an alpha’s fang. The slice-of-life approach gives the world a real sense of immersion—though, again, you might find yourself wishing for more adventure and less discussion about bathhouses. Compared to other fantasy harems, this world feels lived-in, not just “set dressing” for bedroom scenes.
Praise & Critique
Praise:
- Deep, authentic character work—the emotional arcs are layered and often brutal.
- Unique world mechanics—the binding word contracts are endlessly fascinating.
- Slow-burn relationship drama—if you want character-driven stories, you’ll be in heaven.
- Slice-of-life immersion—the day-to-day realism is rare in harem fantasy.
Critique:
- Harem bloat—the pack is getting unwieldy, and new additions start to blend together.
- Pacing drag—first half is glacial, too many repetitive sex/romance negotiations.
- Alpha worship—Sean remains the center of every relationship, which can get old and even a little patriarchal.
- Loose plot threads—major storylines (gods, politics, revenge) are left simmering while the story focuses on more “domestic” matters.
- Some confusing narrative jumps—especially if you haven’t binge-read the previous books. Newcomers will feel lost; even fans might need a recap.
Comparison
Compared to Schinhofen’s Alpha World or Last Horizon series: Forged Bonds has more emotional depth, less stat-checking, and more “adult” realism. Where many harem fantasies rush through relationship drama for smut or battle, this one lingers, letting you feel every scar and every bond. Against the wider GameLit and fantasy harem kennel: it’s top-tier for relationship realism, if not always for narrative momentum.
Personal Evaluation
Alright, Kiba’s cold truth: This audiobook threw me through the ice more than once. So many characters, so many scenes, so much emotional swirl that I felt lost in the blizzard. It’s easy to lose track, especially with all the point-of-view shifts and the ever-growing cast. But there’s something hypnotic about how Schinhofen lets you *live* in this messy, complicated world. I wanted more focus, more plot, less relationship roundabout, but damn if the world didn’t pull me in every time I wanted to step out. It confused me, sure, but it also made me care—a rare feat.
Conclusion
Forged Bonds is a slow-burn, emotionally dense, poly romance fantasy with teeth—and fluff. If you’re here for fights and quests, you might bounce. But if you love found family, magical rules, and seeing characters heal through connection and struggle, you’ll feel right at home. Would I recommend it? To the right pack, absolutely—just know what you’re in for. My frosted rating: 4 out of 5 frozen paws—brilliant world, real emotion, but a little lost in its own fluff.
May your contracts be binding and your pack unbreakable. Now let’s go tear up the tundra.
July 6, 2020
As a part of the whole is still a wonderful read, in fact excluding some personal peeves of mine there really isn’t much to complain about. My issue is personally with MC, first he is letting vital information pass him, he could have approached through deals or other means importance personal from which he could get one of the most vital things he needs which is knowledge. It has been stated that one of his cheats is the freedom to learn and use different skill that no one ever though could be learn by a single person, instead of going around trying to learn as much as he can he decides to use all his time invested into plumbing. Is ok that the author is turning our attention into the importance of crafting and how can be used as a weapon to improve and create a power base, the way it has been done as well has been pretty well though. But the way MC has been throw into the story doesn’t fit him going into that path, for example there has been no talk about how to get info on who and why the initial village was attacked, even less how the supposedly revenge will be done, the Gods and their pantheon influence in the world MC currently finds himself in and the connection he personally has with them hasn’t be touched as well. The tiring tirade of a 33 y/o man acting like a bumbling teenager in front of woman and romance is another point of concern at this point, if he so against all this attention he is getting then he should start acting like the supposed adult mature individual he is instead of an undecidedly teenager. Taking all those things aside the novel is moving to an interesting place.
January 12, 2026
Forging a Home and a Legacy in a World of Bound Promises [4/5 Stars]
So, you've made it to book four of Binding Words! If you're like me and enjoy settling into a good, long "slice-of-life" progression fantasy, then Daniel Schinhofen's Forged Bonds will feel like a comfortable pair of slippers and a warm fireplace. Picking up right where Hearthglen left off, this installment sees Sean and his bonded family finally trying to build a permanent, peaceful life in the city. Of course, for an Overpowered MC (OP MC) from Earth with a penchant for kindness, peace is a relative term. It's a 4 out of 5 star read for me, delivering exactly what fans of the series crave: deep character moments, intricate world-building, and the slow, satisfying burn of building something meaningful.
Key Themes: Community, Kindness, and Shaking the Foundations
Found Family and Foundry-Made Alliances: The theme of "found family" expands beyond the home. Sean’s journey is now about building a community. He intentionally forges friendships across social classes, uniting smiths and Shapers (the magical elite), creating a new alliance that directly challenges Hearthglen's rigid hierarchy.
Disruption Through Decency: Sean’s greatest power remains his modern ethics. His insistence on treating everyone with respect, regardless of their Talent or status, continues to be a revolutionary—and disruptive—force. The book explores how simple fairness can be a potent political tool, making powerful friends and dangerous enemies in equal measure.
The Cost of Peace: The story asks what it truly takes to carve out a quiet life in a world designed for conflict. Sean wants to craft, learn, and grow his business, but his mere presence and success force him into the political arena. The tension between his desire for a peaceful "slice-of-life" and the escalating threats against his family creates the book's core drama.
Character Analysis: Growing Pains and Deepening Bonds
Sean: He's matured from a confused transplant to a community leader and protector. While still overpowered, his focus shifts meaningfully from self-improvement to empowering those around him. His biggest challenge is navigating the political consequences of his own compassion and deciding how far he's willing to go to defend his new home.
The Expanding Circle: The family grows, with Sean formally bonding both Chastity and Andrea. This is a double-edged sword in terms of character development. On one hand, it allows for sweet, intimate relationship building. On the other, as some readers noted, the ever-expanding "harem" can start to stretch the narrative's focus, risking shallower development for each individual. Core characters like Fiona, Myna, and the fierce bodyguard Ryann remain central, and their loyalty is put to a brutal, life-and-death test in this book.
The Antagonists: The opposition Sean faces becomes more organized and politically entrenched, moving beyond petty rivals to figures with real power in Hearthglen. This raises the stakes significantly.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Deliberate, Character-Focused Burn
Schinhofen’s prose is straightforward and immersive, prioritizing dialogue and domestic detail over lyrical flourish. The pacing is this book's most defining—and potentially divisive—trait. It is a deliberately slow burn. A significant portion is dedicated to the "slice-of-life" moments: running the shop, crafting, having tea, and deepening interpersonal relationships. If you love that immersive, day-to-day world-building, you'll be in heaven. If you're craving constant plot advancement and action, you might find yourself skimming until the tension boils over in the latter half, which features a shocking assassination attempt with dire consequences. Many readers, myself included, appreciate this balance, feeling it makes the high-stakes moments land with greater impact.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Rich Community Building: Watching Sean's alliance take shape and challenge the city's status quo is incredibly satisfying. The world feels more alive and politically complex than ever.
High-Stakes Payoff: When the peace shatters, it does so spectacularly. The life-or-death crisis Sean faces is visceral and has lasting repercussions that will clearly ripple through the series.
Emotional Depth: The relationships feel earned. The moments of warmth, loyalty, and shared purpose within the growing family are the heart of the story.
Disliked (or Considerations):
Harem Pacing and Bloat: This is the book where some readers, including myself at times, feel the expanding number of bond-mates becomes a narrative challenge. While each new character has merit, it risks making the core romantic dynamics feel diluted.
A Slower Gear: The commitment to the slow pace won't be for everyone. You have to be invested in the characters' daily lives to fully enjoy the first half.
Large Cast Management: With so many characters now in play, it can occasionally be hard to track everyone, especially if there's been a gap since reading the previous book.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: Forged Bonds is a solid and necessary evolution for the series, trading some wandering for rooted growth. It deepens the political intrigue and solidifies Sean's role in his adopted world.
You'll love this book if: You're already invested in Sean's journey and the "slice-of-life" vibe. If your favorite parts of progression fantasy are the crafting, the community-building, and the meaningful bonds between characters, this is a standout installment.
Consider this your off-ramp if: You dislike harem elements or feel the cast is already too large. If you need fast-paced, plot-driven adventure above all else, the meticulous daily focus here might try your patience.
For fans of the series, this is a must-read that deepens the foundation for the long saga ahead. It ends with Sean facing decisions that could "shake the very foundations of Hearthglen, and maybe the world," and I, for one, am utterly committed to seeing how it all unfolds.
So, you've made it to book four of Binding Words! If you're like me and enjoy settling into a good, long "slice-of-life" progression fantasy, then Daniel Schinhofen's Forged Bonds will feel like a comfortable pair of slippers and a warm fireplace. Picking up right where Hearthglen left off, this installment sees Sean and his bonded family finally trying to build a permanent, peaceful life in the city. Of course, for an Overpowered MC (OP MC) from Earth with a penchant for kindness, peace is a relative term. It's a 4 out of 5 star read for me, delivering exactly what fans of the series crave: deep character moments, intricate world-building, and the slow, satisfying burn of building something meaningful.
Key Themes: Community, Kindness, and Shaking the Foundations
Found Family and Foundry-Made Alliances: The theme of "found family" expands beyond the home. Sean’s journey is now about building a community. He intentionally forges friendships across social classes, uniting smiths and Shapers (the magical elite), creating a new alliance that directly challenges Hearthglen's rigid hierarchy.
Disruption Through Decency: Sean’s greatest power remains his modern ethics. His insistence on treating everyone with respect, regardless of their Talent or status, continues to be a revolutionary—and disruptive—force. The book explores how simple fairness can be a potent political tool, making powerful friends and dangerous enemies in equal measure.
The Cost of Peace: The story asks what it truly takes to carve out a quiet life in a world designed for conflict. Sean wants to craft, learn, and grow his business, but his mere presence and success force him into the political arena. The tension between his desire for a peaceful "slice-of-life" and the escalating threats against his family creates the book's core drama.
Character Analysis: Growing Pains and Deepening Bonds
Sean: He's matured from a confused transplant to a community leader and protector. While still overpowered, his focus shifts meaningfully from self-improvement to empowering those around him. His biggest challenge is navigating the political consequences of his own compassion and deciding how far he's willing to go to defend his new home.
The Expanding Circle: The family grows, with Sean formally bonding both Chastity and Andrea. This is a double-edged sword in terms of character development. On one hand, it allows for sweet, intimate relationship building. On the other, as some readers noted, the ever-expanding "harem" can start to stretch the narrative's focus, risking shallower development for each individual. Core characters like Fiona, Myna, and the fierce bodyguard Ryann remain central, and their loyalty is put to a brutal, life-and-death test in this book.
The Antagonists: The opposition Sean faces becomes more organized and politically entrenched, moving beyond petty rivals to figures with real power in Hearthglen. This raises the stakes significantly.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Deliberate, Character-Focused Burn
Schinhofen’s prose is straightforward and immersive, prioritizing dialogue and domestic detail over lyrical flourish. The pacing is this book's most defining—and potentially divisive—trait. It is a deliberately slow burn. A significant portion is dedicated to the "slice-of-life" moments: running the shop, crafting, having tea, and deepening interpersonal relationships. If you love that immersive, day-to-day world-building, you'll be in heaven. If you're craving constant plot advancement and action, you might find yourself skimming until the tension boils over in the latter half, which features a shocking assassination attempt with dire consequences. Many readers, myself included, appreciate this balance, feeling it makes the high-stakes moments land with greater impact.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Rich Community Building: Watching Sean's alliance take shape and challenge the city's status quo is incredibly satisfying. The world feels more alive and politically complex than ever.
High-Stakes Payoff: When the peace shatters, it does so spectacularly. The life-or-death crisis Sean faces is visceral and has lasting repercussions that will clearly ripple through the series.
Emotional Depth: The relationships feel earned. The moments of warmth, loyalty, and shared purpose within the growing family are the heart of the story.
Disliked (or Considerations):
Harem Pacing and Bloat: This is the book where some readers, including myself at times, feel the expanding number of bond-mates becomes a narrative challenge. While each new character has merit, it risks making the core romantic dynamics feel diluted.
A Slower Gear: The commitment to the slow pace won't be for everyone. You have to be invested in the characters' daily lives to fully enjoy the first half.
Large Cast Management: With so many characters now in play, it can occasionally be hard to track everyone, especially if there's been a gap since reading the previous book.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: Forged Bonds is a solid and necessary evolution for the series, trading some wandering for rooted growth. It deepens the political intrigue and solidifies Sean's role in his adopted world.
You'll love this book if: You're already invested in Sean's journey and the "slice-of-life" vibe. If your favorite parts of progression fantasy are the crafting, the community-building, and the meaningful bonds between characters, this is a standout installment.
Consider this your off-ramp if: You dislike harem elements or feel the cast is already too large. If you need fast-paced, plot-driven adventure above all else, the meticulous daily focus here might try your patience.
For fans of the series, this is a must-read that deepens the foundation for the long saga ahead. It ends with Sean facing decisions that could "shake the very foundations of Hearthglen, and maybe the world," and I, for one, am utterly committed to seeing how it all unfolds.
January 23, 2020
I am now in need of book 5
I’m have enjoyed all 4 books so far and I’m looking forward to seeing the story develop in future books.
If you are new to the series here is what you should know. First it has some RPG elements but if you are looking for all kinds of stats, levels and fight after fight you’re not going to find a lot of that in this series. The series is a lot more like high fantasy with the way people treat magic and skills.
Second I believe that this series has the potential to last for another 2 to 5 or even more books without thing going south with story quality, so far most of the story has been based on building relationships, learning to use magic and building mercantile interest and not just moving from battle to battle.
Finally I don’t feel like the story contains “filler” I’ve enjoyed reading this book and have lost sleep to read just a “bit more” until I find a good stopping point (which is hard to find.) :D
I’m have enjoyed all 4 books so far and I’m looking forward to seeing the story develop in future books.
If you are new to the series here is what you should know. First it has some RPG elements but if you are looking for all kinds of stats, levels and fight after fight you’re not going to find a lot of that in this series. The series is a lot more like high fantasy with the way people treat magic and skills.
Second I believe that this series has the potential to last for another 2 to 5 or even more books without thing going south with story quality, so far most of the story has been based on building relationships, learning to use magic and building mercantile interest and not just moving from battle to battle.
Finally I don’t feel like the story contains “filler” I’ve enjoyed reading this book and have lost sleep to read just a “bit more” until I find a good stopping point (which is hard to find.) :D
January 20, 2020
Another really good book from Daniel
As the title says many bonds are forged during this book, friendships, marriage and business partners. There is a lot of interplay between the characters which I really enjoyed and not a lot of ‘action’ scenes. I have been a bit tired of the books where the MC just goes from one battle to the next with barely a breath taken in between and the reader is left wondering how the MC could ever get out of the mess they are in (although they somehow do). I found myself just really enjoying just the world building, character interplay with some intrigue and an enemy or two to prepare for. Since Alpha World finished, I think this is now my favourite DS series that he is still writing. Eager for more.
As the title says many bonds are forged during this book, friendships, marriage and business partners. There is a lot of interplay between the characters which I really enjoyed and not a lot of ‘action’ scenes. I have been a bit tired of the books where the MC just goes from one battle to the next with barely a breath taken in between and the reader is left wondering how the MC could ever get out of the mess they are in (although they somehow do). I found myself just really enjoying just the world building, character interplay with some intrigue and an enemy or two to prepare for. Since Alpha World finished, I think this is now my favourite DS series that he is still writing. Eager for more.
January 28, 2020
Nicely Done
Forged Bonds is the next installment in a really fun series. If you’ve read the previous books you know what to expect, and the primary story continues.
In this book the main character and his crew continue expanding their business, gain allies while frustrating the bad guys.
The heavy action is at the beginning and near the end, the rest of the book has everyone settling down, building relationships and new inventions.
The whole harem thing escapes me, but the supporting characters are interesting and everyone is evolving.
Still a good series and the next book is a must.
Forged Bonds is the next installment in a really fun series. If you’ve read the previous books you know what to expect, and the primary story continues.
In this book the main character and his crew continue expanding their business, gain allies while frustrating the bad guys.
The heavy action is at the beginning and near the end, the rest of the book has everyone settling down, building relationships and new inventions.
The whole harem thing escapes me, but the supporting characters are interesting and everyone is evolving.
Still a good series and the next book is a must.
February 11, 2020
Delightful Narration and Story
Another delightful meandering narrative, full of magic, mayhem, drama, politics, inventiveness, humor, and love. Personally, I love these rolling stories full of details, moving slowly, yet with a fascination to them like the edge of a mighty river. If you’re fans of Van Stry’s “Portals of Infinity“ series, or Whited’s “Nightlord” series, (and both are excellent) then you’ll like this series too. In each case you have no freaking clue where the story is going - you’re just along for the ride. But it’s such a lovely ride. Definitely recommended!
Another delightful meandering narrative, full of magic, mayhem, drama, politics, inventiveness, humor, and love. Personally, I love these rolling stories full of details, moving slowly, yet with a fascination to them like the edge of a mighty river. If you’re fans of Van Stry’s “Portals of Infinity“ series, or Whited’s “Nightlord” series, (and both are excellent) then you’ll like this series too. In each case you have no freaking clue where the story is going - you’re just along for the ride. But it’s such a lovely ride. Definitely recommended!
October 29, 2022
Sean finally settles down starts forging a new path to better life's for everyone .
Sean starts building his family with two life bonded females willing then opens a shop selling shaped items by himself and his two life bonded females upgraded status to wives . More life bonded wives total of 4 one life bonded of a bird species . Two one year bonded . 4 messenger fairies ten year bonded . Fighting corruption at the highest level forming allies making a new association called Forged Bonds opening numerous bathhouses for all the people regardless of race or status in life .recommend reading excellent series .
Sean starts building his family with two life bonded females willing then opens a shop selling shaped items by himself and his two life bonded females upgraded status to wives . More life bonded wives total of 4 one life bonded of a bird species . Two one year bonded . 4 messenger fairies ten year bonded . Fighting corruption at the highest level forming allies making a new association called Forged Bonds opening numerous bathhouses for all the people regardless of race or status in life .recommend reading excellent series .
January 20, 2020
Rounded up
I like this world a lot, but I’m disappointed with the pacing of these books. They’re far too slow and there is so much filler. So many words that do nothing to drive the story. If you took all of the sparring scenes from this series then you’d have a word count equivalent to one book in this series.
If you took the sparring and the scenes where they’re having dinner and talking in mageeyes inn you’d have you’d have less words than one book in this series. These four books could easily be edited down to two and you’d lose nothing.
I like this world a lot, but I’m disappointed with the pacing of these books. They’re far too slow and there is so much filler. So many words that do nothing to drive the story. If you took all of the sparring scenes from this series then you’d have a word count equivalent to one book in this series.
If you took the sparring and the scenes where they’re having dinner and talking in mageeyes inn you’d have you’d have less words than one book in this series. These four books could easily be edited down to two and you’d lose nothing.
January 29, 2020
Excellent book, highly recommended.
It's an excellent read and I really enjoy this series. I could use less explanation of his crafting and rune making, but I see the appeal. I'm just in it for how the characters interact, but I totally understand others enjoying different aspects. This will be the last time I mention it, but i really want to reiterate how lame it is to call out reviewers with screenshotted posts on Facebook. I unsubscribed (even though it wasn't my review) and I hope he has discontinued this behavior.
It's an excellent read and I really enjoy this series. I could use less explanation of his crafting and rune making, but I see the appeal. I'm just in it for how the characters interact, but I totally understand others enjoying different aspects. This will be the last time I mention it, but i really want to reiterate how lame it is to call out reviewers with screenshotted posts on Facebook. I unsubscribed (even though it wasn't my review) and I hope he has discontinued this behavior.
February 3, 2020
Excellent book
Several graphic sex scenes, About normal for these harem books. Vivid characters, just all female, one male character stood out who got relationship advice. All the others were pretty much either clinched villains or cardboard cutouts..... Build up a male cast, stop building a bigger harem, you get sores and calluses otherwise and start mixing up names.... Which ends "BADLY " Please note 5 Stars! Good story even if it feels more like part 4 of a big book and not a stand alone.
Several graphic sex scenes, About normal for these harem books. Vivid characters, just all female, one male character stood out who got relationship advice. All the others were pretty much either clinched villains or cardboard cutouts..... Build up a male cast, stop building a bigger harem, you get sores and calluses otherwise and start mixing up names.... Which ends "BADLY " Please note 5 Stars! Good story even if it feels more like part 4 of a big book and not a stand alone.
August 4, 2020
Nearly Great
The series continues, troubles build, the pace quickens, and the family grows.
Good politics, mostly likable characters, extended invention sequences, and major changes kept me reading and mostly enjoying.
The protagonist starts as obnoxiously oblivious as ever, but slowly improves to simply oblivious. Still, that first quarter was painful due to the MC's insecurity and distrust, manifesting as stubborn denial of the truths he was repeatedly shown and told.
Superior to books 2 and 3, I can recommend this book.
The series continues, troubles build, the pace quickens, and the family grows.
Good politics, mostly likable characters, extended invention sequences, and major changes kept me reading and mostly enjoying.
The protagonist starts as obnoxiously oblivious as ever, but slowly improves to simply oblivious. Still, that first quarter was painful due to the MC's insecurity and distrust, manifesting as stubborn denial of the truths he was repeatedly shown and told.
Superior to books 2 and 3, I can recommend this book.
August 4, 2020
Enchanting!
Once when I was a little bit younger I overheard a couple of RPGamers chatting about how they where more interested in altering the world than actually gaming from an adventuring point of view! Wierdos I thought but now after reading this I can see the thrill!
Our author moves the plot with a measured pace while keeping the development of the society entwined with an adventure.No doubt more troubles will ensue as the story continues and questions will be answered such as will Sean’s family have more members than Twitter?
Once when I was a little bit younger I overheard a couple of RPGamers chatting about how they where more interested in altering the world than actually gaming from an adventuring point of view! Wierdos I thought but now after reading this I can see the thrill!
Our author moves the plot with a measured pace while keeping the development of the society entwined with an adventure.No doubt more troubles will ensue as the story continues and questions will be answered such as will Sean’s family have more members than Twitter?
August 13, 2020
Great series
I’m found I really enjoy this series. It has a captivating plot, and I don’t want to put the book down until I’ve finished it. I would recommend the author hire someone to make the cover more appealing. The only reason I read these books was because they had good reviews and I was bored. Nothing about the description or the cover appealed to me and I actually considered removing the book from my unlimited library in favor of another I was interested in reading because the cover was so rough. I’m glad I didn’t. This series deserves an amazing cover to go with it
I’m found I really enjoy this series. It has a captivating plot, and I don’t want to put the book down until I’ve finished it. I would recommend the author hire someone to make the cover more appealing. The only reason I read these books was because they had good reviews and I was bored. Nothing about the description or the cover appealed to me and I actually considered removing the book from my unlimited library in favor of another I was interested in reading because the cover was so rough. I’m glad I didn’t. This series deserves an amazing cover to go with it
January 16, 2020
Awesome
Yet another phenomenal addition to an already outstanding series. Old and new characters weave together well in a fine tapestry like story. My favourite thing about this author's works are the attention to detail on not just the bold brassy bits of the story like combat, but even things as simple as sitting down to a family meal are described exceptionally well and have great flow as part of the story
Yet another phenomenal addition to an already outstanding series. Old and new characters weave together well in a fine tapestry like story. My favourite thing about this author's works are the attention to detail on not just the bold brassy bits of the story like combat, but even things as simple as sitting down to a family meal are described exceptionally well and have great flow as part of the story
January 17, 2020
Fantastic read
I’ve been enjoying this series so far, and this addition to it does not disappoint. I’ve been really enjoying the characters, watching how their relationships develop, I’m seeing the ripples the main character is causing in this world.
The only thing negative I can say currently is that The fifth book in the series is not yet available, and I’m not looking forward to the wait for it!
I’ve been enjoying this series so far, and this addition to it does not disappoint. I’ve been really enjoying the characters, watching how their relationships develop, I’m seeing the ripples the main character is causing in this world.
The only thing negative I can say currently is that The fifth book in the series is not yet available, and I’m not looking forward to the wait for it!
January 18, 2020
Slice of life awesomeness
I like this series it’s my favourite of this author maybe I could do with out the multiplying wives but I like how it’s not all fight fight fight for no good reason like many other books in this genre the fights push the story and character growth and the crafting and plots and slice of life really take centre stage which I always want more of but rarely get can’t wait for the next one I hope there are many more to come
I like this series it’s my favourite of this author maybe I could do with out the multiplying wives but I like how it’s not all fight fight fight for no good reason like many other books in this genre the fights push the story and character growth and the crafting and plots and slice of life really take centre stage which I always want more of but rarely get can’t wait for the next one I hope there are many more to come
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