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The Giseria Chronicles #1
A New Path
Maximus Drago was out searching for supplies for his mother when he ends up in a fight for his life. Becoming injured he ends up saving a legendary creature, then bonds with it. After he heals he has no idea of what life has for him, but fate has decided on what he has to become.
Disclaimer: The book has harem elements/unconventional relationships, sexual content, cursing, and intended for those 18+. The MC ends up being Over Powered, but who doesn't like a badass right?
Disclaimer: The book has harem elements/unconventional relationships, sexual content, cursing, and intended for those 18+. The MC ends up being Over Powered, but who doesn't like a badass right?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
435 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 28, 2021
Rating 2.5 stars
This felt like it was 3 different books in one. First I think the cover art is misleading. It makes me think of a harem adventure filled with magic users. That does end up happening but not the way I was expecting. The story follows Max as he grows up. We meet him when he is around 12 years old. He is the son of the local blacksmith and his mother is healer. He and his friends go into the woods for an adventure and find a wolf attacking a mother and her cub. They help but Max is injured. The wolf and the mother die but the cub is saving. The cub turns out to be a mythical creature that hasn't been seen in years. This cub bonds to Max. The first 1/3 of the book deals with Max training. For whatever reason his father puts him in intense training for knife work, swords, tracking, hunting, and wilderness survival. At the same time his mother teaches him how to be a healer and grow herbs. Then we fast forward until Max is about 19. He is out hunting when he comes across a group of Orcs attacking a caravan with the princess. He helps kill the orcs, heals the men, and goes hunting so that they can be fed. This is where we first hear about a prophecy that someone will unite the kingdom to fight the coming evil and the group thinks that person might be Max. Then the story completely shifts gears and we find Max living out in the forest in his grandfathers old cabin and he is fixing it up. He ends up with two were companions and meets up with a group of elves that he has saved. This was a completely different tonal shift. It went from very generic explanation about his training in the first 1/3 of the book, to fine details about how to make stew in the 2nd third of the book. The women and the sex came out of nowhere. All the characters were very one dimensional. Every woman he cam across immediately fell in love with Max and wanted to have his children. They all talked together and giggles at each other when Max walked by. Every noble he cam across was a condescending asshole who looked down on Max because he was a commoner. Max wasn't much better as a character. He walked around like he didn't give a shit what anyone thought and felt there would be no consequences for any of his action. He had no problem teaching the nobles some humility. There is not backing down from the nobility and then there is getting in their faces. He tended to get in their faces and didn't think there would be a problem even if it was the Dukes son. The last part of the story was the weirdest. There were just too many questions left unanswered for me. Why did his father train him so hard in how to fight. Did he know something and if so how? How is he a mage if his father is a blacksmith and his mother is a healer without magic? The supporting characters were terrible. The tonal shift was the worst. He went from talking with respect in the first part of the book to acting like a gangster and talking about bitches and fuckers in the end. This might be the authors first book so I am willing to give the next one a try to see if it gets better.
This felt like it was 3 different books in one. First I think the cover art is misleading. It makes me think of a harem adventure filled with magic users. That does end up happening but not the way I was expecting. The story follows Max as he grows up. We meet him when he is around 12 years old. He is the son of the local blacksmith and his mother is healer. He and his friends go into the woods for an adventure and find a wolf attacking a mother and her cub. They help but Max is injured. The wolf and the mother die but the cub is saving. The cub turns out to be a mythical creature that hasn't been seen in years. This cub bonds to Max. The first 1/3 of the book deals with Max training. For whatever reason his father puts him in intense training for knife work, swords, tracking, hunting, and wilderness survival. At the same time his mother teaches him how to be a healer and grow herbs. Then we fast forward until Max is about 19. He is out hunting when he comes across a group of Orcs attacking a caravan with the princess. He helps kill the orcs, heals the men, and goes hunting so that they can be fed. This is where we first hear about a prophecy that someone will unite the kingdom to fight the coming evil and the group thinks that person might be Max. Then the story completely shifts gears and we find Max living out in the forest in his grandfathers old cabin and he is fixing it up. He ends up with two were companions and meets up with a group of elves that he has saved. This was a completely different tonal shift. It went from very generic explanation about his training in the first 1/3 of the book, to fine details about how to make stew in the 2nd third of the book. The women and the sex came out of nowhere. All the characters were very one dimensional. Every woman he cam across immediately fell in love with Max and wanted to have his children. They all talked together and giggles at each other when Max walked by. Every noble he cam across was a condescending asshole who looked down on Max because he was a commoner. Max wasn't much better as a character. He walked around like he didn't give a shit what anyone thought and felt there would be no consequences for any of his action. He had no problem teaching the nobles some humility. There is not backing down from the nobility and then there is getting in their faces. He tended to get in their faces and didn't think there would be a problem even if it was the Dukes son. The last part of the story was the weirdest. There were just too many questions left unanswered for me. Why did his father train him so hard in how to fight. Did he know something and if so how? How is he a mage if his father is a blacksmith and his mother is a healer without magic? The supporting characters were terrible. The tonal shift was the worst. He went from talking with respect in the first part of the book to acting like a gangster and talking about bitches and fuckers in the end. This might be the authors first book so I am willing to give the next one a try to see if it gets better.
January 7, 2021
Expected a lot more
Started out fine. Developed a feel for the age and culture. Then all of the sudden, the mc switches to near present day culture. We start seeing the world as a feudal system with knights on horseback and swinging swords. Then the mc is describing the women he encounters as having a C cup. The change in all the characters is so abrupt, it leaves you wondering if you are reading the same book. It seemed that the editing changes about the same time. Undecided if I will read the next book of not.
Started out fine. Developed a feel for the age and culture. Then all of the sudden, the mc switches to near present day culture. We start seeing the world as a feudal system with knights on horseback and swinging swords. Then the mc is describing the women he encounters as having a C cup. The change in all the characters is so abrupt, it leaves you wondering if you are reading the same book. It seemed that the editing changes about the same time. Undecided if I will read the next book of not.
December 12, 2020
I totally enjoyed this book.
I really had a good time reading this book it had me staying up late to read it. The MC was interesting and I liked the world building. The cast of characters was very diverse and has a lot of room to grow. Overall I enjoyed it very much.
I really had a good time reading this book it had me staying up late to read it. The MC was interesting and I liked the world building. The cast of characters was very diverse and has a lot of room to grow. Overall I enjoyed it very much.
October 4, 2021
Poorly written
This author needs a few writing classes. I don't know how anyone could rate this writing over 3 stars. It is irritating to even try to decipher what this author trying to convey. It should not be a chore to read a book.
This author needs a few writing classes. I don't know how anyone could rate this writing over 3 stars. It is irritating to even try to decipher what this author trying to convey. It should not be a chore to read a book.
December 31, 2020
Laughable
I bet you don't get past the first few pages!
Absolutely awful! Very poor writing and not worth the effort.
I bet you don't get past the first few pages!
Absolutely awful! Very poor writing and not worth the effort.
March 29, 2021
I came at this after reading another book by this author, but I have to say, this one reads like it was written by a HS student for his gamer buddies. Every paragraph changes tenses, is it in the present, is it 3rd person omniscient? Read the next paragraph and find out!
Characters are mostly flat, with responses to the MC being either envy or jealousy for the males and lust for the females. The character becomes world class in everything that he attempts in a very short period of time.
And that doesn't even really speak to the plot holes. The king wants him, so of course he can not only go into town every week for months, but also insult and beat up the local nobles without drawing attention to himself. He is living in the woods, but the king can't find him despite the fact that he TOLD HIS PARENTS where he was going!
Like many reviewers, I almost gave up in the first three chapters, but my masochistic streak led me to pick it back up and slog to the end. I do not recommend this book at all.
Characters are mostly flat, with responses to the MC being either envy or jealousy for the males and lust for the females. The character becomes world class in everything that he attempts in a very short period of time.
And that doesn't even really speak to the plot holes. The king wants him, so of course he can not only go into town every week for months, but also insult and beat up the local nobles without drawing attention to himself. He is living in the woods, but the king can't find him despite the fact that he TOLD HIS PARENTS where he was going!
Like many reviewers, I almost gave up in the first three chapters, but my masochistic streak led me to pick it back up and slog to the end. I do not recommend this book at all.
November 24, 2025
Almost as if.. Two different people wrote this. The first part was good. Then the second looks like it was written by someone with no idea how to write. the Author resorts to inner city ghetto mode and it just falls apart like a rotten fruit.
Its a real shame because it was going really really well ..Till it wasn't.
Update nov 2025
Have to add that the Author has serious issues with the timeline. For instance the MC takes days to go from point A to point B and then later in the story it takes him less than a day to go the same distance. Yet nothing about h8s mode of travel changed. As if the distance magically just got shorter.
This series needs a editor really badly.
Its a real shame because it was going really really well ..Till it wasn't.
Update nov 2025
Have to add that the Author has serious issues with the timeline. For instance the MC takes days to go from point A to point B and then later in the story it takes him less than a day to go the same distance. Yet nothing about h8s mode of travel changed. As if the distance magically just got shorter.
This series needs a editor really badly.
May 13, 2021
DNF- wow at 2% too. The writing style, dialogue- no. The sentences are short and weirdly phrased.
I kept thinking is this YA? It certainly is written that way. And its pus not puss.
Ok back a 2nd time to rant even more- why is this book a 4.27 on GR?? I feel deceived...
I kept thinking is this YA? It certainly is written that way. And its pus not puss.
Ok back a 2nd time to rant even more- why is this book a 4.27 on GR?? I feel deceived...
January 13, 2021
Terrible dialog. Couldnt handle it at all. The conversations between the MC and his mother makes them seem more like strangers who never see each other than mother and son.
May 10, 2021
The idea behind the story was good, but the execution was awful. The grammar was horrendous and the characters lacked depth and weren't realistic.
January 17, 2023
What started out Okay, went from dumb to retarded
This is a Harem with cringey sex scenes. Chosen by the gods / Prophesied hero.
This book is not Isekai because the MC was born on the fantasy world, BUT the MC uses modern earth slang including internet terms. This is set on a medieval D&D world and the MC calls people "Douche Nozzle" and other contemporary insults and curse words.
This book is not Gamelit, But whoever wrote it seems to have gotten most of their life experience from video games and not actual life. Physics, combat, conversations, relationships, and emotions all behave like they were in a video game.
-A New Path (The Giseria Chronicles #1 reads like a first draft.
After a basic standard beginning to the story it breaks down into numerous editing errors, and baffling non sequiturs, and the bizarre word & phrase repetitions.
(He goes to the location to find the location but doesn't see anything so he proceeds to the location. -or- He saw a hole covered with wood where he saw a hole)
Lets talk about repetitions for a moment. The MC comes across a group of people being attack by bad guys out in the forest. The MC then stands there and watches passively as those people are brutally murdered. After about 5 - 10 minutes of boilerplate dialog between the bad guys and the desperate survivors of the ambush ("We shall never surrender to the likes of you!" muah ha ha! "Surrender princess! No one is coming to save you! all your guards are dead" yadda yadda) only then does the MC bestir himself to save the last 10% when he could have easily saved them all. This happens over and over through out the book. Five or six times? It's hard to remember because each time is just like the last and they blend together. And of the people the MC eventually rescues after standing there watching their friends and family members get hacked to pieces, They seem to have no emotional reaction to watching fathers/brothers, friends/family dying five minutes ago. It's all "You saved me just in the nick of time or I would have died like my entire family! Take me to bed you virile stud!" WTF? Seriously 80% - 90% of the people who die in this book die while the hero is just standing there watching like it's a cut scene he can't skip through.
How many times does this guy go into "the cave" to find "stack of cages full of every race" and then easily defeat all the guards to the amazement and adoration of the women and the petulant resentment of the men?
My suspicion is that the author never proof read what he'd written, and then forgot what he'd written so he wrote it again. Now might be a good time to mention that this is almost the exact same story as The Traveler by Xander Jade published three months after this. The similarities extend right down to the farm with herb garden and number of horses and cows on the farm. (seriously? what's with that overly specific farm? shouldn't the hero leave the farm to GO on an adventure?)
This book started out fine enough to get me invested in the story and characters. I kept reading to see if it would settle down and get back to the story. It kinda does... but mostly is just wanders off and gets distracted. Yeah, I'm going to start the next one, but I'm going in skeptical.
This is a Harem with cringey sex scenes. Chosen by the gods / Prophesied hero.
This book is not Isekai because the MC was born on the fantasy world, BUT the MC uses modern earth slang including internet terms. This is set on a medieval D&D world and the MC calls people "Douche Nozzle" and other contemporary insults and curse words.
This book is not Gamelit, But whoever wrote it seems to have gotten most of their life experience from video games and not actual life. Physics, combat, conversations, relationships, and emotions all behave like they were in a video game.
-A New Path (The Giseria Chronicles #1 reads like a first draft.
After a basic standard beginning to the story it breaks down into numerous editing errors, and baffling non sequiturs, and the bizarre word & phrase repetitions.
(He goes to the location to find the location but doesn't see anything so he proceeds to the location. -or- He saw a hole covered with wood where he saw a hole)
Lets talk about repetitions for a moment. The MC comes across a group of people being attack by bad guys out in the forest. The MC then stands there and watches passively as those people are brutally murdered. After about 5 - 10 minutes of boilerplate dialog between the bad guys and the desperate survivors of the ambush ("We shall never surrender to the likes of you!" muah ha ha! "Surrender princess! No one is coming to save you! all your guards are dead" yadda yadda) only then does the MC bestir himself to save the last 10% when he could have easily saved them all. This happens over and over through out the book. Five or six times? It's hard to remember because each time is just like the last and they blend together. And of the people the MC eventually rescues after standing there watching their friends and family members get hacked to pieces, They seem to have no emotional reaction to watching fathers/brothers, friends/family dying five minutes ago. It's all "You saved me just in the nick of time or I would have died like my entire family! Take me to bed you virile stud!" WTF? Seriously 80% - 90% of the people who die in this book die while the hero is just standing there watching like it's a cut scene he can't skip through.
How many times does this guy go into "the cave" to find "stack of cages full of every race" and then easily defeat all the guards to the amazement and adoration of the women and the petulant resentment of the men?
My suspicion is that the author never proof read what he'd written, and then forgot what he'd written so he wrote it again. Now might be a good time to mention that this is almost the exact same story as The Traveler by Xander Jade published three months after this. The similarities extend right down to the farm with herb garden and number of horses and cows on the farm. (seriously? what's with that overly specific farm? shouldn't the hero leave the farm to GO on an adventure?)
This book started out fine enough to get me invested in the story and characters. I kept reading to see if it would settle down and get back to the story. It kinda does... but mostly is just wanders off and gets distracted. Yeah, I'm going to start the next one, but I'm going in skeptical.
February 14, 2021
I couldn't finish it, got stuck in the first 30% of the book or so. It's really bad.
Plenty of errors and using the wrong spelling.
I can usually ignore that, but such a thick-headed idiot MC that has godlike skills and is put on the world to save everyone and be adored by every women he comes across... it's too much.
Plenty of errors and using the wrong spelling.
I can usually ignore that, but such a thick-headed idiot MC that has godlike skills and is put on the world to save everyone and be adored by every women he comes across... it's too much.
December 30, 2020
Dropped when
Dropped when he was casually r*aped while unconscious by his women and women nearby with hardly a protest when he talked to them after finding out (while he was unconscious, so he already knew what happened when he woke up)and they thought nothing of it, really?
Dropped when he was casually r*aped while unconscious by his women and women nearby with hardly a protest when he talked to them after finding out (while he was unconscious, so he already knew what happened when he woke up)and they thought nothing of it, really?
May 2, 2021
The first half of the book was ok, but the second it plays like this Maximus is going to talk to a good looking women, Maximus says "hi", the good looking women says "I wanna your babies". After the fourth it kinda hard to keep reading.
September 24, 2022
Everything comes way too easy for Max, the main character, with a Blacksmith Dad and a Herbalist Mom, he knows how to do it all, bonds with animals and monsters without any effort or knowledge that he bonded, the same happens with his excessive Mana and Magical abilities, training or skills. This book puts Mary Sue to shame.
The author is so delusional on the excessive skills and abilities that the main character has, that Over-Powered no longer applies. It's like if Max were a God playing around with ants. All of the sexual liaisons could have been omitted in this and yet, Max, because of the writing of the author is having babies (breeding) with at least six different women at the same time.
So completely delusional and hardly credible is my take on this first book of the Giseria Chronicles.
Max is a commoner, without any job or income, that has no charm or magic skills, no apparent profession or power, but the author skips all of the seduction conditions necessary to create a harem-like-retinue and goes maybe 300 yards beyond, and makes it a breeding adventure. Max sees every woman he encounters, as sexy, beautiful and an addition to his breeding pen. It doesn't matter if they are humanoid, beast-folk, or monster-like, they all are welcome and and receive their fair share of his "super semen" (author's words and description, not mine).
So if you're into incredible stories that adapt more to manga-comic-manhwa styles than real novel series, then this story might be an interesting read for you.
There are no warnings about the "adult situations", "excessive sexual intercourse" or profanity that the author has written on the cover or in the inside of the book. Because obscenity and profanity is illegal to be promoted to underage readers (minors), this is not a fantasy novel series for young adults or minors.
The author is so delusional on the excessive skills and abilities that the main character has, that Over-Powered no longer applies. It's like if Max were a God playing around with ants. All of the sexual liaisons could have been omitted in this and yet, Max, because of the writing of the author is having babies (breeding) with at least six different women at the same time.
So completely delusional and hardly credible is my take on this first book of the Giseria Chronicles.
Max is a commoner, without any job or income, that has no charm or magic skills, no apparent profession or power, but the author skips all of the seduction conditions necessary to create a harem-like-retinue and goes maybe 300 yards beyond, and makes it a breeding adventure. Max sees every woman he encounters, as sexy, beautiful and an addition to his breeding pen. It doesn't matter if they are humanoid, beast-folk, or monster-like, they all are welcome and and receive their fair share of his "super semen" (author's words and description, not mine).
So if you're into incredible stories that adapt more to manga-comic-manhwa styles than real novel series, then this story might be an interesting read for you.
There are no warnings about the "adult situations", "excessive sexual intercourse" or profanity that the author has written on the cover or in the inside of the book. Because obscenity and profanity is illegal to be promoted to underage readers (minors), this is not a fantasy novel series for young adults or minors.
November 24, 2022
WOOOOOW
Okay, my first Jade book and all I can say is is wow. I absolutely loved this book. What an amazing first installment of a series. Right now I’m hoping this series has more than 5 books. The world building is simply amazing. The characters are also amazing. It started off all very normal. Jade took the time to build this world up very slowly and drill into us what Max had to go through as a youth. You knew Max was destined for something greater the way his parents raised him. His parents definitely knows something and i hope we find out more about his parents background. It was definitely hilarious when he woke up into his phase three transformation…..lets leave it at that and everything really changed. Hercules and Reaper had me dying with laughter. I couldn’t stop 😂 laughing. Ignis as well is pretty hilarious especially with their “earthen” slang and mannerisms. I must also say Max is amassing quite an impressive harem. I want to see how this plays out. So far its only getting more amazing. I really like them all. Also, Zeus lol what a character. I like each one of his women, they all bring something different to the table and they each have a very unique personality and i love how they treat him differently. I love Vals fierceness and vulnerability. Sasha’s shyness and Tia and Sophia were truly amazing as well. Cassie, amazing. Okay, im going to sit here and name his whole harem if I don’t stop lol. They’re all so amazing. This series is off to a stupendous start. I’m so happy I’ve stumbled upon this author. Onward lads!
Okay, my first Jade book and all I can say is is wow. I absolutely loved this book. What an amazing first installment of a series. Right now I’m hoping this series has more than 5 books. The world building is simply amazing. The characters are also amazing. It started off all very normal. Jade took the time to build this world up very slowly and drill into us what Max had to go through as a youth. You knew Max was destined for something greater the way his parents raised him. His parents definitely knows something and i hope we find out more about his parents background. It was definitely hilarious when he woke up into his phase three transformation…..lets leave it at that and everything really changed. Hercules and Reaper had me dying with laughter. I couldn’t stop 😂 laughing. Ignis as well is pretty hilarious especially with their “earthen” slang and mannerisms. I must also say Max is amassing quite an impressive harem. I want to see how this plays out. So far its only getting more amazing. I really like them all. Also, Zeus lol what a character. I like each one of his women, they all bring something different to the table and they each have a very unique personality and i love how they treat him differently. I love Vals fierceness and vulnerability. Sasha’s shyness and Tia and Sophia were truly amazing as well. Cassie, amazing. Okay, im going to sit here and name his whole harem if I don’t stop lol. They’re all so amazing. This series is off to a stupendous start. I’m so happy I’ve stumbled upon this author. Onward lads!
September 18, 2024
I've read other reviews that talk about how different parts of this book seem like it's written by different people. I think it's more like a bait and switch. The first part of the book is awesome. We follow a young man with a loving family as he grows up. He's educated as a warrior, ranger, and healer. He's special. He's the Chosen One, destined to become an incredibly powerful hero. He grows up and roams the forest, fighting evil with his mythical bonded pet and saving people. He's intelligent, manly, compassionate, and a tad arrogant. He's strong willed and won't take any guff even from obnoxious nobles or insistent princesses.
Then (click!) everything changes radically. He saves a woman from evil orcs and she straight up tells him she is going to be his wife and she will chose other women to be his mates.
In a single chapter he goes from that awesome hero to a worm. His personality completely changes into a pathetic, emasculated, simpering, self-denigrating, spineless, betafag with no agency of his own.
His women make all his decisions, run his house, tell him where to sleep and with whom, and treat him like a walking atm/dildo.
I finally couldn't take anymore when his women bring some other women that he doesn't have or want a relationship with, to rape him while he's unconscious, in a comma, from a terrible injury.
This book was like a big middle finger from the author to anyone dumb enough to read it.
Then (click!) everything changes radically. He saves a woman from evil orcs and she straight up tells him she is going to be his wife and she will chose other women to be his mates.
In a single chapter he goes from that awesome hero to a worm. His personality completely changes into a pathetic, emasculated, simpering, self-denigrating, spineless, betafag with no agency of his own.
His women make all his decisions, run his house, tell him where to sleep and with whom, and treat him like a walking atm/dildo.
I finally couldn't take anymore when his women bring some other women that he doesn't have or want a relationship with, to rape him while he's unconscious, in a comma, from a terrible injury.
This book was like a big middle finger from the author to anyone dumb enough to read it.
May 14, 2021
This started reasonably well, but had a complete change of tone in the latter half of the book. It really seemed like the second half was written by someone else, probably a guy in his late teens. First half is a 4, second is 2, hence the 3-star rating. It definitely needs better editing; while I'm on that:
There = place
Their = possession, ownership
They're = contraction of "they are"
"They're going to be over there to take possession of their new house."
Sometimes the book had a handle on that but there were a lot of exceptions.
The later parts of the book have too many flip anachronisms (i.e. speech and expressions that didn't fit the fantasy environment) and that really annoyed me. I liked the early MC, but I can't say I care for what he turned into (and I don't mean the magical transformations). I'll try the next book, but I hope it gets its act together or I'll drop it pretty quickly.
There = place
Their = possession, ownership
They're = contraction of "they are"
"They're going to be over there to take possession of their new house."
Sometimes the book had a handle on that but there were a lot of exceptions.
The later parts of the book have too many flip anachronisms (i.e. speech and expressions that didn't fit the fantasy environment) and that really annoyed me. I liked the early MC, but I can't say I care for what he turned into (and I don't mean the magical transformations). I'll try the next book, but I hope it gets its act together or I'll drop it pretty quickly.
December 31, 2022
His writing is juvenile and terrible. His understanding of women and portrayal of them is also terrible.
Add in how much of a rape-lover this author seems to be by this work and its garbage that can't really be called literature.
With how amateur his writing is i atleast expected the innocence that goes along with it but no:
Wish I read the reviews first and saved myself the time.
I guess it gets worse past where I dropped it since they warned that the mc gets drugged, raped repeatedly, and is told to just be happy about it. Only about a dozen chapters in you find the first two girls are used goods and one was raped for years as a slave. The whole circumstance around it is not credible and both of the female leads are not desirable in any way by the way he depicts them.
To be brief, this is triggering detritus.
A garbage I wouldn't recommend to anyone, especially anyone with rape trauma irl.
Add in how much of a rape-lover this author seems to be by this work and its garbage that can't really be called literature.
With how amateur his writing is i atleast expected the innocence that goes along with it but no:
Wish I read the reviews first and saved myself the time.
I guess it gets worse past where I dropped it since they warned that the mc gets drugged, raped repeatedly, and is told to just be happy about it. Only about a dozen chapters in you find the first two girls are used goods and one was raped for years as a slave. The whole circumstance around it is not credible and both of the female leads are not desirable in any way by the way he depicts them.
To be brief, this is triggering detritus.
A garbage I wouldn't recommend to anyone, especially anyone with rape trauma irl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
A great start to a new series. The characters are believable within the fantasy setting and it is easy to relate to them although the MC is a bit OP. A good plot with the characters developing their skills and abilities. Full disclosure - I'm a retired teacher. This appears to be the first book by the author and the editing is not as good as "Traveler". The use of "there" in place of "their" made it very difficult for me. However, I gave the book 5 stars because it is a fun read and I enjoyed it, and the editing is much better in the next series. I loved the attention to detail (building a farm, getting animals, etc.) while skipping weeks/months/years of repetitive activity as the MC grows up from a child to an adult. The noble/commoner subplot makes for some interesting events. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
August 5, 2022
Okay, I made it a third of the way before DNF. The characters are flat and super cliché. Maximus, the MC, is master of ALL things. Do you know what that's like? Imagine meeting a teenager that's a surgeon, a nuclear physicist, movie star, idol singer, astronaut ... all at once and proficient to not just do them, but be among the best at them. Throw in a legendary creature as a bonded pet/partner, and you've got the recipe for boring.
I also have a huge hatred for stories written in first person THAT switch to 3rd person because the author lacks command of grammar and the English language. I'd expect this level of writing from a 4th grader ... come to think of it, I'd expect the same for story and character development. Perhaps Jade is a juvenile? IF so, then this story is very-very good. If he's a high school graduate ... not so much.
I also have a huge hatred for stories written in first person THAT switch to 3rd person because the author lacks command of grammar and the English language. I'd expect this level of writing from a 4th grader ... come to think of it, I'd expect the same for story and character development. Perhaps Jade is a juvenile? IF so, then this story is very-very good. If he's a high school graduate ... not so much.
January 19, 2021
A kick butt fun sexy ride
There is a lot of good things in this story. A strong main character with a sense of justice and fairness. I had a lot of fun reading about the humorous things that happened to him and that he does. This book has two parts to it. The first part is about him growing up and a little bit about the world around him. The second part segways to him being 19 and chosen by the gods of this world to protect it from an evil. This is a good sword and sorcery story but in the last half it has elements of modern ideas and phrases which kind of threw me off a little bit but does not detract from the story. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read the second one soon.
There is a lot of good things in this story. A strong main character with a sense of justice and fairness. I had a lot of fun reading about the humorous things that happened to him and that he does. This book has two parts to it. The first part is about him growing up and a little bit about the world around him. The second part segways to him being 19 and chosen by the gods of this world to protect it from an evil. This is a good sword and sorcery story but in the last half it has elements of modern ideas and phrases which kind of threw me off a little bit but does not detract from the story. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read the second one soon.
January 6, 2026
A Solid, If Familiar, Portal Fantasy Start
Let's be upfront: if your TBR pile is full of books that promise to reinvent the fantasy wheel, you might want to swipe left. But if you're looking for a comforting, classic portal fantasy with all the familiar, satisfying beats—an ordinary guy thrust into a magical world, RPG-like progression, and a found family of loyal companions—then A New Path: The Giseria Chronicles #1 by Xander Jade is a perfectly serviceable entry point. It's the literary equivalent of a hearty stew: you know exactly what you're getting, and it hits the spot even if it doesn't surprise you. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes
Portal Fantasy and the Search for Purpose: The core of the story is our modern-day protagonist finding himself in the magical realm of Giseria. The theme is explored through his displacement and gradual adaptation, as he trades a mundane life for one of adventure and newfound responsibility. It's a classic "zero to hero" setup that asks what a person can become when stripped of their old world.
Found Family and Loyalty: As is common in the genre, the protagonist doesn't journey alone for long. A key theme is the formation of bonds with the first people he meets—bonds that quickly become the emotional backbone of the story and his primary motivation to grow stronger and protect others.
Progression and Power Fantasy: The narrative is deeply invested in the main character's growth. Readers follow his acquisition of skills, magical abilities, and strength, often measured in a way that feels satisfyingly quantifiable, appealing to fans of progression fantasy and litRPG elements.
Character Analysis
The protagonist typically starts as an everyman—confused, out of his depth, but possessing a decent moral compass. His development is the main arc, moving from reactive survival to proactive mastery of his new environment. He's designed to be relatable, a vessel for the reader's own fantasy of starting over in a world of magic.
The supporting cast, especially the initial allies he meets, often includes strong archetypes: the capable warrior, the knowledgeable guide, and potential romantic interests. Their development is usually tied to their relationship with the protagonist, and while they can be loyal and engaging, they sometimes risk feeling like they exist primarily to support his journey rather than having deeply independent arcs of their own in this first installment.
Writing Style & Pacing
Based on the patterns of the genre and authors like the prolific Logan Jacobs (who shares stylistic similarities with many in this space), the prose is likely functional and propulsive. The priority is on moving the plot and action forward rather than poetic description. The tone is straightforward and leans into wish-fulfillment and adventure.
The pacing in these series starters is often brisk, designed to hook you quickly and establish the core premise, conflict, and party dynamics. A common critique for books in this specific niche (harem-adjacent fantasy) is that romantic or intimate subplots can sometimes feel rushed or interrupt the flow of the main adventure, a pitfall this book will need to navigate carefully to satisfy readers looking for a balanced story.
What I Liked/Disliked
(Based on genre expectations and common reader experiences with similar series starters)
Liked:
The Comfort of the Formula: When executed competently, there's a real pleasure in the classic portal fantasy structure. It's a known quantity that delivers on its core promises of escapism and progression.
World-Building Potential: First books like this are all about setting the stage. The land of Giseria likely holds interesting lore, magical systems, and factions that promise more depth in future installments.
Mindless Fun: At its best, it's a bingeable, turn-your-brain-off adventure that provides a solid escape.
Disliked:
Predictability: The greatest risk is a plot that feels like it's following a pre-marked checklist, hitting every expected beat (discovery, first fight, gaining allies, first major threat) without fresh twists.
Character Archetypes Over Individuals: If not handled with care, the supporting cast can feel like a collection of traits (the fierce one, the smart one) rather than fully realized people.
Pacing Pitfalls: Balancing action, world-building, and character relationships is tricky. The story can sometimes feel like it's rushing through one element to get to the next.
Conclusion & Recommendation
A New Path is a textbook series opener. It establishes a world, a protagonist with potential, and a journey you can see unfolding over several books. Your enjoyment will depend almost entirely on your appetite for this specific, well-trodden subgenre.
You'll probably enjoy this book if: You love classic isekai/portal fantasy and progression stories. You're not looking for subversive, gritty realism but for a fun, adventurous power fantasy with familiar tropes executed reliably. If you're a fan of authors like Logan Jacobs or similar series, this is likely in your wheelhouse.
You should probably skip this book if: You need deeply original plotting or literary prose. If you're tired of the "ordinary guy in a fantasy world" premise or prefer slow-burn, politically intricate fantasy, this might feel too simplistic or rushed.
Final Verdict: A 3/5. It's a competently written start that does its job: it made me curious enough about Giseria and the protagonist's path to consider Book 2. It's not groundbreaking, but it doesn't aim to be. Think of it as a reliable pilot episode for a fantasy series you might happily binge—if the synopsis speaks to you, you'll likely have a good time.
Let's be upfront: if your TBR pile is full of books that promise to reinvent the fantasy wheel, you might want to swipe left. But if you're looking for a comforting, classic portal fantasy with all the familiar, satisfying beats—an ordinary guy thrust into a magical world, RPG-like progression, and a found family of loyal companions—then A New Path: The Giseria Chronicles #1 by Xander Jade is a perfectly serviceable entry point. It's the literary equivalent of a hearty stew: you know exactly what you're getting, and it hits the spot even if it doesn't surprise you. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes
Portal Fantasy and the Search for Purpose: The core of the story is our modern-day protagonist finding himself in the magical realm of Giseria. The theme is explored through his displacement and gradual adaptation, as he trades a mundane life for one of adventure and newfound responsibility. It's a classic "zero to hero" setup that asks what a person can become when stripped of their old world.
Found Family and Loyalty: As is common in the genre, the protagonist doesn't journey alone for long. A key theme is the formation of bonds with the first people he meets—bonds that quickly become the emotional backbone of the story and his primary motivation to grow stronger and protect others.
Progression and Power Fantasy: The narrative is deeply invested in the main character's growth. Readers follow his acquisition of skills, magical abilities, and strength, often measured in a way that feels satisfyingly quantifiable, appealing to fans of progression fantasy and litRPG elements.
Character Analysis
The protagonist typically starts as an everyman—confused, out of his depth, but possessing a decent moral compass. His development is the main arc, moving from reactive survival to proactive mastery of his new environment. He's designed to be relatable, a vessel for the reader's own fantasy of starting over in a world of magic.
The supporting cast, especially the initial allies he meets, often includes strong archetypes: the capable warrior, the knowledgeable guide, and potential romantic interests. Their development is usually tied to their relationship with the protagonist, and while they can be loyal and engaging, they sometimes risk feeling like they exist primarily to support his journey rather than having deeply independent arcs of their own in this first installment.
Writing Style & Pacing
Based on the patterns of the genre and authors like the prolific Logan Jacobs (who shares stylistic similarities with many in this space), the prose is likely functional and propulsive. The priority is on moving the plot and action forward rather than poetic description. The tone is straightforward and leans into wish-fulfillment and adventure.
The pacing in these series starters is often brisk, designed to hook you quickly and establish the core premise, conflict, and party dynamics. A common critique for books in this specific niche (harem-adjacent fantasy) is that romantic or intimate subplots can sometimes feel rushed or interrupt the flow of the main adventure, a pitfall this book will need to navigate carefully to satisfy readers looking for a balanced story.
What I Liked/Disliked
(Based on genre expectations and common reader experiences with similar series starters)
Liked:
The Comfort of the Formula: When executed competently, there's a real pleasure in the classic portal fantasy structure. It's a known quantity that delivers on its core promises of escapism and progression.
World-Building Potential: First books like this are all about setting the stage. The land of Giseria likely holds interesting lore, magical systems, and factions that promise more depth in future installments.
Mindless Fun: At its best, it's a bingeable, turn-your-brain-off adventure that provides a solid escape.
Disliked:
Predictability: The greatest risk is a plot that feels like it's following a pre-marked checklist, hitting every expected beat (discovery, first fight, gaining allies, first major threat) without fresh twists.
Character Archetypes Over Individuals: If not handled with care, the supporting cast can feel like a collection of traits (the fierce one, the smart one) rather than fully realized people.
Pacing Pitfalls: Balancing action, world-building, and character relationships is tricky. The story can sometimes feel like it's rushing through one element to get to the next.
Conclusion & Recommendation
A New Path is a textbook series opener. It establishes a world, a protagonist with potential, and a journey you can see unfolding over several books. Your enjoyment will depend almost entirely on your appetite for this specific, well-trodden subgenre.
You'll probably enjoy this book if: You love classic isekai/portal fantasy and progression stories. You're not looking for subversive, gritty realism but for a fun, adventurous power fantasy with familiar tropes executed reliably. If you're a fan of authors like Logan Jacobs or similar series, this is likely in your wheelhouse.
You should probably skip this book if: You need deeply original plotting or literary prose. If you're tired of the "ordinary guy in a fantasy world" premise or prefer slow-burn, politically intricate fantasy, this might feel too simplistic or rushed.
Final Verdict: A 3/5. It's a competently written start that does its job: it made me curious enough about Giseria and the protagonist's path to consider Book 2. It's not groundbreaking, but it doesn't aim to be. Think of it as a reliable pilot episode for a fantasy series you might happily binge—if the synopsis speaks to you, you'll likely have a good time.
April 13, 2023
Young lad safes a young siba pub (kind of tiger) and bonds with him. does not back down before nobles and learns fighting, smithing, healing and hunting by parents and friends.
Later rescues princesses, elfen ladies, bonds with kodiak bears and elementals to learn he has to safe the world for the dark forces....
Kind of a first book by an author. Lots of grammatical errors (bad if even I can find it) and stuff like changing first and second person all the time.
Nevertheless not a bad story. the MC is a bit too OP - the only times he has to recover from anything is the first fight in the book and after that only when he learns new magic. No enemy is even near to be a threat to him.
Later rescues princesses, elfen ladies, bonds with kodiak bears and elementals to learn he has to safe the world for the dark forces....
Kind of a first book by an author. Lots of grammatical errors (bad if even I can find it) and stuff like changing first and second person all the time.
Nevertheless not a bad story. the MC is a bit too OP - the only times he has to recover from anything is the first fight in the book and after that only when he learns new magic. No enemy is even near to be a threat to him.
April 28, 2021
Good plot meh writing
So I really liked the storyline and the characters but the writing was off. Lots of telling and not showing. I put the book down for two weeks then came back to finish it. But the vernacular was very jarring to me. Lots of sayings that didn’t belong because they were clearly from pop culture. I felt like I never got a good characterization from any of the characters because they didn’t fit the world. Everybody falls in lust with the main character whose a Mary Sue whose able to do all things. That being said I liked the plot and will probably pick up book 2. Hopefully the writing gets better
So I really liked the storyline and the characters but the writing was off. Lots of telling and not showing. I put the book down for two weeks then came back to finish it. But the vernacular was very jarring to me. Lots of sayings that didn’t belong because they were clearly from pop culture. I felt like I never got a good characterization from any of the characters because they didn’t fit the world. Everybody falls in lust with the main character whose a Mary Sue whose able to do all things. That being said I liked the plot and will probably pick up book 2. Hopefully the writing gets better
July 8, 2021
Disappointing
The underlying story has merit but the execution is messy. There are several anachronisms with dialog and references inconsistent with a story supposedly set in a medieval culture eg ‘thong panties’. Terms, such as ‘kosher’ don’t mesh with the non-Jewish multiple deity belief system presented in the story.
At times the story seems rushed then at other moments it drags tediously (a dragged out breakfast preparation is one example.
I bought the first and second book together. There is just enough in the first book to continue on to read the second - but only just.
The underlying story has merit but the execution is messy. There are several anachronisms with dialog and references inconsistent with a story supposedly set in a medieval culture eg ‘thong panties’. Terms, such as ‘kosher’ don’t mesh with the non-Jewish multiple deity belief system presented in the story.
At times the story seems rushed then at other moments it drags tediously (a dragged out breakfast preparation is one example.
I bought the first and second book together. There is just enough in the first book to continue on to read the second - but only just.
January 19, 2021
Have to give this one an A for effort.
If you can get past the awkward grammar, word selection, and writing style, you may come to enjoy an entertaining story. I certainly did. After buying this book based on it's synopsis and rating score, I found myself going back to read the book's ratings after having read just a few pages. I needed assurance I was not wasting my time. Glad I did because the eventual ride turned out to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to this story's continuation.
If you can get past the awkward grammar, word selection, and writing style, you may come to enjoy an entertaining story. I certainly did. After buying this book based on it's synopsis and rating score, I found myself going back to read the book's ratings after having read just a few pages. I needed assurance I was not wasting my time. Glad I did because the eventual ride turned out to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to this story's continuation.
November 27, 2020
Went of the charts in the end
Started well enough. Though I dislike the plot tricks of having the MC having a total disrespect for any authority. The plot becomes all to predictable and alas there was always one noble that was an asshole.
In the end the story just ran wild. MC got all the girls, all the power and went ballistic with. He is currently in orbit shooting missile at nobles on other planets ( well no, but that’s what it felt like ).
Started well enough. Though I dislike the plot tricks of having the MC having a total disrespect for any authority. The plot becomes all to predictable and alas there was always one noble that was an asshole.
In the end the story just ran wild. MC got all the girls, all the power and went ballistic with. He is currently in orbit shooting missile at nobles on other planets ( well no, but that’s what it felt like ).
January 16, 2021
Good story
This is overall a really good story. The way it was written has numerous occasions where the person speaking changes in the middle of a paragraph, without correctly identifying who it changed to. Also, it skipped between first and third person perspective telling for the MC. This really was a good story, if a little mixed between teenage male fantasy, and silly. If second book comes out I will pick it up.
This is overall a really good story. The way it was written has numerous occasions where the person speaking changes in the middle of a paragraph, without correctly identifying who it changed to. Also, it skipped between first and third person perspective telling for the MC. This really was a good story, if a little mixed between teenage male fantasy, and silly. If second book comes out I will pick it up.
February 1, 2021
A really good read for a harem book
Let me start off by saying i don't like harem books. The story is more about unrealistic acts and puffed up morons shooting creep most porn stars would cringe at. Having said that, this one is bit of the aforementioned talk but mostly on action and storyline. It does a good job moving forward, enough that i hit the epilogue without knowing it. I look forward to the next book!
Let me start off by saying i don't like harem books. The story is more about unrealistic acts and puffed up morons shooting creep most porn stars would cringe at. Having said that, this one is bit of the aforementioned talk but mostly on action and storyline. It does a good job moving forward, enough that i hit the epilogue without knowing it. I look forward to the next book!
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