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Art of the Adept #4
Disciple of War
War looms on the horizon but Selene’s training as a wizard must begin, even though her age makes success nearly unattainable. Will searches for a solution, but their only hope may be a dangerous bargain with the king.
The fate of two nations lies on Will’s shoulders and the future is paved with violence. With few options, he needs the aid of uncertain allies and dubious friends. Traitors lurk among them, and soon he will be forced to choose who to trust—and who to sacrifice. For a terrible power has arrived in Darrow, and the price of victory will be paid in blood.
The fate of two nations lies on Will’s shoulders and the future is paved with violence. With few options, he needs the aid of uncertain allies and dubious friends. Traitors lurk among them, and soon he will be forced to choose who to trust—and who to sacrifice. For a terrible power has arrived in Darrow, and the price of victory will be paid in blood.
672 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2020
616 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Michael G. Manning
30 books2,087 followersMichael Manning was born in Cleveland, Texas and spent his formative years there, reading fantasy and science fiction, concocting home grown experiments in his backyard, and generally avoiding schoolwork.
Eventually he went to college, starting at Sam Houston State University, where his love of beer blossomed and his obsession with playing role-playing games led him to what he calls 'his best year ever' and what most of his family calls 'the lost year'.
Several years and a few crappy jobs later, he decided to pursue college again and was somehow accepted into the University of Houston Honors program (we won't get into the particulars of that miracle). This led to a degree in pharmacy and it followed from there that he wound up with a license to practice said profession.
Unfortunately, Michael was not a very good pharmacist. Being relatively lawless and free spirited were not particularly good traits to possess in a career focused on perfection, patient safety, and the letter-of-the-law. Nevertheless, he persisted and after a stint as a hospital pharmacy manager wound up as a pharmacist working in correctional managed care for the State of Texas.
He gave drugs to prisoners.
After a year or two at UTMB he became bored and taught himself entirely too much about networking, programming, and database design and administration. At first his supervisors warned him (repeatedly) to do his assigned tasks and stop designing programs to help his coworkers do theirs, but eventually they gave up and just let him do whatever he liked since it seemed to be generally working out well for them.
Ten or eleven years later and he got bored with that too. So he wrote a book. We won't talk about where he was when he wrote 'The Blacksmith's Son', but let's just assume he was probably supposed to be doing something else at the time.
Some people liked the book and told other people. Now they won't leave him alone.
After another year or two, he decided to just give up and stop pretending to be a pharmacist/programmer, much to the chagrin of his mother (who had only ever wanted him to grow up to be a doctor and had finally become content with the fact that he had settled on pharmacy instead).
Michael's wife supported his decision, even as she stubbornly refused to believe he would make any money at it. It turned out later that she was just telling him this because she knew that nothing made Michael more contrary than his never ending desire to prove her wrong. Once he was able to prove said fact she promptly admitted her tricky ruse and he has since given up on trying to win.
Today he lives at home with his stubborn wife, teenage twins, a giant moose-poodle, two yorkies, a green-cheeked conure, a massive prehistoric tortoise, and a head full of imaginary people. There are also some fish, but he refuses to talk about them.
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Eventually he went to college, starting at Sam Houston State University, where his love of beer blossomed and his obsession with playing role-playing games led him to what he calls 'his best year ever' and what most of his family calls 'the lost year'.
Several years and a few crappy jobs later, he decided to pursue college again and was somehow accepted into the University of Houston Honors program (we won't get into the particulars of that miracle). This led to a degree in pharmacy and it followed from there that he wound up with a license to practice said profession.
Unfortunately, Michael was not a very good pharmacist. Being relatively lawless and free spirited were not particularly good traits to possess in a career focused on perfection, patient safety, and the letter-of-the-law. Nevertheless, he persisted and after a stint as a hospital pharmacy manager wound up as a pharmacist working in correctional managed care for the State of Texas.
He gave drugs to prisoners.
After a year or two at UTMB he became bored and taught himself entirely too much about networking, programming, and database design and administration. At first his supervisors warned him (repeatedly) to do his assigned tasks and stop designing programs to help his coworkers do theirs, but eventually they gave up and just let him do whatever he liked since it seemed to be generally working out well for them.
Ten or eleven years later and he got bored with that too. So he wrote a book. We won't talk about where he was when he wrote 'The Blacksmith's Son', but let's just assume he was probably supposed to be doing something else at the time.
Some people liked the book and told other people. Now they won't leave him alone.
After another year or two, he decided to just give up and stop pretending to be a pharmacist/programmer, much to the chagrin of his mother (who had only ever wanted him to grow up to be a doctor and had finally become content with the fact that he had settled on pharmacy instead).
Michael's wife supported his decision, even as she stubbornly refused to believe he would make any money at it. It turned out later that she was just telling him this because she knew that nothing made Michael more contrary than his never ending desire to prove her wrong. Once he was able to prove said fact she promptly admitted her tricky ruse and he has since given up on trying to win.
Today he lives at home with his stubborn wife, teenage twins, a giant moose-poodle, two yorkies, a green-cheeked conure, a massive prehistoric tortoise, and a head full of imaginary people. There are also some fish, but he refuses to talk about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 3, 2021
This was a really difficult book to finish, and in the end, only my enjoyment of book 1 and book 3 kept me reading. In my mind there are 2 major flaws with this novel:
1 - Will and Selene
I've said this before in other reviews but it needs mentioning again because it continues to be a huge flaw in this series; Will and Selene don't work.
Sure they say the right words about loving each other and they obviously sleep with each other, but outside of those things, these are two people who, judging by their actions, hate each other. They argue constantly, neither trust each other with important information, and Selene especially is always keeping secrets. Selene is also acting like a queen with her subject rather than a wife with her husband. The situation actually reads like two people who don't like each other very much, but they sleep with each other in order to maintain the fiction amongst themselves.
Why does this matter? It's just a romance, right? It's not even close to the most important part of this story.
Well, it matters because Will's 'love' for Selene is what drives the vast majority of his actions. Without that relationship, we wouldn't have a story at all. For that to work, we need to buy into Will's motivations or the story just won't matter to us.
It also isn't very pleasant to read about and that's a problem in any book, especially when it's an element that takes up as many pages as this sub-plot.
2 - Lack of a Reason to Care About the Plot
This book is about a war that was completely voluntary. They weren't in danger of being attacked, they weren't facing some kind of existential threat (at first) and the characters could just have easily have stayed at home to find another way around their many problems. But instead, they decide to act like an invading army and go into a needless war.
The lack of motivation for this war robbed everything that came after it of meaning for me. Whenever they were in danger I didn't care because they didn't need to be in danger. If someone died or was hurt, again I didn't care because they never actually needed to be in that position. The same is true for all Will's magic moments that should have been awesome but weren't because there was no reason for them.
This book lacked a driving motivation, and that in the end meant I just didn't care which made it really hard to keep reading.
Overall Verdict
I didn't enjoy his book. Truth be told, I kept checking out so much that I had to keep going back and re-reading pages, but the information just wouldn't sink in. That's never a good sign and unfortunately, it's not the first time I have felt this way in this series.
Book 1 was excellent, book 3 was highly enjoyable, but book 2 had a lot of problems, and now this book has a lot more. It leaves me wondering if I will even pick up the next book because it is a coin toss over whether I'll love the book, or hate it.
1 - Will and Selene
I've said this before in other reviews but it needs mentioning again because it continues to be a huge flaw in this series; Will and Selene don't work.
Sure they say the right words about loving each other and they obviously sleep with each other, but outside of those things, these are two people who, judging by their actions, hate each other. They argue constantly, neither trust each other with important information, and Selene especially is always keeping secrets. Selene is also acting like a queen with her subject rather than a wife with her husband. The situation actually reads like two people who don't like each other very much, but they sleep with each other in order to maintain the fiction amongst themselves.
Why does this matter? It's just a romance, right? It's not even close to the most important part of this story.
Well, it matters because Will's 'love' for Selene is what drives the vast majority of his actions. Without that relationship, we wouldn't have a story at all. For that to work, we need to buy into Will's motivations or the story just won't matter to us.
It also isn't very pleasant to read about and that's a problem in any book, especially when it's an element that takes up as many pages as this sub-plot.
2 - Lack of a Reason to Care About the Plot
This book is about a war that was completely voluntary. They weren't in danger of being attacked, they weren't facing some kind of existential threat (at first) and the characters could just have easily have stayed at home to find another way around their many problems. But instead, they decide to act like an invading army and go into a needless war.
The lack of motivation for this war robbed everything that came after it of meaning for me. Whenever they were in danger I didn't care because they didn't need to be in danger. If someone died or was hurt, again I didn't care because they never actually needed to be in that position. The same is true for all Will's magic moments that should have been awesome but weren't because there was no reason for them.
This book lacked a driving motivation, and that in the end meant I just didn't care which made it really hard to keep reading.
Overall Verdict
I didn't enjoy his book. Truth be told, I kept checking out so much that I had to keep going back and re-reading pages, but the information just wouldn't sink in. That's never a good sign and unfortunately, it's not the first time I have felt this way in this series.
Book 1 was excellent, book 3 was highly enjoyable, but book 2 had a lot of problems, and now this book has a lot more. It leaves me wondering if I will even pick up the next book because it is a coin toss over whether I'll love the book, or hate it.
December 22, 2020
A worthy new addition to this great series.
Oh MC is finally becoming the OP spell slinging Wizard we were promised in the first book. My only complaint is there wasn't enough scenes with a couple characters but considering the quality of the rest of the book all I can do is wait for the next installment. So 👍!
Oh MC is finally becoming the OP spell slinging Wizard we were promised in the first book. My only complaint is there wasn't enough scenes with a couple characters but considering the quality of the rest of the book all I can do is wait for the next installment. So 👍!
December 22, 2020
Another great action packed adventure
As usual despite the time between books, this man does not disappoint with both characters and writing a gripping storyline from beggining to end. Makes me happy and sad that I have to wait till the next one.
As usual despite the time between books, this man does not disappoint with both characters and writing a gripping storyline from beggining to end. Makes me happy and sad that I have to wait till the next one.
December 24, 2020
Good book
I like this book.
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
I would be a wizard
Thank you.
I like this book.
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
I would be a wizard
Thank you.
December 25, 2020
I really didn't expect too much, but this turned out to be really, really enjoyable. I was happy to see Will making better decisions. He was far less erratic, and I can see the character development coming along nicely.
The power ups are always fun but there's nothing quite like the character become a "truer" person. Perhaps I can better appreciate the series now that the Protagonist is steadily coming into his own.
I've been a bit more stringent in my ratings of the earlier books in this series, arbitrary 'critic' that I am, but this particular book deserves a 5 star in my opinion. The storyline was captivating, the characters were largely consistent and the world building engaging, and as always Mr Manning knows how to keep you turning pages no matter how many complaints you have about his book (and I have quite a number of those).
Thank you, Mr. Manning, this was a very wonderful book.
The power ups are always fun but there's nothing quite like the character become a "truer" person. Perhaps I can better appreciate the series now that the Protagonist is steadily coming into his own.
I've been a bit more stringent in my ratings of the earlier books in this series, arbitrary 'critic' that I am, but this particular book deserves a 5 star in my opinion. The storyline was captivating, the characters were largely consistent and the world building engaging, and as always Mr Manning knows how to keep you turning pages no matter how many complaints you have about his book (and I have quite a number of those).
Thank you, Mr. Manning, this was a very wonderful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
The book is awesome, so why 4 stars?
Simply because this book is basically a side quest.
Probably suffering the syndrome of middle of a series book...
While this only advances the overarching plot by a hair, it does introduce a new perspective and new dynamics regarding the characters.
MC gets more powerful, but this newfound power is mysterious and there seems to be a caveat... There's always a caveat about this kind of power...
There is something about this story plot that messes profoundly with me... The relationship between Arrogan, Aislinn and Elthas; that is something I would like more explanation (maybe a short story?).
Simply because this book is basically a side quest.
Probably suffering the syndrome of middle of a series book...
While this only advances the overarching plot by a hair, it does introduce a new perspective and new dynamics regarding the characters.
MC gets more powerful, but this newfound power is mysterious and there seems to be a caveat... There's always a caveat about this kind of power...
There is something about this story plot that messes profoundly with me... The relationship between Arrogan, Aislinn and Elthas; that is something I would like more explanation (maybe a short story?).
August 23, 2024
I loved the whole thing but this part killed me!!
““Stay still, stupid!” Will swore.
The troll looked at him, then repeated one word and pointed to himself. “Stupid?”
“Yes, you! You’re stupid! Don’t move.”
The little troll grinned and jumped to his feet while chanting his new word. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!”
Great, he thinks his name is stupid now,”
““Stay still, stupid!” Will swore.
The troll looked at him, then repeated one word and pointed to himself. “Stupid?”
“Yes, you! You’re stupid! Don’t move.”
The little troll grinned and jumped to his feet while chanting his new word. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!”
Great, he thinks his name is stupid now,”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2020
Fantastic
I didn’t put the Disciple of War down. Make yourself comfortable, because you’re in for one hell of a ride!
I didn’t put the Disciple of War down. Make yourself comfortable, because you’re in for one hell of a ride!
December 23, 2020
Another fantastic Hit in an already stellar series
Micheal G. Manning is an author that I have seen grow with each publication. From his mage born series that I admittedly was at first not a fan of but became an ardent reader as he wrote his stories.
With his 4th book out "Disciple of War," we find William having to direct a war of conquest against Darrow at king lognians command. to keep this spoiler-free, we find William growing as a character, (not that he hasn't before in his other books) in the sense that the violent life he finds himself in has in some ways desensitized him to the actions he feels or must do. that doesn't make him a depraved monster as other fictional works might depict. and that's the beauty of manning writing. I find the fictional trope in which a character making violent and "immoral" decisions become filled with regret and take a journey to redemption lacking any endearing and realistic appeal. the moral indecision and trope in which the main protagonist believes that doing the same acts as the bad guy will only make them the same are unrealistic.
the world isn't perfect, and that is shown beautifully through the actions and thoughts, and feelings of our main protagonist.
TLDR( William Cartwright isn't a perfectly moral person yet that makes him so much more real and human)
secondly, the way the book was structured, especially how the events where spaced and written is perfect, manning isn't like other authors who simply allow for time skips within their stories. rather he cleverly sped up the story while also keeping the reader engaged with personal and key events.
lastly, the detail which manning put into describing the military structure, organization, and tactics really brought the battles and decision making to life. most authors don't care to write in the meetings and necessary people required to assemble and move an army but the amount of detail manning put into the story engaged me as a reader and made the story all the more real to me.
Micheal G. Manning is an author that I have seen grow with each publication. From his mage born series that I admittedly was at first not a fan of but became an ardent reader as he wrote his stories.
With his 4th book out "Disciple of War," we find William having to direct a war of conquest against Darrow at king lognians command. to keep this spoiler-free, we find William growing as a character, (not that he hasn't before in his other books) in the sense that the violent life he finds himself in has in some ways desensitized him to the actions he feels or must do. that doesn't make him a depraved monster as other fictional works might depict. and that's the beauty of manning writing. I find the fictional trope in which a character making violent and "immoral" decisions become filled with regret and take a journey to redemption lacking any endearing and realistic appeal. the moral indecision and trope in which the main protagonist believes that doing the same acts as the bad guy will only make them the same are unrealistic.
the world isn't perfect, and that is shown beautifully through the actions and thoughts, and feelings of our main protagonist.
TLDR( William Cartwright isn't a perfectly moral person yet that makes him so much more real and human)
secondly, the way the book was structured, especially how the events where spaced and written is perfect, manning isn't like other authors who simply allow for time skips within their stories. rather he cleverly sped up the story while also keeping the reader engaged with personal and key events.
lastly, the detail which manning put into describing the military structure, organization, and tactics really brought the battles and decision making to life. most authors don't care to write in the meetings and necessary people required to assemble and move an army but the amount of detail manning put into the story engaged me as a reader and made the story all the more real to me.
December 28, 2020
Another success
Manning does it again! Obviously you should read the other books first but this is a great addition to the series. I enjoyed it more than book three, but that's simply because i don't really enjoy vampire stories. Write fast Michael, I'm ready for book five!
Manning does it again! Obviously you should read the other books first but this is a great addition to the series. I enjoyed it more than book three, but that's simply because i don't really enjoy vampire stories. Write fast Michael, I'm ready for book five!
December 22, 2020
Amazing continuation!
Once again Manning has done it. Book 4 is a great continuation of Wills story. Things really heat up, new characters enter the fray and there are a few sad moments but this book doesn’t fail to deliver. Book 5 can’t come soon enough!
Once again Manning has done it. Book 4 is a great continuation of Wills story. Things really heat up, new characters enter the fray and there are a few sad moments but this book doesn’t fail to deliver. Book 5 can’t come soon enough!
December 22, 2020
Simply amazing!
Mr. Manning has continued this fantastic story leaving me wanting more! Well done sir! I look forward for the next book!
Mr. Manning has continued this fantastic story leaving me wanting more! Well done sir! I look forward for the next book!
December 22, 2020
Amazing addition to an excellent series. Lots of action, character development and expanding world building. Absolutely top-notch progression fantasy!!
April 18, 2022
This series gives me similar vibes to the Dresden files, even though it's barely in the same genre. I feel like this series has a lot of similar elements- including a spirit of intellect to help the main character along. It's an ongoing story with a growing cast of characters and is full of nice twists to keep you on your toes. It also doesn't pull punches- it's not shy about killing off or maiming characters unexpectedly (though some of the primary ones seem to be invulnerable). It's been nearly impossible for me to put down.
That said, the series overall has a very inconsistent and uneven tone. It has some crude, immature humor that randomly pops up in odd places- creating a weird sense of disconnect with the story/world. It's as if the author couldn't wait to tell a joke and just blurts it out. Throughout the series, the story can suddenly shift from humorous to philosophical to lighthearted to dark to slapstick to sexually charged - often without warning.
Some of the characters have some moments of inconsistency where you wonder if it is even the same character you've been following. One character There are some very hard to believe characters like Lognion who behave in an unbelievable way just to force the plot forward. Also, while I like the basic magic system, specifically turyn and control of it, some of the spells feel a little too hand-wavy and deus ex machina for my taste. Lots of cool thoughts and ideas on the magic system, though.
Even with some of its faults, I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and nearly found it impossible to put down. I found myself staying up late reading, reading during lunch and breaks - reading instead of any number of things I should have been doing. This book is possibly my favorite of the series and is a nice recovery from the third book which just felt off from the start to me. I like the direction of the world and am quite curious where the author goes from here.
That said, the series overall has a very inconsistent and uneven tone. It has some crude, immature humor that randomly pops up in odd places- creating a weird sense of disconnect with the story/world. It's as if the author couldn't wait to tell a joke and just blurts it out. Throughout the series, the story can suddenly shift from humorous to philosophical to lighthearted to dark to slapstick to sexually charged - often without warning.
Some of the characters have some moments of inconsistency where you wonder if it is even the same character you've been following. One character There are some very hard to believe characters like Lognion who behave in an unbelievable way just to force the plot forward. Also, while I like the basic magic system, specifically turyn and control of it, some of the spells feel a little too hand-wavy and deus ex machina for my taste. Lots of cool thoughts and ideas on the magic system, though.
Even with some of its faults, I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and nearly found it impossible to put down. I found myself staying up late reading, reading during lunch and breaks - reading instead of any number of things I should have been doing. This book is possibly my favorite of the series and is a nice recovery from the third book which just felt off from the start to me. I like the direction of the world and am quite curious where the author goes from here.
December 28, 2020
Even better than the previous 3
This book has everything and honestly the plot twists towards the end will have your head spinning. Excellent read and I can not wait for the 5th installment.
This book has everything and honestly the plot twists towards the end will have your head spinning. Excellent read and I can not wait for the 5th installment.
December 24, 2020
Amazing
An epic book. The story is advancing at a great pace and the book expands on the world itself. A must read series.
An epic book. The story is advancing at a great pace and the book expands on the world itself. A must read series.
January 1, 2021
This series continues to get better, and this most recent book was fantastic. The protagonist has progressed so much over the series not only in terms of power, but in common sense. Seeing all of the characters change so much and so quickly is fascinating and I already can't wait for the next book.
January 1, 2021
Another good one
Another excellent book by Mr. Manning. I look forward to everything he releases. Thank you for the brief escape from reality 👌
Another excellent book by Mr. Manning. I look forward to everything he releases. Thank you for the brief escape from reality 👌
March 12, 2021
Amalgamation of all things awesome
December 23, 2020
I started this series as a Pandemic filler (in the spring when I was stuck at home, I was going through these things like nothing). It was a light bubblegum read with an OP protagonist but with a sufficiently interesting take on magic and the Fae that I kept reading it.
I have previously ranted about my problems with Superman characters.... and the protagonist in this series should fit right in that category. Yet, the author allows him to make mistakes, and those mistakes have consequences, so while the series does suffer from that problem, I will continue to read it.
This book moves the universe forward, changes his relationship with the Fae, and sets up what I assume will be the final book. I enjoyed it.
I have previously ranted about my problems with Superman characters.... and the protagonist in this series should fit right in that category. Yet, the author allows him to make mistakes, and those mistakes have consequences, so while the series does suffer from that problem, I will continue to read it.
This book moves the universe forward, changes his relationship with the Fae, and sets up what I assume will be the final book. I enjoyed it.
December 25, 2020
Excellent Book
This book is excellent. The story has plenty of action and intrigue. The characters are relatable. This is one of my favorite series and this book is a great addition.
This book is excellent. The story has plenty of action and intrigue. The characters are relatable. This is one of my favorite series and this book is a great addition.
December 25, 2020
outstanding book
i thought this book was amazing i’ve been following since you released book 1 and seeing how far wills story has come so far is absolutely amazing i can’t wait to read more 👍🏻
i thought this book was amazing i’ve been following since you released book 1 and seeing how far wills story has come so far is absolutely amazing i can’t wait to read more 👍🏻
May 23, 2023
Will goes to war. Actually, he leads the war, and he has all kinds of enemies.
Even though the stakes are raised and I am loving this series, I'll admit that the fourth book isn't quite as awesome as the first three, at least for me. Will seems to lose a bit of his humanity.
It's still a fun story with a ton of magical action.
Even though the stakes are raised and I am loving this series, I'll admit that the fourth book isn't quite as awesome as the first three, at least for me. Will seems to lose a bit of his humanity.
It's still a fun story with a ton of magical action.
December 24, 2020
Another entry in this amazing series, and I seriously love how capable and underhanded the Will and Selene "power couple" is turning out. (Though having read Michael's other books, I have some foreboding as well...)
September 6, 2021
There is just something about this series that keeps it as a "meh" for me. It's well written, and the characters have depth... something just seems off and I can't put my hand on it
I'm already invested to see how it ends, however. So I will continue reading.
3/5 Stars
I'm already invested to see how it ends, however. So I will continue reading.
3/5 Stars
January 22, 2024
I really love this series and this book did not disappoint 5 stars all day long as far as I'm concerned. But I'm a little worried about the 5 and final novel in the series as the reviews don't seem good .
May 13, 2021
It's well paced, but not the best I've seen. Pretty sure it'd be higher quality if the author took more time. A book for profit not art.
Even though the vocabulary and pacing are good and most plot elements too, and magic is nuanced and probably interesting, there are a couple serious problems.
Some small spoilers ahead.
The protagonist is not punished for horrific mistakes like killing innocent people in grotesque fashion, or starting a genocide. Characters will pay lip service to the idea he fucked up, but no one dwells on his mistakes long enough for character progression.
Relatedly, the protagonist is a fake superman. He 'feels' sorrow for his sociopathy but his sorrow never effects the plot or changes his actions. He's a good guy because the plot needs him to be. And the protagonist also has whatever skills are convenient for the plot. He's not a super genius but in a few months he becomes a brilliant general while also practicing magic 24/7.
In general, the problem the author has with this series is the majority of character growth is performative. If it was better written it'd be less obvious.
Even though the vocabulary and pacing are good and most plot elements too, and magic is nuanced and probably interesting, there are a couple serious problems.
Some small spoilers ahead.
The protagonist is not punished for horrific mistakes like killing innocent people in grotesque fashion, or starting a genocide. Characters will pay lip service to the idea he fucked up, but no one dwells on his mistakes long enough for character progression.
Relatedly, the protagonist is a fake superman. He 'feels' sorrow for his sociopathy but his sorrow never effects the plot or changes his actions. He's a good guy because the plot needs him to be. And the protagonist also has whatever skills are convenient for the plot. He's not a super genius but in a few months he becomes a brilliant general while also practicing magic 24/7.
In general, the problem the author has with this series is the majority of character growth is performative. If it was better written it'd be less obvious.
February 3, 2022
This book definitely improved from the previous one however did still have some of the same problems, most commonly the pacing and many unnecessary scenes.
I do love this world and it’s characters, I would just love the author to come up with some different ideas, it feels like they just repeat the same plot points.
My enjoyment of this book largely came from the narration of the audiobook, if you plan on reading I absolutely recommend the audiobook version
I do love this world and it’s characters, I would just love the author to come up with some different ideas, it feels like they just repeat the same plot points.
My enjoyment of this book largely came from the narration of the audiobook, if you plan on reading I absolutely recommend the audiobook version
April 22, 2024
This book is too good. I couldn't put it down. My hands are cold from holding them up for so long. I'm a bit edgy from so much suspense and excitement. Author needs to calm down. Give a reader a break.
If you want to read a great story, read this series.
If you want a peaceful story and warm hands, go elsewhere.
If you want to read a great story, read this series.
If you want a peaceful story and warm hands, go elsewhere.
March 7, 2025
Not my favorite in the series! Lost me a few times and had to push myself to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews