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Savage Dominion #1
Savage Dominion
Maulkin didn't know dying would mean a new eternity of dungeon delving, monster slaying, and glory hunting. If he had, he wouldn't have been so worried about kicking the bucket on a date gone even more wrong than usual.
Reborn in the wild world of Amaranth, Maulkin finds himself in a hulking demi-human body with a sword of a size to match. Marked as an Eternal, a fledging immortal of boundless potential, Maulkin soon discovers he's been given a mission by the elder pantheon of this new realm:
Grow stronger. Ascend to godhood. Spread chaos in their name.
Oh and fend off that inbound apocalypse, if he can find the time.
Who wants an easy afterlife anyway?
Reborn in the wild world of Amaranth, Maulkin finds himself in a hulking demi-human body with a sword of a size to match. Marked as an Eternal, a fledging immortal of boundless potential, Maulkin soon discovers he's been given a mission by the elder pantheon of this new realm:
Grow stronger. Ascend to godhood. Spread chaos in their name.
Oh and fend off that inbound apocalypse, if he can find the time.
Who wants an easy afterlife anyway?
613 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
1024 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Luke Chmilenko
40 books1,567 followersBorn in 1987, Luke Chmilenko grew up in the city of Mississauga, Ontario spending the majority of his life within the city. Always a fan of writing and storytelling, Luke continuously wrote small short stories over the years, but never embarked on writing a full novel until much later in life, thinking it was something beyond his ability.
With his interesting in writing waxing and waning as the years passed, Luke focused on his studies, eventually finding a job in the field of IT Security and working between various jobs for several years. It wasn't until after he was married and with his wife's encouragement that he finally decided to try writing a novel, this time deciding to focus on a new genre that he had just discovered called LitRPG.
Diving into his work, Luke wrote his first book over the course of several months, releasing the book as a web serial chapter by chapter for free online, garnering valuable feedback and confidence from his readers. By the time Luke finished his first book and published it on amazon, he already had a hungry audience waiting for next installation, to which he immediately threw himself into working tirelessly at his newfound passion.
Today, Luke now writes full time with his wife and two cats in their Burlington home, working away on his next issue of his Ascend Online series and a brand new science fiction series named Starfall.
Books of Ascend Online:
Ascend Online (Book 1) (2016)
Ascend Online: Hell to Pay (Book 1.5) (2017)
Ascend Online: Legacy of the Fallen (Book 2) (2018)
Ascend Online: Glory to the Brave (Book 3) (Forthcoming 2019)
Books of Starfall:
Starfall (Book 1) (Forthcoming 2019)
With his interesting in writing waxing and waning as the years passed, Luke focused on his studies, eventually finding a job in the field of IT Security and working between various jobs for several years. It wasn't until after he was married and with his wife's encouragement that he finally decided to try writing a novel, this time deciding to focus on a new genre that he had just discovered called LitRPG.
Diving into his work, Luke wrote his first book over the course of several months, releasing the book as a web serial chapter by chapter for free online, garnering valuable feedback and confidence from his readers. By the time Luke finished his first book and published it on amazon, he already had a hungry audience waiting for next installation, to which he immediately threw himself into working tirelessly at his newfound passion.
Today, Luke now writes full time with his wife and two cats in their Burlington home, working away on his next issue of his Ascend Online series and a brand new science fiction series named Starfall.
Books of Ascend Online:
Ascend Online (Book 1) (2016)
Ascend Online: Hell to Pay (Book 1.5) (2017)
Ascend Online: Legacy of the Fallen (Book 2) (2018)
Ascend Online: Glory to the Brave (Book 3) (Forthcoming 2019)
Books of Starfall:
Starfall (Book 1) (Forthcoming 2019)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 19, 2021
Hard to read
This isn’t a terrible book. But I couldn’t finish. I made it about 70% of the way through. It was frustrating on a number of levels. The MC is an idiot. He’s incredibly impulsive. He claims to have been a gamer, but makes idiotic choice when it comes to developing his character. He decides without even researching that he doesn’t want any magic. He’s always at half health or below because he doesn’t take time in between fights to heal even though he has a healing skill that cost him nothing. He never upgraded the healing skill even though he almost dies several times.
He also never invests in speed even though it’s his biggest weakness. He does so many dumb things it’s painful to read. Combine the MC’s idiocy with a poorly executed rpg elements and the book becomes a lot less interesting. The character’s stats are mentioned but never put in context so they’re meaningless.
This isn’t a terrible book. But I couldn’t finish. I made it about 70% of the way through. It was frustrating on a number of levels. The MC is an idiot. He’s incredibly impulsive. He claims to have been a gamer, but makes idiotic choice when it comes to developing his character. He decides without even researching that he doesn’t want any magic. He’s always at half health or below because he doesn’t take time in between fights to heal even though he has a healing skill that cost him nothing. He never upgraded the healing skill even though he almost dies several times.
He also never invests in speed even though it’s his biggest weakness. He does so many dumb things it’s painful to read. Combine the MC’s idiocy with a poorly executed rpg elements and the book becomes a lot less interesting. The character’s stats are mentioned but never put in context so they’re meaningless.
April 24, 2021
This book was hard for me to get into for about the entire 600 pages. I'll say that the hardest part was probably the MC being dumb. He never thinks, always rushes into things, and hardly ever uses his heal! He could have leveraged 10x the use of his heal. And of course, whenever the plot needs it, the heal is on cooldown. There are times when it would have been most sensible to rest for 30 minutes and heal completely, but our impulsive MC can't think that far.
I actually really liked the first chapter. Then the first 50% of the book turned out to be just a monster treadmill, with the protags mindlessly thrashing their way through opponents. I got really close to DNFing, but around 50% they find the crystal city, and the conflict gets somewhat more interesting. Unfortunately, it still dips back into monster treadmill at times after that (like the final tower).
The humor didn't land well with me. I'm sure other people love it, but it grated. I think it was the fact that the MC presents himself as dumb, which made me feel like all the jokes are dumb. I got real tired of the Mercy-Maulkin dynamic real quick. Having one character who physically abuses another any time the authors want a laugh is not my type of humor.
All Mercy was good for until 83% through the book was being sassy (in a humor style I didn't enjoy, as I just said). She contributed next to nothing until she finally leveled up some crap over 80% through the book. Until then, she felt largely like deadweight.
There was an editing issue where too often it was unclear who was speaking. Two people would be conversing, then another would start responding without a speech tag so you had no clue who was talking.
The skills became multitudinous and hard to keep track of, especially because they never seemed to manifest in real life. His potency has increased to 35. Great. Can you show me what that means? He got 2/10 on Airstrike. How does that actually affect him? After his initial leveling up, he remains functionally unchanged throughout the rest of the book, despite the purported stat increases.
One of the biggest sins is the complete slaughter of Early Modern English. If you're going to use EME, do it right or not at all. "Thy" is genitive, never nominative. "Thy" is singular, never plural. You don't mix "thy" and "you" when referring to the same person. And you have to conjugate verbs to second person singular. Check out some of these horrendous sentences. "It should come as no surprise that thy condone it." "If thy can be divided, he might strike with flame at the sorcerous bond between." "If you were capable of thinking beyond thy animal impulses to rut for just a moment." "Is that the path that thou are walking, Maulkin?" All of these are gross and should have been fixed in editing. There are many more instances.
There was once where it used "dervish" as an adjective, but it's a noun.
They find this dude who's been there thousands of years, but his native language is Italian... Bro, Italian didn't exist thousands of years ago. What's going on?
I actually really liked the first chapter. Then the first 50% of the book turned out to be just a monster treadmill, with the protags mindlessly thrashing their way through opponents. I got really close to DNFing, but around 50% they find the crystal city, and the conflict gets somewhat more interesting. Unfortunately, it still dips back into monster treadmill at times after that (like the final tower).
The humor didn't land well with me. I'm sure other people love it, but it grated. I think it was the fact that the MC presents himself as dumb, which made me feel like all the jokes are dumb. I got real tired of the Mercy-Maulkin dynamic real quick. Having one character who physically abuses another any time the authors want a laugh is not my type of humor.
All Mercy was good for until 83% through the book was being sassy (in a humor style I didn't enjoy, as I just said). She contributed next to nothing until she finally leveled up some crap over 80% through the book. Until then, she felt largely like deadweight.
There was an editing issue where too often it was unclear who was speaking. Two people would be conversing, then another would start responding without a speech tag so you had no clue who was talking.
The skills became multitudinous and hard to keep track of, especially because they never seemed to manifest in real life. His potency has increased to 35. Great. Can you show me what that means? He got 2/10 on Airstrike. How does that actually affect him? After his initial leveling up, he remains functionally unchanged throughout the rest of the book, despite the purported stat increases.
One of the biggest sins is the complete slaughter of Early Modern English. If you're going to use EME, do it right or not at all. "Thy" is genitive, never nominative. "Thy" is singular, never plural. You don't mix "thy" and "you" when referring to the same person. And you have to conjugate verbs to second person singular. Check out some of these horrendous sentences. "It should come as no surprise that thy condone it." "If thy can be divided, he might strike with flame at the sorcerous bond between." "If you were capable of thinking beyond thy animal impulses to rut for just a moment." "Is that the path that thou are walking, Maulkin?" All of these are gross and should have been fixed in editing. There are many more instances.
There was once where it used "dervish" as an adjective, but it's a noun.
They find this dude who's been there thousands of years, but his native language is Italian... Bro, Italian didn't exist thousands of years ago. What's going on?
January 17, 2021
Expected more
Expected more from this latest addition to Wraithmarked’s published library. I’ve recently become a fan of Luke Chmilenko (especially after Warformed:Stormweaver) however this book was a bit disappointing. Not to say that it’s bad, it’s rather an okay read, I just expected more. The pacing feels a bit off and too fast paced whereby it moves simply off from one dungeon to the next, the characters simply plod along and you don’t really see any development. The main character pretty much has the same personality, thoughts and dialogue throughout the book despite some of the reality bending experiences he’s having and the supporting characters rarely have a presence outside of their involvement in fights and one line quips.
Even the fights are a bit dull and have a repetitive formula. Hopefully the sequel amps things up a bit!
Expected more from this latest addition to Wraithmarked’s published library. I’ve recently become a fan of Luke Chmilenko (especially after Warformed:Stormweaver) however this book was a bit disappointing. Not to say that it’s bad, it’s rather an okay read, I just expected more. The pacing feels a bit off and too fast paced whereby it moves simply off from one dungeon to the next, the characters simply plod along and you don’t really see any development. The main character pretty much has the same personality, thoughts and dialogue throughout the book despite some of the reality bending experiences he’s having and the supporting characters rarely have a presence outside of their involvement in fights and one line quips.
Even the fights are a bit dull and have a repetitive formula. Hopefully the sequel amps things up a bit!
July 6, 2021
Notes:
Good narration, but the story lacked substance. Good concepts, too much forced humor.
Good narration, but the story lacked substance. Good concepts, too much forced humor.
January 27, 2021
Fantastic read
Keeping this as surface as possible. A little slow to start, but once the momentum picks up it never ever stops. Non-human MC plus a wonderfully sculpted world makes this a must read!
Keeping this as surface as possible. A little slow to start, but once the momentum picks up it never ever stops. Non-human MC plus a wonderfully sculpted world makes this a must read!
January 19, 2021
Hilarious Murder Hobos!
An action packed hilarious murder hobo love story of epic lines! Best way to describe this book. The characters are great and well fleshed out. The action sequences are well written and truly bring you into the fight. The story is captivating and drove me to pick up the book every second I could. Highly recommend and cannot wait for the next adventure!
Current Burning questions:
Where are the other two Eternals?
What will his Patron think?
When will he cure his new following?
An action packed hilarious murder hobo love story of epic lines! Best way to describe this book. The characters are great and well fleshed out. The action sequences are well written and truly bring you into the fight. The story is captivating and drove me to pick up the book every second I could. Highly recommend and cannot wait for the next adventure!
Current Burning questions:
Where are the other two Eternals?
What will his Patron think?
When will he cure his new following?
September 3, 2021
There is simply no logic to the RPG system. No explanation about leveling stats, xp gained is just random.
MC is always bellow half health, ALWAYS ! Does the moron never heal himself to full or is it simply that the health isn't mentioned unless he is low on it ?
Mercy is useless, she just shoots arrows that never do anything against the bigger enemies. no idea what she is spending her xp or glory on. Guess she is only here to constantly fling curses and to punch/kick the mc because that makes her charming in current year.
Mc is the tank, dmg dealer, healer, crafter, builder, scout too i guess. WTF ARE THE OTHERS DOING with their xp and glory ? why not spread those roles around so everyone is useful?
MC is always bellow half health, ALWAYS ! Does the moron never heal himself to full or is it simply that the health isn't mentioned unless he is low on it ?
Mercy is useless, she just shoots arrows that never do anything against the bigger enemies. no idea what she is spending her xp or glory on. Guess she is only here to constantly fling curses and to punch/kick the mc because that makes her charming in current year.
Mc is the tank, dmg dealer, healer, crafter, builder, scout too i guess. WTF ARE THE OTHERS DOING with their xp and glory ? why not spread those roles around so everyone is useful?
October 17, 2021
****Audible review****
First of all Luke Daniels did an amazing job of narrating this book. Further cementing him as my favorite narrator. Can’t get enough of his stuff especially when he narrates a book with good humor and sarcasm!
Second this book had me explosively giggling at times. I haven’t had this much fun reading a book since book 1 of “He who fights with monsters” and “Dungeon Crawler Carl”. Was my favorite audible book I have listened to this year.
First of all Luke Daniels did an amazing job of narrating this book. Further cementing him as my favorite narrator. Can’t get enough of his stuff especially when he narrates a book with good humor and sarcasm!
Second this book had me explosively giggling at times. I haven’t had this much fun reading a book since book 1 of “He who fights with monsters” and “Dungeon Crawler Carl”. Was my favorite audible book I have listened to this year.
May 3, 2024
I tried to like it, but i've got way too many unremarkable books like this under my belt already.
I 'finished' it but was spacing out for ~80%. Got 10% (again spaced out listening) into B2 before completely dropping it.
IE if you're new to the genre you might find this OK, don't see anyone finding any of it praise worthy.
I 'finished' it but was spacing out for ~80%. Got 10% (again spaced out listening) into B2 before completely dropping it.
IE if you're new to the genre you might find this OK, don't see anyone finding any of it praise worthy.
January 15, 2021
I love both Ascend Online and Dungeons of Strata, so it's no surprise that this collaboration between Penman and Chmilenko is mind-blowingly entertaining. If you like fast-paced fantasy, irreverent protagonists, and laugh-out-loud lines, this is 100% the book for you.
September 26, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book overall and appreciated the different elements. There were points when it seemed like the MCs were facing too much adversity because it was just one thing after another right from the beginning but it is an adventure.
Initially, 5 people are reincarnated into a new world but 1 person is traumatized because they almost died from not being unburied in time. This happened because another reincarnated decided to take it to heart when they were told one of the other reincarnated was their enemy and wasted no time trying to kill them. Later this same one kills the traumatized reincarnation and then she herself is killed. They are supposed to be eternals and come back but they haven’t showed up again in the story so far so I’m not sure but it’s been better without the zealot.
The group often finds themselves in dangerous situations because they take on more than they can handle with the intent to help and it’s by the skin of their teeth they make it.
I recommend reading it if you can look past the amount of adversity. It’s funny with a lot of adventure and fantasy elements. There’s a pretty big background plot that makes the story really engaging as well
Initially, 5 people are reincarnated into a new world but 1 person is traumatized because they almost died from not being unburied in time. This happened because another reincarnated decided to take it to heart when they were told one of the other reincarnated was their enemy and wasted no time trying to kill them. Later this same one kills the traumatized reincarnation and then she herself is killed. They are supposed to be eternals and come back but they haven’t showed up again in the story so far so I’m not sure but it’s been better without the zealot.
The group often finds themselves in dangerous situations because they take on more than they can handle with the intent to help and it’s by the skin of their teeth they make it.
I recommend reading it if you can look past the amount of adversity. It’s funny with a lot of adventure and fantasy elements. There’s a pretty big background plot that makes the story really engaging as well
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2021
Actually really juvenile. 90% of conversations are just snark and jokes and while fun at times it does little to establish the characters as actual people.
The book is eager to go from one fight to the next without any care.
The romance was just thrown in and was unsatisfying.
Asher is my favorite character and I would rather follow him by himself.
Maulkin is impulsive, childish and honestly annoying. The only reason he is referenced to as the leader is because he is the MC.
Mercy is not really a character she is mostly there to joke around with Maulkin.
The book is eager to go from one fight to the next without any care.
The romance was just thrown in and was unsatisfying.
Asher is my favorite character and I would rather follow him by himself.
Maulkin is impulsive, childish and honestly annoying. The only reason he is referenced to as the leader is because he is the MC.
Mercy is not really a character she is mostly there to joke around with Maulkin.
August 3, 2024
3.6 stars. While this is definitely not the best book I've ever gone through, I enjoyed it overall. I found the characters quite amusing, though a bit dumb and too nonchalant at times. I also loved the mini found-family aspect/feel. I found their friendship quite heartwarming.
My main complaint about this book was that I didn't like how scripted the MC's adventure felt. There was no true sense of wonder, excitement, or exploration. The world the characters are in feels fake. It also doesn't help that the MC keeps applying video game logic to his surroundings. Thus, despite the grim situation and gore, everything felt very light (lacking substance).
Also, I was listening to the audiobook, and this story was very easy to accidentally zone out and forget about. I probably won't continue this series.
My main complaint about this book was that I didn't like how scripted the MC's adventure felt. There was no true sense of wonder, excitement, or exploration. The world the characters are in feels fake. It also doesn't help that the MC keeps applying video game logic to his surroundings. Thus, despite the grim situation and gore, everything felt very light (lacking substance).
Also, I was listening to the audiobook, and this story was very easy to accidentally zone out and forget about. I probably won't continue this series.
January 30, 2021
Savage
This book was so funny and interesting, it hurt to put it down. Despite being set in another world there are a great deal of laugh out loud pop culture references mixed in with a hearty serving of battles and an underlying tension of how the story is going to play out. There is a balance of humor and seriousness that runs through the book and makes it quite enjoyable.
This book was so funny and interesting, it hurt to put it down. Despite being set in another world there are a great deal of laugh out loud pop culture references mixed in with a hearty serving of battles and an underlying tension of how the story is going to play out. There is a balance of humor and seriousness that runs through the book and makes it quite enjoyable.
February 1, 2021
Buy it, steal it, just read it
If you're looking at this buy it. This is the book for you. Hilarious gamer and nerdisms abound in this great combination of fun and darkly serious story. This book checks all the right boxes and still makes a smooth read. I want my pre order now!
If you're looking at this buy it. This is the book for you. Hilarious gamer and nerdisms abound in this great combination of fun and darkly serious story. This book checks all the right boxes and still makes a smooth read. I want my pre order now!
January 3, 2024
A strong start to a fun look of an afterlife that is different and fresh take on the gaming experience.
January 27, 2021
Fun book with non stop action. Literally, the fighting is constant through the book. The characters are very distinct and have a lot of fun interplay. The game system is unique and I really like the concept of using experience to buy skills.
January 20, 2021
Another rip roaring story fully loaded.
Another rip roaring story fully loaded. A great new series, full of action and humor. Brand new world. Different crunchy stats that don't weigh you down.
Another rip roaring story fully loaded. A great new series, full of action and humor. Brand new world. Different crunchy stats that don't weigh you down.
January 18, 2021
Fast paced adventure
The story going on at first is similar to others I had read, that changes quickly as the world becomes unveiled more. The MC reminds me of Hellboy, being loud and boisterous with some sassy charm. The supporting characters help to balance that out with snark and pragmatism. The powers seem interesting but they aren't expanded in much by the MC so I'm hoping to see what they are able to do in the next book.
The story going on at first is similar to others I had read, that changes quickly as the world becomes unveiled more. The MC reminds me of Hellboy, being loud and boisterous with some sassy charm. The supporting characters help to balance that out with snark and pragmatism. The powers seem interesting but they aren't expanded in much by the MC so I'm hoping to see what they are able to do in the next book.
January 17, 2021
Friggen awesome
This book was freaking awesome. Start to finish, I was always engaged, always smiling and excited for the next adventure. Characters were great, combat was great and not excessive, it was just a really really really well done story
My only worry for the future with it, is the cliffhanger is very standard fantasy trope. And I'm kind of hoping it doesn't play out the way it doesn't every single other fantasy story I've ever read
This book was freaking awesome. Start to finish, I was always engaged, always smiling and excited for the next adventure. Characters were great, combat was great and not excessive, it was just a really really really well done story
My only worry for the future with it, is the cliffhanger is very standard fantasy trope. And I'm kind of hoping it doesn't play out the way it doesn't every single other fantasy story I've ever read
January 15, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having already devoured a Luke Chmilenko collaboration, I was greatly anticipating Savage Dominion by Luke Chmilenko and G.D. Penman. This book did not disappoint!!
From the very beginning, this book reads like the best RPG you have ever played. Three unlikely characters become travelling companions, and then almost friends as they take on challenges and quests together. We see them levelling up and learning new skills and abilities as they proceed on their journey.
Already looking forward to Savage Dominion: Wyrmshard!!
Having already devoured a Luke Chmilenko collaboration, I was greatly anticipating Savage Dominion by Luke Chmilenko and G.D. Penman. This book did not disappoint!!
From the very beginning, this book reads like the best RPG you have ever played. Three unlikely characters become travelling companions, and then almost friends as they take on challenges and quests together. We see them levelling up and learning new skills and abilities as they proceed on their journey.
Already looking forward to Savage Dominion: Wyrmshard!!
January 18, 2021
Great read
This book is entertaining. It explores many faucets of fantasy that do not normally get attention. Over all I would recommend as an entertaining and new take on fantasy novels. Also who doesn’t love a good dirty joke or two.
This book is entertaining. It explores many faucets of fantasy that do not normally get attention. Over all I would recommend as an entertaining and new take on fantasy novels. Also who doesn’t love a good dirty joke or two.
January 17, 2021
Loved It
I think this is one of the best stories this author has written to date. I just hope that some of the other series Luke has started don't fall by the wayside as a consequence.
I think this is one of the best stories this author has written to date. I just hope that some of the other series Luke has started don't fall by the wayside as a consequence.
January 16, 2021
Great series opener
What a fun romp this story was. It follows a main character beef cake kind of character, which is a fun difference from the normal char. He does have magic, for those who might not want a non magical char, but it is a very interesting take on the genre.
What a fun romp this story was. It follows a main character beef cake kind of character, which is a fun difference from the normal char. He does have magic, for those who might not want a non magical char, but it is a very interesting take on the genre.
January 15, 2021
You never quite know what to expect of a new LitRPG series. The great ones capture the feelings of discovery and awe you get when playing a new, well designed MMO and suck you in to their progression the same way Diablo does with its perfectly handled loot progression. They take the best things about games and bring them to fully realized virtual worlds, empowering you to experience, through literature, what it is impossible to enjoy today due to technological limitations.
This is not one of those books. The standard collection of RPG elements – experience gain, crafting, and the like – are all included, but they aren't taken very seriously and certainly aren't the focus of the narrative. If you're here for the type of experience I've described above, you'll be disappointed. This is a fantasy novel with gaming elements, and not the other way around.
The world of Amaranth is deep and interesting, often warping standard fantasy tropes in unique and unusual ways. It is violent, too, sometimes disturbingly so. Savagery was an expectation given its title, and it doesn't shy away from it.
The main character is likeable, as is his supporting cast. These are characters that you want to root for. Their growth from cautious allies to friends and comrades is natural and one of the story's highlights.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a well written, character driven dark fantasy novel.
This is not one of those books. The standard collection of RPG elements – experience gain, crafting, and the like – are all included, but they aren't taken very seriously and certainly aren't the focus of the narrative. If you're here for the type of experience I've described above, you'll be disappointed. This is a fantasy novel with gaming elements, and not the other way around.
The world of Amaranth is deep and interesting, often warping standard fantasy tropes in unique and unusual ways. It is violent, too, sometimes disturbingly so. Savagery was an expectation given its title, and it doesn't shy away from it.
The main character is likeable, as is his supporting cast. These are characters that you want to root for. Their growth from cautious allies to friends and comrades is natural and one of the story's highlights.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a well written, character driven dark fantasy novel.
February 4, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
January 21, 2021
It was an OK read. Book of two parts. Good start but got stale quick. Won't bother with next book.
Writing/Plot/Pace: + 5/10
Book of two parts. Initial 25% were just awesome. Loved the humour. It was refreshingly funny and made for an interesting start.
Then after things got stale. It became a version of dungeon clearing with no plot progress. We get a rinse and repeat of same fight with different types of races and monsters. Even the fight sequence doesn't change much.
World building is kinda meh. We are treated to a different world with new versions of familiar races in new names. Certain aspects are new but nothing to make the world unique. Old stuff in new wrapper. There's not much development beyond immediate world which is a shame.
Characters: +4/10
The "chosen one" is kinda the antagonist which was interesting, but when he just behaves like a protagonist the difference gets watered down.
Other than that we get introduced to characters and they stay the same all through. There is no maturity or development except for stat levelling.
Snarky quipping in face of danger is good, but when done all through the book, it kinda gets repetitive and worth occasional sniggers only.
Writing/Plot/Pace: + 5/10
Book of two parts. Initial 25% were just awesome. Loved the humour. It was refreshingly funny and made for an interesting start.
Then after things got stale. It became a version of dungeon clearing with no plot progress. We get a rinse and repeat of same fight with different types of races and monsters. Even the fight sequence doesn't change much.
World building is kinda meh. We are treated to a different world with new versions of familiar races in new names. Certain aspects are new but nothing to make the world unique. Old stuff in new wrapper. There's not much development beyond immediate world which is a shame.
Characters: +4/10
The "chosen one" is kinda the antagonist which was interesting, but when he just behaves like a protagonist the difference gets watered down.
Other than that we get introduced to characters and they stay the same all through. There is no maturity or development except for stat levelling.
Snarky quipping in face of danger is good, but when done all through the book, it kinda gets repetitive and worth occasional sniggers only.
January 15, 2021
Savage Dominion’s authors, Luke Chmilenko & G. D. Penman collaboratively managed to create a diverse multi-facetted world utilizing rich lore, a diverse cast [ where even the minor characters have something to contribute to the store and find a way all their own to remain memorable – even if they only make one appearance throughout the entirety of the book.]
Their unique take on the human psyche showcase that not everyone is meant for the greatness that they are forced to inherit, we as the readers get insight regarding the inner workings of the castes’ mind, showcasing the inherent flaws that make each individual unique and timeless. Lastly, the character growth system is unique in it's own right and possesses a depth to it that ensures that each person can be heavily customized in order to suit their immediate needs.
Their unique take on the human psyche showcase that not everyone is meant for the greatness that they are forced to inherit, we as the readers get insight regarding the inner workings of the castes’ mind, showcasing the inherent flaws that make each individual unique and timeless. Lastly, the character growth system is unique in it's own right and possesses a depth to it that ensures that each person can be heavily customized in order to suit their immediate needs.
February 12, 2021
Childish humor and weak character development
I managed to get about 400 pages in before I finally realized I just didn't care about the main character. He is nothing but impulsive decisions and trying to kill everything possible.
Just reading about him powering through enemies over and over with very little pause in between makes it feel like he has been fighting the same fight over and over for 400 pages as the setting changes some around him.
Overall the writing isn't poor, I was never bored, but I also never grew to care about the characters. I gave this a shot because of the high reviews and having enjoyed the author's other work (Warformed: Stormweaver). Unfortunately this work is not nearly the same caliber.
I managed to get about 400 pages in before I finally realized I just didn't care about the main character. He is nothing but impulsive decisions and trying to kill everything possible.
Just reading about him powering through enemies over and over with very little pause in between makes it feel like he has been fighting the same fight over and over for 400 pages as the setting changes some around him.
Overall the writing isn't poor, I was never bored, but I also never grew to care about the characters. I gave this a shot because of the high reviews and having enjoyed the author's other work (Warformed: Stormweaver). Unfortunately this work is not nearly the same caliber.
January 15, 2021
A Savage ;) review
This is a very polished and well thought out story, but that's not a surprise. Everything I've read from Mr Chmilenko has been well thought out and well executed.
This particular book hosts some of the most intriguing RPG style mechanics I've read to date, and the story is as good as everything else this author has published. Which is to say the story is so engaging that I I only stopped reading when there was nothing left to read.
If you like litrpg at all definitely give this book a read.
This is a very polished and well thought out story, but that's not a surprise. Everything I've read from Mr Chmilenko has been well thought out and well executed.
This particular book hosts some of the most intriguing RPG style mechanics I've read to date, and the story is as good as everything else this author has published. Which is to say the story is so engaging that I I only stopped reading when there was nothing left to read.
If you like litrpg at all definitely give this book a read.
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