What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orzare Chronicles #1
The Mage's Devotion
The Northern Alliance and the nations to the south seem to be in a never-ending cycle of war and destruction. Flynn Matthews, a typical farm boy, unfortunately finds himself at a geographical disadvantage during these war times, as he experiences a terrible childhood tragedy which flings him into a world of chaos and magic. After suffering his loss, he is taken in by a local temple to apprentice in the magical arts. When his apprenticeship ends, he is tasked to a secret assignment which is riddled with supernatural complications.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published January 11, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 10, 2021
I chose this book with excitement, because I love origin stories where the characters train up from having no skills. In this regard, the book delivered nicely! I was captivated by the initial journey of the main character in his training.
After he ventures out into the world, the book seemed like it was written by two different people. The scenes where military, nobles, or other leaders were discussing strategy and politics were great, and really show the author's background in the military. Unfortunately, the feel of the story felt different when the main character and his party were the focus. I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but eventually realized that the characters and their abilities were modeled after those you'd see in an MMORPG or another game like DOTA or League of Legends. They broke verisimilitude by using phrases and concepts such as "mana pool", "flat increase to a skill", and the like. In addition, they used modern phrases such as "I know right?", which jump out when it's a medieval setting. The battles became less interesting as the characters engaged with enemies in classic MMORPG style with one character pulling the enemy, then the "tank" taking the hits while the ranged spellcaster did damage from afar. Meanwhile they characters think about their "mana pool" rather than better language such as feeling tired and only capable of performing a few more spells like you would expect.
I believe that there could have been a little more explanation of the map and nations of the world. The story pivoted to various side stories, but there wasn't enough depth to fully engage with it. A minor issue that happens with indie books is that the editing could have been better, but I chose to overlook that.
My final take is that it's a fun read, and maybe most people wouldn't even notice or be bothered by the items I mention above. If you think of it in terms of LitRPG, then I highly recommend the book!
After he ventures out into the world, the book seemed like it was written by two different people. The scenes where military, nobles, or other leaders were discussing strategy and politics were great, and really show the author's background in the military. Unfortunately, the feel of the story felt different when the main character and his party were the focus. I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but eventually realized that the characters and their abilities were modeled after those you'd see in an MMORPG or another game like DOTA or League of Legends. They broke verisimilitude by using phrases and concepts such as "mana pool", "flat increase to a skill", and the like. In addition, they used modern phrases such as "I know right?", which jump out when it's a medieval setting. The battles became less interesting as the characters engaged with enemies in classic MMORPG style with one character pulling the enemy, then the "tank" taking the hits while the ranged spellcaster did damage from afar. Meanwhile they characters think about their "mana pool" rather than better language such as feeling tired and only capable of performing a few more spells like you would expect.
I believe that there could have been a little more explanation of the map and nations of the world. The story pivoted to various side stories, but there wasn't enough depth to fully engage with it. A minor issue that happens with indie books is that the editing could have been better, but I chose to overlook that.
My final take is that it's a fun read, and maybe most people wouldn't even notice or be bothered by the items I mention above. If you think of it in terms of LitRPG, then I highly recommend the book!
April 26, 2022
This book really isn't anything super special or something super bad, that said it's a normal book. Everything I expected out of this book I got out of it. So now here's the cons. This book has way to many chapters and way to many povs that said its bearable. Other then that I have no complaints, you could say that the character progression of the book is left lacking.
Now let's do the pros. The elements of this book remind me of a "last Airbender" "Avatar" feel. The Mc isn't overpowered hes unique. The narrator is good. I could say I want more world building but it isn't that bad. The fighting is very detailed which I really like. The Mc isn't hard to like, the side characters aren't hard to like. The conversations aren't basic, each character has there own unique personality. It also adds some Christianity through the story. The story progression isn't bad. If you're looking at this book and expecting an litrpg dungeon type story this not the book for you.
All this being said this book is a steal for the price and I 100 percent recommend for someone who wants a lighthearted listen.
Now let's do the pros. The elements of this book remind me of a "last Airbender" "Avatar" feel. The Mc isn't overpowered hes unique. The narrator is good. I could say I want more world building but it isn't that bad. The fighting is very detailed which I really like. The Mc isn't hard to like, the side characters aren't hard to like. The conversations aren't basic, each character has there own unique personality. It also adds some Christianity through the story. The story progression isn't bad. If you're looking at this book and expecting an litrpg dungeon type story this not the book for you.
All this being said this book is a steal for the price and I 100 percent recommend for someone who wants a lighthearted listen.
July 22, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It started with heartbreak then shifted to magic & then commraderey. It had fantastic world building with an epic battle in the emd. The author did a great job with fantay elements and incorporated humor as well. I always enjoy the humor factor. A good start to a promising series. I recommend to any fantasy lover.
March 10, 2021
Good book
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
May 7, 2021
Good book
I’ll keep reading this series I like to read different magic ideas. Good job on the good versus evil situation. Keep up the good work
I’ll keep reading this series I like to read different magic ideas. Good job on the good versus evil situation. Keep up the good work
June 25, 2021
Not good
The way it was written felt so wrong that I could not finish it!! A man's hand was cut off and the writer wrote it like it was nothing!! Not very well written!!
The way it was written felt so wrong that I could not finish it!! A man's hand was cut off and the writer wrote it like it was nothing!! Not very well written!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews