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Greymantle Chronicles #1
Guardsman
The first novel in J David Baxter's epic portal fantasy series, the Greymantle Chronicles. College student, Nate Keller, is transported to another world where he becomes the target of deadly zealots who serve powerful malevolent gods. He will need to overcome his fears, make allies, and learn new skills to stop a plot that could plunge an entire world into war. Portal An epic fantasy series seen through the lens of a modern college student from Earth, plunged into an adventure on a high magic fantasy world. Forced to adapt and survive, he will need to dodge the mages and soldiers of a nation dedicated to the service of evil gods, while trying to uncover the mystery of how and why he was kidnapped to this world. What makes it The Setting Strong, detailed Set in a unique world of swords and magic. Greymantle goes beyond the concept of 'high magic' fantasy world. Fantasy in flavor, but more advanced than modern Earth in some respects. Greymantle is a world in which technology and science never existed, yet cities are cleaner, banking is done with the magical bank tokens, floating carts are used to haul freight, and magic is a science in its own right.
- GenresFantasyFictionLiterature
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
537 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
J. David Baxter
13 books36 followersJ David Baxter's career path has been as varied as it is intriguing. From the adrenaline-fueled days of falling off horses as a Renaissance Festival Jouster to managing teams and projects at Fortune 500 companies, his experiences are as diverse as they come. Armed with a degree in English and teaching certifications in English and History, J David has always been passionate about storytelling and education.
Most recently, J David lent his editorial expertise to the Stargate Role Playing Game Core Book produced by Wyvern Games. As a co-founder of Silver Paw Publishing, he is dedicated to helping new authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing, sharing his knowledge and experience to empower others.
J David writes in the Epic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and LitRPG genres, creating intricate tales that captivate and entertain readers.
Most recently, J David lent his editorial expertise to the Stargate Role Playing Game Core Book produced by Wyvern Games. As a co-founder of Silver Paw Publishing, he is dedicated to helping new authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing, sharing his knowledge and experience to empower others.
J David writes in the Epic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and LitRPG genres, creating intricate tales that captivate and entertain readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 13, 2023
AMAZEBALLS!
May 28, 2022
The Greymantle Chronicles series is an enjoyable, quick read (at least the first two books are). The series is written in a similar style, scope, and length as Lloyd Alexander’s Black Cauldron series, which I enjoyed very much. The storyline is a basic hero’s journey from a mundane modern world to a recognizable fantasy realm where magic is commonplace. The plot is generally linear with no unnecessary diversions, like excessive plot twists, time jumps, changing points of view, or romantic entanglements. All the characters are accessible, relatable, and real.
Everyone uses the same modern vernacular, which sometimes feels out of place coming from characters of diverse classes or species, but David has built in some translation magic to explain it. However, some of the pop culture references will likely become quickly outdated.
I’ve known David for more than 30 years, although we generally lost touch when he became an itinerant swordsman. We’re from the same hometown and went to college together, and took numerous history and English classes together. We went to many Renaissance Festivals and roadtrips together, until he decided to make a living out of it and I went a different direction. It was fun seeing some familiar faces and landmarks pop up in the stories. In my timeline the Dragon Inn was a Chinese restaurant instead of a hotel. The books were very enjoyable. Good job, my old friend.
Everyone uses the same modern vernacular, which sometimes feels out of place coming from characters of diverse classes or species, but David has built in some translation magic to explain it. However, some of the pop culture references will likely become quickly outdated.
I’ve known David for more than 30 years, although we generally lost touch when he became an itinerant swordsman. We’re from the same hometown and went to college together, and took numerous history and English classes together. We went to many Renaissance Festivals and roadtrips together, until he decided to make a living out of it and I went a different direction. It was fun seeing some familiar faces and landmarks pop up in the stories. In my timeline the Dragon Inn was a Chinese restaurant instead of a hotel. The books were very enjoyable. Good job, my old friend.
Read
December 15, 2023I read the first 2 chapters and already couldn't stop myself from skimming. I didn't think the characters were interesting. The opening setup was full of the cliche stuff I get tired of with gamelit/isekai: a young guy practices karate [or insert other mcdojo art] as an excuse to have him capable of fighting later in the book. Not that people who study karate can't fight, but the majority can't, so you need to show a few things to differentiate the character from them if you want me to buy it. Then he has an interest in coin collecting from his dad so he goes by a jewelry shop and subjects me to a long internal monologue about how gold is a great hedge against the market and yada yada just so we end up with a guy holding a bunch of gold and fighting skills ready to portal to a new world. It felt like a lazy setup to me.
It took way too long to get to the portal fantasy part and in the meantime I was already tired of the MC. He came across as thinking he was smarter than he was, and I just didn't buy the whole setup that allowed him to isekai into the new world while geared up in full camo with a gun and bags of gold and silver. I was rolling my eyes the whole time because I saw what was coming.
This just won't be for me. It's asking too much and giving too little, so I'm calling it early.
It took way too long to get to the portal fantasy part and in the meantime I was already tired of the MC. He came across as thinking he was smarter than he was, and I just didn't buy the whole setup that allowed him to isekai into the new world while geared up in full camo with a gun and bags of gold and silver. I was rolling my eyes the whole time because I saw what was coming.
This just won't be for me. It's asking too much and giving too little, so I'm calling it early.
March 29, 2022
Wonderful read wish I'd found it earlier in time and that volume there is a volume 3 as I finish reading volume 2. Great world concepts, some familiar and well done and some brand new.
Protagonist is full of common sense something all to often lacking in recent novels I've read. If I had it in paperback or hard back it would go on the shelves with the top 5% of my favorite reads over the last 50 years.
Protagonist is full of common sense something all to often lacking in recent novels I've read. If I had it in paperback or hard back it would go on the shelves with the top 5% of my favorite reads over the last 50 years.
July 21, 2023
This isekai (teleported to another world) Fantasy novel series is organized and well thought out. If too much thought out is a thing, then I would say that this particular start of a book series suffers from explaining and justifying every little detail (so as not to have any plot holes/sieves).
The author sends Nate, to another world, with valuable mineral coins (gold, silver, etc.) from Earth, lock and loaded with an automatic hand gun and spare cartridges. Then sends him to this other world, in the center of a "terrorist"/violent group who does everything in their power to hunt him down. (without there being a real reason: wrong place, wrong time, wrong world, etc.) Meanwhile, Nate is constantly worried about leaving his little sister alone and behind on Earth.
It is a dark version of "another fantasy world". It is violent and bordering on sociopathic/psychopathic tendencies (violently killing women and children) by some radical Blood Mages.
The main character, had martial arts, training, horseback training, Kendo training, and is somewhat Over-Powered (OP) for his age and being suddenly isekai-ed to another world. Not knowing any magic, the author still makes him, incredibly magic-potential-worthy. So, technically Nate would be a Mary Sue with previous skills...
The setting then is a Fantasy other world, but the author really doesn't go into the traditional fantasy other world tropes (describing the different and diverse species: elves, dwarves, etc.) but concentrates all the story in running away from this incredibly violent and subversive group of Blood Mages that wish to cause war/overthrow the King, and create conflicts with their allies.
This other world could have been better in its descriptions and world building. In the sense that the author talks about the bank, the different weapons and equipment, etc. but doesn't really go into the World Geography, does not include any maps or character summaries, and basically makes it about running away and trying to go back to Earth, for the main character Nate. Then, without really being a strong reason, makes Nate become a kind of Secret Service Knight to the King, kind of soldier???
Out of the limitless possibilities of professions and main themes for a fantasy novel series, who in their right mind would choose a story where the main character is basically a secret service knight in charge of protecting a king?? There is no sense of duty, of really being attached or invested into this kingdom or particular King and yet, the whole story is about this???
It seems that going back to Earth is almost impossible and having no real secret service training, well, the author writes that Nate trains every day, but again, why would the author consider this an "interesting main theme for a Isekai-ed Fantasy novel series"???
This story had potential and I felt that the author was dotting all of their "i-es" and crossing all of their "t's" for it to have turned out to be a terrorism-conspiracy-secret-service-fantasy-novel series...Nate in this series becomes a "glorified watchman", which really is not my thing...
The author sends Nate, to another world, with valuable mineral coins (gold, silver, etc.) from Earth, lock and loaded with an automatic hand gun and spare cartridges. Then sends him to this other world, in the center of a "terrorist"/violent group who does everything in their power to hunt him down. (without there being a real reason: wrong place, wrong time, wrong world, etc.) Meanwhile, Nate is constantly worried about leaving his little sister alone and behind on Earth.
It is a dark version of "another fantasy world". It is violent and bordering on sociopathic/psychopathic tendencies (violently killing women and children) by some radical Blood Mages.
The main character, had martial arts, training, horseback training, Kendo training, and is somewhat Over-Powered (OP) for his age and being suddenly isekai-ed to another world. Not knowing any magic, the author still makes him, incredibly magic-potential-worthy. So, technically Nate would be a Mary Sue with previous skills...
The setting then is a Fantasy other world, but the author really doesn't go into the traditional fantasy other world tropes (describing the different and diverse species: elves, dwarves, etc.) but concentrates all the story in running away from this incredibly violent and subversive group of Blood Mages that wish to cause war/overthrow the King, and create conflicts with their allies.
This other world could have been better in its descriptions and world building. In the sense that the author talks about the bank, the different weapons and equipment, etc. but doesn't really go into the World Geography, does not include any maps or character summaries, and basically makes it about running away and trying to go back to Earth, for the main character Nate. Then, without really being a strong reason, makes Nate become a kind of Secret Service Knight to the King, kind of soldier???
Out of the limitless possibilities of professions and main themes for a fantasy novel series, who in their right mind would choose a story where the main character is basically a secret service knight in charge of protecting a king?? There is no sense of duty, of really being attached or invested into this kingdom or particular King and yet, the whole story is about this???
It seems that going back to Earth is almost impossible and having no real secret service training, well, the author writes that Nate trains every day, but again, why would the author consider this an "interesting main theme for a Isekai-ed Fantasy novel series"???
This story had potential and I felt that the author was dotting all of their "i-es" and crossing all of their "t's" for it to have turned out to be a terrorism-conspiracy-secret-service-fantasy-novel series...Nate in this series becomes a "glorified watchman", which really is not my thing...
March 1, 2021
A fantasy adventure novel in the traditional style. The story follows Nate, a modern-day college student who is mysteriously transported to the gritty fantasy world of Greymantle, where magic is real and technology is virtually unheard of. The classic “Stranger in a Strange Land,” Nate has to quickly adjust to his new environment where the very rules of society and day-to-day life are completely foreign to him. Obviously an origin story for future adventures, much of this first novel involves Nate’s learning about this strange new world and its fascinating inhabitants. Which is not to say the story is merely exposition. The story arc for Nate in this book has surprises for the reader and Baxter leaves himself plenty of room to grow and expand in future novels, with a reasonably clear path as to where our protagonist is headed. The author does an excellent job of worldbuilding as he layers in suggestions of the much larger world of Greymantle than the taste we get in this first novel.
On the whole an enjoyable read, with a lot of potential for subsequent books.”
On the whole an enjoyable read, with a lot of potential for subsequent books.”
November 18, 2022
Excellent book and series
This was a wonderful 1st book of a new series. I have not read from this author before But certainly will look out in the future as I seem to enjoy his writing style. In interesting start Where the MC was kidnapped to a world of magic. No explanation. It'll be a lot of fun throughout the series to learn more about why he was kidnapped obviously There was a greater purpose. From the initial excerpt we're gonna assume turning to bed situation into a good 1 was the target. However the MC has No idea what he's doing in this new world and it is very different from home. Magic For everything. In this book he starts by learning the sword. He certainly is learning his way around the new world the ins and the outs of the politics and of course there's magic. But he doesn't use any yet. I've been binging the series I've been lucky to come in late and there are already many books written. I enjoy that, rare as it is.
This was a wonderful 1st book of a new series. I have not read from this author before But certainly will look out in the future as I seem to enjoy his writing style. In interesting start Where the MC was kidnapped to a world of magic. No explanation. It'll be a lot of fun throughout the series to learn more about why he was kidnapped obviously There was a greater purpose. From the initial excerpt we're gonna assume turning to bed situation into a good 1 was the target. However the MC has No idea what he's doing in this new world and it is very different from home. Magic For everything. In this book he starts by learning the sword. He certainly is learning his way around the new world the ins and the outs of the politics and of course there's magic. But he doesn't use any yet. I've been binging the series I've been lucky to come in late and there are already many books written. I enjoy that, rare as it is.
October 6, 2022
A good read that makes you want to continue
I enjoyed reading this book. It was adventurous and a new path for an Isekai MC. I will be honest and say that I the MC has no special skills or abilities that make him noteworthy in book 1. There is some hints that he will be. Normally an MC like that isn't my type but for some reason you just find yourself liking him more and more.
I think Book 1 is a prologue to a grand tale and I will be continuing my read.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was adventurous and a new path for an Isekai MC. I will be honest and say that I the MC has no special skills or abilities that make him noteworthy in book 1. There is some hints that he will be. Normally an MC like that isn't my type but for some reason you just find yourself liking him more and more.
I think Book 1 is a prologue to a grand tale and I will be continuing my read.
January 31, 2023
Bad
Badly paced, poorly characterized, and unnecessarily world hopping.
The entire thing would be more accessible and enjoyable if the protagonist was a native. That cuts the modern world chapters entirely, dials the whangst down to manageable levels, and makes the world details read as organic narration instead of an overly detailed sci-fi screenplay.
As a fist novel, it is better than many. But I cannot recommend this.
Badly paced, poorly characterized, and unnecessarily world hopping.
The entire thing would be more accessible and enjoyable if the protagonist was a native. That cuts the modern world chapters entirely, dials the whangst down to manageable levels, and makes the world details read as organic narration instead of an overly detailed sci-fi screenplay.
As a fist novel, it is better than many. But I cannot recommend this.
September 29, 2022
Texans are not British
1 star for the sole reason that this author wrote a native Texan speaking British. We don't say "arse", we don't say "you lot".
If you are going to write a character that is not where you are from, do the research and get it right.
1 star for the sole reason that this author wrote a native Texan speaking British. We don't say "arse", we don't say "you lot".
If you are going to write a character that is not where you are from, do the research and get it right.
May 10, 2024
Very, very slow.
This is incredibly slow to start and is mostly set up. The main character is very unimpressive. These two things combine to make a very boring book.
This is incredibly slow to start and is mostly set up. The main character is very unimpressive. These two things combine to make a very boring book.
November 15, 2024
I had the privilege of reading this after meeting the author, and it did not disappoint. This review is of the entire series rather than just Book 1. I'll do my best to keep spoilers out and stick to general content.
Where this series excels is in the world it takes place. The details of how society functions, magic systems, economics are all immersive and natural.
Characters became close to me. They were like old friends when reintroduced after an absence. I missed them and didn't realize it until I saw them again.
Action sequences are among the most entertaining I've ever read, and the author does not shy from getting dirty (even bloody) at times.
There's integration of two world that is so well thought out as to be seamless. You get the sense that the author wishes his creations was a real place, because that's how real it feels.
This isn't a series that will change your outlook on humanity or the world or life. But, for straight visceral emotion, fun, cathartic characters, and immersive settings, you cannot go wrong here. The Greymantle Chronicles is a blast!
Where this series excels is in the world it takes place. The details of how society functions, magic systems, economics are all immersive and natural.
Characters became close to me. They were like old friends when reintroduced after an absence. I missed them and didn't realize it until I saw them again.
Action sequences are among the most entertaining I've ever read, and the author does not shy from getting dirty (even bloody) at times.
There's integration of two world that is so well thought out as to be seamless. You get the sense that the author wishes his creations was a real place, because that's how real it feels.
This isn't a series that will change your outlook on humanity or the world or life. But, for straight visceral emotion, fun, cathartic characters, and immersive settings, you cannot go wrong here. The Greymantle Chronicles is a blast!
September 4, 2024
TL;Dr grabbed at library on a whim and had fun to the point where I already have grabbed the next one.
Minor spoiler mentions from the first third of the book
This was an audiobook I grabbed from my library on a whim, even after thinking some of the reviews made it sound not worth starting, and I am glad I grabbed it.
We meet Nate, a college student (in Texas, I think), orphaned with his sister at a younger age and plagued by an oddly specific dream.
I mention the above because it's the only bit of the story that felt a bit superfluous, but didn't detract greatly.
What proceeds is a magical realm fantasy by way of a portal fantasy in which our protagonist is immediately set upon by agents of a big bad nation-state.
Is it high brow reading?
No but there's an anachronistic pistol Vs a gloating egotistical mage so I'll call it a win.
I've already grabbed the second entry
Minor spoiler mentions from the first third of the book
This was an audiobook I grabbed from my library on a whim, even after thinking some of the reviews made it sound not worth starting, and I am glad I grabbed it.
We meet Nate, a college student (in Texas, I think), orphaned with his sister at a younger age and plagued by an oddly specific dream.
I mention the above because it's the only bit of the story that felt a bit superfluous, but didn't detract greatly.
What proceeds is a magical realm fantasy by way of a portal fantasy in which our protagonist is immediately set upon by agents of a big bad nation-state.
Is it high brow reading?
No but there's an anachronistic pistol Vs a gloating egotistical mage so I'll call it a win.
I've already grabbed the second entry
September 27, 2023
Very, very well written book about a decent human being transported to another world and trying to do good. The MC is a likeable, goodie two-shoes with a mild imposter syndrome complex put in tough situations but always meeting the right people at the right time and always with an unfailing personality radar about when meeting new people.
The pace, unfortunately, is very slow but that's partly because the writing fleshes out everything. The multiple characters are mostly 3D except the bad guys that both drive the actions and seem like an afterthought.
The world is set up nicely. The magic/technology has a lot of new ideas.
The pace, unfortunately, is very slow but that's partly because the writing fleshes out everything. The multiple characters are mostly 3D except the bad guys that both drive the actions and seem like an afterthought.
The world is set up nicely. The magic/technology has a lot of new ideas.
August 1, 2022
This is my first book by this author.
Nate is a guy who's having dreams of leaving for another world. They start out infrequent, but then pick up until he's having the same dream every morning. When he does leave, he finds himself in a warehouse where some shady men are doing things unknown.
From there we have an adventure road trip as a friend takes him under his wing to escape the bad guys. Book 1 is good, and I enjoyed it. The editing is okay, but the story grabbed me despite a main character who can't stop thinking about his sister because she got left behind.
I can recommend book 1, but unfortunately non of the other books. Book 1 is the lone bright spot in a desultory series.
5/5*
Nate is a guy who's having dreams of leaving for another world. They start out infrequent, but then pick up until he's having the same dream every morning. When he does leave, he finds himself in a warehouse where some shady men are doing things unknown.
From there we have an adventure road trip as a friend takes him under his wing to escape the bad guys. Book 1 is good, and I enjoyed it. The editing is okay, but the story grabbed me despite a main character who can't stop thinking about his sister because she got left behind.
I can recommend book 1, but unfortunately non of the other books. Book 1 is the lone bright spot in a desultory series.
5/5*
January 3, 2023
I lost interest after 20 minutes of reading. That's rare.
A spell gone wrong, and thus isekais a dude to some fantasy world.
The only difference from normal is that this guy apparently has weird dreams and for some reason, his sister decides to get him kitted out in military gear with guns because of it. He also buys 15000$ worth of gold/silver straight after. Who knows why?
Then we get the standard: "Where am I? Is this a nightmare simulation? Did someone kidnap me?"
Gotta be the most distasteful way of writing an isekai intro I've ever seen.
A spell gone wrong, and thus isekais a dude to some fantasy world.
The only difference from normal is that this guy apparently has weird dreams and for some reason, his sister decides to get him kitted out in military gear with guns because of it. He also buys 15000$ worth of gold/silver straight after. Who knows why?
Then we get the standard: "Where am I? Is this a nightmare simulation? Did someone kidnap me?"
Gotta be the most distasteful way of writing an isekai intro I've ever seen.
October 28, 2022
Very well written. The plot was standard stuff, but the characters made it work wonderfully.
The main character was believable. The supporting cast was interesting. I can't really think of any flaws in the book. There is plenty of room for further character development. The bad guys have a LOT of room to develop as well. This is a world made to be explored.
After reading it, I immediately purchased the next book in the series BEFORE writing this review.
The main character was believable. The supporting cast was interesting. I can't really think of any flaws in the book. There is plenty of room for further character development. The bad guys have a LOT of room to develop as well. This is a world made to be explored.
After reading it, I immediately purchased the next book in the series BEFORE writing this review.
September 16, 2025
Good
I thought this story was good. There were a few odd ways of writing from this author, like the frequent use of something that I would describe as a combo compound sentence, but the story itself was good. The middle slowed down, unfortunately, due to the main character starting training. There wasn’t much conflict in the middle and it was harder to get through. The ending was good though.
I thought this story was good. There were a few odd ways of writing from this author, like the frequent use of something that I would describe as a combo compound sentence, but the story itself was good. The middle slowed down, unfortunately, due to the main character starting training. There wasn’t much conflict in the middle and it was harder to get through. The ending was good though.
December 10, 2025
Parallel universes are my guilty pleasure. I was pretty happy when I found a new one. Unfortunately, I was bored by the story. For the longest time, they are just running away from blood mages and Nate is learning some basics about the world through a lot of info dumping talks. There are few exciting moments. And Nate is just too perfect, and just a day before he got thrown into another world he bought himself 15k $ in gold ... I won't continue with the series.
April 6, 2022
Great story and excellent potential
This story really delivered on its interesting premise and the author has laid the groundwork for a truly amazing world and wonderful adventures. I am very excited to see where the story goes from here as this book has been one of my favorite finds in a while.
This story really delivered on its interesting premise and the author has laid the groundwork for a truly amazing world and wonderful adventures. I am very excited to see where the story goes from here as this book has been one of my favorite finds in a while.
November 5, 2022
Magic, portal world and epic adventure
I really enjoyed the world building & character development. The similarities & differences between Earth and Graymantle led to the credibility of the world presented. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys magic, portal worlds and epic adventure.
I really enjoyed the world building & character development. The similarities & differences between Earth and Graymantle led to the credibility of the world presented. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys magic, portal worlds and epic adventure.
November 28, 2022
Fantastic story
Great story so far. Cant wait to scoop the next ones. Really digging the world building and technology we're used to is being incorporated through magic. Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book involving traveling to different worlds and realities that IS NOT LITRPG
Great story so far. Cant wait to scoop the next ones. Really digging the world building and technology we're used to is being incorporated through magic. Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book involving traveling to different worlds and realities that IS NOT LITRPG
January 20, 2023
Riveting & suspenseful
I enjoyed how the book was laid out and how the main character was sent to another world instead of a God just appearing they gave us Clues and not the old context and it kept you on your feet or more so in the book gripping each page waiting for the next suspenseful reveal
I enjoyed how the book was laid out and how the main character was sent to another world instead of a God just appearing they gave us Clues and not the old context and it kept you on your feet or more so in the book gripping each page waiting for the next suspenseful reveal
March 4, 2023
Excellent Read
Nate is transported to a new world by an unknown being of power. He finds himself entangled with an evil mage and is given help by a guardsman from another country. Learning, development, tragedy, and honor ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and strength of the characters. I look forward to the next book.
Nate is transported to a new world by an unknown being of power. He finds himself entangled with an evil mage and is given help by a guardsman from another country. Learning, development, tragedy, and honor ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and strength of the characters. I look forward to the next book.
April 14, 2023
At the start, the book seemed a little slow for me; however, I kept going. It quickly got me hooked. It is the type of story I enjoy. An individual taken to a new and unfamiliar place, where he has to learn about, and adapt to, a new culture. The MC adapts well, makes new friends and overcomes many obstacles throughout the book. On to the second book in the series.
May 31, 2024
Neat. Many authors hide behind the phrase ‘It makes sense’ and justify nothing, especially the unjustifiable. Here, everything is clear, precise, explained, and understandable. It’s almost too much!
Nate is undoubtedly very talented for someone specialized in economics. I expect to see him build a financial empire rather than being a fighter skilled in multiple martial arts, capable of riding horses, with an incredible memory, etc. In simpler terms, I would have preferred someone a bit more ordinary.
I appreciated the story and world-building. I found the characters adequate. A side note: one character is gay. The treatment of this character is straightforward, without excessive sexualization or grand declarations. The author treats it as normal and doesn’t dwell on it ‘too much.’ This approach is much more effective than many others.
Since it’s the beginning of a series, I won’t delve into the intricacies of this first installment. I found the plot simplistic. I envisioned two possible paths, and one of them was explored. For this reason, it remains a well-crafted but not extraordinary start. Let’s hope the sequel will be even better.
Nate is undoubtedly very talented for someone specialized in economics. I expect to see him build a financial empire rather than being a fighter skilled in multiple martial arts, capable of riding horses, with an incredible memory, etc. In simpler terms, I would have preferred someone a bit more ordinary.
I appreciated the story and world-building. I found the characters adequate. A side note: one character is gay. The treatment of this character is straightforward, without excessive sexualization or grand declarations. The author treats it as normal and doesn’t dwell on it ‘too much.’ This approach is much more effective than many others.
Since it’s the beginning of a series, I won’t delve into the intricacies of this first installment. I found the plot simplistic. I envisioned two possible paths, and one of them was explored. For this reason, it remains a well-crafted but not extraordinary start. Let’s hope the sequel will be even better.
July 8, 2024
Milquetoast
This story is so bland. Mc isn't very strong, isn't very interesting and the one character who actually is those things is gotten rid of so the mc can just be a regular guy in a militaristic type setting. I like my mcs with more personality and more magic to do cool things with. It's a fantasy world but reads like an enlistment ad.
This story is so bland. Mc isn't very strong, isn't very interesting and the one character who actually is those things is gotten rid of so the mc can just be a regular guy in a militaristic type setting. I like my mcs with more personality and more magic to do cool things with. It's a fantasy world but reads like an enlistment ad.
January 27, 2022
Not bad
I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. I generally enjoyed the book and seeing the mc progress. My compliants would be fairly slow pacing, too much uneeded mental dialog on mc wanting to go home and adapting to new environment. The book was a little slow in parts
I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. I generally enjoyed the book and seeing the mc progress. My compliants would be fairly slow pacing, too much uneeded mental dialog on mc wanting to go home and adapting to new environment. The book was a little slow in parts
April 21, 2022
very entertaining read
If the marketing blurb catches your interest I believe you will like this book as much as I did. I hope there is more to this story. I am ready for book 2 right now
If the marketing blurb catches your interest I believe you will like this book as much as I did. I hope there is more to this story. I am ready for book 2 right now
September 1, 2022
Good premise and likeable MC. Well-written.
Some grammar, content spots that made me pause to figure out the sentence. That sort of thing always throws me off, BUT I jumped right back in.
If you like swords and magic, this is a great series to jump into.
Some grammar, content spots that made me pause to figure out the sentence. That sort of thing always throws me off, BUT I jumped right back in.
If you like swords and magic, this is a great series to jump into.
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