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War God for Hire #1
Gladiator
Reincarnated as the War God - he has a lot to learn to live up to that title.
His power is only as good as the skill he possesses to wield it. But there is a reason the former War God fell. He can only dare to imagine what foes lie in wait. He will have to build a team out of a former shield maiden, an elven sorceress intent on hiding her power, a beautiful lycan who doesn't trust anyone, and a mortal-hating fire celestial. What could be hard about that?
His power is only as good as the skill he possesses to wield it. But there is a reason the former War God fell. He can only dare to imagine what foes lie in wait. He will have to build a team out of a former shield maiden, an elven sorceress intent on hiding her power, a beautiful lycan who doesn't trust anyone, and a mortal-hating fire celestial. What could be hard about that?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
377 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
David Burke
38 books131 followersDavid Burke is a mild manner something who tries to enjoy each day a bit more than the last. It dawned upon him at some point that life was racing him by and he wasn’t nearly as young as he used to be.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 31, 2021
Awful
MC is a supe idiot. For example, he was told he was in another universe like the multiverse theory. He said, is that like heaven and hell... He continues to fail to adapt, kills innocent people and does not care. Then sold to slavery, then.... it gets worse from there. Stories about morons are not entertaining.
MC is a supe idiot. For example, he was told he was in another universe like the multiverse theory. He said, is that like heaven and hell... He continues to fail to adapt, kills innocent people and does not care. Then sold to slavery, then.... it gets worse from there. Stories about morons are not entertaining.
June 21, 2021
Everything bad
The Mac is a moron. No just no couldn’t even finish the book. Skipped over half of it. Just talking and explaining.
The Mac is a moron. No just no couldn’t even finish the book. Skipped over half of it. Just talking and explaining.
January 16, 2022
I went in fully ready to despise and drop this book within the first few chapters. I know the genre after all. Logan Jacobs, Eric Vall, Dante King, Arand, Schinhofen... Pretty much the same clique of mindbogglingly prolific Harem Gamelit authors.
I still can't believe that I finished this one.
And I still can't believe I had a good time!
The plot won't win any awards for freshness, but the tale has this quality that makes average writing forgivable: clever characterisation.
The MC is not the brightest tool in the shed, but he's not stupid either. The worst that can be said against him is that he leaves no female un-checked-outed, sometimes to comical effect.
He's also my very first MC in his genre to want an actual team (open to other dudes), and not just a harem. A refreshing change that I've always wanted to see attempted.
It is obvious that the female support cast are all potential love interests. However, there is a (relative) depth to each of them that makes them more than multifunctional sex objects.
I appreciate the restraint the author displays up to now (only one sex scene in the whole book!) because it thankfully leaves space for a surprisingly decent intrigue to unfold.
And I will admit I'm curious where Kyle's journey towards OPdom will go.
So yeah. Good job on this one!
Nice to meet you, Mr Burke. I'll be on the lookout for the next volume.
I still can't believe that I finished this one.
And I still can't believe I had a good time!
The plot won't win any awards for freshness, but the tale has this quality that makes average writing forgivable: clever characterisation.
The MC is not the brightest tool in the shed, but he's not stupid either. The worst that can be said against him is that he leaves no female un-checked-outed, sometimes to comical effect.
He's also my very first MC in his genre to want an actual team (open to other dudes), and not just a harem. A refreshing change that I've always wanted to see attempted.
It is obvious that the female support cast are all potential love interests. However, there is a (relative) depth to each of them that makes them more than multifunctional sex objects.
I appreciate the restraint the author displays up to now (only one sex scene in the whole book!) because it thankfully leaves space for a surprisingly decent intrigue to unfold.
And I will admit I'm curious where Kyle's journey towards OPdom will go.
So yeah. Good job on this one!
Nice to meet you, Mr Burke. I'll be on the lookout for the next volume.
May 22, 2021
I can’t even remember the name of the main character, and I just read it a couple of hours ago. I chiefly remember him being a big, annoying dumdum. Henry? Aaron? Alex? Oh well.
April 5, 2021
War God Rules!!
David Burke Rules!! War God for hire is an excellent adventurous ride. Yes it starts off slow but once it gets going the action and intrigue is addictive. Definitely recommend it as the next best series out there.
David Burke Rules!! War God for hire is an excellent adventurous ride. Yes it starts off slow but once it gets going the action and intrigue is addictive. Definitely recommend it as the next best series out there.
April 15, 2021
Simpering p*&$y
No surprise, our protagonist is thrust into a world of sword and sorcery, hot women throwing themselves at him, and he wants to talk about his feelings. I thought he was a ear god, not a cuck god.
No surprise, our protagonist is thrust into a world of sword and sorcery, hot women throwing themselves at him, and he wants to talk about his feelings. I thought he was a ear god, not a cuck god.
April 12, 2022
Gladiator is the first volume of the War God For Hire, fantasy fiction novel series. It has 400+ pages and 32 chapters (about 12-14 pages per chapter). Author condones and justifies slavery in this novel series. Somebody please hand him a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His fictional novel is not historical, maybe just a bad copy of a good movie. (By the same name, by the way). This is a westerner writing an isekai (reincarnated in an alternate reality world). Author creates a Dystopia, a world that is worse than the world we currently live in, it takes no imagination at all, to create a worse world. It takes a bad or dark soul to promote and justify slavery, "just cause the historical movie (by the same name) was kinda good.
Main character, Kyle, is the 5 time MVP Baseball player. Not the brightest light bulb to be reincarnated as the War God. That or the author is so naive and immature that he made his main character the dumbest reincarnated baseball player in the Universe. Einstein supposedly said: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe!"
If I were the main character I would have shot myself. No bullets in the alternate reality world? I would have invented them just to shoot myself. There is no hope for stupidity. It does not stop with learning.
The first thing this idiot does it get enslaved. Enslaved by a construction supervisor. Imagine the level of stupidity to have a Construction supervisor be smarter than the ex-baseball player star.
Author has no problem with slavery. So much so he makes main character a slave. Yes! Gladiator by the same title name was enslaved and became a gladiator too....So, the movie gladiator was a former general, this main character, Kyle a former baseball player. He was so weak and missing so much intelligence that he was captured by a half dozen soldiers/mercenaries.
Russell Crowe was the main actor in Gladiator movie, he was smart, he was cunning, a great roman general. Kyle, has no capacity in melee fighting, no abilities in martial arts. Even Crowe was freed in the movie, I don't have any expectations that Kyle will ever be free.
Main character, Kyle, is the 5 time MVP Baseball player. Not the brightest light bulb to be reincarnated as the War God. That or the author is so naive and immature that he made his main character the dumbest reincarnated baseball player in the Universe. Einstein supposedly said: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe!"
If I were the main character I would have shot myself. No bullets in the alternate reality world? I would have invented them just to shoot myself. There is no hope for stupidity. It does not stop with learning.
The first thing this idiot does it get enslaved. Enslaved by a construction supervisor. Imagine the level of stupidity to have a Construction supervisor be smarter than the ex-baseball player star.
Author has no problem with slavery. So much so he makes main character a slave. Yes! Gladiator by the same title name was enslaved and became a gladiator too....So, the movie gladiator was a former general, this main character, Kyle a former baseball player. He was so weak and missing so much intelligence that he was captured by a half dozen soldiers/mercenaries.
Russell Crowe was the main actor in Gladiator movie, he was smart, he was cunning, a great roman general. Kyle, has no capacity in melee fighting, no abilities in martial arts. Even Crowe was freed in the movie, I don't have any expectations that Kyle will ever be free.
April 5, 2021
Great start to a new series
I am really looking forward to seeing where this new series goes. It's a great start with some fun character building and an interesting plot line. Can't wait to see what comes next.
I am really looking forward to seeing where this new series goes. It's a great start with some fun character building and an interesting plot line. Can't wait to see what comes next.
April 5, 2021
Entertaining
This is an interesting book in several ways. The basic concept is similar to many others, with an interesting twist. Look forward to next book in series.
This is an interesting book in several ways. The basic concept is similar to many others, with an interesting twist. Look forward to next book in series.
May 15, 2021
Really great read
Big fan of this author and like everything he has put out thus far. Looking forward to more books in all his series.
Big fan of this author and like everything he has put out thus far. Looking forward to more books in all his series.
May 16, 2021
Confused
I really liked this book but find myself once again wondering why the harem aspect is even needed. The story holds up all day on it's own. To be fair it might be the most well done harem I have read but on a personal level I just don't care for harem books but the story is so good I will probably buy the next book
I really liked this book but find myself once again wondering why the harem aspect is even needed. The story holds up all day on it's own. To be fair it might be the most well done harem I have read but on a personal level I just don't care for harem books but the story is so good I will probably buy the next book
December 25, 2025
A Slow-Burn Isekai That's a Litmus Test for the Genre (3/5 Stars)
If you're a fan of Isekai, Gamelit, and harem fantasy, David Burke’s Gladiator (War God for Hire, #1) is a book that’s going to sharply divide your TBR pile. On paper, it has everything the genre promises: a reincarnated protagonist with god-like potential, a party of fantasy heroines, and a slow-burn power progression. But whether you see this as a refreshingly paced character-driven adventure or a frustrating crawl starring an often-baffling hero depends entirely on your tolerance for certain tropes.
Key Themes
Power vs. Skill: The central premise questions what true power is. Kyle may have the soul of the War God, but he’s painfully aware that “his power is only as good as the skill he possesses to wield it”. His journey is less about instantly dominating and more about the arduous, often humbling process of learning to control his new reality.
Found Family & Teamwork: A recurring positive in reviews is the focus on building a genuine team rather than just collecting a harem. The story explores trust and alliance-building with a shield maiden, a secretive elven sorceress, a wary lycan, and a celestial being who despises mortals. Their reluctant cohesion is the story's true backbone.
Agency in a Rigged System: Kyle is thrust into a world with its own political games and divine machinations. A significant theme is his struggle to move from being a pawn for others to carving out his own destiny and uncovering who the real enemies are.
Character Analysis
Kyle: Here lies the book's biggest point of contention. Reincarnated from a professional baseball player into the War God, Kyle is the ultimate mixed bag. Some readers find his fish-out-of-water bewilderment and gradual growth relatable and a welcome change from instant OP protagonists. However, a vocal portion of reviewers find him frustratingly naive, making poor decisions, and at times, "a supe idiot". His characterization will make or break the book for you.
The Female Leads (Nia, Salma, Kierra, etc.): They fare better in general critique. While clearly set up as romantic interests, several reviews praise Burke for giving them "a (relative) depth that makes them more than multifunctional sex objects". Their motivations, secrets, and slow-building trust with Kyle are a highlight for those who enjoy character-driven narratives.
Writing Style & Pacing
Burke's prose is straightforward and functional, focusing on dialogue and action. The pacing is deliberately slow, which many fans celebrate as a "slow burn". The first half involves significant setup, world-building, and Kyle's initial capture and enslavement—a plot point some readers criticized heavily. If you crave immediate, high-octane action and rapid power gains, this will feel like a slog. However, if you prefer a story that takes its time establishing a team dynamic and a wider conspiracy, the pace will be satisfying.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
The Team Dynamic: The gradual, often prickly formation of Kyle's party is well-executed and the story's strongest element.
A Refreshing Approach to Romance: Compared to many in the genre, the romantic elements are more restrained initially, focusing on relationship building.
Intriguing World-Building: The hints of a larger divine conflict and political intrigue provide a solid foundation for the series.
Disliked:
Kyle's Inconsistent Intelligence: His decision-making, especially early on, can be hard to stomach and occasionally strains believability.
The Slavery Plotline: Its use as a narrative device is handled in a way that some readers found off-putting or poorly justified.
Pacing Whiplash: The slow, talky sections of team building can feel disconnected from the sudden bursts of action.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars. Gladiator is a niche book that executes some genre conventions well while stumbling on others. It’s not a mindless power fantasy, which is to its credit, but its slow pace and divisive protagonist hold it back from being a standout.
You should read this book if: You enjoy slow-burn, team-focused Isekai and don't mind a protagonist who has to earn his competence. If you prefer relationship development over instant gratification and can overlook some frustrating early decisions, you’ll find a lot to like here.
You should skip this book if: You despise seemingly "dumb" protagonists, want fast-paced action from page one, or are sensitive to themes of slavery in fantasy settings.
Important Note: As the listings warn, this book and series contain "detailed adult activity" and are intended for a mature audience. It is firmly within the harem fantasy subgenre.
Approach this as a character-driven series starter with flaws. If the premise of a War God having to slowly build a team from scratch intrigues you, it's worth a look. If the critiques of the main character raise immediate red flags, your time is better spent elsewhere.
If you're a fan of Isekai, Gamelit, and harem fantasy, David Burke’s Gladiator (War God for Hire, #1) is a book that’s going to sharply divide your TBR pile. On paper, it has everything the genre promises: a reincarnated protagonist with god-like potential, a party of fantasy heroines, and a slow-burn power progression. But whether you see this as a refreshingly paced character-driven adventure or a frustrating crawl starring an often-baffling hero depends entirely on your tolerance for certain tropes.
Key Themes
Power vs. Skill: The central premise questions what true power is. Kyle may have the soul of the War God, but he’s painfully aware that “his power is only as good as the skill he possesses to wield it”. His journey is less about instantly dominating and more about the arduous, often humbling process of learning to control his new reality.
Found Family & Teamwork: A recurring positive in reviews is the focus on building a genuine team rather than just collecting a harem. The story explores trust and alliance-building with a shield maiden, a secretive elven sorceress, a wary lycan, and a celestial being who despises mortals. Their reluctant cohesion is the story's true backbone.
Agency in a Rigged System: Kyle is thrust into a world with its own political games and divine machinations. A significant theme is his struggle to move from being a pawn for others to carving out his own destiny and uncovering who the real enemies are.
Character Analysis
Kyle: Here lies the book's biggest point of contention. Reincarnated from a professional baseball player into the War God, Kyle is the ultimate mixed bag. Some readers find his fish-out-of-water bewilderment and gradual growth relatable and a welcome change from instant OP protagonists. However, a vocal portion of reviewers find him frustratingly naive, making poor decisions, and at times, "a supe idiot". His characterization will make or break the book for you.
The Female Leads (Nia, Salma, Kierra, etc.): They fare better in general critique. While clearly set up as romantic interests, several reviews praise Burke for giving them "a (relative) depth that makes them more than multifunctional sex objects". Their motivations, secrets, and slow-building trust with Kyle are a highlight for those who enjoy character-driven narratives.
Writing Style & Pacing
Burke's prose is straightforward and functional, focusing on dialogue and action. The pacing is deliberately slow, which many fans celebrate as a "slow burn". The first half involves significant setup, world-building, and Kyle's initial capture and enslavement—a plot point some readers criticized heavily. If you crave immediate, high-octane action and rapid power gains, this will feel like a slog. However, if you prefer a story that takes its time establishing a team dynamic and a wider conspiracy, the pace will be satisfying.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
The Team Dynamic: The gradual, often prickly formation of Kyle's party is well-executed and the story's strongest element.
A Refreshing Approach to Romance: Compared to many in the genre, the romantic elements are more restrained initially, focusing on relationship building.
Intriguing World-Building: The hints of a larger divine conflict and political intrigue provide a solid foundation for the series.
Disliked:
Kyle's Inconsistent Intelligence: His decision-making, especially early on, can be hard to stomach and occasionally strains believability.
The Slavery Plotline: Its use as a narrative device is handled in a way that some readers found off-putting or poorly justified.
Pacing Whiplash: The slow, talky sections of team building can feel disconnected from the sudden bursts of action.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars. Gladiator is a niche book that executes some genre conventions well while stumbling on others. It’s not a mindless power fantasy, which is to its credit, but its slow pace and divisive protagonist hold it back from being a standout.
You should read this book if: You enjoy slow-burn, team-focused Isekai and don't mind a protagonist who has to earn his competence. If you prefer relationship development over instant gratification and can overlook some frustrating early decisions, you’ll find a lot to like here.
You should skip this book if: You despise seemingly "dumb" protagonists, want fast-paced action from page one, or are sensitive to themes of slavery in fantasy settings.
Important Note: As the listings warn, this book and series contain "detailed adult activity" and are intended for a mature audience. It is firmly within the harem fantasy subgenre.
Approach this as a character-driven series starter with flaws. If the premise of a War God having to slowly build a team from scratch intrigues you, it's worth a look. If the critiques of the main character raise immediate red flags, your time is better spent elsewhere.
September 21, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow inhabitants of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf, and today, I bring forth a review from the icy realms of our world. As the winter season engulfs our land once every hundred years, I find solace in the tales of other worlds. And so, I ventured into the tale of the War God, a story that resonates with the power struggles we face in our icy homeland.
Basic Plot Summary:
The tale revolves around a being reincarnated as the War God. However, the title comes with its challenges. His power is only as potent as his skill to control it. The former War God's fall hints at the adversaries that await him. To face these challenges, he must forge alliances with a shield maiden, an elven sorceress, a distrustful lycan, and a fire celestial who despises mortals. A formidable team, indeed.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The story, while rooted in fantasy, touches upon themes of trust, power dynamics, and the essence of teamwork. The challenges the War God faces are reminiscent of the icy storms we brave in HowlStrom. The narrative is a blend of action, intrigue, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.
Characters:
The protagonist, despite his godly title, is a mosaic of strengths and vulnerabilities. His allies, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations, add depth to the story. The lycan, in particular, resonated with me, reminding me of the fierce wolves of our land.
Structure:
The tale is structured in a manner that allows for character development while maintaining a steady pace of action and suspense. The challenges faced by the War God and his team serve as stepping stones, leading to a climax that promises more adventures in the sequels.
Impact:
The story left a lasting impression on me. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, with trust and teamwork, one can overcome any challenge. A lesson we, the wolves of HowlStrom, hold dear.
Hook and Thesis:
The tale's hook lies in its unique blend of fantasy elements with relatable themes. The thesis? Power is not just about strength but the wisdom to wield it.
Praise and Critique:
I commend the author for crafting a world rich in lore and characters. However, some reviews hint at inconsistencies in the plot and the need for a more refined editing touch. These critiques, while valid, did not significantly detract from my enjoyment of the tale.
Evaluation:
War God for Hire #1: Gladiator is a commendable entry in the fantasy genre. While it has its flaws, its strengths overshadow them, making it a worthy read.
Comparison:
The tale, in its essence, reminds me of the legends of HowlStrom - tales of power, betrayal, and redemption. While set in different worlds, the core themes resonate across realms.
Conclusion:
In the icy heart of HowlStrom, stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. War God for Hire #1: Gladiator is one such tale. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit, the power of alliances, and the journey to self-discovery. As the Alpha Ice Wolf, I recommend this tale to all who seek adventure and lessons in resilience.
May the icy winds of HowlStrom guide you. Until next time.
Greetings, fellow inhabitants of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf, and today, I bring forth a review from the icy realms of our world. As the winter season engulfs our land once every hundred years, I find solace in the tales of other worlds. And so, I ventured into the tale of the War God, a story that resonates with the power struggles we face in our icy homeland.
Basic Plot Summary:
The tale revolves around a being reincarnated as the War God. However, the title comes with its challenges. His power is only as potent as his skill to control it. The former War God's fall hints at the adversaries that await him. To face these challenges, he must forge alliances with a shield maiden, an elven sorceress, a distrustful lycan, and a fire celestial who despises mortals. A formidable team, indeed.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The story, while rooted in fantasy, touches upon themes of trust, power dynamics, and the essence of teamwork. The challenges the War God faces are reminiscent of the icy storms we brave in HowlStrom. The narrative is a blend of action, intrigue, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.
Characters:
The protagonist, despite his godly title, is a mosaic of strengths and vulnerabilities. His allies, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations, add depth to the story. The lycan, in particular, resonated with me, reminding me of the fierce wolves of our land.
Structure:
The tale is structured in a manner that allows for character development while maintaining a steady pace of action and suspense. The challenges faced by the War God and his team serve as stepping stones, leading to a climax that promises more adventures in the sequels.
Impact:
The story left a lasting impression on me. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, with trust and teamwork, one can overcome any challenge. A lesson we, the wolves of HowlStrom, hold dear.
Hook and Thesis:
The tale's hook lies in its unique blend of fantasy elements with relatable themes. The thesis? Power is not just about strength but the wisdom to wield it.
Praise and Critique:
I commend the author for crafting a world rich in lore and characters. However, some reviews hint at inconsistencies in the plot and the need for a more refined editing touch. These critiques, while valid, did not significantly detract from my enjoyment of the tale.
Evaluation:
War God for Hire #1: Gladiator is a commendable entry in the fantasy genre. While it has its flaws, its strengths overshadow them, making it a worthy read.
Comparison:
The tale, in its essence, reminds me of the legends of HowlStrom - tales of power, betrayal, and redemption. While set in different worlds, the core themes resonate across realms.
Conclusion:
In the icy heart of HowlStrom, stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. War God for Hire #1: Gladiator is one such tale. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit, the power of alliances, and the journey to self-discovery. As the Alpha Ice Wolf, I recommend this tale to all who seek adventure and lessons in resilience.
May the icy winds of HowlStrom guide you. Until next time.
April 18, 2021
The deciding factor for this rating is the MC who just didn't have "it". I understand that he's a fish-out-of-water and all, but he's a combination of arrogant and overconfident and an emasculated example of a male who is too timid to give hot, available women what they want.
Yes, there are times where giving some of the noble women the boning they want is counterproductive. If you save a woman (most of them, historically at least) the single ones will be more than happy to sleep with you as a way of showing appreciation. For the guy to then turn her down repeatedly even though he claims to find her very attractive is insulting to her and to my sensibilities.
There are "harem" books that really strain my credulity in terms of how so many women would want the MC badly enough to share him. This book sets up a supernaturally powerful male who would (and does) appeal to a lot of women, and then has him cockblock himself.
I've seen this pattern with some of the author's books and I have to assume it's because he is a product of the current "consent in triplicate hardcopy at every stage of getting busy" culture which I guess I just don't identify with. [Edit: author's bio suggests he's older than I am, so I really don't know what his problem is. This isn't the first "war god who becomes 21st Century politically correct" book I've seen, and it won't be the first I've given up after one book.]
Yes, there are times where giving some of the noble women the boning they want is counterproductive. If you save a woman (most of them, historically at least) the single ones will be more than happy to sleep with you as a way of showing appreciation. For the guy to then turn her down repeatedly even though he claims to find her very attractive is insulting to her and to my sensibilities.
There are "harem" books that really strain my credulity in terms of how so many women would want the MC badly enough to share him. This book sets up a supernaturally powerful male who would (and does) appeal to a lot of women, and then has him cockblock himself.
I've seen this pattern with some of the author's books and I have to assume it's because he is a product of the current "consent in triplicate hardcopy at every stage of getting busy" culture which I guess I just don't identify with. [Edit: author's bio suggests he's older than I am, so I really don't know what his problem is. This isn't the first "war god who becomes 21st Century politically correct" book I've seen, and it won't be the first I've given up after one book.]
January 19, 2023
"War God for Hire - Gladiator" takes forever to build up a head of steam with far too much discussion about the mechanics of sorcery. It's a common problem in the few LitRPG books I have read.
While a drop down menu listing your stats may be fine in a computer game it is a pain in the ass in a novel. To be honest it just smacks of laziness.
That said, despite its faults, this book is one of the better examples of the genre I have come across.
The god of War, Krig, loses a battle against his siblings and, mortally wounded, transfers his power to super-athlete Kyle Hudson who has just been shot.
Kyle awakens months later in a new body on a different, feudal world called Verden. He's enslaved and trained as a gladiator but, along with the voice of a Fire Elemental in his mind, he begins to learn how to use the powers and skills of the war god.
It's interesting but over-thought, it would have been a much better book if the author had allowed it to flow naturally, i.e. by removing the LitRPG element.
There's a fair amount of space given to musings about sex and sexuality - it's mostly juvenile stuff with a touch of personal growth added in. "One of the signs of a powerful man in this world is the number of women he attracts to himself."
It was a fairly quick read but not one that encouraged me to continue the series.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
While a drop down menu listing your stats may be fine in a computer game it is a pain in the ass in a novel. To be honest it just smacks of laziness.
That said, despite its faults, this book is one of the better examples of the genre I have come across.
The god of War, Krig, loses a battle against his siblings and, mortally wounded, transfers his power to super-athlete Kyle Hudson who has just been shot.
Kyle awakens months later in a new body on a different, feudal world called Verden. He's enslaved and trained as a gladiator but, along with the voice of a Fire Elemental in his mind, he begins to learn how to use the powers and skills of the war god.
It's interesting but over-thought, it would have been a much better book if the author had allowed it to flow naturally, i.e. by removing the LitRPG element.
There's a fair amount of space given to musings about sex and sexuality - it's mostly juvenile stuff with a touch of personal growth added in. "One of the signs of a powerful man in this world is the number of women he attracts to himself."
It was a fairly quick read but not one that encouraged me to continue the series.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
March 20, 2023
Why do I even bother with writers like these, but yeah this book is just another in the long line of books that seem to keep being published regardless of what the content is, the writer is simply unable to make the book harsh enough to actually make it feel like a slave story, but at the same time the mc is not stupid, but more like naive , as expected from someone from our world, but at the same time, the writer is just not able to interest me at any point to even feel like I care, and ofcourse I have to emphasis that you might as well skip the first 70% of the book, since nothing actually happens, it's a slice of life with slavery as as a setting, and the story is just too slow and boring to be of any concequence.
If the slavery part was rather a time skip or something like that, then that would have been a good start, but it more like describing you every moment of a day, from waking up,to opening your cabinet, taking your toothpaste out, spelling the name of the toothpaste, then wondering if the water will be cold, and so on and so forth.
And you might think that i am blowing it out of proportion, but that is exactly what happens, and it's not even fun, it just like reading a daily log of some dude going through the day to day life.
If the slavery part was rather a time skip or something like that, then that would have been a good start, but it more like describing you every moment of a day, from waking up,to opening your cabinet, taking your toothpaste out, spelling the name of the toothpaste, then wondering if the water will be cold, and so on and so forth.
And you might think that i am blowing it out of proportion, but that is exactly what happens, and it's not even fun, it just like reading a daily log of some dude going through the day to day life.
April 10, 2021
Very good book with one issue that I kind of overlooked
I really enjoyed this story, start to finish it was very engaging. I really enjoy the world setting. The world state. The main character is very fun to read about. He doesn't backtrack, or change his beliefs at the moment just to suit the way the story wants to be written. He is who he is, and as a grown adult man, that isn't going to just change on a whim, just to conveniently suit a narrative. And I really do like that. My biggest issue is actually a direction the writing itself took, the author gets severely bogged down in the itty bitty teeny tiny detailed my new show of the magic system in the world itself and how they work. And that is just uninteresting to read about, so I ended up skipping probably 15 to 20 pages of exposition by the end of the book. And I didn't feel like I lost that on any detail that mattered. That's not great, but it's not super uncommon, so I just kind of roll with it. I generally expect to skip several pages of excess math in any let RPG are read nowadays. It's just an easy way for authors to pad their page count
I really enjoyed this story, start to finish it was very engaging. I really enjoy the world setting. The world state. The main character is very fun to read about. He doesn't backtrack, or change his beliefs at the moment just to suit the way the story wants to be written. He is who he is, and as a grown adult man, that isn't going to just change on a whim, just to conveniently suit a narrative. And I really do like that. My biggest issue is actually a direction the writing itself took, the author gets severely bogged down in the itty bitty teeny tiny detailed my new show of the magic system in the world itself and how they work. And that is just uninteresting to read about, so I ended up skipping probably 15 to 20 pages of exposition by the end of the book. And I didn't feel like I lost that on any detail that mattered. That's not great, but it's not super uncommon, so I just kind of roll with it. I generally expect to skip several pages of excess math in any let RPG are read nowadays. It's just an easy way for authors to pad their page count
July 7, 2022
It's a fun series, but the author desperately needs to engage the services of a good copy editor. There are the occasional typos that most self-published books seem to have, but this series goes beyond that with multiple dangling plot threads and blatant inconsistencies in the plot itself.
Not sure if there are multiple people writing these books, but there are instances of the author "forgetting" that one of the characters is pregnant. Other characters are introduced, with seemingly-interesting plot lines attached to them, only to disappear, never to be heard from again.
In the first couple of books, the author makes multiple mentions of a healing-related book, yet that thread gets dropped, never to be heard from again.
Overall, the series is still entertaining, but it's annoying to have so many unfinished plot elements hanging out there for no reason.
Not sure if there are multiple people writing these books, but there are instances of the author "forgetting" that one of the characters is pregnant. Other characters are introduced, with seemingly-interesting plot lines attached to them, only to disappear, never to be heard from again.
In the first couple of books, the author makes multiple mentions of a healing-related book, yet that thread gets dropped, never to be heard from again.
Overall, the series is still entertaining, but it's annoying to have so many unfinished plot elements hanging out there for no reason.
December 11, 2021
Slow start; great potential
Getting over the initial exposition dump and the MC not believing in himself was a bit of a slog. Also, of all the sports that the MC could be a star of, baseball? Honestly, I was surprised to how well the various baseball analogies worked out and how they helped the MC learn how to be who they are.
As with all these books the women just throw themselves at the MC. In this case, they're not a hundred percent throwing themselves at the MC, just like 70%.
I really enjoyed how the story was turning out by the end. Some twists and turns, less exposition and more action, and the story really taking off. Will definitely read the next one.
I thought the book was better than the three stars I was going to give it due to the various errors throughout the reading, so here's hoping the next one has fewer.
Getting over the initial exposition dump and the MC not believing in himself was a bit of a slog. Also, of all the sports that the MC could be a star of, baseball? Honestly, I was surprised to how well the various baseball analogies worked out and how they helped the MC learn how to be who they are.
As with all these books the women just throw themselves at the MC. In this case, they're not a hundred percent throwing themselves at the MC, just like 70%.
I really enjoyed how the story was turning out by the end. Some twists and turns, less exposition and more action, and the story really taking off. Will definitely read the next one.
I thought the book was better than the three stars I was going to give it due to the various errors throughout the reading, so here's hoping the next one has fewer.
December 9, 2021
Engaging Start in a New Series
I really enjoyed following Kyle the main character on his sudden journey to a new world, new rules and a new body with some amazing skills.
The character and story development is on the slow and steady side and while the mc is very powerful improvements need to be earned. The story pulled me in to see how the MC comes to grips with his new situation while hanging on and applying rules from his own world and baseball.
The story contains harem elements, but not overly so in this first book of the series.
I really enjoyed following Kyle the main character on his sudden journey to a new world, new rules and a new body with some amazing skills.
The character and story development is on the slow and steady side and while the mc is very powerful improvements need to be earned. The story pulled me in to see how the MC comes to grips with his new situation while hanging on and applying rules from his own world and baseball.
The story contains harem elements, but not overly so in this first book of the series.
April 13, 2022
A story driven adventure
I really enjoyed reading this book The world building was excellent the characterizations were well done and their interaction between the characters portrayed adventure drama a little bit of horror and a little bit of tongue and cheek humor. The story has romance in it but it's a very slow burn. I am looking forward to see what happens next to the main character.
I really enjoyed reading this book The world building was excellent the characterizations were well done and their interaction between the characters portrayed adventure drama a little bit of horror and a little bit of tongue and cheek humor. The story has romance in it but it's a very slow burn. I am looking forward to see what happens next to the main character.
April 19, 2022
Rebirth of the War God
Kyle finds that winning the World Series is his greatest experience until an ex shoots him in the back. The God of War is dieing from wounds from his siblings that ganged up on him, with the help of their armies against his armies.
Kyle wakes up, reborn, and quickly finds himself as a slave in Gladiator training, due to his increadable strength.
Bla bla bla, women, bla bla. He's very powerful.
Read in 1 day
Kyle finds that winning the World Series is his greatest experience until an ex shoots him in the back. The God of War is dieing from wounds from his siblings that ganged up on him, with the help of their armies against his armies.
Kyle wakes up, reborn, and quickly finds himself as a slave in Gladiator training, due to his increadable strength.
Bla bla bla, women, bla bla. He's very powerful.
Read in 1 day
May 7, 2021
Very promising start to a series
Once the story got moving it was hard to put the book down, so I didn't, and just kept on reading. I liked that the relationships were slower to develop and that the MC didn't get thrust into adult situations too early on. I will be eagerly awaiting for the next book in this series.
Once the story got moving it was hard to put the book down, so I didn't, and just kept on reading. I liked that the relationships were slower to develop and that the MC didn't get thrust into adult situations too early on. I will be eagerly awaiting for the next book in this series.
July 21, 2022
A major miss for me. This author is a bit hit-miss for me bookwise. The idea behind this story could be nice, but about the first half of this book is major backstory without a lot of progression. This makes it quite dull to me. In the second half the book picks up a little, but still it's slow going. I think this book could be more if the story would be faster.
December 25, 2022
Very creative iseki
A reincarnated war god merged with a murdered baseball champion. Who woulda thought it could work? Applying baseball skills to war, while redefining morality as it appears to a 21 century human male in order to adapt to the reality of the world of Verden. The story is engaging and the characters are interesting.
A reincarnated war god merged with a murdered baseball champion. Who woulda thought it could work? Applying baseball skills to war, while redefining morality as it appears to a 21 century human male in order to adapt to the reality of the world of Verden. The story is engaging and the characters are interesting.
April 19, 2021
Pretty good
Character building is pretty good and the storyline has potential. There are a couple of places where the story telling was a bit flat and overly wordy. Show not tell, if you get what I am trying to say. For me it takes away from the immersion.
Character building is pretty good and the storyline has potential. There are a couple of places where the story telling was a bit flat and overly wordy. Show not tell, if you get what I am trying to say. For me it takes away from the immersion.
April 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this book
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
September 4, 2021
It's a good book
I have mixed feelings about the story I like my heroes to kick ass and be good and I like villains to get owned by heroes in a dramatic fashion so not really getting that I'll read one more but if things don't really pick up for the hero ill probably stop reading
I have mixed feelings about the story I like my heroes to kick ass and be good and I like villains to get owned by heroes in a dramatic fashion so not really getting that I'll read one more but if things don't really pick up for the hero ill probably stop reading
May 25, 2022
you got me again david
This guy knows how to keep a story interesting. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series! Kyle is a hilarious name for the greatest athlete of all time btw. I mean, the guy won 6 World Series championships, and his name is….. Kyle 😂😂😂😂
This guy knows how to keep a story interesting. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series! Kyle is a hilarious name for the greatest athlete of all time btw. I mean, the guy won 6 World Series championships, and his name is….. Kyle 😂😂😂😂
June 23, 2022
MC is a world renowned pro athlete with tons of money and women falling all over him, only for him to die and be reborn as a god of war with ultra hot women falling all over him. Some dudes have just too much good fortune.
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