Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Learning to fight comes to Kyle like he is remembering something he had forgotten. Perhaps that makes sense as the reincarnated War God.

But weapons skills are not enough.

Kyle has to learn to work with a team.

More than that he doesn't even know who the real enemies are yet.

All that is going to change though, and the heavens will shake as the War God makes his presence felt once again.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2021

176 people are currently reading
69 people want to read

About the author

David Burke

38 books131 followers
David 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
326 (55%)
4 stars
170 (28%)
3 stars
72 (12%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
166 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2021
Another great read

It’s great seeing all the progression with not just the mc but all the characters. Excited for more to come !
1,474 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2021
Excellent

Yet another great series by a very talented author!!! Powerful characters, that you will enjoy reading about. Good adult fantasy action!!!
72 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2021
Another great addition by David Burke

David Burke is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved his series Descend and I am loving this series War God.

One of the things I love with David’s writing style is the way he presents current antagonist/threats the MC faces with the knowledge that something even greater lurks around the corner early on in his storylines. This style really allows room for the MC to grow without appearing overpowered.
586 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2021
Fun 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?
Profile Image for Eric Bertone.
286 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2021
Fun sequel with great character growth

Had a lot of fun reading this and was happy to see Kyle become more accepting of who he now is. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Some additional proof reading is needed as it seems like a number of words were missing throughout the story. Also near the end the font or size changes for a chapter.
375 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2021
Slow but steady

This book series builds very slowly but is well worth the read. The MC is gaining his divinity in a very methodical way. The harem element is a slow build.
341 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2021
Great series!

Wow, I am impressed how the story is progressing so far. He is coming into his powers, gaining strength, and adding to his allies. Can't wait for next book, it should be kickass
147 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
A Slow-Burn Adventure That Deepens the Divine Bond (4/5 Stars)

If you powered through the initial "fish-out-of-water" and gladiatorial setup of Gladiator, get ready to see the series hit its stride. Adventurer (War God for Hire, #2) by David Burke delivers exactly what the title promises: Kyle's first real steps into the wider world as he embraces his identity and builds his team. This book is a satisfying and necessary evolution of the story, trading the arena's confines for the wilderness's challenges and focusing intensely on character relationships. It's a solid sequel that leans into its "slow burn" promise, offering significant progression for fans who are invested in Kyle's journey to reclaim his divinity.

Key Themes
Found Family & Teamwork: The central drive of this book is moving Kyle from a lone powerhouse to a team leader. The official blurb nails it: "Kyle has to learn to work with a team". His success is no longer just about unlocking his own power but about trusting, teaching, and synergizing with the unique women around him. It's less about collecting a harem and more about forging unbreakable bonds that become his greatest strength.

Acceptance of Destiny: Where Book 1 was about shock and survival, Book 2 is about acceptance. As one Goodreads reviewer perfectly noted, it's fun "to see Kyle become more accepting of who he now is". He begins to move from a man resisting his fate to a nascent god learning to wield his responsibilities, making his character arc much more compelling.

The Real Enemy Emerges: The plot smartly expands the stakes. As Kyle gains his footing, he also gains a "larger view of things," realizing the threats he faced in the city were just the beginning. This creates a fantastic tension where team-building and power progression feel urgent, as a more significant, looming danger starts to come into focus.

Character Analysis
Kyle's growth is the highlight. He starts to shed some of the frustrating naivete from Book 1, making smarter decisions and showing glimmers of the strategic leader he needs to become. His relationships with his core team—Nia, Salma, Kierra, and others—are given room to breathe. Reviewers praise the "progression with not just the MC but all the characters". These women are developed beyond their archetypes, gaining depth, backstory, and agency that makes the team dynamic the heart of the story.

Writing Style & Pacing
Burke's prose remains straightforward and focused on action and dialogue. The pacing is where your enjoyment will be decided. If you're looking for non-stop, high-octane battles, this might feel methodical. As readers note, the series "builds very slowly but is well worth the read". This installment dedicates substantial time to training, travel, team-building conversations, and political maneuvering. This "slow but steady" approach allows for richer character development and world-building but requires patience for the big payoff moments.

What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:

Team-First Focus: The shift from solo gladiator to party leader was executed brilliantly and is the book's greatest strength.

Meaningful Power Progression: Kyle's gains feel earned and tied to his growing understanding of his divine nature, avoiding the "overpowered too fast" trap.

Higher Stakes: The introduction of a larger, more mysterious antagonist gives the series a compelling direction.

Disliked:

Inconsistent Editing: Several reviews point out "a number of words were missing throughout the story" and other proofreading errors that can disrupt immersion.

Pacing for Patience: The slow-burn approach is a double-edged sword; the deep dives into team dynamics are great, but the action-to-build-up ratio might feel unbalanced for some.

Requires Prior Investment: This is emphatically not a standalone novel. Its impact relies entirely on having read and enjoyed the foundation laid in Gladiator.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Adventurer is a confident sequel that improves upon its predecessor by focusing on what makes this genre fun: a great team coming together against impossible odds. It corrects some character issues and sets a thrilling course for the rest of the series.

You should read this book if: You enjoyed Gladiator and are invested in Kyle's journey. It's perfect for readers who love slow-burn progression, team-based fantasy, and character-driven stories where relationships are as important as power levels.

You should skip this book if: You haven't read Book 1, or if you demand fast-paced action in every chapter and have zero tolerance for editing hiccups.

For fans of the series, this is a must-read that successfully expands the world and deepens every connection. The journey from pawn to player is well underway, and the ending will have you immediately reaching for Book 3, Mercenary.
Profile Image for Pablo García.
858 reviews22 followers
April 12, 2022
Author does not know the difference between a job and enslavement (becoming a slave/being abducted and then sold off to the Colisseum-folk). In the first volume of this series, Places the sub-title War God for Hire, when Kyle the main character, was enslaved (for no apparent reason) and just because the author wanted to copy the movie Gladiator (by the same name). Slavery without a just cause (debt-crime) is not possible even in the fictional fantasy world. Universal Declaration of Human Rights doesn't allow it. But apparently author hasn't gotten to reading about the french revolution and that thing that happened with the guillotine and the peasants. Now, because author already finished what he remembered about the movie Gladiator, the second volume is titled adventurer. Kyle the main character, reincarnated to this dystopian world, was in a prison-boot-camp-gladiator school for slaves in the first volume. So, a new idea is that well, being a gladiator is done, don't worry about the slavery thing, Russell Crowe from the movie, got out of it by killing the emperor at the end....
This second volume is 100+ pages less than the first one, with only 30 chapters. Main Character, Kyle was reincarnated into the dead past body and soul of the ex War God. That passed away three years before he was sent to this world. Kyle used to be a very big baseball player, winning 5 MVP's. So he knows nothing about war, and is probably the dumbest reincarnated war god in the history of the multiverse. Not everything is bad, he may be the dumbest, but he's sensitive and has a good heart. (That's how he got enslaved by the way). Being the strongest and OP (over-powered) he did not try to escape from his captors, cause they were torturing him in a boot-camp-prison camp-gladiator from hell-training. Hey, and they weren't paying him, but they weren't charging him. So to the author it was like going to a martial school for mentally challenged "heroes-semi-gods-reincarnated-folks"
To quote the author (about slavery): "He (Kyle) did know that slavery disgusted him. It was easy for him to take being a slave lightly. He was confident that, magical binding bracers or not, he could escape whenever he wanted."
Ah shucks, that is nice to know in the second volume, then why the hell, didn't Kyle escape before he was enslaved? With the 56 thousand he made his first day, he could have payed for a personal trainer, bought his home and erased from the memory of the author the whole entire first volume of this novel series???
The only thing that is going for his "extended-enslavement-stay" is that when he was abducted, he didn't speak a word of the language and thus, this "enslavement" has been like summer-school-kinda-for-him. Do they beat you, puncture you with arrows and treat you like a punching bag at summer-school? (I forget..) I'm getting to understand those people who say, "I hate being treated like an object"...maybe they were closet slaves??
The only reason I rated the first volume with 2 stars was because of the illustration title cover. This title cover page is half as good as the last one. And no, neither of the covers portray Kyle the main character of this half-war-god-wannabe-cause-he-has-no-training-nor-is-he-a-warmonger Kyle. They are girls in the story. Both of them. Maybe the story should be about them? Hey, somebody tell the author.
Profile Image for Kiba Snowpaw.
Author 2 books24 followers
September 22, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow inhabitants of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf, and I bring forth a review from the icy realms of our world. As the winter season grips our land, I find solace in the tales of other realms, and today, I share my thoughts on "War God for Hire #2: Adventurer" by David Burke.

Basic Plot Summary:
Kyle, our protagonist, is not just any mortal. He is the reincarnated War God. As he grapples with his newfound identity and powers, he realizes that mere weapon skills won't suffice. He must learn to work with a team and identify his true adversaries. The heavens tremble as the War God's presence is felt once again.

Analysis/Evaluation:
The tale is a blend of fantasy and harem genres, spanning 378 pages. Published on May 31, 2021, it has garnered attention and praise from many. The story's progression is evident, and the challenges Kyle faces are both internal and external.

Characters:
Kyle's character is intriguing. His journey from a baseball player to the reincarnated War God is filled with trials and tribulations. His growth is not just in terms of power but also in understanding and accepting his new identity. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each playing a pivotal role in Kyle's journey.

Structure:
The narrative structure is well-paced, with a balance of action, introspection, and character development. The plot twists keep the readers engaged, and the world-building is immersive.

Impact:
The story resonates with themes of identity, power, and the constant battle between good and evil. It serves as a reminder that strength is not just physical but also mental and emotional.

Hook and Thesis:
The reincarnation of a War God in a world where he must rediscover himself is a captivating premise. The story promises adventure, intrigue, and a deep dive into the psyche of a god in a mortal's body.

Praise and Critique:
The character development, especially Kyle's, is commendable. The way he grapples with his past and present is portrayed realistically. However, some readers have pointed out minor grammatical errors and inconsistencies in the narrative. While these do not majorly detract from the overall experience, they are noticeable.

Evaluation:
David Burke's writing style is engaging, and his portrayal of the antagonist's looming threat adds depth to the story. The balance between the current challenges and the impending danger keeps the readers on their toes.

Comparison:
While the story has its unique elements, some readers have drawn parallels with other fantasy tales. However, the reincarnation aspect and the protagonist's journey set it apart.

Conclusion:
"War God for Hire #2: Adventurer" is a tale of power, identity, and the eternal battle between good and evil. It is a must-read for those who seek adventure and introspection. As the Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom, I recommend this tale to all who wish to embark on an epic journey. May the icy winds of HowlStrom guide you.

Stay frosty, fellow wolves
664 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2022
very interesting, not just another sword and sorcery adventure.

This book goes in surprising directions, in a good way. The MC and his cohort engage in many expected physical activities, such as training, beating down arrogant nobles, soldiers and mages, dungeon diving, etc. However there are some quite interesting explorations of philosophy in relationships, the nature of war, death, deceit, etc.

Krig was the very best at things related to conflict (war), but was completely blind to the nature of relationships, he was also asexual, and oblivious in just about every area outside of his specialty. This is evidenced by the fact that in the prologue, he is in Kyle’s body on earth, yet soon ended up broke and in jail because of his arrogance and complete lack of self-control.

Kyle on the other hand had experience dealing with fans, sycophants, lawyers, gold-diggers, support personnel and team-building. He leveraged these experiences and realized that there was a void in his previous relationships, so he committed to overcoming those shortcomings. Kyle also did some foolish things, such as unknowingly releasing his aura, which could have revealed his presence. But hey, even gods-in-training aren’t perfect.
107 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2021
A fun series cintinues

If you are reading this chances are high that you already read the first of the series, starting with Kyle war God to be. Then the confides the journey and followed Kyle and his growing group of followers as he discovered and explores the finer points if his newly find powers.
If you haven't read the first then go ahead. There is a little Harem story line and character development is stay but maybe slower than in some other series, which I consider a good thing.
447 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2022
A intriguing adventure continues

Our hero Kyle learns more about his power and how to control it. His lady loves become more three-dimensional and his romance a little more spicy. The challenges and the choreographed battles at grit to the story and the adventure is thrilling. As she learns to control his power is confrontation to the gods of the world become closer. And the ultimate evil also shows it's ugly head. Only how the story ends only time will tell but I'm loving the ride so far.
42 reviews
June 23, 2021
Good story

Not a fan of harem books because in all honesty so many of these types of books don't need the harem aspect it to make it a good story. This book is no exception but having said that I will admit that of the very few I have read this is the first one that the harem part makes some sense and is actually a very real part of the story.



10 reviews
June 28, 2021
A most excellent romp

Great character Development! Not your typical hack/slash game lit/harem deal. Not just rereading the character development sheet 15 times so the author can up his word count. Well balanced game lit / harem develoment. Eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Profile Image for Stanislas Sodonon.
484 reviews108 followers
May 31, 2022
It's still entertaining...
But I believe this series has already shown me the best it had to offer. This turn around, the plot got very repetitive, and nothing much happened.
The MC has already reached full OP status, so not much tension left. We're slowly sinking back into classic harem story beats.
This is where I get off the bandwagon.
85 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2023
I couldn't finish

Former pro baseball player who seems to be clueless about women even though he "played the field". Has a harem in his new life that he doesn't want while he searches for true love. A war god that prefers mercy. I'm sorry but this is too much, I'm done with this series.
Profile Image for LaziMantis Vasquez.
533 reviews
September 6, 2021
It was ok

I'm enjoying his progress but it irritates me how clueless he is about the snake amongst them also why doesn't he just shrink himself down if he can make him self grow he should be able take himself shrink to normal human size
38 reviews
October 23, 2021
Good follow-up to the first book

The MC continues to grow in power and gain allies. Enemies continue too weave plots against him. No huge surprises, but a fun read. On to the third book now...
108 reviews
December 17, 2022
Disappointed

Not as good as the first one. Sadly, my journey ends here. Everything in this book just stops. The plot, the world building and character development. The pace becomes a drag.its just horrible what happens to this series.
Profile Image for Irizumi.
446 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2021
Another great read

This book really starts the power push of the Mc and it’s fun to watch as he grows. Some little grammar errors but not enough to detract from the overall story.
127 reviews19 followers
October 17, 2021
Good Series

The plot thickens and we are drawn deeper. The characters are growing and becoming more aware. I am more and more intrigued as to where this will go!
81 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2021
Liked it

It was a good continuation of the series I am looking forward to book 3. Also I want more audio books for this series
239 reviews
January 19, 2022
A great time

It was an entertaining read, with an interesting story, characters, lore, and world building. I can't to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,736 reviews31 followers
November 16, 2022
I enjoyed this and will pick up the sequel (already did).

I've been hitting a lot of books I didn't enjoy recently. Hope my next read is also entertaining.

3/5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.