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Heretic Spellblade #1
Heretic Spellblade
Before the demons invaded, Nathan had everything he ever wanted. Women, power, magical talent, wealth, a fortress full of loyal soldiers.
Now, a beautiful demonic general offers him a choice: die; or start a new life with her in the past and rewrite history. Nathan accepts and is sent back in time to before the end of the world began.
Everything Nathan earned in his original life is gone. But he still has his years of knowledge and experience. Even better, he knows what will happen in the future. He doesn’t know why the demons sent him back, but he refuses to waste this opportunity.
Nathan will take back everything he once had. But first, he must stop a demonic invasion from ending the world.
Heretic Spellblade contains plenty of violence, harem/undefined relationships, beast girls, and scenes that don’t fade to black. Consider yourself warned.
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Published June 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 19, 2021
Rating 3.0 stars
This was okay. There was just something off/missing that I can't quite put my finger on. The story is one that I have read before. The world is ending and a hero is given the chance to go back in time and make things better. Demons are in the world and the only thing that can stop them are Bastion's and their champions. Bastions gain their power through connecting to a location, they are extremely powerful in that location. They also have the ability to grant some of that power to champions who are the front line fighter in this war. Nathan has been a bastion for 10 years and the war is not going well. A messenger (a powerful demon) arrives and kills all Nathan's champions and destroys his place of power. For whatever reason she is intrigued by Nathan and offers him a chance to change things. She sends him back 10 years to the catalyst that started the downfall of the world. Despite this being a war against demon kind, Nathan spent a lot of time fighting other nations. He was also put into the body of someone else in a different country. Nathan goes and tries to collect his previous champions and get them to fight for him. Overall, not very excited to continue the series.
This was okay. There was just something off/missing that I can't quite put my finger on. The story is one that I have read before. The world is ending and a hero is given the chance to go back in time and make things better. Demons are in the world and the only thing that can stop them are Bastion's and their champions. Bastions gain their power through connecting to a location, they are extremely powerful in that location. They also have the ability to grant some of that power to champions who are the front line fighter in this war. Nathan has been a bastion for 10 years and the war is not going well. A messenger (a powerful demon) arrives and kills all Nathan's champions and destroys his place of power. For whatever reason she is intrigued by Nathan and offers him a chance to change things. She sends him back 10 years to the catalyst that started the downfall of the world. Despite this being a war against demon kind, Nathan spent a lot of time fighting other nations. He was also put into the body of someone else in a different country. Nathan goes and tries to collect his previous champions and get them to fight for him. Overall, not very excited to continue the series.
November 16, 2022
This book took me by surprise in the best way. It was so fun, I cleared everything else off my currently reading, or tbr, to focus on this instead, after only reading a few chapters.
I had not really read anything in the specific genre of harem fantasy before, so I wasn't expecting the depth that this book, and I assume the series, has. There is a brilliantly clever, and well explained, hard-magic system, there are deep characters, there is a genuine history and lore. I suppose I was a bit ignorant in not expecting great fantasy world-building given the harem genre, but I was wrong!
The action sequences are thrilling, plenty of awesome but balanced spells, weapons and systems. It's genuinely clever. There's plenty of diversity when it comes to the cast outside the harem, and the plot-line doesn't feel like a feel vehicle for simply engaging the genre, but for genuinely telling a good story, and adding those harem elements naturally within that overarching story.
I do have a few criticisms though, despite how much I enjoy the book, and how much it surprised me in its quality:
First is the naming of characters.
Naming of events and places is great, and they feel like a genuine fantasy world. Naming of characters, not so much. They either feel much too modern, or much too nonsensical, or are either so closely similar to another character, that sometimes they can get a bit lost on the page.
Second is the cast diversity that surrounds the MC.
There is brilliant diversity in the world, but those central to the protagonist, are too similar for my liking. They are all young, simply put. I understand the time-travel plot-line enables this, but I must ask why. Youth is not every readers desire. And why not have a more diverse cast, that coves both ends of the age spectrum, if you're playing it safe. It's a small complaint, but it occurred to me enough to mention it here, some people don't prefer youth, and that is a detractor here.
Those few points aside, the book genuinely is really fun. The spells and their systems really do create a lot of interest, for me personally, and I was genuinely surprised how well written the over-arching story was - enough that I have already purchased the second book to find out what happens!
I had not really read anything in the specific genre of harem fantasy before, so I wasn't expecting the depth that this book, and I assume the series, has. There is a brilliantly clever, and well explained, hard-magic system, there are deep characters, there is a genuine history and lore. I suppose I was a bit ignorant in not expecting great fantasy world-building given the harem genre, but I was wrong!
The action sequences are thrilling, plenty of awesome but balanced spells, weapons and systems. It's genuinely clever. There's plenty of diversity when it comes to the cast outside the harem, and the plot-line doesn't feel like a feel vehicle for simply engaging the genre, but for genuinely telling a good story, and adding those harem elements naturally within that overarching story.
I do have a few criticisms though, despite how much I enjoy the book, and how much it surprised me in its quality:
First is the naming of characters.
Naming of events and places is great, and they feel like a genuine fantasy world. Naming of characters, not so much. They either feel much too modern, or much too nonsensical, or are either so closely similar to another character, that sometimes they can get a bit lost on the page.
Second is the cast diversity that surrounds the MC.
There is brilliant diversity in the world, but those central to the protagonist, are too similar for my liking. They are all young, simply put. I understand the time-travel plot-line enables this, but I must ask why. Youth is not every readers desire. And why not have a more diverse cast, that coves both ends of the age spectrum, if you're playing it safe. It's a small complaint, but it occurred to me enough to mention it here, some people don't prefer youth, and that is a detractor here.
Those few points aside, the book genuinely is really fun. The spells and their systems really do create a lot of interest, for me personally, and I was genuinely surprised how well written the over-arching story was - enough that I have already purchased the second book to find out what happens!
December 5, 2020
A really interesting book.
I enjoyed the premise of this book and I liked the world building. The characters are intriguing and likeable. Overall it was really enjoyable and I look forward to reading more of this series.
I enjoyed the premise of this book and I liked the world building. The characters are intriguing and likeable. Overall it was really enjoyable and I look forward to reading more of this series.
September 24, 2021
I would say a more 3.5 than a 4 for me. I felt squicky about the way he reconnects with his old champions. A form of brainwashing. Fundamentally changing their current feelings against their will. This was done to 2 women. They were enemies fighting him - until he had their feelings for him from the future returned to them. None of their future memories - just feelings. So these 2 women who have been fighting him for legitimate reasons in their minds now fawn all over him. Actually, I am taking this down to 2.5 rounded to a 3.
December 28, 2020
A solid book which held my attention throughout. No complaints or even quibbles, so I guess that's what it takes to get a 5 from me. I look forward to the next one.
January 19, 2021
Holy smokes this is good!
This is almost intimidatingly good. Harem Fantasy is a pretty specific genre, this book is so good and original that I could see it making the jump into the mainstream. If this author can keep up any kind of decent release schedule he's going to be a superstar.
The big shot hero gets a front row seat to the end of the world, and when he gets a sketchy chance at a do-over he takes it, and immediately starts demonstrating how he got to be a big shot in the first place. He's smart, cagey, stronger than he has any right to be, and surrounds himself with competent people. (Mostly women, but that comes with the genre.) He doesn't get into dick measuring contests, and ruthlessly outmaneuvers people who do. The supporting characters are shockingly well-developed for e-book fantasy, they seem like complete people and you can't help but develop affection for them. The world is well thought out and seems lived-in, and there are enough mysteries and curiosities to keep you thinking.
I don't normally like picking up the first book in a series until there's a few more titles behind it, but you need to get this book. Five out of five stars, would read again, do recommend.
This is almost intimidatingly good. Harem Fantasy is a pretty specific genre, this book is so good and original that I could see it making the jump into the mainstream. If this author can keep up any kind of decent release schedule he's going to be a superstar.
The big shot hero gets a front row seat to the end of the world, and when he gets a sketchy chance at a do-over he takes it, and immediately starts demonstrating how he got to be a big shot in the first place. He's smart, cagey, stronger than he has any right to be, and surrounds himself with competent people. (Mostly women, but that comes with the genre.) He doesn't get into dick measuring contests, and ruthlessly outmaneuvers people who do. The supporting characters are shockingly well-developed for e-book fantasy, they seem like complete people and you can't help but develop affection for them. The world is well thought out and seems lived-in, and there are enough mysteries and curiosities to keep you thinking.
I don't normally like picking up the first book in a series until there's a few more titles behind it, but you need to get this book. Five out of five stars, would read again, do recommend.
January 11, 2021
A very solid book, i would have read it sooner, too bad the author really sucks at blurbs. Seriously the book in the blurb i never would have read, it sounds completely different than what actually happens while still being completely factual...wowza.
Before the demons invaded, Nathan had everything he ever wanted. Women, power, magical talent, wealth, a fortress full of loyal soldiers.
Now, a beautiful demonic general offers him a choice: die; or start a new life with her in the past and rewrite history. Nathan accepts and is sent back in time to before the end of the world began.
Everything Nathan earned in his original life is gone. But he still has his years of knowledge and experience. Even better, he knows what will happen in the future. He doesn’t know why the demons sent him back, but he refuses to waste this opportunity.
Nathan will take back everything he once had. But first, he must stop a demonic invasion from ending the world.
This is all true, but not really. dont read the blurb just read the book. personally i'm going to read his other books even though those blurbs dont sound like a book id be interested in either. sigh.
Before the demons invaded, Nathan had everything he ever wanted. Women, power, magical talent, wealth, a fortress full of loyal soldiers.
Now, a beautiful demonic general offers him a choice: die; or start a new life with her in the past and rewrite history. Nathan accepts and is sent back in time to before the end of the world began.
Everything Nathan earned in his original life is gone. But he still has his years of knowledge and experience. Even better, he knows what will happen in the future. He doesn’t know why the demons sent him back, but he refuses to waste this opportunity.
Nathan will take back everything he once had. But first, he must stop a demonic invasion from ending the world.
This is all true, but not really. dont read the blurb just read the book. personally i'm going to read his other books even though those blurbs dont sound like a book id be interested in either. sigh.
August 18, 2021
Shallow characters, with a fulfilling trope (second chance)
Magic system is nothing out of the ordinary, MC is overpowered with knowledge...
So many shallow women characters that is:
1. difficult to relate/care for any of them
2. hard to memorize which is which
In the end I'd say: It was OK
Magic system is nothing out of the ordinary, MC is overpowered with knowledge...
So many shallow women characters that is:
1. difficult to relate/care for any of them
2. hard to memorize which is which
In the end I'd say: It was OK
December 30, 2020
Awesome!
This was a very enjoyable start to a very promising series. I like the aspect of going back to do it over again but without the forgetting or strange disregard for prior knowledge. I also like that the main character didn't act strangely confused when things were different and that he adapted accordingly. This makes me think of a more world based version of other books like reborn apocalypse and Tower Of Heaven. Very well done and I'm looking forward to the next book. Here's to hoping that it comes out sooner than I expect.
This was a very enjoyable start to a very promising series. I like the aspect of going back to do it over again but without the forgetting or strange disregard for prior knowledge. I also like that the main character didn't act strangely confused when things were different and that he adapted accordingly. This makes me think of a more world based version of other books like reborn apocalypse and Tower Of Heaven. Very well done and I'm looking forward to the next book. Here's to hoping that it comes out sooner than I expect.
May 26, 2025
2.5 Stars.
I challenged a friend to name a harem story that had good plot, setting and characters. [I knew it was possible as Elliot Kay had done it.] I'm not a fan of explicit sex scenes, particularly when they do nothing to move the plot. So sex couldn't be the central feature. This book was his recommendation.
The best I can say in this case is that the harem elements didn't dominate the book. Sure, every single woman was gorgeous and 90% of them wanted to sleep with the hero, but it didn't overwhelm the story.
There was an interesting setting/premise, some meaningful conflict and a few semi-fleshed out characters. My issue was that the protagonist, Nathan, had no arc and was not the most admirable character. Despite witnessing the end of his world, he didn't seem to feel the need to develop himself any farther. He was already perfect... and seemed very aware of that fact. I wouldn't go so far as to call him smug, but he definitely had patronising tendencies.
The whole thing became repetitive in the second half and I was eager to reach the end.
I challenged a friend to name a harem story that had good plot, setting and characters. [I knew it was possible as Elliot Kay had done it.] I'm not a fan of explicit sex scenes, particularly when they do nothing to move the plot. So sex couldn't be the central feature. This book was his recommendation.
The best I can say in this case is that the harem elements didn't dominate the book. Sure, every single woman was gorgeous and 90% of them wanted to sleep with the hero, but it didn't overwhelm the story.
There was an interesting setting/premise, some meaningful conflict and a few semi-fleshed out characters. My issue was that the protagonist, Nathan, had no arc and was not the most admirable character. Despite witnessing the end of his world, he didn't seem to feel the need to develop himself any farther. He was already perfect... and seemed very aware of that fact. I wouldn't go so far as to call him smug, but he definitely had patronising tendencies.
The whole thing became repetitive in the second half and I was eager to reach the end.
March 13, 2024
This was a good start of a new series by this author. I only found this author recently, so I am exploring his other series.
I like this author's creativity and his worlds are well imagined and vividly described. I do like the world building, and the creativity of using monster girls and other such common characters in a slightly different way than other authors in this genre.
The sex is fairly graphic, and all unsafe. The sex is mostly the MC and one of the monster girls, but there are some MFF scenes where the MC is sleeping with more than one monster girl. The sex is not super graphic, so if you seek something really kinky, or word porn, you will have to search elsewhere.
I like this author's creativity and his worlds are well imagined and vividly described. I do like the world building, and the creativity of using monster girls and other such common characters in a slightly different way than other authors in this genre.
The sex is fairly graphic, and all unsafe. The sex is mostly the MC and one of the monster girls, but there are some MFF scenes where the MC is sleeping with more than one monster girl. The sex is not super graphic, so if you seek something really kinky, or word porn, you will have to search elsewhere.
October 16, 2023
3.5/5
June 27, 2021
3 & 1/2 stars rounded up to 4
This is a magical harem story that is almost game lit, with almost sex scenes.
It's pretty good. The premise is fairly interesting. The world building is solid and thorough. The execution is competent, and the MC is likeable and dedicated to his mission.
Wile the whole thing felt just a little off or like something was missing, there were several very nice touches that enjoyed quite a lot. I got attached to the characters, involved in the story, and will eagerly read the next one.
This is a magical harem story that is almost game lit, with almost sex scenes.
It's pretty good. The premise is fairly interesting. The world building is solid and thorough. The execution is competent, and the MC is likeable and dedicated to his mission.
Wile the whole thing felt just a little off or like something was missing, there were several very nice touches that enjoyed quite a lot. I got attached to the characters, involved in the story, and will eagerly read the next one.
November 23, 2020
Pretty Interesting
Not the typical return to your past selfs timeline and fix your mistakes storyline I was expecting. Characters are fairly well written with good depth to them. A fairly unique magic system blending both common ideas and some rather exotic ideas. All in all a good read and I hope to read more of the same in the next book in this series
Not the typical return to your past selfs timeline and fix your mistakes storyline I was expecting. Characters are fairly well written with good depth to them. A fairly unique magic system blending both common ideas and some rather exotic ideas. All in all a good read and I hope to read more of the same in the next book in this series
December 11, 2021
The means for which protagonists are sent back in time, or transported to another world is always convoluted in some way.
It's like the author has to find some way to get them there, then forget it ever happened.
This was "okay" enough for me to give the second book a try.
Nothing really stood out to me, but a lot of the secrets were not answered by the end of this book.
3/5 Stars
It's like the author has to find some way to get them there, then forget it ever happened.
This was "okay" enough for me to give the second book a try.
Nothing really stood out to me, but a lot of the secrets were not answered by the end of this book.
3/5 Stars
July 23, 2024
Very cool concept but falls flat on its face early on. Mainly in the writing and the way characters interact.
I'll summarize the introduction to illustrate, somewhat of a spoiler but this all happens in the first 50 or so pages:
This is kind of the non-emotional rollercoaster we roll with.
The only time he gets mad is when he finds a magic door he cannot open in 0.5 seconds before starting to bang on it and growl at it, yes, he growls now. Such injustice, much worse than all the murder.
This is all too bad, because the bones of the story, the magic system and world building are kind of interesting. Maybe it will get better later in the story, five books in the series already, but I am having trouble finishing the first one.
A pet peeve of mine is huge sections of internal monologuing/flashbacks/exposition during conversations. I just cannot help to imagine the guy getting asked a question and then vapid stare-drooling while thinking about the past for 15 minutes before answering. I don't know what others think about this but for me this is very annoying.
To be honest the version I read I ripped of kindle years ago, so maybe the version on sale here is updated and proofread. My version for sure was not, it had numerous grammatical mistakes and misuse of words in general. Weirdly a lot of mistakes in transition words, for example, using "but" or "despite" while there is no contradiction. It seems minor, but it is very jarring to read. I'm not a native speaker so I probably don't even see the brunt of it. I don't see many of the other reviewers complaining so maybe it got fixed.
I'll summarize the introduction to illustrate, somewhat of a spoiler but this all happens in the first 50 or so pages:
This is kind of the non-emotional rollercoaster we roll with.
The only time he gets mad is when he finds a magic door he cannot open in 0.5 seconds before starting to bang on it and growl at it, yes, he growls now. Such injustice, much worse than all the murder.
This is all too bad, because the bones of the story, the magic system and world building are kind of interesting. Maybe it will get better later in the story, five books in the series already, but I am having trouble finishing the first one.
A pet peeve of mine is huge sections of internal monologuing/flashbacks/exposition during conversations. I just cannot help to imagine the guy getting asked a question and then vapid stare-drooling while thinking about the past for 15 minutes before answering. I don't know what others think about this but for me this is very annoying.
To be honest the version I read I ripped of kindle years ago, so maybe the version on sale here is updated and proofread. My version for sure was not, it had numerous grammatical mistakes and misuse of words in general. Weirdly a lot of mistakes in transition words, for example, using "but" or "despite" while there is no contradiction. It seems minor, but it is very jarring to read. I'm not a native speaker so I probably don't even see the brunt of it. I don't see many of the other reviewers complaining so maybe it got fixed.
December 17, 2020
Very Good All Around; Just Shy of 5 Stars
5 star:
-world building (robust, relatively well defined magic system and consistent rules and effects of magic. History, geography, economics, cultural differences, and political landscape fleshed out enough to bring the world alive and provide a landscape for the various conflicts that the story explores. All of this world building is done naturally without feeling like info dumps.)
-character building/growth (harem members, the protagonist, secondary characters, and even far off antagonists have their personalities developed and presented to us by their actions and revelations found throughout conflicts in the plot. Especially satisfied that the protagonist grows in both power and personality. Him being aware or becoming aware of his own faults and weaknesses allows an easy avenue for the harem members to take and active, central role in the story. It's not just his story, it's their story with him at the center of it all, which is how I like my haremlit.)
-harem interactions (It takes a lot for me to 5 star thre harem aspect because of how much I like harems and how picky I am about them. The protagonist is central and vital to the harem, each harem member is a fleshed out character with impact to the story all their own, and the relationships between each of the members are realistically explored. I don't like when something claiming to be harem lit is actually polyamory. This book has a brush with two harem members having a preexisting relationship, but it is downplayed and seems to have been supplanted by how they join the harem. Along that same line of thought, there isn't too much focus on romantic relations between harem members outside of romantic relations with the protagonist. Of less importance to my harem rating, but noteworthy as a positive attribute, is that the protagonist doesn't stray too far romantically from his harem, and when he does it's more to add new members with the support of plot mechanics. So he's not just a man whore. )
4 star:
-action scenes (Frequency of action is perfect for me. Individual action scenes seemed to lack excitement due to lack of detail. Also stalled by characters pausing midcombat for a few paragraphs of introspection. The lackluster individual action is saved by the better presented group battles between large units of soldiers. A good job of describing how spells and actions of the heavy hitters and the tactics of other large units affected the flow of a battlefield. Good representations of how differences in races affected their tactics and the strategies of leaders, such as not mixing beastkin races that don't mesh due to their natures.)
-grammar/mechanics (Few mistakes, most of which seemed to be typos, as opposed to incorrect usage. Varied and complex enough vocabulary that it felt like it was intended to be read by someone who could read. Worst issue, which wasn't that bad, is that sometimes sentence or paragraph structure didn't clearly convey the author's point, which caused me to have to read it again to clarify who did what or what exactlywas being described.)
3 star:
-adult scenes (the fact that they exist means I expect more satisfaction from them, but they're too short and infrequent. Particularly for me is a harem member's first time with the protagonist. My ideal is a descriptive 1 on 1, but at least a description of her in the encounter. Instead, several of their first times happen with the focus being on someone not even in the harem. To make it worse, for me, the harem members don't remember that encounter, but their future encounters with the protagonist, including what would be their first time with the protagonist that they would remember, are 'fade to black' or happen off-screen.)
-editing (times where words were obviously omitted or mixed up, including wrong pronoun usage. This happens often enough to be noticable, and is made more apparent due to the contrast with how good the grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary are).
5 star:
-world building (robust, relatively well defined magic system and consistent rules and effects of magic. History, geography, economics, cultural differences, and political landscape fleshed out enough to bring the world alive and provide a landscape for the various conflicts that the story explores. All of this world building is done naturally without feeling like info dumps.)
-character building/growth (harem members, the protagonist, secondary characters, and even far off antagonists have their personalities developed and presented to us by their actions and revelations found throughout conflicts in the plot. Especially satisfied that the protagonist grows in both power and personality. Him being aware or becoming aware of his own faults and weaknesses allows an easy avenue for the harem members to take and active, central role in the story. It's not just his story, it's their story with him at the center of it all, which is how I like my haremlit.)
-harem interactions (It takes a lot for me to 5 star thre harem aspect because of how much I like harems and how picky I am about them. The protagonist is central and vital to the harem, each harem member is a fleshed out character with impact to the story all their own, and the relationships between each of the members are realistically explored. I don't like when something claiming to be harem lit is actually polyamory. This book has a brush with two harem members having a preexisting relationship, but it is downplayed and seems to have been supplanted by how they join the harem. Along that same line of thought, there isn't too much focus on romantic relations between harem members outside of romantic relations with the protagonist. Of less importance to my harem rating, but noteworthy as a positive attribute, is that the protagonist doesn't stray too far romantically from his harem, and when he does it's more to add new members with the support of plot mechanics. So he's not just a man whore. )
4 star:
-action scenes (Frequency of action is perfect for me. Individual action scenes seemed to lack excitement due to lack of detail. Also stalled by characters pausing midcombat for a few paragraphs of introspection. The lackluster individual action is saved by the better presented group battles between large units of soldiers. A good job of describing how spells and actions of the heavy hitters and the tactics of other large units affected the flow of a battlefield. Good representations of how differences in races affected their tactics and the strategies of leaders, such as not mixing beastkin races that don't mesh due to their natures.)
-grammar/mechanics (Few mistakes, most of which seemed to be typos, as opposed to incorrect usage. Varied and complex enough vocabulary that it felt like it was intended to be read by someone who could read. Worst issue, which wasn't that bad, is that sometimes sentence or paragraph structure didn't clearly convey the author's point, which caused me to have to read it again to clarify who did what or what exactlywas being described.)
3 star:
-adult scenes (the fact that they exist means I expect more satisfaction from them, but they're too short and infrequent. Particularly for me is a harem member's first time with the protagonist. My ideal is a descriptive 1 on 1, but at least a description of her in the encounter. Instead, several of their first times happen with the focus being on someone not even in the harem. To make it worse, for me, the harem members don't remember that encounter, but their future encounters with the protagonist, including what would be their first time with the protagonist that they would remember, are 'fade to black' or happen off-screen.)
-editing (times where words were obviously omitted or mixed up, including wrong pronoun usage. This happens often enough to be noticable, and is made more apparent due to the contrast with how good the grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary are).
May 29, 2022
Main character, Nathan Martel, is a Bastion of the Far Reaches, (Bastion is a Fortress Head or Commander in the Anfang Empire), in a territory on the farthest outskirts of this fantasy world.
Author makes this story a harem with the "Champions" being like Knights, Mages or Spellblades, that integrate the retinue of the Bastion, in a fantasy alternate reality world.
Nathan encounters a very powerful "Messenger" (Demon General) that gives him the possibility for a "Do Over" (Second Opportunity) to succeed where Humanity and his World had failed before. Because of Nathan's previous life knowledge, he tries to evade invasions, destructions and this world's apocalypse. As he succeeds he learns that the more he succeeds, the stronger his enemy demons become, so the harder it is going to be, to come out victorious this second time around. Because Nathan was unaware of all of the betrayals and dealings the first time around, this second time, is almost completely different to what happened before.
Because action and story plots are prioritized over the sexual encounters and the harem relationships, this fantasy novel series is above the norm. This first volume has 400+ pages with 45 chapters, so about 8-10 pages a chapter which is on the shorter side. I think the girl in the cover is probably Vera ( a very strong mage but with black hair), although it might be somebody else and since the authors don't really explain their cover illustrations, nor do the illustrators explain them, and there are no maps, or inside other illustrations, it could be the author's neighbor for instance...Anna (short brown hair) the local noble, Sen (white hair), one of Nathan's "Champions" or even Seraph (black hair) an enemy general from the Empire...Clearly the lady on the cover, has reddish long hair, and there is no one in this first volume of this novel series that fits that description...
Author makes this story a harem with the "Champions" being like Knights, Mages or Spellblades, that integrate the retinue of the Bastion, in a fantasy alternate reality world.
Nathan encounters a very powerful "Messenger" (Demon General) that gives him the possibility for a "Do Over" (Second Opportunity) to succeed where Humanity and his World had failed before. Because of Nathan's previous life knowledge, he tries to evade invasions, destructions and this world's apocalypse. As he succeeds he learns that the more he succeeds, the stronger his enemy demons become, so the harder it is going to be, to come out victorious this second time around. Because Nathan was unaware of all of the betrayals and dealings the first time around, this second time, is almost completely different to what happened before.
Because action and story plots are prioritized over the sexual encounters and the harem relationships, this fantasy novel series is above the norm. This first volume has 400+ pages with 45 chapters, so about 8-10 pages a chapter which is on the shorter side. I think the girl in the cover is probably Vera ( a very strong mage but with black hair), although it might be somebody else and since the authors don't really explain their cover illustrations, nor do the illustrators explain them, and there are no maps, or inside other illustrations, it could be the author's neighbor for instance...Anna (short brown hair) the local noble, Sen (white hair), one of Nathan's "Champions" or even Seraph (black hair) an enemy general from the Empire...Clearly the lady on the cover, has reddish long hair, and there is no one in this first volume of this novel series that fits that description...
May 9, 2024
The characters and world are nice and I do like the hints of the magic system we get despite the fact that the first book barely dives into the intricacies of how things work. That being said, there are certain plot elements that kind of rub me the wrong way. Namely the "make waifu button" that forces in all the character development from a timeline we *haven't seen* to make the female leads totally cool with ignoring terror, assault, and their own sexuality to be with the MC. So I can't take the book too seriously or I'm going to be a little grossed out, but if I just treat it as a slightly more lighthearted power fantasy, it's a bit easier to swallow. Hopefully it keeps the same "MC can handle anything with a bit of effort" vibes in later books or else my lack of investment is going to bite me in the butt when it tries to have a dramatic moment and I'm slurping a smoothie thinking, "I wonder when the deus ex machina is going to stop this brutal massacre," only to realize after the fact that I glossed over something that was supposed to be taken seriously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
I've been sampling the "harem fantasy" genre for a couple of years; this is the absolute best series I've come across.
It's a wonderfully rich and original fantasy world. Geography, culture, politics, religion, and war all build together in the setting and play roles in the story. The main character, his girls and the opponents are all serious characters, and, unlike so many stories of this kind, there are other well-developed characters who do not attempt to either fuck or kill the hero.
The story is complex but not pointlessly so - it's not too hard to follow. There are powers that are mysterious but not random. Even five books in I am impatient to learn more about what is really going on. Will finish with #6 or #7, and as long as it is you never feel that it isn't going to end.
I'd prefer if the sexual wish-fulfilment aspect of it were a little less adolescent, but that's par for the course.
It's a wonderfully rich and original fantasy world. Geography, culture, politics, religion, and war all build together in the setting and play roles in the story. The main character, his girls and the opponents are all serious characters, and, unlike so many stories of this kind, there are other well-developed characters who do not attempt to either fuck or kill the hero.
The story is complex but not pointlessly so - it's not too hard to follow. There are powers that are mysterious but not random. Even five books in I am impatient to learn more about what is really going on. Will finish with #6 or #7, and as long as it is you never feel that it isn't going to end.
I'd prefer if the sexual wish-fulfilment aspect of it were a little less adolescent, but that's par for the course.
January 22, 2024
It's alright
I read one other book from this author and I've already noticed a few connections which I think is cool. Hooray for a literary universe!
That said, this book reminded me quite a bit of the other one where everything was really kind of easy and there was never any real fear of failure. There were a couple of nice twists which I appreciate it, but in general, the book was just okay.
Something that irked me was the number of grammatical mistakes. You'd think with as many books as there are in the series that little mistakes like those found throughout this book would have been resolved once they realized the series was popular.
Simply okay story, grammatical mistakes, and few surprises means that I may read the next book in the series just to see if the connections to the other book are there, but I'll probably find something else to read first.
I read one other book from this author and I've already noticed a few connections which I think is cool. Hooray for a literary universe!
That said, this book reminded me quite a bit of the other one where everything was really kind of easy and there was never any real fear of failure. There were a couple of nice twists which I appreciate it, but in general, the book was just okay.
Something that irked me was the number of grammatical mistakes. You'd think with as many books as there are in the series that little mistakes like those found throughout this book would have been resolved once they realized the series was popular.
Simply okay story, grammatical mistakes, and few surprises means that I may read the next book in the series just to see if the connections to the other book are there, but I'll probably find something else to read first.
August 18, 2021
Reincarnation and magic that’s intriguing
The world the author built and the cast of characters are some of the best I’ve read out of the many similar books I’ve consumed. The way magic works in this world is quite unique, in my opinion; the combat, albeit not overly common, is wonderfully descriptive and keeps me engaged. The adult content isn’t as extensive as I expect or wanted but it’s serviceable for the mature tone the story is going with. The interactions between the main cast of characters is fun, believable, and at times thought provoking (especially in relation to consequences of actions taken that make the past and the future change). I highly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author
The world the author built and the cast of characters are some of the best I’ve read out of the many similar books I’ve consumed. The way magic works in this world is quite unique, in my opinion; the combat, albeit not overly common, is wonderfully descriptive and keeps me engaged. The adult content isn’t as extensive as I expect or wanted but it’s serviceable for the mature tone the story is going with. The interactions between the main cast of characters is fun, believable, and at times thought provoking (especially in relation to consequences of actions taken that make the past and the future change). I highly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author
April 13, 2022
Okay, so first things first: This is furry erotica. I wont hold that against it though, and the story is surprisingly passable for a pornoliterary book. The main character is even a good guy, which is honestly starting to be unusual in this type of literature. What draws it down is that all the girls have been setup in advance, so the MC doesn't need to seduce or impress any girls, that all already happened or is a part of the magic system, and the excuse for polyamory is kind of sketchy. Additionally the book seem to make every NPC a 20 year old girl that is interested in the MC, which is just.. odd, and every introduction objectifies them immediately, fortunately by the narrator and not the MC, but still.
February 9, 2023
very interesting
My first time reading something from this author… this was definitely interesting. A lot of politics and strategising and intensive world building. I have a general idea who these “travellers” are and it’s quite fascinating. The hints are all around in the book… the thing is though about the description about what they look like. It’s obvious where they come from considering the food and drink and terminology used so I’m really curious about a few things. Nathan is a very interesting character though, I’m wondering how he’s going to link up with all of his girls. This is very interesting. I look forward to the next book. Onward lads!
My first time reading something from this author… this was definitely interesting. A lot of politics and strategising and intensive world building. I have a general idea who these “travellers” are and it’s quite fascinating. The hints are all around in the book… the thing is though about the description about what they look like. It’s obvious where they come from considering the food and drink and terminology used so I’m really curious about a few things. Nathan is a very interesting character though, I’m wondering how he’s going to link up with all of his girls. This is very interesting. I look forward to the next book. Onward lads!
October 29, 2025
Enjoyable junk food if you enjoy :
- Tower Defense
- Gacha style hero collecting (via story instead of pulls)
- cheat protagonist (he went back in time so knows everything)
Do not expect him or his hot champions to be in any real danger or challenge. The frequency with which he meets his many former champion is a bit too contrived.
The world building is less interesting then in his later series Mob Sorcery. The women have less personality, but I don't hate any of the women nearly as much as I hated the mob princess from that series.
This is my junk food, so listened to the next book.
- Tower Defense
- Gacha style hero collecting (via story instead of pulls)
- cheat protagonist (he went back in time so knows everything)
Do not expect him or his hot champions to be in any real danger or challenge. The frequency with which he meets his many former champion is a bit too contrived.
The world building is less interesting then in his later series Mob Sorcery. The women have less personality, but I don't hate any of the women nearly as much as I hated the mob princess from that series.
This is my junk food, so listened to the next book.
February 17, 2021
Love the world, character development could use some focus.
It's really good, the world is awesome and I'm surprised how much I've enjoyed the magic system and bastion powers (although it is a little conveniently vague). I think more time could have been spent on connecting with characters and having conversations rather than describing things. Like Nathan should have more issues with Kadria/what she is doing rather than just using her as magic wikipedia when magic needed to be explained.
It's really good, the world is awesome and I'm surprised how much I've enjoyed the magic system and bastion powers (although it is a little conveniently vague). I think more time could have been spent on connecting with characters and having conversations rather than describing things. Like Nathan should have more issues with Kadria/what she is doing rather than just using her as magic wikipedia when magic needed to be explained.
July 5, 2024
Great start to a fantasy series. Nathan is a very likable character and the beastkins of the world make for an ineresting addition. The concept of a magic binding stone as the source of power and then the development of gem champions is a fun concept. I really like how the different gem stones provide different abilities based on the type used. The concept of a base with some variation really gives the Mr. Robertson a wide canvas to draw on. Great first book in what looks to be an exciting series.
May 14, 2025
Good start
Story is about Nathan who is a bastion and had champion to try and stop demons. When his tower falls he made a deal with the demon to go back in the past to change events.
Nathan appears arrogant and to me doesn't seem that he wants to learn as he already knows the future.
He has meeting with the demon but instead of trying to ask questions he just gets in his feelings.
Only 1 spice scenes. The rest were closed door or hinted.
Book could have more depth too it.
Story is about Nathan who is a bastion and had champion to try and stop demons. When his tower falls he made a deal with the demon to go back in the past to change events.
Nathan appears arrogant and to me doesn't seem that he wants to learn as he already knows the future.
He has meeting with the demon but instead of trying to ask questions he just gets in his feelings.
Only 1 spice scenes. The rest were closed door or hinted.
Book could have more depth too it.
Read
December 22, 2020Good job, good adult fantasy, read it
It’s a good book. K.D. Robertson manages to write a good adult fantasy book without falling into the pitfall that traps so many others, namely the trap of writing several hundred pages of pornography with a thin veneer of story and pitiful characters with no depth. The characters are engaging, the story is fun to read (and reread), and overall it’s a book I dearly hope has several sequels.
It’s a good book. K.D. Robertson manages to write a good adult fantasy book without falling into the pitfall that traps so many others, namely the trap of writing several hundred pages of pornography with a thin veneer of story and pitiful characters with no depth. The characters are engaging, the story is fun to read (and reread), and overall it’s a book I dearly hope has several sequels.
March 22, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable romp
A great read that hints at the adult stuff without going over the top and even when used it’s not overdone. The story is good and there’s an interesting world built by the author.
Spells, swords, beastkin and political shenanigans abound so there’s loads to get your teeth into and very few errors to distract the readers flow.
Will be looking for more.
Enjoy 😁
A great read that hints at the adult stuff without going over the top and even when used it’s not overdone. The story is good and there’s an interesting world built by the author.
Spells, swords, beastkin and political shenanigans abound so there’s loads to get your teeth into and very few errors to distract the readers flow.
Will be looking for more.
Enjoy 😁
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