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Vainqueur the Dragon #2
The Year of the Rogues
Your favorite dragon is back, and he's richer than ever!
Months have passed since Vainqueur Knightsbane, Great Calamity of his Age and best dragon in the world, discovered the class system and adventurer lifestyle. More powerful than he has ever been, the great wyrm faces a new administering the lands he conquered. At his side, his long-suffering minion Victor Dalton struggles to maintain peace in a country where taxes are illegal, angels sell insurance, and demons are the lawyers. Old enemies plot their revenge, and thieves slither in the dark.
Vainqueur better keep his vault locked at night...
Months have passed since Vainqueur Knightsbane, Great Calamity of his Age and best dragon in the world, discovered the class system and adventurer lifestyle. More powerful than he has ever been, the great wyrm faces a new administering the lands he conquered. At his side, his long-suffering minion Victor Dalton struggles to maintain peace in a country where taxes are illegal, angels sell insurance, and demons are the lawyers. Old enemies plot their revenge, and thieves slither in the dark.
Vainqueur better keep his vault locked at night...
Audible Audio
Published February 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 19, 2024
Escenas y demás:
*"My Immortal Dragon, Capítulo 2: El Deseo del Dragón": nonononono gente. Lejos.
*La conversación de Victor con Akhenapep en Tower of Sablar: duró mucho, mucho tiempo.
...Se dieron consejos valiosos, valiosos.
*Mot y el incidente de la letra pequeña invisible.
*Vainqueur, matando al golem a golpes: he de aceptar que me sorprendió que estuviera dispuesto a adaptarse y usar otro estilo de lucha, sí.
Vainqueur Knightsbane tiene todo lo que siempre deseó y más: riquezas que aumentan constantemente, un imperio bajo su mando, secuaces leales y un Grand Dragon Vizier (y el único merecedor del título de "amigo") para encargarse de los asuntos molestos y no lo suficientemente importantes como para requerir su atención. La vida es buena.
Victor Dalton está a cargo de más trabajo del que jamás quiso: debe controlar un imperio y evitar que el caos se desate (bueno, que aumente), lidiar con las personas y criaturas varias que buscan reproducirse y que lo acosan, procurar que ciertos inversionistas no comiencen una guerra total en Murmurin y muchas, muchas otras cosas. La vida es… demasiado complicada.
Y, para colmo, él sabe que se vienen problemas si Mell Odieuse sigue libre para tramar… y un dios le ha ordenado que lleve a sus adoradores hacia la Luna.
Ah, y Vainqueur se va volviendo cada vez más inteligente. ¡Incluso entiende el sarcasmo ahora! ¿qué vendrá después, la comprensión de que la raíz cuadrada de 64 sigue siendo 8?
...Eh. Por alguna razón, siento que podría haber condenado a Outremonde a un cruel, cruel destino…
*"My Immortal Dragon, Capítulo 2: El Deseo del Dragón": nonononono gente. Lejos.
*La conversación de Victor con Akhenapep en Tower of Sablar: duró mucho, mucho tiempo.
...Se dieron consejos valiosos, valiosos.
*Mot y el incidente de la letra pequeña invisible.
*Vainqueur, matando al golem a golpes: he de aceptar que me sorprendió que estuviera dispuesto a adaptarse y usar otro estilo de lucha, sí.
Vainqueur Knightsbane tiene todo lo que siempre deseó y más: riquezas que aumentan constantemente, un imperio bajo su mando, secuaces leales y un Grand Dragon Vizier (y el único merecedor del título de "amigo") para encargarse de los asuntos molestos y no lo suficientemente importantes como para requerir su atención. La vida es buena.
Victor Dalton está a cargo de más trabajo del que jamás quiso: debe controlar un imperio y evitar que el caos se desate (bueno, que aumente), lidiar con las personas y criaturas varias que buscan reproducirse y que lo acosan, procurar que ciertos inversionistas no comiencen una guerra total en Murmurin y muchas, muchas otras cosas. La vida es… demasiado complicada.
Y, para colmo, él sabe que se vienen problemas si Mell Odieuse sigue libre para tramar… y un dios le ha ordenado que lleve a sus adoradores hacia la Luna.
Ah, y Vainqueur se va volviendo cada vez más inteligente. ¡Incluso entiende el sarcasmo ahora! ¿qué vendrá después, la comprensión de que la raíz cuadrada de 64 sigue siendo 8?
...Eh. Por alguna razón, siento que podría haber condenado a Outremonde a un cruel, cruel destino…
November 16, 2023
A very strong continuation to the series, this book had just a bit more of a serious tone compared to the first one, although it still retained a lot of the comedic elements. There was a lot more world building too, going into the details about how the whole "game world" works and how the deities control it, which I found very interesting and meta-y. The plot felt a little bit less coherent and focused compared to the first book, but I feel like that was because the author was trying to flesh out the universe, and it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
The comedy was great as always, with a lot of the jokes and scenes often being ridiculous and sometimes somewhat inappropriate, but never going over the top or crossing a line that would make me cringe. I've been very pleasantly surprised by how well I've been enjoying the humor, two books in. Vainqueur is, legitimately, such a funny and entertaining character and I love pretty much every scene that he's in.
Great sequel and I can't wait to read more and see where this absolutely insane adventure goes next.
The comedy was great as always, with a lot of the jokes and scenes often being ridiculous and sometimes somewhat inappropriate, but never going over the top or crossing a line that would make me cringe. I've been very pleasantly surprised by how well I've been enjoying the humor, two books in. Vainqueur is, legitimately, such a funny and entertaining character and I love pretty much every scene that he's in.
Great sequel and I can't wait to read more and see where this absolutely insane adventure goes next.
August 1, 2023
read books three (3.11.20)and four (4-11.11.20) which don't have listings apparently. They were about the same, pretty average after that initial feeling of Myth Adventures although I do think he was improving, slowly, as a writer, just not in all the right directions. This might be a bit of a personality clash, but also, people seem to assume that writing a web series means less work than writing a book. Which is absurd to me. You're publishing every week or so. You're writing a series of novellas and publishing them. That's a different kind of work, not less.
November 9, 2020
Same problems as the first book (frequent English errors, fast levelling), but SIGNIFICANTLY better plot and writing. Great engagement with moral quandary. 3* and I'll pick up the next installment once it's out.
July 18, 2024
A fun read with some pretty hilarious moments that caught me off guard, and more character and story development including moral dilemmas and a wider view on the world.
I just regret that Vainqueur still lags behind in that regard, sticking too much to the stereotype of the greedy dragon - not that this doesn't fit him, but he needs more colors to his character.
By the end though this trend seems to change, so I hope it will keep that way in the next installment.
I just regret that Vainqueur still lags behind in that regard, sticking too much to the stereotype of the greedy dragon - not that this doesn't fit him, but he needs more colors to his character.
By the end though this trend seems to change, so I hope it will keep that way in the next installment.
November 11, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
November 20, 2024
The first book in the series was not that great (in my opinion). However, I found started to enjoy book two a lot more. There seemed to be more "meat" to the story and I started to find myself rooting for specific characters and caring about how they handled certain situations.
Growth in the Kobold Rangers and the mimic just amuses me. The rocket riding green slime is now one of my favorite characters. The developing storyline with Furybon just cracks me up (Stockholm syndrome?! Seriously!?! LOL). I also find myself really invested in how Victor handles trying to be a relatively goodish human being even though all his classes, perks, and benefits seem to lean to what is traditionally for an evil alignment.
I still don't like the main character, Vainqueur the Dragon, that much. Maybe that is the sign of a good writer. Maybe the characteristics and mannerisms of an arrogant ass are written so well that it actually irritates me. I find I'm somewhat invested in Vainqueur coming to terms with the possibility of death. Otherwise he is a chaos monkey that makes the life of the other characters I like, interesting. What I would like to see is if the Dragon can "grow" a little more ... emotionally? Or maybe deal with humility.
Decent book, better than the first. I do recommend this one and am going to move on to the next in the series.
Growth in the Kobold Rangers and the mimic just amuses me. The rocket riding green slime is now one of my favorite characters. The developing storyline with Furybon just cracks me up (Stockholm syndrome?! Seriously!?! LOL). I also find myself really invested in how Victor handles trying to be a relatively goodish human being even though all his classes, perks, and benefits seem to lean to what is traditionally for an evil alignment.
I still don't like the main character, Vainqueur the Dragon, that much. Maybe that is the sign of a good writer. Maybe the characteristics and mannerisms of an arrogant ass are written so well that it actually irritates me. I find I'm somewhat invested in Vainqueur coming to terms with the possibility of death. Otherwise he is a chaos monkey that makes the life of the other characters I like, interesting. What I would like to see is if the Dragon can "grow" a little more ... emotionally? Or maybe deal with humility.
Decent book, better than the first. I do recommend this one and am going to move on to the next in the series.
November 28, 2021
Great continuation of the hilarious megalomanic over-the-top dragon Emperor and his minion Vic (BTW, that's with capital E as he can tell).
If you've liked the first book, you should try this one as well! If you didn't like it, then what are you doing here? If you didn't read it, start from the beginning and be sure to come back! ^_^
From the bat, this book doesn't match the first one in fun factor. Looks like as Vaniqueur's INT stat raises, he becomes more self aware. Shock! He now understands ... sarcasm!
Still, there's a lot to compensate and even to add more value to the story. I found some comprehensive character development, even more crazy missions, some intense battle scenes, lore and world building, and even trade espionage between corpo heaven and hell.
The only thing that bothers me with this story is that I don't understand the teleport mechanism :) sometimes it works, sometimes not. The perks add some power, the abilities are crazy.
If you've liked the first book, you should try this one as well! If you didn't like it, then what are you doing here? If you didn't read it, start from the beginning and be sure to come back! ^_^
From the bat, this book doesn't match the first one in fun factor. Looks like as Vaniqueur's INT stat raises, he becomes more self aware. Shock! He now understands ... sarcasm!
Still, there's a lot to compensate and even to add more value to the story. I found some comprehensive character development, even more crazy missions, some intense battle scenes, lore and world building, and even trade espionage between corpo heaven and hell.
The only thing that bothers me with this story is that I don't understand the teleport mechanism :) sometimes it works, sometimes not. The perks add some power, the abilities are crazy.
June 2, 2021
An excellent sequel, with much improved plot-flow, even better epic battles and rising stakes, with a well-defined main antagonist rearing their head against our weirdly-lovable group of "heroes". The banter is great, the humor is top-notch and the power-leveling, while at times quite accelerated, hits the right spot between op-ness and feeling as if there's still genuinely dangerous situations for Vainqueur, Victor and the rest of V&V.
There's some cliffhangers (with quite the huge one right at the end), but with a sequel as satisfying as this one, knowing there's at least one more volume is a Quest Reward that feels more like an actual Crest than a Mimic waiting to eat you whole.
Vainqueur, best dragon! Vainqueur, best dragon!
(Also, Vic+Choc forever. Eat your heart out, Yellow Ranger!)
There's some cliffhangers (with quite the huge one right at the end), but with a sequel as satisfying as this one, knowing there's at least one more volume is a Quest Reward that feels more like an actual Crest than a Mimic waiting to eat you whole.
Vainqueur, best dragon! Vainqueur, best dragon!
(Also, Vic+Choc forever. Eat your heart out, Yellow Ranger!)
March 6, 2021
(I listen to the audio version)
This was really good an amazing sequel that leaves me biting at the bit for book 3. I love the little easter eggs in this book and the character development is superb. I spent most of my time listening to this book laughing out loud and wondering what was going to happen next. Definitely, a sequel you need to pick up and as with the first book, Jack Voraces brings all of these characters to life in an all inspiring way. He is able to add an insane amount of inflection to each of the characters that leave no disappointment or room to second guess who he is talking for. Over all you should get this book.
This was really good an amazing sequel that leaves me biting at the bit for book 3. I love the little easter eggs in this book and the character development is superb. I spent most of my time listening to this book laughing out loud and wondering what was going to happen next. Definitely, a sequel you need to pick up and as with the first book, Jack Voraces brings all of these characters to life in an all inspiring way. He is able to add an insane amount of inflection to each of the characters that leave no disappointment or room to second guess who he is talking for. Over all you should get this book.
July 30, 2025
Funny, light read. Still enjoying the *slightly* smarter dragon antics, Victor's improved minion status, and the attempts to not go all-out evil while building an evil empire.
Plus, there's always the danger of lead. Evil, evil lead. The bane of all dragons. lol
All told, I'm enjoying the read. It's slightly weird, very comedic, and it has all the goodies of any LitRPG, with tons of familiar class upgrades and level-ups.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
Plus, there's always the danger of lead. Evil, evil lead. The bane of all dragons. lol
All told, I'm enjoying the read. It's slightly weird, very comedic, and it has all the goodies of any LitRPG, with tons of familiar class upgrades and level-ups.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
June 16, 2022
It's a great series if you can get past the MC's spineless personality (may just be the narrator's take on the char though). Very funny, plenty of adventure and mixed with the perfect amount of grimdark.
Audiobook is recommended for the great dragon voicing alone, although there have been a lot of post-production screwups where one line is delivered without the voice filter while the next line is. I feel like I noticed this most in the third book.
Audiobook is recommended for the great dragon voicing alone, although there have been a lot of post-production screwups where one line is delivered without the voice filter while the next line is. I feel like I noticed this most in the third book.
February 21, 2023
Giving up on this series. Characters are starting to annoy me and the humor didn't land.
Sadly it seems to be the writing style or something. Also read the Perfect Run by the same author and I'm struggling with that as well. I'm sure it's hard to successfully write characters that are either intentionally unlikable or annoying, and I appreciate something different, but it just doesn't work here.
Sadly it seems to be the writing style or something. Also read the Perfect Run by the same author and I'm struggling with that as well. I'm sure it's hard to successfully write characters that are either intentionally unlikable or annoying, and I appreciate something different, but it just doesn't work here.
March 24, 2024
Strong 6/10 to light 7/10. It's mostly more of the same. Which is still fun but it's stagnated a bit. Still funny at times. I enjoyed meeting more dragons. The niece is still pretty fun. Going to the moon was another highlight. Some funny references but not prime perfect run level.
The vampire invasion kind of sucked. This book's villains (fomore/vamps) also blend together to me. They're not really compelling or well-defined.
The vampire invasion kind of sucked. This book's villains (fomore/vamps) also blend together to me. They're not really compelling or well-defined.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2022
I hadn't realised that I'd been on a Durand binge until I saw this series mentioned in the comments of The Last Gods. Well!
I have a soft spot for Vainqueur's slapstick comedy, even if the plot is starting to draw a bit thin. The dragon's slow but inexorable rise to GOAThood is a treat in times of dirth.
This book needs no apology. Let it be!
I have a soft spot for Vainqueur's slapstick comedy, even if the plot is starting to draw a bit thin. The dragon's slow but inexorable rise to GOAThood is a treat in times of dirth.
This book needs no apology. Let it be!
December 11, 2022
It maintains the same humor of the first one, but we get an even deeper understanding of the world it's set in. The only problem I have is Vainqueur himself, who as a character is already strongly grotesque, evolves very little, and in the end feels like a funny pun that isn't as funny as the first time. Hope things will change a little in the third book about this aspect.
July 16, 2025
I remember the first book being a little bonkers but very original. This book carries on in that vein. It is fun, random, original and yet compelling. Victor is an intriguing character and I really enjoy his perspective. Vainqueur is the crazy one but he is pretty funny and completely OP. The story was interesting.
November 6, 2020
Amazing!!!
Yet another amazing piece of work for this series! I honestly love this series and I hope it continues on for a good while, though hopefully in a way that does not lower the quality of the series. I look to reading more of the adventures of V&V.
Yet another amazing piece of work for this series! I honestly love this series and I hope it continues on for a good while, though hopefully in a way that does not lower the quality of the series. I look to reading more of the adventures of V&V.
November 7, 2020
Hilarious and engrossing.
So far every book by Maxime J. Durand has been exceptional and this one is no different. The character's are so fun and interesting and the fact that they are actually managing to grow is a testament to the author's skill.
So far every book by Maxime J. Durand has been exceptional and this one is no different. The character's are so fun and interesting and the fact that they are actually managing to grow is a testament to the author's skill.
December 9, 2020
Love
I love this dragon! So stupid in all the right ways and watching him grow and the abilities of the characters develop is downright entertaining. It’s a lighthearted read the entertains. Please enjoy
I love this dragon! So stupid in all the right ways and watching him grow and the abilities of the characters develop is downright entertaining. It’s a lighthearted read the entertains. Please enjoy
January 23, 2022
Book two
Mistakes: I found a lot, however I neither counted them or posted them. I just enjoyed the story.
Plot: A bunch of silliness. Great fun.
Characters: An interesting cast.
7/10
Mistakes: I found a lot, however I neither counted them or posted them. I just enjoyed the story.
Plot: A bunch of silliness. Great fun.
Characters: An interesting cast.
7/10
May 21, 2022
The author got better
I was concerned at first that the story would descend into a tired plot line with predictable outcomes but to my great relief it didn't. Fun to read with the plot thickening.
I was concerned at first that the story would descend into a tired plot line with predictable outcomes but to my great relief it didn't. Fun to read with the plot thickening.
October 26, 2022
Unfortunately, a lot of the charm from the first book was lost in this book. The stuff I didn't like grew worse and I only barely managed to finish this one thanks to some of the side-plots like the slimes.
September 14, 2024
This was just a good book, more from Vainqueur and Victor and more laughs. There were themes of exploration and roguishness which were both entertaining. The characters had a lot more depth than before and I often made me laugh or smile. The narration was perfect.
September 30, 2024
There are definitely some unexpected choices made by the author and that only makes the book better and less bland/predictable. That being said, it's not as good as his perfect run series but perhaps I shouldn't compare the two.
October 14, 2020
Hilarious
A ridiculously hilarious book full of action, plots, interesting well crafted characters, excellent growth and growth potential of the characters, and pure fun.
A ridiculously hilarious book full of action, plots, interesting well crafted characters, excellent growth and growth potential of the characters, and pure fun.
November 18, 2020
What a great series!
These books have everything I’m looking for!! Dragons, minions, stats, and so much more!! I just want more! For the hoard!!
These books have everything I’m looking for!! Dragons, minions, stats, and so much more!! I just want more! For the hoard!!
March 11, 2021
A good read, but not as effortlessly so as the first Vainqueur book. The author acknowledges the heavier tone and promises it'll lighten up again, so fingers crossed. Vainqueur's ever-increasing INT score removes most of his inherent buffoonery, but there is still hope.
March 20, 2021
still very entertaining and amazing narration!
March 28, 2021
This book is great. Even better if you get the audio. If you enjoyed the first book, then you should enjoy this one. I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews