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Paladin of the Sigil #1
Paladin of the Sword
The surface world is a strange place for a young man who grew up in Hell.
Darren was just a boy when he and his mother were betrayed by paladins and chased beneath the earth. There, with only his paladin’s sigil and his quests to guide him, Darren grew from boy to man. Born in fire and blood, Hell itself sculpted the perfect paladin.
Years later, after a lifetime of fighting demons and battling a world full of nightmares, Darren finally returned to the surface. But the world above ground has just as many trials to face as Hell itself, and not all of Darren's enemies are demons.
Darren’s foes lurk in wait, and he will need all his strength to make new friends and build a life atop the ashes of his mysterious past.
Contains: Gamelit system, multiple love interests, and one badass paladin.
Darren was just a boy when he and his mother were betrayed by paladins and chased beneath the earth. There, with only his paladin’s sigil and his quests to guide him, Darren grew from boy to man. Born in fire and blood, Hell itself sculpted the perfect paladin.
Years later, after a lifetime of fighting demons and battling a world full of nightmares, Darren finally returned to the surface. But the world above ground has just as many trials to face as Hell itself, and not all of Darren's enemies are demons.
Darren’s foes lurk in wait, and he will need all his strength to make new friends and build a life atop the ashes of his mysterious past.
Contains: Gamelit system, multiple love interests, and one badass paladin.
607 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2021
510 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Marvin Knight
21 books152 followersLong time reader, now a hoping to be an author himself.
Formerly known as Marvin Whiteknight
Formerly known as Marvin Whiteknight
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 27, 2025
An Average Beginning, But Showing Promise
Perhaps I might have been a little generous here... I've given this book a 3.5 rounded up to 4. I suspect 3.25 might be more accurate, but I just don't think it feels right.
This is the first book in the second series I've read by Marvin Knight after Amazon Apocalypse (which I have thoroughly enjoyed). It was written earlier though, and was the author's first attempt at using third person. I think his prose is far better suited to first person. There were occasional lapses and inconsistencies here in terms of PoV. The writing did seem to improve as the book progressed, but I don't think it was on the same level as Amazon Apocalypse.
The characters are mostly fine, if a little bland. The world is moderately interesting... The most engaging thing about the story (for me, at least) is the premise. Growing up in Hell has made a monster out of our protagonist, Darren. It's great to see him learn about the world and adapt to an existence where he doesn't have to fear for his life every waking second. I also really enjoy overpowered protagonists.
Ultimately, I'd say this book was okay. It was good enough that I'll check out the next in the series, but not good enough for me to prioritise it over reading something else first.
3.5 out of 5
Perhaps I might have been a little generous here... I've given this book a 3.5 rounded up to 4. I suspect 3.25 might be more accurate, but I just don't think it feels right.
This is the first book in the second series I've read by Marvin Knight after Amazon Apocalypse (which I have thoroughly enjoyed). It was written earlier though, and was the author's first attempt at using third person. I think his prose is far better suited to first person. There were occasional lapses and inconsistencies here in terms of PoV. The writing did seem to improve as the book progressed, but I don't think it was on the same level as Amazon Apocalypse.
The characters are mostly fine, if a little bland. The world is moderately interesting... The most engaging thing about the story (for me, at least) is the premise. Growing up in Hell has made a monster out of our protagonist, Darren. It's great to see him learn about the world and adapt to an existence where he doesn't have to fear for his life every waking second. I also really enjoy overpowered protagonists.
Ultimately, I'd say this book was okay. It was good enough that I'll check out the next in the series, but not good enough for me to prioritise it over reading something else first.
3.5 out of 5
December 22, 2022
My least favorite part of LitRPG is the stupid covers. Ugh. This story had an interesting premise of a Paladin order gone wrong that forces a young boy into hell. Where he grows up. And grows strong. And knows very little of human society. And it delivered on that interesting backstory.
Until he got out of hell. At which point it alternated between stupid and boring. Also plot manipulations in order to create "tension".
So it's a dnf and I'm sad that the initial interest tanked so very hard.
Until he got out of hell. At which point it alternated between stupid and boring. Also plot manipulations in order to create "tension".
So it's a dnf and I'm sad that the initial interest tanked so very hard.
October 20, 2021
No Personality
The MC is a pile of traumatic background, combat power, and gifted items. But he does not have a personality or character. The groundwork exists but there is a void where personality should be.
The supporting cast are barely two dimensional, but they do have some basic trope personas, which emphasizes how lifeless the MC is.
The plot is highly predictable, the alternate viewpoints remove tension instead of building it, and the action is impossible to follow.
Technically solid writing, with few proofing errors.
I don't want to discourage the author, there is enough ability displayed to get my attention, but this book is bad and readers should go find something else.
The MC is a pile of traumatic background, combat power, and gifted items. But he does not have a personality or character. The groundwork exists but there is a void where personality should be.
The supporting cast are barely two dimensional, but they do have some basic trope personas, which emphasizes how lifeless the MC is.
The plot is highly predictable, the alternate viewpoints remove tension instead of building it, and the action is impossible to follow.
Technically solid writing, with few proofing errors.
I don't want to discourage the author, there is enough ability displayed to get my attention, but this book is bad and readers should go find something else.
May 28, 2023
[The Story]
Barely escaping into Hell after being pursued by a group of oathbreaking Paladins, Darren and his mother find themselves trapped in the dark. Struggling to survive against First Order Imps and Demons, the two eek out a survivable lifestyle... until returning to the surface. His mother betrayed and killed in the aftermath, Darren is forced back into Hell with no guide but his mother's old skill books and a dagger-turned-sword named Melancholy. For the next 15 years he trained in those infernal pits. Learning and mastering skills to become a demon to literal demons, capable of creating an aura that can kill their weakest without exertion or effort.
Hell hasn't been a challenge to Darren since he was 10 years old, but the surface? Humans? An entirely different story all together. Feeling that he's strong enough to leave Hell and follow his Mother's dying words, Darren breaks out by killing a lesser Duke of Hell and teleporting himself into a forest outside of his destination. Directly on the path of a merchant caravan ran by a gorgeous pink-haired woman named Cassandra and her cousin Callum.
Becoming their defender for the trip to Linedeep, Darren soon becomes infatuated with the pink haired caravanner and vows to protect her. This takes them into direct confrontation with a bandit king and his legion of followers, all blessed by demons... In a world that's been twisted by ambition, there's only one man that truly follows the light. Its up to Darren, Melancholy and his tremendously powerful and purifying cock to save this world. Perhaps even return its people to the Seraph's holy graces...
[The Character(s)]
The only character that exists in this book is Darren, a behemoth of a Stu corded with muscle after a lifetime in a one-man war. A paladin by training, he completely lacks social skills and instead relies on Cassandra, Callum, and a 3rd group member - Morgana. Unfamiliar with the fairer sex and the 'ample globules' they carry on their chest, Darren is at first stunned into silence by the forward advances of these women... until 2 prostitutes show him exactly how to please a woman. These skills come in handy during the first 3rd of the book, requiring a threesome to break a summoning spell for a prince of Hell. Driven into a righteous cock lust, Morgana and Cassandra exist solely to hang off of Darren's arm.
Callum as a character is our yardstick for the common man. Whatever he fails at, Darren succeeds in without effort or trail. The sheer amount of times this man nearly dies in this book and is saved by the strapping paladin is staggering. Believe he's used as the reader's self-insert as he's on a journey of growth and power after meeting Darren.
[Final Thoughts]
Some of the clumsiest writing I've ever read and a plot that goes nowhere. The sex scenes were atrocious and I can't believe I had to listen to a narrated ahegao. Cultivation harems somehow beat litRPG's... Unbelievable. My new lowest score for a title that I willingly finished. This shit broke my spirit. Darren takes us such presence and yet has no character, barely any speaking lines, and some of the worst development I've ever read.
'I can't read,' he admits in one chapter. Next chapter he finds a hidden slip of paper indicting a local Paladin guild in profiteering and can read it like an old pro? Character motivations change on a whim, the only exception being Callum who's a delicate little pissant for a bulk of the story. Plot developments come out of nowhere and it's all... just... bad.
I've written better smut while I was still in HS and still didn't refer to anyone's cock as a 'turgid member' or 'pulsating rod'.
Barely escaping into Hell after being pursued by a group of oathbreaking Paladins, Darren and his mother find themselves trapped in the dark. Struggling to survive against First Order Imps and Demons, the two eek out a survivable lifestyle... until returning to the surface. His mother betrayed and killed in the aftermath, Darren is forced back into Hell with no guide but his mother's old skill books and a dagger-turned-sword named Melancholy. For the next 15 years he trained in those infernal pits. Learning and mastering skills to become a demon to literal demons, capable of creating an aura that can kill their weakest without exertion or effort.
Hell hasn't been a challenge to Darren since he was 10 years old, but the surface? Humans? An entirely different story all together. Feeling that he's strong enough to leave Hell and follow his Mother's dying words, Darren breaks out by killing a lesser Duke of Hell and teleporting himself into a forest outside of his destination. Directly on the path of a merchant caravan ran by a gorgeous pink-haired woman named Cassandra and her cousin Callum.
Becoming their defender for the trip to Linedeep, Darren soon becomes infatuated with the pink haired caravanner and vows to protect her. This takes them into direct confrontation with a bandit king and his legion of followers, all blessed by demons... In a world that's been twisted by ambition, there's only one man that truly follows the light. Its up to Darren, Melancholy and his tremendously powerful and purifying cock to save this world. Perhaps even return its people to the Seraph's holy graces...
[The Character(s)]
The only character that exists in this book is Darren, a behemoth of a Stu corded with muscle after a lifetime in a one-man war. A paladin by training, he completely lacks social skills and instead relies on Cassandra, Callum, and a 3rd group member - Morgana. Unfamiliar with the fairer sex and the 'ample globules' they carry on their chest, Darren is at first stunned into silence by the forward advances of these women... until 2 prostitutes show him exactly how to please a woman. These skills come in handy during the first 3rd of the book, requiring a threesome to break a summoning spell for a prince of Hell. Driven into a righteous cock lust, Morgana and Cassandra exist solely to hang off of Darren's arm.
Callum as a character is our yardstick for the common man. Whatever he fails at, Darren succeeds in without effort or trail. The sheer amount of times this man nearly dies in this book and is saved by the strapping paladin is staggering. Believe he's used as the reader's self-insert as he's on a journey of growth and power after meeting Darren.
[Final Thoughts]
Some of the clumsiest writing I've ever read and a plot that goes nowhere. The sex scenes were atrocious and I can't believe I had to listen to a narrated ahegao. Cultivation harems somehow beat litRPG's... Unbelievable. My new lowest score for a title that I willingly finished. This shit broke my spirit. Darren takes us such presence and yet has no character, barely any speaking lines, and some of the worst development I've ever read.
'I can't read,' he admits in one chapter. Next chapter he finds a hidden slip of paper indicting a local Paladin guild in profiteering and can read it like an old pro? Character motivations change on a whim, the only exception being Callum who's a delicate little pissant for a bulk of the story. Plot developments come out of nowhere and it's all... just... bad.
I've written better smut while I was still in HS and still didn't refer to anyone's cock as a 'turgid member' or 'pulsating rod'.
September 30, 2021
A solid beginning to an interesting new world
I am enamored with this author's other work, the Spellheart Saga, so of course I'm going to give his new world to go.
I really enjoy how the MC is written. It's an overpowered MC, but pretty much in the skill and brawn category. And there's a reason for that. What I enjoy about this is that the MC doesn't talk a lot, so many other characters take what little he says and continues the conversation as if he had said what they wanted him to say. He usually doesn't argue. The reason why I like this is because this isn't a case of the MC being taken advantage of, this is more like all the other characters making assumptions and offering up information. It's almost like the idea of being interrogated by Chuck Norris: he doesn't ask you questions, he just stares until you give him the answers.
I also really enjoy some of the assumptions that the MC makes in his own head, or rather, the conclusions he draws from his lack of knowledge from the human world. I love the running gag about money.
While this story is a little light on the litRPG aspect, there's also some light base building to go with it. And perhaps, in the future, maybe some empire building. I would personally like to see either or both of those pan out.
There was some sexy time, which I've come to expect from the author. What I liked is that it wasn't over the top. While definitely not FTB, it wasn't as explicit as some of his other work and not every encounter was spelled out as I've seen with other authors. Still definitely an 18+ book.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as I cannot wait to see how our MC overcomes the challenges that have been hinted at.
I am enamored with this author's other work, the Spellheart Saga, so of course I'm going to give his new world to go.
I really enjoy how the MC is written. It's an overpowered MC, but pretty much in the skill and brawn category. And there's a reason for that. What I enjoy about this is that the MC doesn't talk a lot, so many other characters take what little he says and continues the conversation as if he had said what they wanted him to say. He usually doesn't argue. The reason why I like this is because this isn't a case of the MC being taken advantage of, this is more like all the other characters making assumptions and offering up information. It's almost like the idea of being interrogated by Chuck Norris: he doesn't ask you questions, he just stares until you give him the answers.
I also really enjoy some of the assumptions that the MC makes in his own head, or rather, the conclusions he draws from his lack of knowledge from the human world. I love the running gag about money.
While this story is a little light on the litRPG aspect, there's also some light base building to go with it. And perhaps, in the future, maybe some empire building. I would personally like to see either or both of those pan out.
There was some sexy time, which I've come to expect from the author. What I liked is that it wasn't over the top. While definitely not FTB, it wasn't as explicit as some of his other work and not every encounter was spelled out as I've seen with other authors. Still definitely an 18+ book.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as I cannot wait to see how our MC overcomes the challenges that have been hinted at.
July 22, 2025
This one started off very fun, then it just fell flat.
It had a solid start that seemed like a lot of fun. It went solely off of a well defined main character. That was the problem. Three fifths of the story went by wonderfully, a five star in the making. Then a glaring inconsistency made an appearance. The last twenty percent was ruined by the story forcing a choice that broke the believability of the main character, and threw the last bit of narrative in the trash.
It had a solid start that seemed like a lot of fun. It went solely off of a well defined main character. That was the problem. Three fifths of the story went by wonderfully, a five star in the making. Then a glaring inconsistency made an appearance. The last twenty percent was ruined by the story forcing a choice that broke the believability of the main character, and threw the last bit of narrative in the trash.
January 25, 2023
I would have loved to given this a 4 or even 5 star, because it definitely had the potential. But there's a few things in this book that irked me to no end, so instead of giving it a 5 star, or even 4 I need to drop it to a 3. I'm taking a solid point off because the whole thing with him being stupid enough to think that bronze coins are the currency that really matter just makes no sense and it's a blatant slap to the readers face that the author thinks anyone is stupid enough to not see this as something that is holding the MC back from being rich right as he gets out of hell. It's annoying and it would have just been better if they made it so the MC just didn't trust anyone enough to show his wealth off until later on, that would make more sense than making our, for the most part, very intelligent MC seem like an absolute buffoon for no reason.
The next point drops it from a 4 star to a 3, and that is power consistency. When the MC was in hell he was killing creatures that were FAR above his supposed level because his abilities were just that buffed up, one being his insane movement speed that even demon lords, some of the strongest creatures in all of existence couldn't keep up with. I understand that his abilities are really overpowered versus demons, but when he fights the other paladins, he seems WAY too weak compared to how he was at the start of the story. He's still able to kick the average paladins ass, but the fights were always drawn out longer than you'd expect for someone who has all epic and mythic skills and gear due to a legendary talent that is one of a kind. It just seemed like his power was all over the place throughout the book and that's a huge no no in my book.
But the good parts were really good, the MC other than the whole bronze coin thing, was actually intelligent but was also alpha enough to not let anyone walk all over him and his friends, he also wasn't some mass murderer, but he didn't have that annoying hero complex a lot of harem authors force onto their MCs, he actually kills the bad guys. So all in all I actually really liked him as an MC, I also really enjoyed that his two love interests actually have non cardboard cutout personalities, they are both very different people and have their own weird quirks. I really enjoyed the chapters where we get to hear their thoughts as well, it's something that I love in romance novels that really hasn't caught on in the harem genre other than some really old Logan Jacobs books before he became a ghost farm. All in all this book was very enjoyable, it's just those two things I spoke of previously REALLY annoyed me to the point where I was cursing out loud with no one around.
The next point drops it from a 4 star to a 3, and that is power consistency. When the MC was in hell he was killing creatures that were FAR above his supposed level because his abilities were just that buffed up, one being his insane movement speed that even demon lords, some of the strongest creatures in all of existence couldn't keep up with. I understand that his abilities are really overpowered versus demons, but when he fights the other paladins, he seems WAY too weak compared to how he was at the start of the story. He's still able to kick the average paladins ass, but the fights were always drawn out longer than you'd expect for someone who has all epic and mythic skills and gear due to a legendary talent that is one of a kind. It just seemed like his power was all over the place throughout the book and that's a huge no no in my book.
But the good parts were really good, the MC other than the whole bronze coin thing, was actually intelligent but was also alpha enough to not let anyone walk all over him and his friends, he also wasn't some mass murderer, but he didn't have that annoying hero complex a lot of harem authors force onto their MCs, he actually kills the bad guys. So all in all I actually really liked him as an MC, I also really enjoyed that his two love interests actually have non cardboard cutout personalities, they are both very different people and have their own weird quirks. I really enjoyed the chapters where we get to hear their thoughts as well, it's something that I love in romance novels that really hasn't caught on in the harem genre other than some really old Logan Jacobs books before he became a ghost farm. All in all this book was very enjoyable, it's just those two things I spoke of previously REALLY annoyed me to the point where I was cursing out loud with no one around.
April 5, 2022
It started good, but from chapter ten onward the story began to suffer inconsistencys, from plot holes, to character degradation. The simplicity of the the world stablished at first began to hurt the plot once the author tryed to make it more complex that it could. The characters that initially seemed new and invigorating stale in the development ad then got discarded as nothing more that their bare existence with no depth or background installed in them. Hope book two its an improvement.
February 16, 2023
hmmm
My first time reading a book from this author… my review will be honest, but I’ll try and not be too harsh. First off, I truly dislike Callum and Morgana was slowly working a close second.. Cassandra was kind of hard to like as a main character female lead as well. I really liked Darren, but he was kind of inconsistent with how he did things. Don’t get me wrong, this series I think can be amazing. The world building at the beginning was truly stupendous to be honest. It really had me close to tears with his mother because it’s the anniversary of my own mothers passing and just thinking about his mom had me going. When he went to the shrine and when he met Yuka got me going as well. I think those were profound moments… but the act of silliness on the part of his companions is what upset me the most. Callum and his mouth without a filter shouting out things left and right drawing attention to Darren really got me mad. “ omg you have an epic skill”! “Wow you must be a paladin and a strong one sir Darren”! Everything he said in crowds of people could draw unwanted attention and it’s like the man is already as wide as a semi truck and 7 feet tall he doesn’t need you screaming about his skills in the middle of guild testing or in the middle of restaurants. 🤦🏽♂️😤. Morgana was also a piece of work, truly a bottom feeder. But she did redeem herself. The thing is she does have likeable qualities about her so it was brutal to see her making these mistakes. Darren letting key rogue elements escape without putting them down was also huge mistakes. Simon shouldn’t have been allowed to leave. He should have learned what happens when you leave enemies behind… he saw that with Edmund. Also teasing the man that he couldn’t read got to me as well. For a guy that couldn’t fight, didn’t have skills, a way of life and had his life saved 50 times by Darren laughing in his face because he couldn’t read or write had me seeing red. Anyways, I’m nitpicking. The book was good, I did enjoy it but my reviews are always thorough and simply honest. I will definitely read book 2 and see what Darren gets into. I wonder if Sasha will be next on the list: 🤔🤭. Onward, lads!
My first time reading a book from this author… my review will be honest, but I’ll try and not be too harsh. First off, I truly dislike Callum and Morgana was slowly working a close second.. Cassandra was kind of hard to like as a main character female lead as well. I really liked Darren, but he was kind of inconsistent with how he did things. Don’t get me wrong, this series I think can be amazing. The world building at the beginning was truly stupendous to be honest. It really had me close to tears with his mother because it’s the anniversary of my own mothers passing and just thinking about his mom had me going. When he went to the shrine and when he met Yuka got me going as well. I think those were profound moments… but the act of silliness on the part of his companions is what upset me the most. Callum and his mouth without a filter shouting out things left and right drawing attention to Darren really got me mad. “ omg you have an epic skill”! “Wow you must be a paladin and a strong one sir Darren”! Everything he said in crowds of people could draw unwanted attention and it’s like the man is already as wide as a semi truck and 7 feet tall he doesn’t need you screaming about his skills in the middle of guild testing or in the middle of restaurants. 🤦🏽♂️😤. Morgana was also a piece of work, truly a bottom feeder. But she did redeem herself. The thing is she does have likeable qualities about her so it was brutal to see her making these mistakes. Darren letting key rogue elements escape without putting them down was also huge mistakes. Simon shouldn’t have been allowed to leave. He should have learned what happens when you leave enemies behind… he saw that with Edmund. Also teasing the man that he couldn’t read got to me as well. For a guy that couldn’t fight, didn’t have skills, a way of life and had his life saved 50 times by Darren laughing in his face because he couldn’t read or write had me seeing red. Anyways, I’m nitpicking. The book was good, I did enjoy it but my reviews are always thorough and simply honest. I will definitely read book 2 and see what Darren gets into. I wonder if Sasha will be next on the list: 🤔🤭. Onward, lads!
April 3, 2022
It is well written and thought out. There is only one way to become strong and it is to train, practice, train, practice, until there is no one you cannot defeat. I like the size of this book, over six hundred pages (although hundreds are blank or almost empty) and the story is generally filled with action and adventure.
That said, I would have made Darren complete the quests while Morgana, Cassandra and Callum were abducted, because it is a bit of an unbelievable stretch to think that while Darren was "killing the bandits one by one" he did not notice how some of the bandits were left behind to take his friends away. And let Darren, take his time, eat, even learn about lovemaking, while the bad guys are perfecting a demon ritual...or two and not having enough talent or imagination to truly believe that the only out to a demon ritual is to take someone's virginity in enemy territory, just like that... It's just too much of a plot hole or holes to let this all go.
The "punishment" the author imagined for Morgana when she destroyed the city and killed thousands was so lite it feels almost sensual. I think the author has no sense of Justice, being a story about Paladins it is ironic and contradictory. To each his/her own. The evil characters don't get what they deserve, the victims don't receive righteousness or recompense and the main character acts like everything and everyone is not relevant to his life or the lives of his friends. Cassandra, Morgana and Callum are a hindrance to Darren all of the time. Darren orders something, they do whatever the heck they want, they do not take responsibility for the actions ever. While Darren constantly saves them over and over and over again. This cycle is morbid and naive. The more things his "friends" do, the more trouble they make, the less sense all of it makes. It would be so much better if Darren would just leave and let the others die miserable deaths, that they themselves create.
This novel would have been so much better if maps, vector illustrations of the skills, weapons and artifacts were included.
That said, I would have made Darren complete the quests while Morgana, Cassandra and Callum were abducted, because it is a bit of an unbelievable stretch to think that while Darren was "killing the bandits one by one" he did not notice how some of the bandits were left behind to take his friends away. And let Darren, take his time, eat, even learn about lovemaking, while the bad guys are perfecting a demon ritual...or two and not having enough talent or imagination to truly believe that the only out to a demon ritual is to take someone's virginity in enemy territory, just like that... It's just too much of a plot hole or holes to let this all go.
The "punishment" the author imagined for Morgana when she destroyed the city and killed thousands was so lite it feels almost sensual. I think the author has no sense of Justice, being a story about Paladins it is ironic and contradictory. To each his/her own. The evil characters don't get what they deserve, the victims don't receive righteousness or recompense and the main character acts like everything and everyone is not relevant to his life or the lives of his friends. Cassandra, Morgana and Callum are a hindrance to Darren all of the time. Darren orders something, they do whatever the heck they want, they do not take responsibility for the actions ever. While Darren constantly saves them over and over and over again. This cycle is morbid and naive. The more things his "friends" do, the more trouble they make, the less sense all of it makes. It would be so much better if Darren would just leave and let the others die miserable deaths, that they themselves create.
This novel would have been so much better if maps, vector illustrations of the skills, weapons and artifacts were included.
January 2, 2024
This is my first time reading this author and their style takes some getting used to apparently. At times during my reading of the first half, I questioned whether a human wrote this story as I had trouble following the logic behind their prose. I am unsure if things improved in the second half or if I adapted to it. This book definitely would have benefited from some editing as it often seems like a rough draft and a lot of details and humor fall flat. Author often skips details that seem like they could have helped the narrative, like for example how Darren never reveals his surname but suddenly Cassandra just knows it and no one associates it with the previous savior of Limedeep. Also, I get that Darren is supposed to be like an OP Tarzan or something after spending 15 years in Hell with minimal human contact but his lack of common sense is too much. The whole currency thing is supposed to build up to a big laugh apparently, but its so stupid that it fails miserably. Learning about local currency is such a basic first step that its unbelievable. That being said I did not hate this story once I look past the flaws. The world building is interesting and I kind of picture Darren as a cross between The Mountain That Rides and Goblin Slayer. Of course, once again I didn't learn and bought the whole series at once, so I will keep reading.
November 10, 2021
I've given 3/5 stars for this book solely for it's world building.
The premise was interesting and the story started well enough. The Author built an interesting world chalk full of opportunities. The story was interesting and engaging till Darren left hell. But from that point it mostly took a nosedive. There wasn't anything resembling a twist.
After reading the description of the book I ignored the cover art hoping for a good read but after a while into the story it felt like I was reading an erotica. The book would have been far more enjoyable if the focus on sex scenes was redirected to developing the depth of the supporting characters. Regrettably except Darren (an argument could be made to include him as well) all the characters could be summed up in a single extremely short sentence. Also for the only guy to survive and flourish in hell for 15 years or so Darren feels more like a muscle brained lucky idiot than a shrewd warrior.
Could have enjoyed a bit more detailed magic system. The presence of other classes would have added an additional dimension to the series.
All in all good imagination and world building by the author. Hope the next book in the series will be a far better improvement.
The premise was interesting and the story started well enough. The Author built an interesting world chalk full of opportunities. The story was interesting and engaging till Darren left hell. But from that point it mostly took a nosedive. There wasn't anything resembling a twist.
After reading the description of the book I ignored the cover art hoping for a good read but after a while into the story it felt like I was reading an erotica. The book would have been far more enjoyable if the focus on sex scenes was redirected to developing the depth of the supporting characters. Regrettably except Darren (an argument could be made to include him as well) all the characters could be summed up in a single extremely short sentence. Also for the only guy to survive and flourish in hell for 15 years or so Darren feels more like a muscle brained lucky idiot than a shrewd warrior.
Could have enjoyed a bit more detailed magic system. The presence of other classes would have added an additional dimension to the series.
All in all good imagination and world building by the author. Hope the next book in the series will be a far better improvement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
Better than the cover suggests
The cover suggests, to me at least, that this is a light manga style of book. But, again in my opinion, that isn't true at all. The book falls well between "light" and litrpg style, which makes this a much better book than I expected.
The MC starts as a child, quickly orphaned, and wandering the levels of hell. Once that backstory has been set up, the MC becomes hugely OP... and then the main story begins. And it's a fun story, although there are serious plotlines running through as well.
There is a light harem element (two love interests), and a bit of sex, but it's not the focus of the story, and you don't have to worry about being in a splash zone while you're reading, if you know what I mean.
I've already got the next book in the series queued up to read!
The cover suggests, to me at least, that this is a light manga style of book. But, again in my opinion, that isn't true at all. The book falls well between "light" and litrpg style, which makes this a much better book than I expected.
The MC starts as a child, quickly orphaned, and wandering the levels of hell. Once that backstory has been set up, the MC becomes hugely OP... and then the main story begins. And it's a fun story, although there are serious plotlines running through as well.
There is a light harem element (two love interests), and a bit of sex, but it's not the focus of the story, and you don't have to worry about being in a splash zone while you're reading, if you know what I mean.
I've already got the next book in the series queued up to read!
December 23, 2022
thought it was an original rpg before it got ridiculous
I liked the original approach when I started and forgave the plot blunders like mom not being even a bit suspicious when her comrades tried to kill her and just walked into their organization with a 10 year old. However once it went into graphic sex scenes that sounded like a plot for a porn video I just had to stop reading. Having to choose between escaping a room a demon couldn’t leave and fornicating with two women in front of it, the MC chose the most logical path you would think since of course the women felt that was the best choice. This really belongs in an adult bookstore with how graphic it is and I’m guessing all the high ratings are by teenagers. It’s a shame since it was a interesting take in the genre.
I liked the original approach when I started and forgave the plot blunders like mom not being even a bit suspicious when her comrades tried to kill her and just walked into their organization with a 10 year old. However once it went into graphic sex scenes that sounded like a plot for a porn video I just had to stop reading. Having to choose between escaping a room a demon couldn’t leave and fornicating with two women in front of it, the MC chose the most logical path you would think since of course the women felt that was the best choice. This really belongs in an adult bookstore with how graphic it is and I’m guessing all the high ratings are by teenagers. It’s a shame since it was a interesting take in the genre.
September 26, 2021
Yes, our MC is super OP. But that can happen when you spend every waking moment from age 5 to 20 literally living in hell. The world has a subterranean area that is populated by demons. After his mother takes him there to hide from their enemies, our MC grows up in there and is alone for half his life. The story really begins after he finally exits back to the surface world. He has no concept of what life is like on the surface which makes him a bit stiff since he hadn't spoken to anyone in 10 years. Really looking forward to seeing where things go from here. It wraps up with a solid ending while still leaving plenty of room for growth.
October 25, 2021
Amazing read
I started off getting this book as a time killer. It turns out that the author writes a very good story. While the main character is very OP, he still fills a logical place in the book. I felt myself getting angry for the characters and happy when they succeeded. The only plot convention is wasn't a terribly big fan of was the harem building. It was still worth reading and it didn't detract from the plot (in other words, it wasn't a focal point of the story). I hope this author writes more books and I will read all of them based on how good this was.
I started off getting this book as a time killer. It turns out that the author writes a very good story. While the main character is very OP, he still fills a logical place in the book. I felt myself getting angry for the characters and happy when they succeeded. The only plot convention is wasn't a terribly big fan of was the harem building. It was still worth reading and it didn't detract from the plot (in other words, it wasn't a focal point of the story). I hope this author writes more books and I will read all of them based on how good this was.
June 3, 2023
Hero
For those who miss the simple stories of good Vs evil, here is a story to quench your thirst. Watch him save the day, get the girl(s) and commit gratuitous acts of violence along the way.
A few comments though.
The pacing during action heavy sequences is somewhat imperfect, though only minorly so.
Darren is a very simple character, he's a simple guy who wants simple things, remaining stoic at all times, which leads him to feel a bit flat, though it also makes him a good self-insert character. Take that as you will.
Largely, it's a good story and I recommend it.
For those who miss the simple stories of good Vs evil, here is a story to quench your thirst. Watch him save the day, get the girl(s) and commit gratuitous acts of violence along the way.
A few comments though.
The pacing during action heavy sequences is somewhat imperfect, though only minorly so.
Darren is a very simple character, he's a simple guy who wants simple things, remaining stoic at all times, which leads him to feel a bit flat, though it also makes him a good self-insert character. Take that as you will.
Largely, it's a good story and I recommend it.
October 13, 2021
Sloppy and boring. Strike one
I loved the authors earlier series Spellheart (maybe except the last couple of books).
Feel like the author is just in it for the money now and not telling stories.
Plot? Sloppy
Storytelling? Sloppy
Magic? So boring
Character development? Doesn’t exist
Worldbuilding? Not much
Harem? The story and the harem is so plot armored it’s not interesting at all
STRIKE ONE!
I loved the authors earlier series Spellheart (maybe except the last couple of books).
Feel like the author is just in it for the money now and not telling stories.
Plot? Sloppy
Storytelling? Sloppy
Magic? So boring
Character development? Doesn’t exist
Worldbuilding? Not much
Harem? The story and the harem is so plot armored it’s not interesting at all
STRIKE ONE!
December 30, 2021
Quite a ride!
The Paladin of the Sword was a fun and exciting read. The world the author describes I'd amazing. The main character is funny, without trying to be and that is awesome. The intimate scenes were the right balance of erotic fun, without being too detailed. I liked that Darren has a harem, but not big one. Too many women can crowd a story and lose character development. I do he gains one maybe two at most more women. I look forward to more installments!
The Paladin of the Sword was a fun and exciting read. The world the author describes I'd amazing. The main character is funny, without trying to be and that is awesome. The intimate scenes were the right balance of erotic fun, without being too detailed. I liked that Darren has a harem, but not big one. Too many women can crowd a story and lose character development. I do he gains one maybe two at most more women. I look forward to more installments!
April 10, 2022
I was surprised at just how good this book was. The storyline is excellent and the characters are as well. The MC is OP but very naive as he’s never been around people, only demons for most of his life. The villains are easy to hate and the fact that many of them are OP makes the story give the reader some worry when Darrins entourage face them. All in all I highly recommend this book. Can’t wait to read book 2!!!
June 22, 2022
A fun adventure
This story was a lot of fun to read it does have a lot of gruesome stuff in it some things that might set people off but there's a lot of action adventure and well thought out. It had a lot of fun stuff in it happy things as well as spicy times so it wasn't all doom and gloom. I like the way the author developed the characters each one had is their own distinct personality and I like the interaction between them all.
This story was a lot of fun to read it does have a lot of gruesome stuff in it some things that might set people off but there's a lot of action adventure and well thought out. It had a lot of fun stuff in it happy things as well as spicy times so it wasn't all doom and gloom. I like the way the author developed the characters each one had is their own distinct personality and I like the interaction between them all.
October 30, 2022
it was so goood!!!
I got this book on a whim and Oh My Lanta was it so good!!! Darren and his mom have been betrayed by the very order she’s given her life too. And so they flee into hell. Where he spends 15 years trying to survive and find a way into the surface. After killing demons for a childhood now he has to figure out how to live with humans. And how to survive the enemies of his parents
I got this book on a whim and Oh My Lanta was it so good!!! Darren and his mom have been betrayed by the very order she’s given her life too. And so they flee into hell. Where he spends 15 years trying to survive and find a way into the surface. After killing demons for a childhood now he has to figure out how to live with humans. And how to survive the enemies of his parents
September 14, 2024
This is trash. The premise is very interesting but the potential is absolutely wasted. This is not even a good progression fantasy, the MC is OP from the start so any "progress" He makes just feels meh. This is not even a good erotica/harem.the FMC is a pile of cardboard and the other major FMC had some development before she became just another body in the harem.
I read it as a palette cleanser after finishing the Magician Trilogy but i could have chosen better.
I read it as a palette cleanser after finishing the Magician Trilogy but i could have chosen better.
October 26, 2024
I was rather surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. It had such a great start with Darren and his mother, Ariel... the lessons she taught him about survival and the like. Then he gets himself freedom back on earth, and he's so awkward it was endearing.
The romance - despite the harem aspect, was nicely written. It's cheeky, cute and fun. The women are strong characters unto themselves and they don't lose their minds because of the MC. Much respect to Knight for their writing.
The romance - despite the harem aspect, was nicely written. It's cheeky, cute and fun. The women are strong characters unto themselves and they don't lose their minds because of the MC. Much respect to Knight for their writing.
September 24, 2021
Got to say that this is one of his best works so far
The beginning is confusing but as the story unfolds you get involved and can't out it down.
The author builds story after story and even pulls on the heart strings.
The characters are well built to where you connect with them.
I hope he does another book because I want to know what happens next!
5*****
The beginning is confusing but as the story unfolds you get involved and can't out it down.
The author builds story after story and even pulls on the heart strings.
The characters are well built to where you connect with them.
I hope he does another book because I want to know what happens next!
5*****
October 4, 2021
Darren Heavengrace!
Mr. Knight,
What have you done? This book was awesome!! The beginning and how it flowed is credit to you as one of the many story tellers out there.
Yes I admit that it took me three days to read it, but that was because I needed sleep. Otherwise I've been done in a day and a half.
Thank you Mr. Knight for your hard work and a great read!!
Mr. Knight,
What have you done? This book was awesome!! The beginning and how it flowed is credit to you as one of the many story tellers out there.
Yes I admit that it took me three days to read it, but that was because I needed sleep. Otherwise I've been done in a day and a half.
Thank you Mr. Knight for your hard work and a great read!!
October 31, 2021
Good read
Interesting premise and well written story. It’s worth a read if you enjoy these types of stories. These types of stories being gamelitish but more fantasy. Does contain some sex scenes but they don’t sneak them in on you, you see them coming and can skip if you want and lose nothing of the story.
Interesting premise and well written story. It’s worth a read if you enjoy these types of stories. These types of stories being gamelitish but more fantasy. Does contain some sex scenes but they don’t sneak them in on you, you see them coming and can skip if you want and lose nothing of the story.
November 28, 2021
Awesome!
Marvin got me interested in this genre with his spell heart series and this just takes it to the next level. No other author keeps unique story lines and good character building in the fantasy harem category like Marvin does. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Marvin got me interested in this genre with his spell heart series and this just takes it to the next level. No other author keeps unique story lines and good character building in the fantasy harem category like Marvin does. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
December 26, 2021
Great start to a new serires
Man the magic system was simple but still intricate. The MC was overpowered but it made a lot of sense from the context of the story. It was fun to read. The sex scenes weren't overboard and still got the job done.
The plot was good. It wasn't as predictable as other stories I've read. Read the book.
Man the magic system was simple but still intricate. The MC was overpowered but it made a lot of sense from the context of the story. It was fun to read. The sex scenes weren't overboard and still got the job done.
The plot was good. It wasn't as predictable as other stories I've read. Read the book.
January 25, 2022
The start of a good series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is absolutely worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is absolutely worth reading.
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