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An epic fantasy with a LitRPG magic system...
Born magically talentless, Prince Corvus is an embarrassment the royal family and is removed from succession. However, he still has a chance to win back his throne. The next man or woman to hatch a dragon automatically becomes the ruler. Each member of the royal family is gifted with a dragon egg, but it is the work of a lifetime to hatch it.
The first time Corvus touches his dragon egg, he receives an odd notification: He has found a soulbound item and is tasked with an epic quest to hatch it... but only if he can walk the winding path of the dragon mage.
Armed with notifications, skill increases, and levels only he can see, Corvus is determined to hatch his dragon.
Born magically talentless, Prince Corvus is an embarrassment the royal family and is removed from succession. However, he still has a chance to win back his throne. The next man or woman to hatch a dragon automatically becomes the ruler. Each member of the royal family is gifted with a dragon egg, but it is the work of a lifetime to hatch it.
The first time Corvus touches his dragon egg, he receives an odd notification: He has found a soulbound item and is tasked with an epic quest to hatch it... but only if he can walk the winding path of the dragon mage.
Armed with notifications, skill increases, and levels only he can see, Corvus is determined to hatch his dragon.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
153 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 13, 2021
This is my first book by the author. It's also the kind of book that could have gone off the rails with a misstep or two, but the author keeps everything moving smoothly.
Prince Corvus is a sheltered, isolated, nothing of a boy who in theory will inherit the crown in a generation or three, but he has no understanding of the powers at play, including those between his mother and father. Neither care about him beyond the power he can bring them, and once that's exhausted he's easily disposable.
At age 10 he is summoned to meet the king, who tells him he gets to select a dragon egg.
I'll stop the recap there. Prince Corvus' life does not go as expected as politics within and without the family catch up with him, and he's tested in ways he never expected.
What made this such a fun read is following his journey. It's unorthodox, but as he finally becomes his own man he's able to make those decisions, right or wrong.
The editing is above average with a few noticeable errors, and the notifications are regular but not more than that. More than other LitRPG books I've read recently, the notifications here force decisions instead of just telling you that you've levelled up this skill or ability. It's those decisions that made the book shine for me.
The fantasy aspect is pretty straightforward. Think of any medieval kingdom you've read about or watched on TV, and this will slot right in. There are mentions of other races, but we don't really get an opportunity to see them here.
I'm excited for book 2 to come out.
Recommended 5/5*
Prince Corvus is a sheltered, isolated, nothing of a boy who in theory will inherit the crown in a generation or three, but he has no understanding of the powers at play, including those between his mother and father. Neither care about him beyond the power he can bring them, and once that's exhausted he's easily disposable.
At age 10 he is summoned to meet the king, who tells him he gets to select a dragon egg.
I'll stop the recap there. Prince Corvus' life does not go as expected as politics within and without the family catch up with him, and he's tested in ways he never expected.
What made this such a fun read is following his journey. It's unorthodox, but as he finally becomes his own man he's able to make those decisions, right or wrong.
The editing is above average with a few noticeable errors, and the notifications are regular but not more than that. More than other LitRPG books I've read recently, the notifications here force decisions instead of just telling you that you've levelled up this skill or ability. It's those decisions that made the book shine for me.
The fantasy aspect is pretty straightforward. Think of any medieval kingdom you've read about or watched on TV, and this will slot right in. There are mentions of other races, but we don't really get an opportunity to see them here.
I'm excited for book 2 to come out.
Recommended 5/5*
December 29, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: moderate
Harem elements: none
Tone: fun. I’m interested to see how the game elements pan out.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: moderate
Harem elements: none
Tone: fun. I’m interested to see how the game elements pan out.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
May 18, 2022
Rating 4.5 stars
A good read. The MC is a prince of the land. We first meet him when he is 10 years old. He is going before the king to get his dragon egg. Every noble in the land gets a dragon egg on their 10th birthday. If they are able to hatch the egg (which hasn't happened in hundreds of years) they will become the next king. Most of the nobility has magic to some degree, except for prince Corvus. So far he has no magic. He is a disappointment to his overbearing father and is used by his mother against his father for her own machinations. When Corvus goes to pick his dragon egg something weird happens. This had all the elements of a good book. The story was good. The characters were well developed and had good interactions. The world building and the magic system were very interesting. There was struggle and strife with the MC without it being completely hopeless/overwhelming. While the MC was 15, I thought it was a little more complex than a typical YA story, enough so I probably wouldn't even describe it as a YA book, though it did have some of the elements for that. Overall I enjoyed the book and have already pre-ordered the next audiobook that comes out in a couple of weeks.
A good read. The MC is a prince of the land. We first meet him when he is 10 years old. He is going before the king to get his dragon egg. Every noble in the land gets a dragon egg on their 10th birthday. If they are able to hatch the egg (which hasn't happened in hundreds of years) they will become the next king. Most of the nobility has magic to some degree, except for prince Corvus. So far he has no magic. He is a disappointment to his overbearing father and is used by his mother against his father for her own machinations. When Corvus goes to pick his dragon egg something weird happens. This had all the elements of a good book. The story was good. The characters were well developed and had good interactions. The world building and the magic system were very interesting. There was struggle and strife with the MC without it being completely hopeless/overwhelming. While the MC was 15, I thought it was a little more complex than a typical YA story, enough so I probably wouldn't even describe it as a YA book, though it did have some of the elements for that. Overall I enjoyed the book and have already pre-ordered the next audiobook that comes out in a couple of weeks.
April 22, 2023
What a fun book! The plot path is twisty-turvey, and it has many surprises. Individual characters are constantly growing and changing, and the reader comes out with a smile as events appear to occur, overall, as they should. And the existence of "room to grow," for both the story and the characters (as well as the reader) is rife. I'm ready to go on to the next…
March 28, 2022
A good book!
Interesting characters, a fun magic system (that obviously is very reminiscent of MMORPGs), and a compelling story. I like how the author weaves the skills and paths into the story and does a good job linking them to the actions of the characters, showing how they are limited by their skills and they are very intertwined with character progression in ways that exceed combat abilities like most LitRPGs.
That being said, I would prefer if the author had scaled back a bit on leaning into the LitRPG aspect of having an actual character sheet come up with options on it. Something a bit more subtle like Andrew Rowe’s “Sufficiently Advanced Magic.”
Still, the story is compelling and it’s a fun read. Will definitely read the next.
Interesting characters, a fun magic system (that obviously is very reminiscent of MMORPGs), and a compelling story. I like how the author weaves the skills and paths into the story and does a good job linking them to the actions of the characters, showing how they are limited by their skills and they are very intertwined with character progression in ways that exceed combat abilities like most LitRPGs.
That being said, I would prefer if the author had scaled back a bit on leaning into the LitRPG aspect of having an actual character sheet come up with options on it. Something a bit more subtle like Andrew Rowe’s “Sufficiently Advanced Magic.”
Still, the story is compelling and it’s a fun read. Will definitely read the next.
December 30, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I found a few and have listed them on Goodreads. Good story and a lot of fun to read.
Plot: A disowned prince with no magic finds an almost forgotten path to power. I really liked that the characters loot. To many authors forget that this is a major part of litrpg.
Characters: The MC has good natural growth without becoming bogged down in his emotions, as so many do these days. I loved that he didn't start crying about being a murderer after having to defend himself. He felt bad and got physically ill once, but is made of sterner stuff.
8/10
Mistakes: I found a few and have listed them on Goodreads. Good story and a lot of fun to read.
Plot: A disowned prince with no magic finds an almost forgotten path to power. I really liked that the characters loot. To many authors forget that this is a major part of litrpg.
Characters: The MC has good natural growth without becoming bogged down in his emotions, as so many do these days. I loved that he didn't start crying about being a murderer after having to defend himself. He felt bad and got physically ill once, but is made of sterner stuff.
8/10
December 28, 2021
This is an audiobook review. I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job at character interactions and character descriptions. At some point I actually felt frustrated for the MC as he desperately tries to get some measure of control over his life. This wasn’t the typical LitRPG setting and I wish there was more information on the lore of the dragon mage world. Overall it was a great read.
February 28, 2022
Fun world and Fresh Take
It is a fun read. The world building is the star of the show, creating a fresh take on the dragon-fantasy genre. The magic-system is really interesting and original. The pacing kept this from being a five star for me. After an exciting climax, the ending drags, and spoils what was otherwise a tight plot. Overall, I reccomend if you enjoy hero's journeys and interestinf magic systems.
It is a fun read. The world building is the star of the show, creating a fresh take on the dragon-fantasy genre. The magic-system is really interesting and original. The pacing kept this from being a five star for me. After an exciting climax, the ending drags, and spoils what was otherwise a tight plot. Overall, I reccomend if you enjoy hero's journeys and interestinf magic systems.
March 23, 2022
I love the book, I hate the main character.
But it is good so it gets five stars. The setting, the world building, it is all amazing. The writing is smooth, and the story is solid. The MC is a naive child with no useful skills. He starts that way and goes through the whole book that way. Still like the book, I think the next one could be even better given where it will start from.
But it is good so it gets five stars. The setting, the world building, it is all amazing. The writing is smooth, and the story is solid. The MC is a naive child with no useful skills. He starts that way and goes through the whole book that way. Still like the book, I think the next one could be even better given where it will start from.
May 23, 2022
Pretty good YA-ish book overall. Nothing in particular that bothered me, just not exceptional. I may read the next one, as it seems the MC is growing up and I prefer stuff that's a bit more mature than the "coming of age" books. It's fine to start with a child, but if it doesn't move forward quickly it'll lose me.
March 11, 2023
The whole premise of the story can be boiled down to "despite it being super important for the kingdom and all the people living in it, for some reason EVERYONE has forgotten how to hatch a dragon egg".
Why this ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL knowledge was lost is not explained at any point in the story. The world simply works that way and no matter how stupid you feel the non-existent explanations are, that is just how the world works.
The MC is "Kicked out by the royal family" by virtue of his father questioning the faithfulness of his wife and the son is "cast out into exile to save his life by his backstabbing relatives, who also give him his egg to take with him, which in itself is a crime worthy of death by kingdom law". (You might discover there is some kind of repeat plot device here in that NOTHING has to make any logical sense whatsoever)
Of course, our Prince Absolute-Moron somehow figures out how to hatch his dumbfuck dragon, because it is so simple even a teenager with zero life experience can come up with the solution.
The protagonist is cringe and dumb, making the most moronic decision at every possible turn, luckily deus ex machina and plot armor are ALWAYS right around the corner so that no matter how bumbling idiotic he behaves, nothing bad happens, and if something does go wrong it will always have unexpected positive consequences down the line.
The whole story works ONLY if you are wiling to extend the biggest amount of suspension of disbelief possible and NEVER question the fantasy world, the magic system or the story in any shape or form.
Why this ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL knowledge was lost is not explained at any point in the story. The world simply works that way and no matter how stupid you feel the non-existent explanations are, that is just how the world works.
The MC is "Kicked out by the royal family" by virtue of his father questioning the faithfulness of his wife and the son is "cast out into exile to save his life by his backstabbing relatives, who also give him his egg to take with him, which in itself is a crime worthy of death by kingdom law". (You might discover there is some kind of repeat plot device here in that NOTHING has to make any logical sense whatsoever)
Of course, our Prince Absolute-Moron somehow figures out how to hatch his dumbfuck dragon, because it is so simple even a teenager with zero life experience can come up with the solution.
The protagonist is cringe and dumb, making the most moronic decision at every possible turn, luckily deus ex machina and plot armor are ALWAYS right around the corner so that no matter how bumbling idiotic he behaves, nothing bad happens, and if something does go wrong it will always have unexpected positive consequences down the line.
The whole story works ONLY if you are wiling to extend the biggest amount of suspension of disbelief possible and NEVER question the fantasy world, the magic system or the story in any shape or form.
July 21, 2022
Hagrid isn't the only one who thought it would be amazing to have a dragon to raise from an egg. If you ever thought that this book is right up your alley.
Corvus, a prince, receives a dragon egg like every other 10-year-old in the royal line. It is all he has dreamed about. Unfortunately, one hasn't been hatched in generations and no one knows how it is done. Corvus is also hindered by the fact that he has no magic. How could he possibly hope to hatch his egg? Well, he receives a message when he touches the egg that may provide him with a path but there isn't much information.
Things look even dimmer when he is becomes the victim of palace politics and is disowned. Now he must quickly learn how to become a solider before he is sent to the front to fight demons and some how figure out how runes work to become a dragon mage if he ever hopes to hatch his egg. But of course, he must also keep this secret or people will likely kill him and then there are assassins on his trail. A winding path is his future, if he can survive. And maybe he will with the help of some friends.
This is a litrpg novel. Though the rpg elements are not as prominent as in many series. However, they do have a big impact on how his future will unfold and the ease he can learn skills. There is a strong storyline and an interesting world. I look forward to seeing more races in future books.
Oh, and of course there may or may not be a dragon. Read and find out. You'll have fun.
Corvus, a prince, receives a dragon egg like every other 10-year-old in the royal line. It is all he has dreamed about. Unfortunately, one hasn't been hatched in generations and no one knows how it is done. Corvus is also hindered by the fact that he has no magic. How could he possibly hope to hatch his egg? Well, he receives a message when he touches the egg that may provide him with a path but there isn't much information.
Things look even dimmer when he is becomes the victim of palace politics and is disowned. Now he must quickly learn how to become a solider before he is sent to the front to fight demons and some how figure out how runes work to become a dragon mage if he ever hopes to hatch his egg. But of course, he must also keep this secret or people will likely kill him and then there are assassins on his trail. A winding path is his future, if he can survive. And maybe he will with the help of some friends.
This is a litrpg novel. Though the rpg elements are not as prominent as in many series. However, they do have a big impact on how his future will unfold and the ease he can learn skills. There is a strong storyline and an interesting world. I look forward to seeing more races in future books.
Oh, and of course there may or may not be a dragon. Read and find out. You'll have fun.
February 12, 2022
I really enjoy the hard luck trope, in which a person is born without power/magic and they have to choose the path that works for them and find their own kinda magic! This book fills the niche nicely! And even better it's written as a litRPG so we have front-row seats as we watch our protagonist Prince Corvus find his feet and gain his magical prowess...
So if you love litRPG's or Fantasy book's like Will Wight's Cradle and Jim Butcher's Codex Alera you're in for a treat!
Although the narrator Christian J Gilliland was new to me, he did not disappoint and I find myself impatiently looking forward to the next book!
So if you love litRPG's or Fantasy book's like Will Wight's Cradle and Jim Butcher's Codex Alera you're in for a treat!
Although the narrator Christian J Gilliland was new to me, he did not disappoint and I find myself impatiently looking forward to the next book!
March 2, 2023
Interesting Light lit rpg
More of a lit rpg lite. The world is strange, the dialogue seems out of place for the time period, but it's in the top 25% of most lit rpgs I've read. The choices are weird, and the people are interesting, but the best part is the world. A lot of concepts and ideas are thrown about, and it seems like there will be a lot more cool things coming in the future. The MC is okay, he makes some stupid mistakes, but he grows on you by the 80% mark. The sub cast is not that great, but the setup looks good enough for some odd adventures. Nothing on the level of critical role, but its a fun diversion somewhat.
More of a lit rpg lite. The world is strange, the dialogue seems out of place for the time period, but it's in the top 25% of most lit rpgs I've read. The choices are weird, and the people are interesting, but the best part is the world. A lot of concepts and ideas are thrown about, and it seems like there will be a lot more cool things coming in the future. The MC is okay, he makes some stupid mistakes, but he grows on you by the 80% mark. The sub cast is not that great, but the setup looks good enough for some odd adventures. Nothing on the level of critical role, but its a fun diversion somewhat.
Read
June 3, 2022Well worth a read
This is my refresh read of Exiled so I can recall all the detail for reading the next book in the series.
Exiled is well written, with good character development. The premise of magics, government, lost power, and intrigue are all well thought out and introduced at a ready pace, while keeping suspense.
S.G. Seabourne has built a relatable world with enough differences for it to be interesting.
Would be a good ROG world, or even tactical or higher game world.
Looking forward to more in this series and any others.
This is my refresh read of Exiled so I can recall all the detail for reading the next book in the series.
Exiled is well written, with good character development. The premise of magics, government, lost power, and intrigue are all well thought out and introduced at a ready pace, while keeping suspense.
S.G. Seabourne has built a relatable world with enough differences for it to be interesting.
Would be a good ROG world, or even tactical or higher game world.
Looking forward to more in this series and any others.
May 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Corvus was an interesting character. Even though he was heavily sheltered throughout his life, he was intelligent and able to develop skills to help him navigate the world around him. It will be exciting to see how he develops and learns about the kingdom.
Corvus was an interesting character. Even though he was heavily sheltered throughout his life, he was intelligent and able to develop skills to help him navigate the world around him. It will be exciting to see how he develops and learns about the kingdom.
June 8, 2022
Entertaining Story
This story of a super sheltered prince getting exiled for not having the usual royal magic was Fantastic. He is to be trained as a soldier, but learns runic magic. Of course there’s the commoner girl he likes that everybody else can see but them. Great Reading
This story of a super sheltered prince getting exiled for not having the usual royal magic was Fantastic. He is to be trained as a soldier, but learns runic magic. Of course there’s the commoner girl he likes that everybody else can see but them. Great Reading
December 10, 2021
Magical
Wonderful read with charming and determined protagonists and cruel, easily despised antagonists. The story is fun and exciting. Honestly it reminds me why I enjoy this genre so much. Really excited for book 2.
Wonderful read with charming and determined protagonists and cruel, easily despised antagonists. The story is fun and exciting. Honestly it reminds me why I enjoy this genre so much. Really excited for book 2.
December 12, 2021
Excellent book!
I am an avid reader of LITrpg and sometimes they become redundant it there use of plot arch’s. Path of the Dragon Mage was well written and did not bore me with some cookie cuter plot.
I am an avid reader of LITrpg and sometimes they become redundant it there use of plot arch’s. Path of the Dragon Mage was well written and did not bore me with some cookie cuter plot.
December 22, 2021
surprisingly good!
I was not sure if I would like this book, but it really drew me in! Nice twists and turns, and MC was like able and still was not without flaws. A really enjoyable read.
I was not sure if I would like this book, but it really drew me in! Nice twists and turns, and MC was like able and still was not without flaws. A really enjoyable read.
January 6, 2022
Great book
Truly enjoyed this story. One never knows what to expect when first starting down the road with a new author, fortunately this was a well written story from start to finish. Looking forward to the next ones
Truly enjoyed this story. One never knows what to expect when first starting down the road with a new author, fortunately this was a well written story from start to finish. Looking forward to the next ones
January 6, 2022
Wonderful story
I really liked this book. The writer kept my interest throughout the trials the main character goes through.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great, clean story.
I really liked this book. The writer kept my interest throughout the trials the main character goes through.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great, clean story.
January 20, 2022
A smoothly written book
It was well written and engrossing. I enjoyed it from start to finish and was sad when the end of the book came. The magic system is intriguing, and I look forward to where it goes. A great first book!
It was well written and engrossing. I enjoyed it from start to finish and was sad when the end of the book came. The magic system is intriguing, and I look forward to where it goes. A great first book!
January 20, 2022
Incredible work
I loved every bit of this. The character development was well paced. Very interesting characters with believable flaws and quirks. And awesome world building.
I cannot wait for more!!
I loved every bit of this. The character development was well paced. Very interesting characters with believable flaws and quirks. And awesome world building.
I cannot wait for more!!
January 31, 2022
Starts slow
Starts off a bit slow, 3 stars. It kept me interested enough to continue. Once things took off, it got real exciting, 5 stars. Couldn't stop reading! Definitely reading the next book!
Starts off a bit slow, 3 stars. It kept me interested enough to continue. Once things took off, it got real exciting, 5 stars. Couldn't stop reading! Definitely reading the next book!
February 7, 2022
An excellent beginning
I was really surprised by this book, looking at the cover when I found it and reading some of the reviews I was expecting an Eragon knock off type of book. I found this to be both original and a fresh take on LitRPG,and am hoping this continues in book 2.
I was really surprised by this book, looking at the cover when I found it and reading some of the reviews I was expecting an Eragon knock off type of book. I found this to be both original and a fresh take on LitRPG,and am hoping this continues in book 2.
Read
February 8, 2022Good story
More of a kid or teen book than I expected but I still enjoyed reading it. MC is a little too goody two-shoes for me at times. I'll be looking forward to the next installment to see where it goes.
More of a kid or teen book than I expected but I still enjoyed reading it. MC is a little too goody two-shoes for me at times. I'll be looking forward to the next installment to see where it goes.
February 10, 2022
Wonderful LITrpg story!
Great for all ages. Easy to read and includes some humor.
Plenty of action and excitement, a few emotional scenes too.
Leaves me 👴 eager for the next book! 🤗.
Great for all ages. Easy to read and includes some humor.
Plenty of action and excitement, a few emotional scenes too.
Leaves me 👴 eager for the next book! 🤗.
March 9, 2022
Oh this was nice
I finished this in two days. Why? I just had to know what was next. Banishment, loss of family, people trying to kill you. The struggle is real and I am excited for the next one.
I finished this in two days. Why? I just had to know what was next. Banishment, loss of family, people trying to kill you. The struggle is real and I am excited for the next one.
March 30, 2022
Fantastic story
Fantastic story! A well crafted world and characters, with an interesting magic system behind them. Grabbed me from the start and left off perfectly. Can't wait for the next.
Fantastic story! A well crafted world and characters, with an interesting magic system behind them. Grabbed me from the start and left off perfectly. Can't wait for the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews