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My Life As a Merchant #2
Contracts
Gil's merchant story continues. — The businessman, given a second chance at life, has found a new calling in the fantasy world he calls home. In his old life he was merely surviving, but now he sees the chance for more.…
Alongside the merchant Roland, Gil hopes to strike it rich while adapting to his new surroundings.
Using old talents, and a few new ones,… will Gil make his second chance at life count?
Join Gil on this new adventure, as he helps improve the life of his family. Along the way he makes new friends and uncovers a secret that could change everything.
Alongside the merchant Roland, Gil hopes to strike it rich while adapting to his new surroundings.
Using old talents, and a few new ones,… will Gil make his second chance at life count?
Join Gil on this new adventure, as he helps improve the life of his family. Along the way he makes new friends and uncovers a secret that could change everything.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2021
82 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 13, 2022
Fun slice of life, really poor economics
I like this story a lot, it's a lot of fun, and the author does a good job holding your interest. The biggest thing that loses me is the economics involved.
To make an assumption, 1 copper is about 1 dollar (you can buy a day old loaf of bread or three apples with 1 copper), so a very well made short sword costs 1 silver and 5 copper (1 silver is twn copper, 12 silver to a gold) ($15) a horse and wagon and harness costs 1 silver 6 copper (16 dollars), a night in the inn costs 5 copper, so for the cost of a couple fresh loaves of bread you can buy a horse, which is the equivalent of a car, even a cheap car should costs thousands of dollars, or 10s of gold, a master work magical sword only cost a gold and a half, so $160, you shouldn't be able to buy a decent sword for that, let alone a magical masterwork sword. On top of that, the weekly income of a very poor farmer is 10 to 13 copper, a careful poor farmer could buy a horse a month! Yet couldn't afford to buy a day old loaf of bread and an apple a day!
Then we have interest rates at the merchants guild, they'll give you a guaranteed 10% return for a three month investment, 25% for 6 months, your talking a 40-50% annual rate of return with 0 risk... that doesn't work and they would go out of business unless they can lend money at pay day lender rates, and pay day lenders have a very high percentage of defaults.
I like this story a lot, it's a lot of fun, and the author does a good job holding your interest. The biggest thing that loses me is the economics involved.
To make an assumption, 1 copper is about 1 dollar (you can buy a day old loaf of bread or three apples with 1 copper), so a very well made short sword costs 1 silver and 5 copper (1 silver is twn copper, 12 silver to a gold) ($15) a horse and wagon and harness costs 1 silver 6 copper (16 dollars), a night in the inn costs 5 copper, so for the cost of a couple fresh loaves of bread you can buy a horse, which is the equivalent of a car, even a cheap car should costs thousands of dollars, or 10s of gold, a master work magical sword only cost a gold and a half, so $160, you shouldn't be able to buy a decent sword for that, let alone a magical masterwork sword. On top of that, the weekly income of a very poor farmer is 10 to 13 copper, a careful poor farmer could buy a horse a month! Yet couldn't afford to buy a day old loaf of bread and an apple a day!
Then we have interest rates at the merchants guild, they'll give you a guaranteed 10% return for a three month investment, 25% for 6 months, your talking a 40-50% annual rate of return with 0 risk... that doesn't work and they would go out of business unless they can lend money at pay day lender rates, and pay day lenders have a very high percentage of defaults.
April 28, 2022
In book 2, Gil gets his first contract for a movable action figure (toy soldier) with the local merchant to the nobles, Roland. While that is going on, he also 'invents' chess and checkers, but finds himself in a quandary because he isn't sure he should take money for something he didn't invent.
Again, this is pure slice of life fantasy with Gil meeting a beautiful elf that his adult body lusts after, dwarves, reptilian people, and so on. William teaches them sword fighting basics, and they survive the winter in the cabin.
I really enjoyed this. There isn't so much a story as we are following Gil as he grows up in a child's body, while still retaining his knowledge from Earth.
Recommended. 5/5*
Again, this is pure slice of life fantasy with Gil meeting a beautiful elf that his adult body lusts after, dwarves, reptilian people, and so on. William teaches them sword fighting basics, and they survive the winter in the cabin.
I really enjoyed this. There isn't so much a story as we are following Gil as he grows up in a child's body, while still retaining his knowledge from Earth.
Recommended. 5/5*
March 9, 2024
Story continues to be organized and well thought out. Maybe a bit too methodical? Apparently Dad (Gil and Cam's) William has over 400 gold pieces, but doesn't really spend any of it to improve the health (heal Gil's physical disabilities), improve their life-style and the author doesn't really explain why??? This second book has +300 pages (50% more than the first book). This alternate reality world has magic, but author concentrates only on the entrepreneur goals of Gil as a 7-9 year old boy (with the mind and experience of a mid-life businessman from Earth).
Gil introduces games into this alternate reality world (chess and checkers). Resells apples to gain capital and learns that the local bank can pay interest on fixed-term deposits. So, if book 1 and 2 were in the same book, it would be a story for about 20 chapters (3 hours).
The story series currently has 4 books, apparently the author (who loves dystopias) creates "conflicts" starting on the third book, and then derails the story (about "My Life as a Merchant) into visiting Kingstown (the martial academy, the magic academy, the King) etc. Book 3 is traveling to Kingstown and book 4 is the things they do in Kingstown. Because the books are really short, they don't really cover that much advancement in relation to his "Merchant life", doesn't really cure/heal his physical discapacities, has a strange relationship with a much older Elf, Luna, but because author doesn't really describe Luna well, as readers are not sure whether she is "grandma age" or a girl like Gil's age (7-9 years old) but already working, with an adventurer past, etc....
While Book 1 few plot holes, the more the story progresses the less consistent the story becomes (and diverges from the main theme)...
Gil introduces games into this alternate reality world (chess and checkers). Resells apples to gain capital and learns that the local bank can pay interest on fixed-term deposits. So, if book 1 and 2 were in the same book, it would be a story for about 20 chapters (3 hours).
The story series currently has 4 books, apparently the author (who loves dystopias) creates "conflicts" starting on the third book, and then derails the story (about "My Life as a Merchant) into visiting Kingstown (the martial academy, the magic academy, the King) etc. Book 3 is traveling to Kingstown and book 4 is the things they do in Kingstown. Because the books are really short, they don't really cover that much advancement in relation to his "Merchant life", doesn't really cure/heal his physical discapacities, has a strange relationship with a much older Elf, Luna, but because author doesn't really describe Luna well, as readers are not sure whether she is "grandma age" or a girl like Gil's age (7-9 years old) but already working, with an adventurer past, etc....
While Book 1 few plot holes, the more the story progresses the less consistent the story becomes (and diverges from the main theme)...
June 5, 2022
By the fire
So in my review volume one I described this series is being able to sit beside a warm fire not too hot but just a warm fire that keeps you at a equitable temperature. It continues in the second volume of the series. We finally get a little movement into the merchant area of things we see the characters grow and as I said before you always want a little bit more. That’s my one issue with the series it does seem to move just a little too slow some chapters I look at them and I say I really didn’t care about this event or perhaps maybe these events these chapters could’ve been combined because it does leave you wondering how many books are going to be in this series remember the character starts out as seven years old. You won’t see any time skips in the first few books you’re going to read about day-to-day life which is good but you will find yourself thinking maybe we could speed this up a little. However like I said you’re going to enjoy that warm fire not too hot to wear you sweat but just enough to keep you comfortable this book keeps you coming back for more. Even if I got bored one night reading and did something else turned on television whatever the next morning I woke back up and opened up the book and finished it.
I recommend the series I’m four volumes in and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.
So in my review volume one I described this series is being able to sit beside a warm fire not too hot but just a warm fire that keeps you at a equitable temperature. It continues in the second volume of the series. We finally get a little movement into the merchant area of things we see the characters grow and as I said before you always want a little bit more. That’s my one issue with the series it does seem to move just a little too slow some chapters I look at them and I say I really didn’t care about this event or perhaps maybe these events these chapters could’ve been combined because it does leave you wondering how many books are going to be in this series remember the character starts out as seven years old. You won’t see any time skips in the first few books you’re going to read about day-to-day life which is good but you will find yourself thinking maybe we could speed this up a little. However like I said you’re going to enjoy that warm fire not too hot to wear you sweat but just enough to keep you comfortable this book keeps you coming back for more. Even if I got bored one night reading and did something else turned on television whatever the next morning I woke back up and opened up the book and finished it.
I recommend the series I’m four volumes in and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.
April 23, 2022
book two
Mistakes: First let me start off by admitting my mistake in my review of book one. I referred to the author as a male. The author is a female. Sorry about that.
Any mistakes I found will be listed on Goodreads.
Plot: Picked up not long after the end of book one. The almost stalker like attraction the mc has to the elf lady at the bank comes across to me as really kind of creepy. You have a 32 year old stuck in a nine year old boy body. It’s tough to give him any kind of romantic love interest without it being creepy. Someone his own physical age can’t match his mental age, and anyone who matches his mental age will just see a child. Dude better just invest in a special sock.
Characters: I like Judy, but at the same time I feel bad for her. She is in love with a boy/man that sees her like a daughter.
I felt like the mc made a bad and dangerous choice near the end of the book when he gives information to a stranger. It’s probably needed to move the story forward. However I think it would have worked better if the mc had overheard his dad’s friend giving the information to the stranger. Just my opinion though.
7/10
Mistakes: First let me start off by admitting my mistake in my review of book one. I referred to the author as a male. The author is a female. Sorry about that.
Any mistakes I found will be listed on Goodreads.
Plot: Picked up not long after the end of book one. The almost stalker like attraction the mc has to the elf lady at the bank comes across to me as really kind of creepy. You have a 32 year old stuck in a nine year old boy body. It’s tough to give him any kind of romantic love interest without it being creepy. Someone his own physical age can’t match his mental age, and anyone who matches his mental age will just see a child. Dude better just invest in a special sock.
Characters: I like Judy, but at the same time I feel bad for her. She is in love with a boy/man that sees her like a daughter.
I felt like the mc made a bad and dangerous choice near the end of the book when he gives information to a stranger. It’s probably needed to move the story forward. However I think it would have worked better if the mc had overheard his dad’s friend giving the information to the stranger. Just my opinion though.
7/10
February 22, 2023
Gil learns to use his knowledge of his previous life to help improve his life on this fantasy World
As Gil is trying to adjust to his new life on this fantasy World he was forced to choose to exist . He wasn't able to reunite with his wife and daughter after he was killed . He was able to retain his memories from his previous life on earth as well as his last moments on earth . Even though his in a body of an seven year old male child he's putting this knowledge to use for himself as he's trying to adjust to this new life he's born into .recommend reading excellent series .
As Gil is trying to adjust to his new life on this fantasy World he was forced to choose to exist . He wasn't able to reunite with his wife and daughter after he was killed . He was able to retain his memories from his previous life on earth as well as his last moments on earth . Even though his in a body of an seven year old male child he's putting this knowledge to use for himself as he's trying to adjust to this new life he's born into .recommend reading excellent series .
January 8, 2022
Great fantasy slice of life
This is a wonderful slice of life story and is an especially rare find in a fantasy genre. Its pretty realistic and there is no overpowered yokel just murdering everyone there is no real cliche characters or situations or even jokes. This book is a refreshing take and I greatly look forward to the next book and hope I won't have to wait too long
This is a wonderful slice of life story and is an especially rare find in a fantasy genre. Its pretty realistic and there is no overpowered yokel just murdering everyone there is no real cliche characters or situations or even jokes. This book is a refreshing take and I greatly look forward to the next book and hope I won't have to wait too long
March 9, 2022
Readable up to a point
Readable up to a point that it was not!!The main thing was the mc did not want to sell chess or checkers that he made? Really? In his old world their was not buisnesses doing that? The games have been around along time and many people have turned them into works of art!! The mc was not likable but the other charchters was
Readable up to a point that it was not!!The main thing was the mc did not want to sell chess or checkers that he made? Really? In his old world their was not buisnesses doing that? The games have been around along time and many people have turned them into works of art!! The mc was not likable but the other charchters was
June 8, 2022
Is this a Japanese "light novel?" It has all the characteristics of one. Don't get me wrong, these things have sucked me in time and time again. There's an addictive quality that is hard to ignore. So, I'm not gonna. On to book three... I say book, but this is really just one long story with very little grand structure.
June 21, 2022
Good but too slow.
Getting the story out of this author is like getting a drink out of a Vogon. I like the story and the characters, but it is ponderous slogging through this authors morass of useless filler. I do have to admit she knows how to pad the word count. I will read a few other books and determine if I still care about this story.
Getting the story out of this author is like getting a drink out of a Vogon. I like the story and the characters, but it is ponderous slogging through this authors morass of useless filler. I do have to admit she knows how to pad the word count. I will read a few other books and determine if I still care about this story.
November 3, 2022
Entertaining Read
Gil is dealing with being an adult in a child's body. As he is growing up, he realizes that his child size and looks cause many not to take him seriously. However, his business skills usually bring him success in his business dealings. I like the humor, complicated relationships, and suspense. I look forward to the next book.
Gil is dealing with being an adult in a child's body. As he is growing up, he realizes that his child size and looks cause many not to take him seriously. However, his business skills usually bring him success in his business dealings. I like the humor, complicated relationships, and suspense. I look forward to the next book.
January 27, 2022
really enjoyed this one
Overall a good series so far. Enjoyable and good characters. The pacing is rather slow but overall well done. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
Overall a good series so far. Enjoyable and good characters. The pacing is rather slow but overall well done. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
June 16, 2022
Needs an epilogue
Good read still loses a star the story falling off a cliff at the end. The story needs an epilogue so that we the readers are left satisfied with what we have read and wanting more.
Good read still loses a star the story falling off a cliff at the end. The story needs an epilogue so that we the readers are left satisfied with what we have read and wanting more.
August 2, 2022
Decent enough SINGLE BOOK. This is not a series. The book endings are literally a cut off mid-plot, every single one. If there hadn't been 4 books already published I would've been exceedingly upset that I wasted my time, but as it stands the book is still unfinished so I am definitely frustrated.
January 2, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
Read
December 30, 2021Good book
Always looking for something new. This series was a fresh idea and a twist on some old ideas. Can't wait for next book.
Always looking for something new. This series was a fresh idea and a twist on some old ideas. Can't wait for next book.
December 31, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book in the series. This book was interesting because you learn more about the father and some of his past.
I enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book in the series. This book was interesting because you learn more about the father and some of his past.
January 20, 2022
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
February 19, 2022
5 star
I really like this series. It is more story focused than action but there is still tension and character growth.
I really like this series. It is more story focused than action but there is still tension and character growth.
June 10, 2022
Good series
I liked it better than book, was a little faster pase without set up. Being kindle unlimited well worth a try
I liked it better than book, was a little faster pase without set up. Being kindle unlimited well worth a try
January 13, 2023
Second books great
Second adventure continues the story nicely. Slower paced is nicely done with more details about the young/old boys life in a new dimension.
Second adventure continues the story nicely. Slower paced is nicely done with more details about the young/old boys life in a new dimension.
April 17, 2022
3.5 A King's Law Stars
Contracts is the second book in the My Life As A Merchant series by Kathy Rose.
I'm still aggravated with how the book seems to abruptly end. Right in the middle of fascinating situations, to say the least. As well, that there was not nearly as much progression as I would have hoped for. Especially given how many pages there are here.
I do, however, enjoy Kathy Rose's writing style. Her prose has definitively captured my interest. The way in which she sets out to describe their progression as characters, along with the plot, is intriguing.
I wonder if more will come of Gil's talk with the "gangster"? If his slip of the tongue will harm William's quiet life, and therefore affect Gil and Cam? Hopefully the next book will advance and allow us to see the boys grow more into the men they will be. Leading Gil off to more inventions and creations to sell, and Cam to his growth of a prospective Royal Knight learning at the Royal Academy.
Gil's crush on Luna is adorable, and I honestly hope something comes of it as he grows.
Contracts is the second book in the My Life As A Merchant series by Kathy Rose.
I'm still aggravated with how the book seems to abruptly end. Right in the middle of fascinating situations, to say the least. As well, that there was not nearly as much progression as I would have hoped for. Especially given how many pages there are here.
I do, however, enjoy Kathy Rose's writing style. Her prose has definitively captured my interest. The way in which she sets out to describe their progression as characters, along with the plot, is intriguing.
I wonder if more will come of Gil's talk with the "gangster"? If his slip of the tongue will harm William's quiet life, and therefore affect Gil and Cam? Hopefully the next book will advance and allow us to see the boys grow more into the men they will be. Leading Gil off to more inventions and creations to sell, and Cam to his growth of a prospective Royal Knight learning at the Royal Academy.
Gil's crush on Luna is adorable, and I honestly hope something comes of it as he grows.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews