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Viceroy's Pride #3
Fractured Earth
Humanity is fractured. The world is burning. Ravenous Orakh have arrived.
Dan Thrush has the capability, technology, and magic to stitch society back together, and add a bottleneck for the invasion. Unfortunately, not everyone wants things to resolve quickly. Even as he tries to clean up the mess that spawned in the wake of the Elven invasion, some people challenge him for control of the new world, isolated pockets of humanity fight the aliens, and others have decided to quietly give up.
Giving up is a bad idea: Orakh are hunting the survivors like animals, and they aren’t exactly known for taking live prisoners. Though reluctant to trust that any but his closest allies, Dan will need to jury rig a force that can beat back the swarm: a combination of new magic, weapons, and fair-weather allies. This isn’t the first time he’s faced these odds, but it is the first time he’s been around long enough to have bitter enemies that want to see him fail.
Sometimes the teeth coming at his throat is the only thing reminding Dan of the price for failure.
Dan Thrush has the capability, technology, and magic to stitch society back together, and add a bottleneck for the invasion. Unfortunately, not everyone wants things to resolve quickly. Even as he tries to clean up the mess that spawned in the wake of the Elven invasion, some people challenge him for control of the new world, isolated pockets of humanity fight the aliens, and others have decided to quietly give up.
Giving up is a bad idea: Orakh are hunting the survivors like animals, and they aren’t exactly known for taking live prisoners. Though reluctant to trust that any but his closest allies, Dan will need to jury rig a force that can beat back the swarm: a combination of new magic, weapons, and fair-weather allies. This isn’t the first time he’s faced these odds, but it is the first time he’s been around long enough to have bitter enemies that want to see him fail.
Sometimes the teeth coming at his throat is the only thing reminding Dan of the price for failure.
- GenresFantasy
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2022
87 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Cale Plamann
25 books110 followersA lifelong fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction, I usually spent my nerdy energy creating overly elaborate homebrew RPG campaigns. As it became harder and harder to juggle schedules for a half dozen players, I eventually made the logical choice and just cut them out of the picture entirely.
Now I write novels. They whine a lot less about critical failures.
Now I write novels. They whine a lot less about critical failures.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2022
A few great battles for Dan and company. I only wish there was more of Jennifer as the story progressed 'cause it was a total dickshow throughout. Women kick arse too, y'know! It's a great series though, Dan is a funny guy and his heart is good. I like how he grew into the leader he is compared to the timid guy at the start of the series. He spoke up and even spoke against a General of the USA, which was a great moment to read.
If Plamann writes more on Dan, Jennifer, Abe, Sam and Tatiana I will definitely read it! Freeing the enslaved humans on other planets would be good.
If Plamann writes more on Dan, Jennifer, Abe, Sam and Tatiana I will definitely read it! Freeing the enslaved humans on other planets would be good.
March 16, 2022
As a wrap up, this is lacking.
The story is incredibly choppy. The ending just happens and does not really give you any sense of closure. The setting is good, and another book continuing the story would be great. As long as it was written more in line with book one. This feels forced, like the author was just checking things off a list.
The story is incredibly choppy. The ending just happens and does not really give you any sense of closure. The setting is good, and another book continuing the story would be great. As long as it was written more in line with book one. This feels forced, like the author was just checking things off a list.
March 29, 2022
[sigh]
So…when the prisoner (who was tied up using “razor wire”) attacked his captor using the metal from the knife he was being tortured with — he was a ‘metal mage’ you see — in the first chapter…wait. The *metal mage* was secured using razor WIRE…and he couldn’t act until he was stabbed with a knife.
The author is driving the plot like a toddler with a toy truck. It drives up walls, over any terrain, it even flies, so long as it keeps moving. Ignore the holes, just keep driving.
“$600 million” because they need to ‘get paid’, but the federal government is gone and the dollar has no inherent value any more…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
‘We want 5 Bradleys’ and ‘we’ll need drivers’, but don’t worry about mechanics and how bad they are for long distance driving…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
‘We are coordinating with {group from Miami Fl}’ while working in the Mississippi Delta around New Orleans, never mind the HUNDREDS of miles between those two locations, they came in a boat…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
Suspension of disbelief? Sure. Magic works, spaceships are made of rock, fireballs and shields? Absolutely.
But.
There needs to be an internal logic and consistency. If you use real world landmarks, you might want to consult a map.
So…when the prisoner (who was tied up using “razor wire”) attacked his captor using the metal from the knife he was being tortured with — he was a ‘metal mage’ you see — in the first chapter…wait. The *metal mage* was secured using razor WIRE…and he couldn’t act until he was stabbed with a knife.
The author is driving the plot like a toddler with a toy truck. It drives up walls, over any terrain, it even flies, so long as it keeps moving. Ignore the holes, just keep driving.
“$600 million” because they need to ‘get paid’, but the federal government is gone and the dollar has no inherent value any more…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
‘We want 5 Bradleys’ and ‘we’ll need drivers’, but don’t worry about mechanics and how bad they are for long distance driving…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
‘We are coordinating with {group from Miami Fl}’ while working in the Mississippi Delta around New Orleans, never mind the HUNDREDS of miles between those two locations, they came in a boat…IGNORE IT! DRIVE ON!
Suspension of disbelief? Sure. Magic works, spaceships are made of rock, fireballs and shields? Absolutely.
But.
There needs to be an internal logic and consistency. If you use real world landmarks, you might want to consult a map.
March 19, 2022
A fun book
It was a good read. There were parts that felt rushed, and that seemed to skip ahead, but overall, it was a rolling ride.
I was a little annoyed that we didn't see what Dan achieved level wise, at the end, with all that mana intake.
I do hope there are more books in this series!
It was a good read. There were parts that felt rushed, and that seemed to skip ahead, but overall, it was a rolling ride.
I was a little annoyed that we didn't see what Dan achieved level wise, at the end, with all that mana intake.
I do hope there are more books in this series!
July 6, 2022
So there's an unkillable ARCH NEMESIS and he had a perfect opportunity to kill her with a nano command, but he valiantly puts her to sleep??? 😂 😂
Metal mage couldn't do anything with a metal razor wire?? 😂 😂 😂
Metal mage couldn't do anything with a metal razor wire?? 😂 😂 😂
October 21, 2022
In my review of the last book, I identified an issue of the plot being rushed and how this resulted in a lot of storytelling/developmental problems. Characters, world-building and other vital story-building blocks weren’t getting the necessary time to develop them and add depth to the story. As a result, the novel suffered. However, there was just enough goodwill carried over from the strong foundations of the first book mixed with really strong potential for the story to improve that it was still worthy of a 4-star rating.
Unfortunately, this book has exactly the same problem. However, because it has come from a book with this same issue, it no longer has a sturdy foundation to fall back on. The rushed plot two books in a row have compounded, and now as I finished this book, I felt really disconnected from this story.
Huge events are glossed over in a single chapter… sometimes a single paragraph… and even once or twice in a single sentence. Huge characters in this series are removed away from the reader’s POV, new characters are introduced really quickly with no development, and the story rockets forward so fast that by the end of this book it feels almost like I just read the outline for a series and not a novel.
What is worse, characters that were underdeveloped thanks to rushed writing in the last book aren’t given any extra development here. Again this compounds the issues with these characters, removing my interest/attachment to them.
It’s rare for me to complain that books move too fast, as most novels have the opposite problem. But a good example of why it is a problem is when you look at the
Ultimately this is a problem that became so severe for this reader, that I was closing in on the last hour of the audiobook and realised I couldn’t even be bothered to finish it. I no longer had any attachment to the characters (including the main character), the situation, or the story as a whole. For that reason, I can’t give this book any more than 2 stars.
Unfortunately, this book has exactly the same problem. However, because it has come from a book with this same issue, it no longer has a sturdy foundation to fall back on. The rushed plot two books in a row have compounded, and now as I finished this book, I felt really disconnected from this story.
Huge events are glossed over in a single chapter… sometimes a single paragraph… and even once or twice in a single sentence. Huge characters in this series are removed away from the reader’s POV, new characters are introduced really quickly with no development, and the story rockets forward so fast that by the end of this book it feels almost like I just read the outline for a series and not a novel.
What is worse, characters that were underdeveloped thanks to rushed writing in the last book aren’t given any extra development here. Again this compounds the issues with these characters, removing my interest/attachment to them.
It’s rare for me to complain that books move too fast, as most novels have the opposite problem. But a good example of why it is a problem is when you look at the
Ultimately this is a problem that became so severe for this reader, that I was closing in on the last hour of the audiobook and realised I couldn’t even be bothered to finish it. I no longer had any attachment to the characters (including the main character), the situation, or the story as a whole. For that reason, I can’t give this book any more than 2 stars.
August 1, 2022
Somebody please give the author some books about plot, story arcs, fantasy novels, etc. so that this mess (writing by the seat of his pants), of a third volume never ever happens again...
The Battle Royale continues. Humans versus humans, and for what? I have no idea. So what happened to the alien invasion? Weren't the humans fighting the Elves and Orakhs?
What does an all out war, or series of conventional weaponry wars have to do with a fantasy novel series? It's dystopian, apocalyptic but it is more urban fantasy, and warfare than anything else.
Where are the Elves, the Orakhs and the rest of the Beast-folk? Isn't it a global invasion? Why are the Americans the only ones "making trouble"/"fighting back"? Is it a lack of Geography? Does the author need a World Atlas?
The story was "bearable" when it was in another world (Twilight), but the moment the author wrote that the humans started to kill, enslave and torture other humans, what does this story have to do with magic, fantasy or beast-folk-humanoid-beings?
This story was not that great to begin with. I think somebody should help and "mercy kill" --Thanato-liber-- this series, please...
At the end of this one it sounds more like the Aliens mother than a story about magic, Elves, beast-folk and fantasy.
The Battle Royale continues. Humans versus humans, and for what? I have no idea. So what happened to the alien invasion? Weren't the humans fighting the Elves and Orakhs?
What does an all out war, or series of conventional weaponry wars have to do with a fantasy novel series? It's dystopian, apocalyptic but it is more urban fantasy, and warfare than anything else.
Where are the Elves, the Orakhs and the rest of the Beast-folk? Isn't it a global invasion? Why are the Americans the only ones "making trouble"/"fighting back"? Is it a lack of Geography? Does the author need a World Atlas?
The story was "bearable" when it was in another world (Twilight), but the moment the author wrote that the humans started to kill, enslave and torture other humans, what does this story have to do with magic, fantasy or beast-folk-humanoid-beings?
This story was not that great to begin with. I think somebody should help and "mercy kill" --Thanato-liber-- this series, please...
At the end of this one it sounds more like the Aliens mother than a story about magic, Elves, beast-folk and fantasy.
July 9, 2022
Disappointing
Someone who has been completely at his mercy multiple times is still around? I would have thought he had learned that lesson about hubris on Twilight. No nukes? They have a hyper-powerful AI that could calculate the mass necessary for an asteroid to impact without risking earths weather patterns. Underestimating the size of the enemy force repeatedly despite dozens of clues? Feels like the author rushed the ending, pushing it into an unnecessary final boss battle hat ended abruptly. Felt like the author stopped caring and just wanted to finish it.
Someone who has been completely at his mercy multiple times is still around? I would have thought he had learned that lesson about hubris on Twilight. No nukes? They have a hyper-powerful AI that could calculate the mass necessary for an asteroid to impact without risking earths weather patterns. Underestimating the size of the enemy force repeatedly despite dozens of clues? Feels like the author rushed the ending, pushing it into an unnecessary final boss battle hat ended abruptly. Felt like the author stopped caring and just wanted to finish it.
July 25, 2023
Disappointing. It was mostly stealing stuff from other humans in largely conventional warfare, and not much fighting aliens with magic. The editing was better than the first one but still noticeably bad, both on the level of having various spelling and grammar errors, and having inconsistencies in the plot
April 10, 2022
When is book 4 coming out?
Interesting take and enjoyable to read. Glad to see the oligarchs get taken care of. Hope he goes back to Twilight and would be even cooler if he can create a Human Empire! Can’t wait for the next one!
Interesting take and enjoyable to read. Glad to see the oligarchs get taken care of. Hope he goes back to Twilight and would be even cooler if he can create a Human Empire! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 3, 2022
Ohhh another good one
3rd in the series and still good. Dan He's slowly improving on his abilities however that is not really the focus of this book. This book focus is more on Dan and the survivors that take back America than the world from the oligarchs then invaders. Great battles and some personal growth Follow Dan However I was a bit Unhappy with the end. That said totally expected When politicians are allowed to thrive again. Politicians tend to fear what they cannot control Therefore a worried that they might be stopped. All that sad it does open up a new dimension to the series and I look forward to where it goes. There are plenty of evil empires left to be vanquished.
3rd in the series and still good. Dan He's slowly improving on his abilities however that is not really the focus of this book. This book focus is more on Dan and the survivors that take back America than the world from the oligarchs then invaders. Great battles and some personal growth Follow Dan However I was a bit Unhappy with the end. That said totally expected When politicians are allowed to thrive again. Politicians tend to fear what they cannot control Therefore a worried that they might be stopped. All that sad it does open up a new dimension to the series and I look forward to where it goes. There are plenty of evil empires left to be vanquished.
February 12, 2023
I had this book for so long. I just wasn't in the mood for the magic addiction bullshit that this series turned into.
I think when I' done with this, it will be the last book in the series. If what I feel will happen, happens.
Surprisingly the author didn't harp on about magic addiction, I'm honestly shocked. Seems he reads reviews (or maybe he went on about how bad it was long enough and just showed the consequences this time).
How this ended was okay. I won't continue the series, but I will read the author's other series if it looks interesting (and non-YA).
This ended good enough that I can see this as a the end of the series (even if there are sequels).
3/5 Stars
I think when I' done with this, it will be the last book in the series. If what I feel will happen, happens.
Surprisingly the author didn't harp on about magic addiction, I'm honestly shocked. Seems he reads reviews (or maybe he went on about how bad it was long enough and just showed the consequences this time).
How this ended was okay. I won't continue the series, but I will read the author's other series if it looks interesting (and non-YA).
This ended good enough that I can see this as a the end of the series (even if there are sequels).
3/5 Stars
March 18, 2022
3.5 stars
Two quick thoughts:
I'm pretty sure the book makes little to no logistical sense, so I'm choosing to ignore all of that!
I liked that the author didn't make the protagonist do a dramatic one-on-one battle with most of the opposing war leaders. "Oh, so John Smith never leaves his office? All right then, let's blow up the office building. Done."
Two quick thoughts:
I'm pretty sure the book makes little to no logistical sense, so I'm choosing to ignore all of that!
I liked that the author didn't make the protagonist do a dramatic one-on-one battle with most of the opposing war leaders. "Oh, so John Smith never leaves his office? All right then, let's blow up the office building. Done."
March 21, 2022
Well Constructed Action
The battle for Earth is fully on now as we face the threat that was foretold.
With everyone fracturing the nations and states its up to Dan and friends to face against their foes and save the world as we see battles, tech , magic and wonderfully written action.
Throughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the next chapter to start.
The battle for Earth is fully on now as we face the threat that was foretold.
With everyone fracturing the nations and states its up to Dan and friends to face against their foes and save the world as we see battles, tech , magic and wonderfully written action.
Throughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the next chapter to start.
March 17, 2022
Good Storey
I've read the whole series now,, each book was not only well done but very entertaining as well. GOOD JOB to the Author and publisher, as well as whatever or who ever was part of the team! DO more stories like this one please.
I've read the whole series now,, each book was not only well done but very entertaining as well. GOOD JOB to the Author and publisher, as well as whatever or who ever was part of the team! DO more stories like this one please.
March 17, 2022
pretty good
Overall a decent read; a fun and straightforward story. Good characters for the most part, but lacking in the follow through for social interaction. If food, it’d be fast food.
Overall a decent read; a fun and straightforward story. Good characters for the most part, but lacking in the follow through for social interaction. If food, it’d be fast food.
March 19, 2022
Loved this book and the series. Excellent writing, great characters. The fast paced action made it hard to put down. I highly recommend this fun read. The author’s breadth of knowledge is incredible, and adds so much depth and authenticity to the story. I’m ready for more adventures with Dan and his crew!
April 5, 2022
Such fun
Again a decent read. We it surprising, no but the characters are fun and the plot has enough changes to keep in interesting without it being obvious. I'm glad there leaving earth tbh! Plus some romance wouldn't kill anyone! Maybe it could from the back story 🤔
Again a decent read. We it surprising, no but the characters are fun and the plot has enough changes to keep in interesting without it being obvious. I'm glad there leaving earth tbh! Plus some romance wouldn't kill anyone! Maybe it could from the back story 🤔
June 2, 2022
fine finale
Good read felt a bit rushed in the end but glad they were able to reach a conclusion. I was curious where it was headed and how it was going to wrap up about half way through.
Good read felt a bit rushed in the end but glad they were able to reach a conclusion. I was curious where it was headed and how it was going to wrap up about half way through.
March 16, 2022
Couldn’t put it down!
This series really surprised me and I’m glad I found it. I can’t wait to see what adventures this fun group of people come upon.
This series really surprised me and I’m glad I found it. I can’t wait to see what adventures this fun group of people come upon.
March 17, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
March 29, 2022
That was enjoyable
Great job wrapping up loose ends but not feeling rushed or incomplete. This was a great read consistently enjoyable throughout the story.
Great job wrapping up loose ends but not feeling rushed or incomplete. This was a great read consistently enjoyable throughout the story.
April 9, 2022
Alien invasion, fight for survival or personal power?, Oh Look Space Orcs.
April 17, 2022
Fanfreakingtastic!
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
May 29, 2022
I wasn't very interested in the battles and politics but this was a necessary setup for Dan's reentry into the larger universe. Thus I am eager to move on to the next book.
July 16, 2024
Wish we could have gotten more on earth rebuilding but otherwise great end to the series
November 20, 2024
An intriguing trilogy
Quite a departure from the typical litrpg but captivating nonetheless. I enjoying getting to know the main characters. The whole concept was very cool.
Quite a departure from the typical litrpg but captivating nonetheless. I enjoying getting to know the main characters. The whole concept was very cool.
August 25, 2024
This falls of the track right off the bat. Where are the consequences of a devolved US, why do you still have electricity and gas if society is breaking down?
Why are artilery never used in combat against idiotic mass charges? Why the hell is flame-throwers used against things living in water.
Towards the end it gets even worse, devolving into a children's book where the protagonist is just randomly handled new toys and the only challenge he ever faces is the protagonist forgetting to use the one weapon he had the could hurt the enemy for 10 minutes.
Why are artilery never used in combat against idiotic mass charges? Why the hell is flame-throwers used against things living in water.
Towards the end it gets even worse, devolving into a children's book where the protagonist is just randomly handled new toys and the only challenge he ever faces is the protagonist forgetting to use the one weapon he had the could hurt the enemy for 10 minutes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews