Domestication

Battle Mage Farmer #1

by Seth Ring

A world on the precipice of the apocalypse. A secret forged in the flames of war. A chance to start over.

For John Sutton, only one of those three things matters.

Retired from a decade of brutal war, he wants nothing more than a quiet pastoral life while he does his best to stem the steady increase of his Doom Points before they hit 100, signaling the start of the end.

He’s been given a small farm on the outskirts of the empire as thanks for his service, but no matter how far he travels, it's impossible to escape the war's devastating effects on the world.

Bandits, suspicious townsfolk, a mysterious pair of siblings, and a secret that lurks in the mountains all threaten John’s peace. It will take all of his considerable power to keep from burning everything to the ground.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Fiction, Slice Of Life, Adventure, Action

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2022

Reviews

[Logan Horsford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mary Sue (Marty Sue?) decides to become a farmer to avoid the apocalypse. Is great at everything. Can stare down most people and cause them to decide not to mess with him.

No new ground is broken here. Not finding much in the way of interesting twists, characters, settings. The magic system is 'as plot needs'. Bubble gum for the brain.

[Steve Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars

What is it with farming stories this year. This is the third book I have read in the last year about farming and all of them have been excellent. Well, to be honest I tried reading mana harvest and stopped but still 3 out of 4 is great. Each book had a person transported from earth to a new world but each one was completely different. The first book was Great I was reincarnated as a farmer. This one had an MC who loved everything about magic but finds out that all his magic must be used for farming related activities - and he hates farming. The second book and probably my favorite of the 3 was Beware of Chicken. This one had an MC come from another world and was put in the body of a cultivator and found that he wanted nothing to do with fighting and gaining power. He just wanted to be a farmer and have a simple life. This book had the MC come from another world 10 years ago and was given magic. Except he was brought into a world at war. He spent 10 years killing and trying to stay alive, hating every minute of it. After he is let go he is given farm land. He doesn't come across as someone who really wants to farm, but he also doesn't want to be at war anymore. The magic he has is very destructive and the more he uses it for carnage the closer the world comes to ending. He slowly goes through the process of getting the farm up and running and taking care of the people that are on his farm. His power while strong is very focused. Because of the war he has almost no information about his mage class or the system and would just like to know what the heck is going on. Even though Beware of Chicken is the best book out of the 3, I get a feeling this might become a better series. Beware of Chicken was such a feel good book but didn't have an overall compelling story. This one wasn't as good but towards the end I could see how the story might progress in the next book and beyond. Overall a very good book and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

so you can see the power-fantasy meets slice-of-life, right? I mean, that's pretty much all something called "Battle Mage Farmer" could be. So give this some kudos for accurate advertising. Because it delivers a fairly decent power-fantasy slice-of-life story.

John is war-weary and has a retirement that is part of a quest to avoid Armageddon. Which, as quests go, seems like a good idea. He's not sure exactly how you avoid the end of the world by growing wheat, but if that's what the quest says, he's going to give it a shot. Plus, war-weary guy needs less war and more nature. And it doesn't hurt that his capabilities make everyday chores a snap.

If it sounds like I'm being dismissive, that's on me. I don't mean it that way. I liked John. I liked how he was tired of war and jaded as a result. I liked his care for his farm and the people already there. I'm not a huge fan of the eventual plot, but redeeming the bandit king was an interesting choice and one that worked very well, I think.

So I'm going to give this five stars when it probably only deserves four (and then, only if you like the genre). The LitRPG is fairly light as John isn't certain how things work, so you don't get the endless analysis that's often a part of the genre. Since I liked the characters and story, that wasn't a drawback for me.

A note about Chaste: There's a romance-appropriate woman already living in John's farm and he takes her and her brother in. They come to trust and support one-another over time, but John never pushes for anything physical. It's unclear why not, though at least part of it is how every other single man in the story is an icky sexual predator with designs on her so maybe he's setting himself up as a contrast? At any rate, it's very chaste, and I'm good with that to this point. If it continues much longer in a series sense, then it'll grow ludicrous fast.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a must-grab for any Seth Ring. I don't see how he has time to write all he writes, but hey! more for me!
This series is a really fun twist on the genre as well. You have a VERY OP character right out of the gate, essentially trying to move to Stardew Valley and retire haha. It's not that humorous, more Little House on the Prairie with Superman trying to retire to Kansas? Terrible analogy haha but I do enjoy this series.

[Gareth Otton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the odds that three of the most enjoyable books I have read in the last 6-7 months have been fantasy novels centred around farming?

First, there was 'Oh Great! I was reincarnated as a farmer', which was a fun subversion of the isekai/litRPG formula. Then there was the absolute masterpiece that was 'Beware of Chicken', which was another isekai novel that became an instant favourite of mine. Now finally there is this book, yet another isekai novel.

You might think that three stories that are all about magical farming would get a bit samey, and indeed there are similarities. However, this is where the fantasy genre stands out so far above all the rest, because it allows so much room for imagination to take a story in new directions, even when the base concept is so similar. All three of these books are distinctly different, and therefore I can enjoy all three of them without getting tired of the premise. The first example was about a reluctant farmer who wanted to be an adventurer and really played into the gamer mechanics of that story's world-building. The second book was about exploring the joy and wonder of magic through the medium of a powerful cultivator wanting to live the simple life of a farmer. Now this book is about a retired battle mage looking for a respite from a life of war while still trying to avoid an apocalypse.

What I am saying is don't let the fact that you might have read a series with a similar premise put you off this novel. This is yet another highly creative fantasy story that takes some familiar elements of fantasy, gamer mechanics and isekai in some interesting new directions. As a veteran fantasy fan who has read far too many traditional stories about kings and queens, warriors and wizards, etc; this push to take the genre in new directions is a welcome change for me and this book is another one that does a good job of accomplishing this task.

My only real complaint is that the next book isn't out yet. This book had that wonderful kind of straightforward, easy-reading style of writing that meant the time flew by while reading it, and I felt like the story was just getting started when I turned the last page (despite the fact that it's actually a reasonably sized book).

I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series, and as I shake my head in wonder at being in the position of recommending yet another book about magical farming, I wholeheartedly recommend it regardless.

5-stars.

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, look at that cover! There’s a bull with horns of fire, pulling a plow. That’s just awesome.

This isn’t a LitRPG. This is a Gamelit where the extensive majority of elements are just part of the narrative. Nonetheless, it was very entertaining, especially as it deviates from the “farming” books we’ve been seeing lately in the genre in that the farming is only really there as a setting, and the book is majorly focused on the adventuring, dungeon-diving and intrigue of this world that we are being introduced to.

Really looking forward to the next one.

[Ewa · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the main character who is so overpowered, the stakes were non-existing. This felt more like a cozy story with its many descriptions of farming, animal companions and a sort of a found family. Yeah, yeah, the apocalypse is coming but let's focus on the cows. The game element was nice but I wish the characters had more depth.
I will probably check out the second book when I am in the mood for more magical farming.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice premise with interesting characters and creatures. The premise is standard but the lack of information and the main character's personality do a lot to carry the novel.

It is clear that threads are being laid out for sequels and sadly this means the book ends a conflict but clearly sequel baits at the end. Despite this the main narrative is interesting enough but I do hope some of the threads will be explored more without adding more in the following books.

It is a nice simple book that I would recommend just not one that will fundamentally change your world. Luckily these books are in their own way a delight to read.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally purchased Domestication simply because it was on sale, the reviews were good, and the narrator was superb. My expectations were low, especially going into a LitRPG type novel, as many of these have been subpar in my experience.

Thankfully, Seth Ring really caught me off-guard here, and has put together an absolute joy of a novel. Our protagonist is a vaguely magical type, who we quickly discover is an RPG-style "classed" person, who is magical and has a DND-style 'class', and has an unexplained quest dialogue, stats etc visible to him. We learn that John does not necessarily understand what's happening, just that he's a semi-unwilling member of what appears to be a large game or something similar. He knows only that he's been retired from the military, and his new quest is to settle down and run a farm, amongst other things.

I will admit to expecting this book to get boring, or start to get 'not as good' but was continually entertained, interested, and flat out enjoying it. That maintained throughout, and the ending left me going from "well, this was a fun little detour from my normal books" to purchasing the next couple books in the series.

[Pallavi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star
It was ok. A very promising plot but a very complex magic system which was introduced too fast for me digest. If the author had taken it slow in introducing the different magical elements, this book would have impressed me immensely.
Happy Reading!!

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Domestication (Battle Mage Farmer #1) by Seth Ring

A refreshing subversion of power fantasy that trades escalating destruction for pastoral redemption—Domestication delivers an overpowered protagonist constrained by existential stakes, blending slice-of-life farming with apocalyptic tension in a surprisingly mature LitRPG framework.

Premise and Core Concept:

Domestication opens not with the typical isekai arrival or power awakening, but ten years after protagonist John Sutton was transported to a game-like fantasy world and forced into brutal military service. Now discharged after a decade of magical warfare, John seeks retirement on a small farm in the remote Robain Mountains, hoping for peace. However, his retirement carries apocalyptic stakes: every use of his destructive battle magic increases his "Doom Points," and reaching 100 will trigger the end of the world.

This premise immediately distinguishes the book from conventional progression fantasy. Rather than accumulating power, John must restrain his abilities, creating tension where strength becomes liability. The quest system that nudges him toward farming and nonviolence pushes him to adapt in ways his combat training never prepared him for.

Plot Structure and Pacing:

The story balances multiple elements: John’s efforts to build a functional farm, the arrival of mysterious siblings Ellie and Ben, small-scale threats from bandits and uneasy townsfolk, the mystery of a collapsed mage tower, and the overarching problem of the Doom Point system.

The plot unfolds through gradual revelation rather than constant action. Violence erupts only when John is forced to use his overwhelming power, and the danger of accelerating the world’s destruction elevates even small confrontations. The pacing leans heavily on daily farm life, character interactions, and steady world-building rather than continuous combat, creating a more grounded and reflective rhythm.

Character Development:

John Sutton is a war-weary veteran showing signs of trauma—pragmatic, emotionally distant, and shaped by a decade of magical warfare. His arc centers on learning to care about his land, the people who join him, and the fragile balance between his destructive potential and his desire to avoid catastrophe.

When danger arises, John’s power is unstoppable, yet the narrative frames this not as triumph but as something he wishes to avoid. The tension lies in how he manages situations without resorting to overwhelming force.

Supporting Cast:

- Ellie and Ben: Siblings with hidden depths who gradually become John’s surrogate family. Their dynamic with John develops steadily and quietly.

- Ferdie: A flame-eyed beast-bull whose playful demeanor contrasts with his fearsome appearance, adding warmth and levity.

- Sigvald: A rooster with a dangerous streak and outsized personality, showcasing the author’s flair for memorable animal characters.

- Thomas: John’s former military adjutant, a reminder that his past can’t be easily escaped.

- Halden: A former bandit king whose dramatic shift from antagonist to uneasy ally adds moral complexity.

The cast is broadly portrayed as morally complex, though some characters exist primarily to support John’s development.

Magic System and World-Building:

The magic system functions like nuclear power—useful in small doses but catastrophically destructive when pushed. This metaphor effectively contextualizes John’s devastating combat ability and the high stakes attached to using it.

The world-building remains intentionally limited. Much of the broader empire, the war’s conclusion, and the underlying rules of the magic system remain unexplored. This preserves mystery but leaves many aspects of the setting abstract or undefined beyond John’s valley.

LitRPG Elements:

Domestication employs very light LitRPG mechanics. Notifications and class references appear, but numerical systems and stat-heavy progression are minimized. This keeps the focus on narrative and character psychology rather than mechanical optimization.

Comparative Analysis - Genre Positioning:

Versus "Beware of Chicken" by Casualfarmer:

Both stories involve protagonists leaving violent lives to pursue farming and both feature memorable animal companions. However, Domestication adopts a far more serious tone, with deeper emotional stakes and catastrophic consequences tied to the protagonist’s power. Where Beware of Chicken leans into comfort and whimsy, Domestication focuses on trauma, recovery, and the dangers of excessive magical power.

Versus "Oh Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer" by Benjamin Kerei:

Both books play with farming-based isekai concepts, but approach them inversely. Kerei’s protagonist wants to engage in magic but is constrained by a farming-focused skill set, while Ring’s protagonist possesses immense destructive magic but wants nothing more than a peaceful, agricultural life. One emphasizes mechanical progression; the other emphasizes psychological restraint.

Versus Typical LitRPG/Progression Fantasy:

Domestication subverts typical genre structure. Instead of rising through power tiers like protagonists in Cradle or Defiance of the Fall, John begins near the top and must actively pull back. The tension arises not from earning strength but from managing and suppressing it.

Stylistic Notes:

The prose is accessible and fast-paced, prioritizing clarity and forward movement. Dialogue sometimes leans toward simplicity, and perspective shifts during action sequences can occasionally feel abrupt. However, the writing avoids genre pitfalls such as excessive stat screens or long-winded system infodumps.

Critical Observations and Limitations:

The novel’s ambition creates several trade-offs. Its narrow focus keeps tension high but leaves the broader world hazy. The magic system’s mysteries contribute to atmosphere but can feel underexplained. Romantic tension develops slowly, and some side characters receive less depth than their introductions promise.

Strengths:

- Thoughtful portrayal of trauma and recovery

- High-stakes tension built around restraint rather than escalation

- Clean, streamlined LitRPG mechanics

- Strong found-family dynamics

- Charming and memorable animal companions

- Character arcs that progress through trust and moral uncertainty

Domestication succeeds by inverting progression fantasy’s usual appeal. John’s journey is not about gaining power but about learning how to live with the power he already wields—and how not to destroy the world with it. The story works best as a character-focused examination of a traumatized veteran rebuilding his life under impossible constraints. While readers looking for dense mechanics or expansive world-building may find it lacking, the novel offers a mature, reflective alternative to more conventional LitRPG fare.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4/5) — A thoughtful and compelling subversion of progression fantasy with strong character work, though its intentionally limited world-building and light mechanics may not suit every reader.

[Stanislas Sodonon · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover and the tacky title, I did NOT expect to like this book, but by the end of the first chapter I was hooked.

There are so many bad cookie cutter isekai that this book shines just by avoiding most of their faults.
- It develops a mature and interesting tale
- it doesn't become a slave to its subgenre, by keeping the game mechanics extremely light
- it displays support characters with depth and independent goals, and generally avoids wish fulfilment tackiness (no insta-love FTW!)
- it works hard at minimizing info-dumps (VERY much appreciated! 👍🏿), and deals backstory in a mostly organic way.
- it takes a popular OP trope (The Retired SS Adventurer) and finds an interesting angle to generate a strong overarching conflict with stakes that cannot be brute-forced;

Not to say that all is well and dandy.
There are quite a few inconsistencies and plot holes. Pacing is uneven. Slapstick moments are more cheesy than funny.

But, contrary to most works in this genre, the tale is "serious". I felt conscious restraint and a will to "do things right" from this author, instead of this pervasive propensity to get carried away by their own tale and ignore due literary process.

I had a lot of fun.
That's all I expect from a good book.

[Clint Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

KU Review

That was super fun. What happens to the OP isekai’d hero at the end of their career? They become a farmer. Great storyline. Looking forward to this series.

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.

[Annie Billman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for everyone, but definitely for me! An odd mix of DnD and happy fantasy. I liked the refreshing take on starting after the main action is finished.

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a video game player really but I still totally enjoyed this book! Will definitely be continuing the series!

My rating: 4.2*

[Tobi Dahunsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliché, but enjoyable

I have very mixed feelings about this book lol; on one hand, the MC is a semi-harem building kicker of asses and taker of names which was fun to read about and the story was rather engaging, but on the other hand, this book dove headfirst into every cliché imaginable (I'll leave you to find them yourself) and there were super heavy Beware of Chicken similarities, so it wasn't the best thing I've read this year.

TL;DR: Fun book, don't expect too much though.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars bumped up because because after I finished reading I ate a Babybel and imagined that was what their cheese tasted like.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another experiment with litrpg. The litrpg elements didn't bother me too much here, but the book itself was pretty boring for most of it. It was worth a shot but I think I've seen enough.

[Luke Chmilenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

A perfect and refreshing read that broke me out of my funk. Absolutely enjoyed it and am looking forward to continuing with the other books!

[Петър Стойков · Rating 2 out of 5]

Много неща ме дразнят в модерния напоследък сред самиздат-авторите жанр Lit-RPG и всичките те произлизат от факта, че както голяма част от авторите, така и голяма част от читателите на този жанр са не само нърдове и гийкове, но и са леко или доста по-тежко навлезли в спектъра на аутизма.

Само така мога да си обясня двете определящи характеристики на 90% от популярните книги в жанра а именно:

(както виждате, желанието ми да номерирам всякакви неща поставя и мен лекичко в същия спектър, така че може да се каже, че си мисля, че знам какво говоря)

1. Необуздана страст към математическата част на РПГ елемента. Ясно е, че все пак в рпг книга героите (по-скоро главния герой) имат някакви подобни на компютърна игра интерфейси където виждат цифрови изражения на собствените си умения. Ясно е, че всеки от авторите си е измислил някаква "система" чрез която да ги смята и съответно, както става и в игрите, да ги увеличава с напредване приключенията на героя.

За съжаление обаче, аутизмът удря силно голяма част от тях до степен въпросните интерфейси и математически изражения и сметки да съставляват по-голямата част от обема на книгата. Повествованието и действието, доколкото ги има, са не само написани на съвсем детинско ниво като стил (което можем да отдадем както на възрастта на много от авторите, така и на това че са аматьори в писането) но и са практически съвсем ограничени като обем и изцяло подчинени на математическия елемент, изразен в гигантски таблици с числа на всеки 5 страници. Така практически цялата книга става литературният вариант на мемето number go brrrr.

2. Другото, правещо тоя тип литература трудно четима за неаутистичния читател (и твърде четима и любима на аутистичния) е, че когато на страницата не присъстват числа, обемът й често е зает от т.н. autistic rant или info dump. Хората "в спектъра" обичат да обясняват някакви неща най-подробно, поради което всеки "диалог" в тоя тип книги е всъщност монолог в който някой обяснява нещо подробно в продължение на половин до три страници - колкото и това да няма нищо общо с нормалния начин на говорене, и тия подробности почти нямат значение за понататъшното действие в книгата.

Давам пример - в непознат град героят пита някакъв непознат дали е ок да убива хора в тоя град. Вместо да му отговорят с "Ти добре ли си бе, как ше убиваш хора?!?", събеседникът му започва отговора си "Ами, според чл. 16ти ал. 34та от Закона за..... " и така още една страница монолог, в която обяснява всички особености на "правилата" (измислени от автора) относно всякакви употреби на сила във всякакви случаи.

Очевидно е, че това прави текста твърде тромав, а и самото повествование линейно и безинтересно - щото тия работи би трябвало да се разкриват на читателя чрез него и чрез някакъв истински диалог, а не с постоянни лекции.


Та, ако позволите най-после да стигна до настоящата книга, изненадващото в нея е, как въпреки, че доста елегантно избягва тия два порока на лит-рпг жанра, тя пак успява да бъде доста скучна.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Lest You Bind Yourself To Threads Of Fate Beyond Your Means To Cut Stars

Domestication is the first book in the Battle Mage Farmer series by Seth Ring.

My sole reasoning behind not rating this book a full five stars is the yet present rampant air of mystery. We have only touched the cusp of the magic system. While we know barely anything of the Mage Wars and this world's history and structure. Being that the narrative is so entirely focused on John's life in the valley, i.e. the absolute middle of nowhere, we can only grasp the state of their small civilization and not the worldwide structuring and larger understandings and inferences still left unexplained.

I love this menagerie of characters starring as our primary team. Ferdie, the beast-bull with flame sprouting eyes, that prances and plays as a puppy would. Sigvald, the capricious rooster that has claws of death and an ego to match its abnormal size. Followed by Thomas, John's old adjutant who managed to track him down on a rumor alone, and is a force to reckoned with. Ellie and Ben are intriguing and have so much possibility for growth that I'm excited for the following books.

There are two main forces of contention and turmoil we know to expect in the Sutton Farm's future. First, and more recently, is that of Halden and his worrying split-personality. He is very obviously going to bring strife and danger to the idyllic life John is trying to build in his retirement. Secondly, the encroaching Apocalypse that John seems to fighting off on his lonesome. As he works to whittle down the ever increasing Doom Points that his mana use seems to bring about. Now, that I consider there are probably two more- if they are not in fact the same- the earl who hired the Red Coral to hunt down the collapsed Mage Tower, and the obscurely mentioned powerful beings hunting immortality.

This cloud of doom hanging over their future, paired with the possibilities for character growth and power enhancements, and the common minutiae of day-to-day farm life culminates into a truly enjoyable whole and I can't wait to parse out more of Seth Ring's creative world building in the following books.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one

Mistakes: I found only one and have listed it on Goodreads.

Plot: This story has a lot going on. You can feel the influence from Beware of Chicken, but this isn’t that story. It’s different and good in it’s own way. I look forward to seeing book two and the direction the author plans to take the story.

Characters: The MC isn’t what drives this story, while he can be a rich and interesting character, in this book he isn’t that deep or interesting. However the side characters are full of life and for me really drove the story.

8/10

[Tony Hinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than "Beware of Chicken."

I love the premise of a god-tiered warrior that must embrace a bucolic life in order to avert the apocalypse.

The central character, John, is easy for the reader to inhabit. He is very sypathetic... not that he needs our help. He's like a boulder rolling down a hill. If idiots chose to stand in his way, they get squashed. That isn't the bolder's fault.

Is it weird that I'm drawn to a bull that secretly, and lovingly, tends to a young plant? Okay, I'm weird then. I can't wait for the next book.

[vicious · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bert Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely engaging

Very creative cultivation story. The MC is a super-stoic OP summoned attempting to run from his destiny. He is however a hard worker who builds a great refuge for himself and his family (Ellie and Ben + Ferdie and Sigvald). I do wonder why he doesnt appear to see himself in a relationship with Ellie despite all the clues.

Loved the switcheroo where enemies turned into allies and allies turn out to be enemies who get put in their graves. Of course the path has now been illuminated for him to prosecute his quests and Ellie turns out to be more than expected. Yay! I am still waiting for the next shoe to drop with Halden, since there is more to him than we know about so far.

I sat down and read this in just 2 sittings and am looking forward to August when book 2 comes out.

[Mafaz Kattih · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly entertaining story and I really enjoyed the OP MC that isn't afraid to use his abilities. The prose and plot was sufficiently entertaining. Found myself not really caring about the character's other than John. Enjoyed the start of the story but felt like the world was too shallow, and I found myself uninterested in the world's history. Plot points would take too long to resolve, and would lead to anticipation that lead to no result. My biggest criticism is the head hopping. It was difficult to follow which perspective we were in as it could change even mid paragraph. Action scenes were chaotic because of this. Much of the prose went into mundane detail of daily life and felt very repetitive after half the book.

[Kaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid power-fantasy LitRPG featuring a retired Badass McToughest, who can solve most of his problems by just looking at people.

It’s cheesy and shallow, but it moves at a calm, steady pace and doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. I genuinely enjoy stories about older protagonists, and while John’s age isn’t explicitly stated, he reads like he’s at least in his 30s.

Also: no creepy romance (so far)! The book thankfully avoids pushing a relationship between John and the young woman who quite literally depends on his goodwill to have a roof over her head. So, props for that. You are better that 99% of the other Isekai stories that exist.

Is this some trailblazing piece of literature? Absolutely not, but I enjoyed it for what it is!
Will continue on with the series.

[Michael Rinaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great All Around

This book was a great read and managed to go from having me laugh to feeling sad for the characters. Truly a rollercoaster of conflicts, characters, animals becoming truly sentient, and creating a farm.

I definitely enjoyed the funny parts with all the animals and farm moments. But what stuck out to me was how John was introduced then progressively gets more complicated. He starts as a seemingly simple veteran who was finally getting back from 10 years at war, but then bits of his past and character are introduced.

There are truly no good characters—besides Ben— because everyone was either morally gray or grayer. After the conclusion, I didn’t know how to feel. With everyone’s complicated pasts coming further into light after every word.

[Shonari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good! Very good. I had zero expectations, but Seth Ring is an author I enjoy reading and he delivered. And them some. My only problem is that I have to wait on the next book in the series!

PS If you like this book then I recommend Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Yes, the MC is OP AF, but story elements throttle his use of power down so it doesn't make things too easy for him. One of my tags for this is "gamelit" but don't be looking for much in the way of mechanics in this one. It's an isekai game world, but only in the big picture.

Magic in this book is the equivalent of nuclear power; at low levels great to make life easier, but rapidly escalates to Cobalt-60 salted H-bomb levels of destruction and environmental damage, so that separates this from many other books/systems. I can't say much more without spoilers, but the sequel is now a "release-day read" which is the best measure of how much I liked it.