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Skythief
Seekers control the elemental forces of the world and must climb The World Tree for ultimate power.
Dren, a ragtag thief from a dystopian world, is dropped into a land teeming with gods, monsters, magical creatures and more. Dren, however, has nothing. He’s tenacious. And charming. Yep, that’s about it. But pluck can only get you so far when gods collide.
So Dren has to get stronger. A lot stronger. Only there's something terribly off about Dren. He doesn't have any of the special traits his fellow engineered humans inherit.
Soon, all the world is about to find out why.
Dren, a ragtag thief from a dystopian world, is dropped into a land teeming with gods, monsters, magical creatures and more. Dren, however, has nothing. He’s tenacious. And charming. Yep, that’s about it. But pluck can only get you so far when gods collide.
So Dren has to get stronger. A lot stronger. Only there's something terribly off about Dren. He doesn't have any of the special traits his fellow engineered humans inherit.
Soon, all the world is about to find out why.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published August 22, 2023
7 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 2, 2023
This book was just plain great.
Group dynamics, a well developed system that reminds me of Sanderson’s Mistborn series and a great world building experience are all trains to pick this book up.
Group dynamics, a well developed system that reminds me of Sanderson’s Mistborn series and a great world building experience are all trains to pick this book up.
July 8, 2023
Really enjoyed reading an ARC of this book through the Kickstarter. Very fun LitRPG in a world that seems to be connected to the Ronin Saga also by Wolf. Perhaps he’s building his own little Cosmere a la Brandon Sanderson. I like the division of the nine types of magic (wind, fire, water, sun, moon, leaf, stone, flesh, metal); it reminds me of benders from Avatar. Dren has an Oscar Isaac Moon Knight vibe to him. My only complaint is the characters seem to group together a little too easily, but aside from that, their interactions are a fun read. Can’t wait to see what develops in Harin next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
Enjoyable easy and fun read!
Rather well written for LITRPG.
Great story that is unique.
Character depth is a bit lacking, but the storyline is lots of fun.
Rather well written for LITRPG.
Great story that is unique.
Character depth is a bit lacking, but the storyline is lots of fun.
October 29, 2023
nice light read
October 13, 2023
Fun and engaging fantasy story with a blend of (small) sci-fi and Lit-RPG elements to it. It was refreshing for a book like this to ease off the Lit-RPG elements a bit while still providing plenty for readers who like that style. It just shows that there can be a good balance between these genres to showcase progress through story, rather than overwhelming exposition/data dumps every chapter.
Additionally, since I listened to the audio version with Michael Kramer as the voice actor, this book jumps from what would have been a solid 4 to a 5 star. He is one of the greats in the industry and a fantastic choice for this book.
It's a nice first book to a series and I look forward to seeing what the future of the series might bring.
Story: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Progression: 8/10
Magic: 9/10- really interesting concepts
Voice Acting: 10/10
Additionally, since I listened to the audio version with Michael Kramer as the voice actor, this book jumps from what would have been a solid 4 to a 5 star. He is one of the greats in the industry and a fantastic choice for this book.
It's a nice first book to a series and I look forward to seeing what the future of the series might bring.
Story: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Progression: 8/10
Magic: 9/10- really interesting concepts
Voice Acting: 10/10
January 19, 2024
I'm two chapters in and I feel like I read this book already. Why do all these "thief" books have a rogue who has a heart of gold with a dark past, or troubled youth? Is it to make them more liked by the reader?
I'm fed up of authors using this trope. It honestly feels like I read this already, banter and all. Thief finds power and does good. Is it the redemption factor? A friend said this was okay, but two chapters in and I'm not enjoying it. It's like the story was written to match a set guideline. I already don't like thieves, so giving them a heart of gold and making them "funny" does nothing.
I'm so many chapters in, and not once does the protagonist question how everyone is understanding him. Unless something changes by the end of the novel, this will be the last book in the series I read. Also how these street thugs have surprisingly clean mouths, I will assume this has no cussing, and would give credence to my guess that this is YA, or writing with them in mind.
I really feel this is a YA book. Characters who never met, and spent a couple hours together, are behaving like they are lifelong friends, and are willing to die to save the other person.
This was a slog to get through, especially the annoying AI.
I won't continue the series, nor read anything else by the author. It's obvious he is a YA author. The author copied a bunch of popular YA books, and used the worst cliches and tropes in that genre.
This was painful to read.
1.5/5 Stars
I'm fed up of authors using this trope. It honestly feels like I read this already, banter and all. Thief finds power and does good. Is it the redemption factor? A friend said this was okay, but two chapters in and I'm not enjoying it. It's like the story was written to match a set guideline. I already don't like thieves, so giving them a heart of gold and making them "funny" does nothing.
I'm so many chapters in, and not once does the protagonist question how everyone is understanding him. Unless something changes by the end of the novel, this will be the last book in the series I read. Also how these street thugs have surprisingly clean mouths, I will assume this has no cussing, and would give credence to my guess that this is YA, or writing with them in mind.
I really feel this is a YA book. Characters who never met, and spent a couple hours together, are behaving like they are lifelong friends, and are willing to die to save the other person.
This was a slog to get through, especially the annoying AI.
I won't continue the series, nor read anything else by the author. It's obvious he is a YA author. The author copied a bunch of popular YA books, and used the worst cliches and tropes in that genre.
This was painful to read.
1.5/5 Stars
January 6, 2024
Now that was a satisfying ending. Granted, I DNF at 27% when the MC died, again, but I'm happy leaving it there. The MC lying there dead, his body decaying and never to be found. The glasses slowly sink into the muck as the AI goes crazy as the decades pass.
I'm used to LitRPG and skipping pages as fights drag on and on and on or as the author spends four pages describing seven items that we'll never read about again. It doesn't really bother me that this author decided to talk about how weak they are and then spend the next five pages driving that point home. I did start to mind when the author decided to spend twelve pages (I counted) on the MC and his glasses being snarky back and forth. What bothers me is that I've skipped most of the book and I've not missed anything. I skipped the first chapter as the MC and his friends bemoan how the BBEG has ruined the world. Our MC hates him extra special, but the author chooses not to tell us. I liked the 4th wall break around chapter 3 when the scrappy side kick basically said, "he destroyed my world too, but you seem extra angry." Yeah, we get it. He killed/kidnapped someone close to the MC.
We get to the story in chapter two. Somehow a minor healing salve saved them from the wounds inflicted by a dragon (why was there a dragon?) and we meet a more-powerful than average local. Skip stupid snark, and our loveable thief with a heart of gold decides that he is going to somehow save a random family from, and I quote, "Chaos Infected bugs that have been infected with chaos." Our hero saves the family! He doesn't get any XP (maybe spark? I don't know, I probably skipped that part) from killing the bugs, but what is a lack of continuity between friends.
We spend about 100 pages in a pub and a gratuitous drinking contest that our MC wins because reasons. The glasses help him cheat at dice by calculating the odds. Sure, whatever, skip.
We meet a Goddess, her right hand man disagrees with the MC being chosen as a hero, and kicks him to a never-been-defeated water challenge. Oh, this is the best part. He fights the water boss (a huge toad) that is two full advancements above him with a letter opener. How our level 0.1 MC had the strength to stab the bronze boss is unknowable but he did. Unfortunately, pinning the toads tongue didn't work and all is lost. Except! The MC reaches into his pure soul to access power he cannot access, and channels it through his blocked channels, and pulls enough power to rupture his mana channels (I don't think they're called that but I skipped that part) and accesses Mega Superduper Strength. He grabs the toad's tongue, he pulls, and the toad is dead. Somehow.
That's it. That's the whole book. The rest of it is the MC's soul being punished as he relives those last, excruciating minutes of his life for all eternity. I mean, really, he is probably magically healed, his friends join him, the BBEG is really trying to save humanity, his sister lives, and they all win America's Got Talent. I don't know and I don't care - I like my ending better.
I'm used to LitRPG and skipping pages as fights drag on and on and on or as the author spends four pages describing seven items that we'll never read about again. It doesn't really bother me that this author decided to talk about how weak they are and then spend the next five pages driving that point home. I did start to mind when the author decided to spend twelve pages (I counted) on the MC and his glasses being snarky back and forth. What bothers me is that I've skipped most of the book and I've not missed anything. I skipped the first chapter as the MC and his friends bemoan how the BBEG has ruined the world. Our MC hates him extra special, but the author chooses not to tell us. I liked the 4th wall break around chapter 3 when the scrappy side kick basically said, "he destroyed my world too, but you seem extra angry." Yeah, we get it. He killed/kidnapped someone close to the MC.
We get to the story in chapter two. Somehow a minor healing salve saved them from the wounds inflicted by a dragon (why was there a dragon?) and we meet a more-powerful than average local. Skip stupid snark, and our loveable thief with a heart of gold decides that he is going to somehow save a random family from, and I quote, "Chaos Infected bugs that have been infected with chaos." Our hero saves the family! He doesn't get any XP (maybe spark? I don't know, I probably skipped that part) from killing the bugs, but what is a lack of continuity between friends.
We spend about 100 pages in a pub and a gratuitous drinking contest that our MC wins because reasons. The glasses help him cheat at dice by calculating the odds. Sure, whatever, skip.
We meet a Goddess, her right hand man disagrees with the MC being chosen as a hero, and kicks him to a never-been-defeated water challenge. Oh, this is the best part. He fights the water boss (a huge toad) that is two full advancements above him with a letter opener. How our level 0.1 MC had the strength to stab the bronze boss is unknowable but he did. Unfortunately, pinning the toads tongue didn't work and all is lost. Except! The MC reaches into his pure soul to access power he cannot access, and channels it through his blocked channels, and pulls enough power to rupture his mana channels (I don't think they're called that but I skipped that part) and accesses Mega Superduper Strength. He grabs the toad's tongue, he pulls, and the toad is dead. Somehow.
That's it. That's the whole book. The rest of it is the MC's soul being punished as he relives those last, excruciating minutes of his life for all eternity. I mean, really, he is probably magically healed, his friends join him, the BBEG is really trying to save humanity, his sister lives, and they all win America's Got Talent. I don't know and I don't care - I like my ending better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2023
World-building akin to Brandon Sanderson. Top-tier dialogue. LitRPG with characters that restart (aka Isekai with style) in a strict magic system with logically organized levels. Major strengths center around character development, progress, and likability. It includes fun names, descriptions, and superior character interplay. Events and pacing smoothly transition into each new scene. It consists of both surprises and some foreshadowing. This is one of the rare ones, and I’d highly recommend it to YA and above.
I met the author, Matthew Wolf, at a convention and had a great conversation about his books and writing experience. I kept tabs on his work and noticed he was doing a Kickstarter to get his new series narrated by the illustrious Michael Kramer. Michael Kramer is my favorite narrator, and I jumped on board to support the effort to transform his book into audio.
I am so ecstatic that I did. 4.5-star rating. It is one of the top books I’ve read all year.
I met the author, Matthew Wolf, at a convention and had a great conversation about his books and writing experience. I kept tabs on his work and noticed he was doing a Kickstarter to get his new series narrated by the illustrious Michael Kramer. Michael Kramer is my favorite narrator, and I jumped on board to support the effort to transform his book into audio.
I am so ecstatic that I did. 4.5-star rating. It is one of the top books I’ve read all year.
August 22, 2023
From the moment I was introduced to Dren, in his dystopian New New York, I was completely entertained. The main character, Dren, is smart with a lot of sass, and his sidekick Vox is a great foil. But the real fun begins when his AI (a pair of glasses) is introduced. This is LOL humor as they banter their way through the new world that they literally fall into through a portal. Dren, a genetically modified human, is already agile and by his own words, a great thief, but he must level up and gain rank or…he dies, and he can die many times in this world.
The characters are great, the magic and world building are imaginative, and the stats are complex and interesting. It was fun to see all the skills and rankings that they had to acquire for items to work, and for them to …not die in a world where everyone, literally a gnat, is stronger than they are. The one thing Wolf does exceedingly well is dialogue, and it keeps the pacing of the book rollicking along.
Do yourself a favor and read this. You will honestly be laughing out loud. This is the first in a series, so I look forward to seeing how this series progresses.
The characters are great, the magic and world building are imaginative, and the stats are complex and interesting. It was fun to see all the skills and rankings that they had to acquire for items to work, and for them to …not die in a world where everyone, literally a gnat, is stronger than they are. The one thing Wolf does exceedingly well is dialogue, and it keeps the pacing of the book rollicking along.
Do yourself a favor and read this. You will honestly be laughing out loud. This is the first in a series, so I look forward to seeing how this series progresses.
November 14, 2023
I don't understand the purpose of the glasses. At first I thought, hey it's a plot device to sprinkle in world building and random tidbits for the readers. Now we won't get info dumped. A few chapters later, we get info dumped the magic system by kara. Only for the AI to complete Kara's sentences but only the MC can hear him. It made the entire process painful.
Later, the AI rehashes part of the magic system again. Literally within 3 chapters. Why?
Also, why make the AI speak in all caps? It's got to be the most painful way to read. And why make the AI stupid? 90% of all dialogue the AI says could be deleted and the story would be improved by it! That's how pointless and terrible the AI's dialogue is.
It's not funny when a character spends 90% of all communication trying to be funny. It gets so old so fast. The glasses single handedly ruined the story. They should have been deleted from the story.
Later, the AI rehashes part of the magic system again. Literally within 3 chapters. Why?
Also, why make the AI speak in all caps? It's got to be the most painful way to read. And why make the AI stupid? 90% of all dialogue the AI says could be deleted and the story would be improved by it! That's how pointless and terrible the AI's dialogue is.
It's not funny when a character spends 90% of all communication trying to be funny. It gets so old so fast. The glasses single handedly ruined the story. They should have been deleted from the story.
September 14, 2023
This one took me some time to finish because the story was slow to progress. There is a real dirth of good progression fantasy right now since I've finished Cradle and other highly recommended novels.
The story isn't bad, but it could have been half the size. Furthermore, the narrator, even though it is the great Michael Kramer is not fit for a progression fantasy novel as his voice is a bit too serious and fits epic fantasy much better.
The story is about an orphan boy who gets dumped into another dimension and has to save it with a bunch of friends (who don't always get along). The premise is tried and tested, but the execution of plot lines, power progression and character arcs leave much to be desired.
I would not recommend this book unless you've got nothing better to read in Progress Fantasy.
2.5 stars.
The story isn't bad, but it could have been half the size. Furthermore, the narrator, even though it is the great Michael Kramer is not fit for a progression fantasy novel as his voice is a bit too serious and fits epic fantasy much better.
The story is about an orphan boy who gets dumped into another dimension and has to save it with a bunch of friends (who don't always get along). The premise is tried and tested, but the execution of plot lines, power progression and character arcs leave much to be desired.
I would not recommend this book unless you've got nothing better to read in Progress Fantasy.
2.5 stars.
June 28, 2023
I received a review copy of this book.
For a first in series, and as far as I can tell, first for the author, this is a fantastic showing. It's LitRPG for sure, but if you're a stats person, you're likely to be disappointed, only because there's minimal stats, but the story more than makes up for that. The glasses (eventually named max) provide the comic relief for sure, and the pop culture references don't stop. If you're looking for something fun to read, that doesn't take much of anything serious, but still comes out with an excellent story, then you've found the right story, so go on, add it to your to read shelf. You know you want to.
For a first in series, and as far as I can tell, first for the author, this is a fantastic showing. It's LitRPG for sure, but if you're a stats person, you're likely to be disappointed, only because there's minimal stats, but the story more than makes up for that. The glasses (eventually named max) provide the comic relief for sure, and the pop culture references don't stop. If you're looking for something fun to read, that doesn't take much of anything serious, but still comes out with an excellent story, then you've found the right story, so go on, add it to your to read shelf. You know you want to.
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June 28, 2023Hi all!
As many of you know, I reserve this space for updates and insights on the book and the series, and don't give a review.
6/28/2023
This is a ARC copy.
**THE BOOK IS NOT OUT EXCEPT FOR ADVANCED REVIEWER COPIES :D**
The official SKYTHIEF in eBook / paperback and hardcover is set to release July 25th, with copies of Audiobooks narrated by the amazing Michael Kramer (narrator of Wheel of time and Sanderson's Stormlight Archives) following July 30th as of right now.
Upvote this if you'd like to see newest updates and to keep this at the top!
Hope you enjoy, the Realm of Harin awaits!
As many of you know, I reserve this space for updates and insights on the book and the series, and don't give a review.
6/28/2023
This is a ARC copy.
**THE BOOK IS NOT OUT EXCEPT FOR ADVANCED REVIEWER COPIES :D**
The official SKYTHIEF in eBook / paperback and hardcover is set to release July 25th, with copies of Audiobooks narrated by the amazing Michael Kramer (narrator of Wheel of time and Sanderson's Stormlight Archives) following July 30th as of right now.
Upvote this if you'd like to see newest updates and to keep this at the top!
Hope you enjoy, the Realm of Harin awaits!
December 13, 2023
So. Almost everything is wrong in this book.
Even the names of the main characters are quite obnoxious.
Two most annoying itmes on a looong list for me:
1. The sheer number of "wow" and "awesome" exclaimations. It got old after the second time.
2. The scene where Dren is facing a dragon for the first time it his life and is about to die. Looking for anything that could save his life he has an epiphany: HE CAN TRY ON THE GLASSES HE JUST FOUND.
Surprisingly, one of the villans has some depth to him and apparently, an interesting back story (not revealed yet). However, this is not enough to earn 2 stars from me.
Even the names of the main characters are quite obnoxious.
Two most annoying itmes on a looong list for me:
1. The sheer number of "wow" and "awesome" exclaimations. It got old after the second time.
2. The scene where Dren is facing a dragon for the first time it his life and is about to die. Looking for anything that could save his life he has an epiphany: HE CAN TRY ON THE GLASSES HE JUST FOUND.
Surprisingly, one of the villans has some depth to him and apparently, an interesting back story (not revealed yet). However, this is not enough to earn 2 stars from me.
January 9, 2024
I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if the humor had been cut down, reducing the book size by about 30-40%. The interesting parts in the book were overshadowed by banter that just goes on and on and on. Yeah, I get it, it is how the main character copes with his fortunes, but it just doesn't make for a compelling read. The climax was good with action finally taking centerstage, but even that included an impossible fight being won by the main characters - we were repeatedly told that even a sneeze from higher level characters would kill them, but somehow they manage to defeat a villain who had just annihilated a council made up of strong people.
August 16, 2025
This was my second delve into LitRPG after Dungeon Crawler Carl. While Skythief isn’t as good as that, and there is a big part of this story I absolutely did not like, everything else here is spot on. Matthew Wolf has an incredible grip on writing fantasy action scenes…on par with Sanderson. Also, the character work is too notch. I feel like I want to follow Dren, Kara, and Vox through a dozen more stories. The magic system, the uber-villain, Ditch & Alice…I could not appreciate it more. Too bad Max did not work for me. If you read, you will see what I mean. Still a wonderful adventure to be had.
September 1, 2023
This book ambitiously combines a lot of sub-genres of LitRPG very well. The post apocalyptic beginning was a good introduction to Dren and Vox. Things really picked up when they isekai’d to a world with original game mechanics that almost feel like cultivation levels. The characters are really cool and have some unique characteristics that they gained from their own world. It is more tree climber than tower climber but still fun. The story was compelling and the world building immersive
June 5, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but the sheer number of annoying tropes is grating on me. Snarky AI, snarky side characters, snarky main character - why can't there be any characters who take the world seriously?
Not waiting around to find out the MC's tragic past, or what his genetically-modified ability is, or how often the trio train with insurmountable odds that only they can survive because they have plot armour.
Not waiting around to find out the MC's tragic past, or what his genetically-modified ability is, or how often the trio train with insurmountable odds that only they can survive because they have plot armour.
June 6, 2024
I picked this up at Wondercon and my only regret is that it took me this long to pick it up to read. I thought this was original and fun, full of wit and humor, without skimping on action. Excellent world building and complex characters that I found to be engaging. Look forward to more in the series.
May 15, 2025
I think Matthew Wolf is a very underrated fantasy author! His magic systems and world-building are really top-notch! This was another great fantasy book with a more modern twist! I never thought I could fall in love with a pair of AI glasses that constantly made me giggle! I really love the elemental magic system.
February 22, 2024
The rank system doesn't make any sense to me, the characters are constantly talking about how x rank is so far above y rank that there's no hope, but seem to overcome these giant disparities with relative ease constantly. However, I am a fan of the world building and characters, especially Max.
October 23, 2023
Pretty darn good. Tried a bit too hard sometimes, but that’s better than not trying!
November 11, 2023
Matthew Wolf can definitely create a world you want to jump into and stay in! This is a creative take on a world that is already well established. I loved it!
April 30, 2024
Decent progression fantasy that certainly has some Will Wight-ish flavoring.
July 2, 2024
2 1/2 stars.
August 22, 2024
This was just a silly fun good time! And the audiobook narration by Michael Kramer was excellent as always!
September 5, 2024
Well written, fun.
October 25, 2023
Interesting world and system but ruined mostly by the MC's constant snark and attempts at wit. Add to that, you add an even more snarky and odd-talking sidekick, which makes it even worse.
1/3 of the way in and the story is just starting really, so the pace is slow.
Don't really care to continue as it was pretty exhausting and felt like dropping a few times. If I want the MC to shut up and get one with it, means that I'm pretty much done with it.
1/3 of the way in and the story is just starting really, so the pace is slow.
Don't really care to continue as it was pretty exhausting and felt like dropping a few times. If I want the MC to shut up and get one with it, means that I'm pretty much done with it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews