What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Life #1
Bastard
In a former life, Jack was gifted, meaning he possessed peculiar abilities. If rich folks found themselves in a jam, Jack could use his talents to get them out of it. Where others were sure to fail, Jack’s aristocratic clientele could always count on him to finish jobs cleanly, efficiently, and leave no trace, for which his services commanded a hefty fee.
But one day, Jack picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. But, as it turned out, his story was far from over.
A mysterious supernatural being whisked Jack's consciousness away and into the body of a young nobleman living in a different world in the multiverse – a magical one.
In it, he must play the part of Max Renard, illegitimate son of a traitor who was recently executed on orders from the king, which caused Max to lose his home and be forced to dwell in a small town on the western outskirts of the kingdom.
And now this new life – his last life – is the one he must lead…
But one day, Jack picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. But, as it turned out, his story was far from over.
A mysterious supernatural being whisked Jack's consciousness away and into the body of a young nobleman living in a different world in the multiverse – a magical one.
In it, he must play the part of Max Renard, illegitimate son of a traitor who was recently executed on orders from the king, which caused Max to lose his home and be forced to dwell in a small town on the western outskirts of the kingdom.
And now this new life – his last life – is the one he must lead…
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
31 books538 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
May 28, 2026
I'm having a hard time characterizing this power fantasy because most of the pithy things I could say would be at least a little bit misleading. Max reincarnates into the body of a wastrel bastard who enjoys at least a bit of privilege from his noble progenitor. Pre-story Max was a sniveling coward, a drunkard, and carouser. Our protagonist, however, comes from a world where he was top of his game with magic and fighting and analyzing people.
So this isn't competence porn so much as watching a guy with cheat codes demolish opposition. And Max isn't a Gary Stu because only his man servant, Bernard, likes him. And he isn't hyper masculine despite dominating opponents physically because he doesn't really care for women much. And it isn't that he's a misogynist, either. He doesn't care for anybody much. And he isn't a sociopath so much as he has a different moral code that includes a willingness to exploit people's weaknesses for his benefit. They're still people to him and he does care about at least some of them as important in their own right even if their benefit to him personally is limited.
One thing I find interesting in retrospect (I didn't notice it while reading) is that what outright manipulation he engages is always based on exploiting baser motivations. Greed, hubris, disdain, autocratic superiority are all exploited ruthlessly. But he never uses caring, friendship, or kindness to get what he wants. He is, in fact, as kind as he can afford to be to those who treat him at least a little bit well.
Anyway, I could characterize this as distinctly Slavic but I'm not sure because I'm not really that familiar with the culture. The author is Russian/Ukrainian and the story feels foreign to me as an American but I'm not able to pin that down.
The world building supports some of Max's more outrageous actions. I'd characterize the culture as a distorted Georgian period only with a more powerful king, no firearms, and less respect for life. Duels between nobles are common entertainment, with crowds and betting, and they default to lethal and include the right to looting the loser. Which doesn't work except in story because that population would dwindle to nothing fast given the casualty rate implied. Seriously, no privileged class would tolerate that carnage in their children.
The noble titles are a mix of English and French with French dominant (Max is a Chevalier for example) only with total title bloat. Lots and lots of barons, and way too many counts. And viscount is a courtesy title held by just about every scion in society. There are only a handful of dukes, so at least it narrows at the peak.
Okay, that's nerd wonk from when I was totally into Regency romance and dipped into the occasional Georgian for spice. The story is a competence romp insofar as Max dominates conflict with his secret magic cheat powers and the only reason he isn't a golden boy and master of his domain is that pre-spirit-swap Max was such a total loser who had reached the bottom of his hole and then dug deeper. With enthusiasm. So Max has to work hard to stave off creditors, keep a roof over his head, and care for the man servant who dotes on him. Oh, and work out a bunch so he isn't such a weakling and can actually employ the cheat powers he knows he can one day attain.
So total power fantasy. This book takes place all in his starting zone and is essentially a tutorial if this were a game. And it kinda is? But a fun one I'd probably play. And I am avoiding any analysis of what that might say about me. I'm giving this the fourth star solely on the fact I was engaged in the power fantasy and want to have more. Which I'll talk a little about below.
A note about publishing and translators and stuff: This first book is with KU but that's a total marketing ploy. Further stories in the series are priced at $9 each which is, frankly, a fantasy all its own. You can get the first five in the series at Everand, but at the time of the review, the remaining six (so far) aren't available there. So be aware that this is a short trip before exploitation kicks in. I don't know if this is a pattern for this publisher (who specializes in translations into English), but it is definitely a trap. Insert Admiral Akbar gif here...
A note about Chaste: Max doesn't care for many people and none of them are, at least in this book, female. And while he freely manipulates people to get what he wants, that only applies to money and status. He doesn't use women for sex, is what I'm saying. There is, in fact, no intimacy in this story. So it is very chaste.
So this isn't competence porn so much as watching a guy with cheat codes demolish opposition. And Max isn't a Gary Stu because only his man servant, Bernard, likes him. And he isn't hyper masculine despite dominating opponents physically because he doesn't really care for women much. And it isn't that he's a misogynist, either. He doesn't care for anybody much. And he isn't a sociopath so much as he has a different moral code that includes a willingness to exploit people's weaknesses for his benefit. They're still people to him and he does care about at least some of them as important in their own right even if their benefit to him personally is limited.
One thing I find interesting in retrospect (I didn't notice it while reading) is that what outright manipulation he engages is always based on exploiting baser motivations. Greed, hubris, disdain, autocratic superiority are all exploited ruthlessly. But he never uses caring, friendship, or kindness to get what he wants. He is, in fact, as kind as he can afford to be to those who treat him at least a little bit well.
Anyway, I could characterize this as distinctly Slavic but I'm not sure because I'm not really that familiar with the culture. The author is Russian/Ukrainian and the story feels foreign to me as an American but I'm not able to pin that down.
The world building supports some of Max's more outrageous actions. I'd characterize the culture as a distorted Georgian period only with a more powerful king, no firearms, and less respect for life. Duels between nobles are common entertainment, with crowds and betting, and they default to lethal and include the right to looting the loser. Which doesn't work except in story because that population would dwindle to nothing fast given the casualty rate implied. Seriously, no privileged class would tolerate that carnage in their children.
The noble titles are a mix of English and French with French dominant (Max is a Chevalier for example) only with total title bloat. Lots and lots of barons, and way too many counts. And viscount is a courtesy title held by just about every scion in society. There are only a handful of dukes, so at least it narrows at the peak.
Okay, that's nerd wonk from when I was totally into Regency romance and dipped into the occasional Georgian for spice. The story is a competence romp insofar as Max dominates conflict with his secret magic cheat powers and the only reason he isn't a golden boy and master of his domain is that pre-spirit-swap Max was such a total loser who had reached the bottom of his hole and then dug deeper. With enthusiasm. So Max has to work hard to stave off creditors, keep a roof over his head, and care for the man servant who dotes on him. Oh, and work out a bunch so he isn't such a weakling and can actually employ the cheat powers he knows he can one day attain.
So total power fantasy. This book takes place all in his starting zone and is essentially a tutorial if this were a game. And it kinda is? But a fun one I'd probably play. And I am avoiding any analysis of what that might say about me. I'm giving this the fourth star solely on the fact I was engaged in the power fantasy and want to have more. Which I'll talk a little about below.
A note about publishing and translators and stuff: This first book is with KU but that's a total marketing ploy. Further stories in the series are priced at $9 each which is, frankly, a fantasy all its own. You can get the first five in the series at Everand, but at the time of the review, the remaining six (so far) aren't available there. So be aware that this is a short trip before exploitation kicks in. I don't know if this is a pattern for this publisher (who specializes in translations into English), but it is definitely a trap. Insert Admiral Akbar gif here...
A note about Chaste: Max doesn't care for many people and none of them are, at least in this book, female. And while he freely manipulates people to get what he wants, that only applies to money and status. He doesn't use women for sex, is what I'm saying. There is, in fact, no intimacy in this story. So it is very chaste.
October 11, 2022
Decent power fantasy lacking a real climax
The book is reasonably entertaining to read, though it is largely a power fantasy at this point. The main character doesn't seem to have OP powers as a typical power fantasy but rather just never seems to face anything that can beat the meager power he does have. He simply never experiences a real setback. He is essentially just given a bunch of problems at the start that come from no fault of his own and he solves all of them without issue as the story progresses, with no hint that he was ever in danger of failing at implementing the first solution he tries.
Likely as a result of this, the story lacks a real climax. The tension doesn't build in a way that results in a peaking payoff. This makes the story feel like the first half of a single book rather than a full book on its own.
Regardless, it was entertaining to read and I didn't feel at any point that I had to put it down due to its flaws. I intend to read any sequel and would recommend this book if you have some time to kill and nothing on your reading list that takes precedence.
The book is reasonably entertaining to read, though it is largely a power fantasy at this point. The main character doesn't seem to have OP powers as a typical power fantasy but rather just never seems to face anything that can beat the meager power he does have. He simply never experiences a real setback. He is essentially just given a bunch of problems at the start that come from no fault of his own and he solves all of them without issue as the story progresses, with no hint that he was ever in danger of failing at implementing the first solution he tries.
Likely as a result of this, the story lacks a real climax. The tension doesn't build in a way that results in a peaking payoff. This makes the story feel like the first half of a single book rather than a full book on its own.
Regardless, it was entertaining to read and I didn't feel at any point that I had to put it down due to its flaws. I intend to read any sequel and would recommend this book if you have some time to kill and nothing on your reading list that takes precedence.
February 18, 2026
Bastard (Last Life #1) by Alexey Osadchuk
Rating: ★★★★★
Isekai | Reincarnation | Cultivation | Noble politics | Strategic protagonist | Slow-burn progression
This is not a dungeon-grind power fantasy. It’s a calculated aristocratic chess match wrapped in reincarnation and cultivation mechanics.
Bastard takes the disgraced-noble isekai hook and transforms it into a story about leverage, reputation, debt, duels, and political survival. Instead of chasing stat screens, the protagonist builds power through patience, manipulation, and long-game strategy.
Overview
Why This Stands Out in Isekai / Progression Fantasy
An Adult, Strategic Protagonist
Max/Jack doesn’t complain about bad talent or unfair odds. He manages risk. The world’s magic is thin, and his new body has poor affinity — so he compensates with intelligence, timing, and ruthlessness. He feels like a professional operating inside a hostile noble ecosystem.
Low Expectations as a Weapon
The original Max was reckless and incompetent. The new Max renegotiates debts, accepts duels only when advantageous, and carefully reshapes public perception. His “bastard” status becomes both shield and sword.
Politics With Teeth
This is a politically volatile kingdom where duels destroy reputations and treason stains bloodlines. Every dinner invitation hides danger. Every alliance carries cost. Survival depends on reading people as much as mastering cultivation.
High Skill, Weak Hardware
Jack understands cultivation pathways others don’t — but Max’s body limits him. Progression is slow, deliberate, and earned. No instant overpowered wish fulfillment.
Worldbuilding and Tone
The aesthetic leans quasi-19th-century European: carriages, manor politics, dueling grounds, and fragile court alliances. Magic exists, but it’s rare and poorly understood. That restraint keeps the focus on economic leverage, family tension, and calculated advancement.
Debt resolution
Duel positioning
Family hostility
Cultivation growth
Reputation control
Every chapter advances at least one of these threads, which keeps the pacing tight even without constant action scenes.
Strengths
Strategic, competent adult protagonist
Strong noble-political atmosphere
Slow-burn cultivation with real limitations
Meaningful consequences for social mistakes
Clear long-term series setup
Minor Weaknesses
Magic system remains lightly explained in Book 1
Some secondary characters could use deeper exploration
Progression is intentionally slow — not for readers seeking instant domination
Final Verdict
Bastard succeeds because it fully commits to its premise: a hardened fixer given one final chance inside a disgraced noble body. It prioritizes patience over spectacle and leverage over flashy power spikes.
If you enjoy reincarnation into fallen nobility, aristocratic scheming, calculated duels, and intelligent progression rather than mindless grind, this is an excellent series opener.
Highly recommended for fans of political isekai and smart progression fantasy.
July 9, 2025
An unexpectedly very entertaining novel narrated in first person by "Jack Smith" aka "Max Renard" who according to some powerful entity overseeing some subset of humans in the multiverse, is going to be reincarnated in his last life after getting imprisoned and soon to be murdered in his "Jack Smith" personna on an advanced world with both cars, internet, but also aristocracy and rare-ish magic.
As a reward for providing countless entertainment to the entity in all his past lives, "Jack" is promised a "good body" - which turns out to be of Max Renard a young aristocratic wastrel who got himself mortally injured in a rigged duel in a 19th century like world with considerable more magic than the modern one of Jack - and an interesting setting, as well as some boons including remembering his past life as Jack Smith and preserving some of his magic.
An illegitimate son of a powerful nobleman of very old lineage and a rich but wild young merchant heiress who dies in childbirth, Max was acknowledged and supported by his father though completely shunned by his rich merchant grandfather who blamed Max and his father for the death of his beloved daughter, so he had a good upbringing and became one of the countless arrogant, spoiled and entitled aristocratric sprigs of the capital interested in parties, women and abusing the servants like his long suffering bondsman Bertrand, a serf of his grandfather who was dedicated to his daughter and became the only possession Max got from that side of his family.
Unfortunately for Max, his father seemingly got involved in a conspiracy and was betrayed by his covetous younger brother Heinrich, who received his titles and lands from a grateful king and kicked out Max from the capital, giving him some money and a warning not to return. Moving to the provinces, the real Max, still arrogant, stupid and without any real life experience, got himself into lots of trouble and so when Jack inherits his body, he has to deal with tons and tons of problems, from irate creditors including the local underworld big boss, to various local noble peers whom Max managed to insult and alienate, to having a bounty on his head from a mysterious person, so a swordsman and his lover concoct a plan to get Max killed legally in a duel -so Jack inheriting the body...
Not to speak that his uncle may actually have temporary need of Max for a deal to be concluded and then Max discarded for good, a rich friend of his grandfather may need Max for his own ends, while this new world is much richer in magic than the technologically advanced one of Jack's so him being a mage with lots of potential power may not be as big an advantage as before...
And so it goes with lots of action, twists, interesting world building and a good tbc ending all narrated in an earnest "to do" tone that doesn't take itself too seriously and lacks almost any angst or self-doubts. After all, while being intelligent, super competent, and relatively kind-hearted in his own way - for example to Bertrand's great suprise, the "new" Max supposedly recovering by magic after his duel head wound, so conveniently missing most memories, and completely changed for the better due to his near-death experience, immediately frees Bertrand from his servitude and hires him as a salaried servant, jack/Max is quite arrogant and convinced of his destiny...
Overall, an extremely fun novel with lots of energy and inventiveness that makes one keep turning pages until the end and then go and pick up the second series novel immediately.
As a reward for providing countless entertainment to the entity in all his past lives, "Jack" is promised a "good body" - which turns out to be of Max Renard a young aristocratic wastrel who got himself mortally injured in a rigged duel in a 19th century like world with considerable more magic than the modern one of Jack - and an interesting setting, as well as some boons including remembering his past life as Jack Smith and preserving some of his magic.
An illegitimate son of a powerful nobleman of very old lineage and a rich but wild young merchant heiress who dies in childbirth, Max was acknowledged and supported by his father though completely shunned by his rich merchant grandfather who blamed Max and his father for the death of his beloved daughter, so he had a good upbringing and became one of the countless arrogant, spoiled and entitled aristocratric sprigs of the capital interested in parties, women and abusing the servants like his long suffering bondsman Bertrand, a serf of his grandfather who was dedicated to his daughter and became the only possession Max got from that side of his family.
Unfortunately for Max, his father seemingly got involved in a conspiracy and was betrayed by his covetous younger brother Heinrich, who received his titles and lands from a grateful king and kicked out Max from the capital, giving him some money and a warning not to return. Moving to the provinces, the real Max, still arrogant, stupid and without any real life experience, got himself into lots of trouble and so when Jack inherits his body, he has to deal with tons and tons of problems, from irate creditors including the local underworld big boss, to various local noble peers whom Max managed to insult and alienate, to having a bounty on his head from a mysterious person, so a swordsman and his lover concoct a plan to get Max killed legally in a duel -so Jack inheriting the body...
Not to speak that his uncle may actually have temporary need of Max for a deal to be concluded and then Max discarded for good, a rich friend of his grandfather may need Max for his own ends, while this new world is much richer in magic than the technologically advanced one of Jack's so him being a mage with lots of potential power may not be as big an advantage as before...
And so it goes with lots of action, twists, interesting world building and a good tbc ending all narrated in an earnest "to do" tone that doesn't take itself too seriously and lacks almost any angst or self-doubts. After all, while being intelligent, super competent, and relatively kind-hearted in his own way - for example to Bertrand's great suprise, the "new" Max supposedly recovering by magic after his duel head wound, so conveniently missing most memories, and completely changed for the better due to his near-death experience, immediately frees Bertrand from his servitude and hires him as a salaried servant, jack/Max is quite arrogant and convinced of his destiny...
Overall, an extremely fun novel with lots of energy and inventiveness that makes one keep turning pages until the end and then go and pick up the second series novel immediately.
November 1, 2022
Book one
This is another book that I received an arc to help with the translation from Russian to English.
I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to book 2, and I like the stories where the main character in habits someone else’s body, and then change them for the better.
I give this an eight out of 10 Hope book 2 doesn’t take long to come out.
This is another book that I received an arc to help with the translation from Russian to English.
I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to book 2, and I like the stories where the main character in habits someone else’s body, and then change them for the better.
I give this an eight out of 10 Hope book 2 doesn’t take long to come out.
April 5, 2023
I've had this on my To-Read list for a while and finally got to it and I'm glad I did. Initially, I was expecting something like a hybrid of Legend of the Archmagus mixed with World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat (but hopefully without the pseudo-harem shenanigans). To a degree, I don't think I was too far off since I think people who liked those other series will like this. But otherwise, this story really distinguished itself and followed its own path.
The MC is a guy who lived in a modern-day Earth society (maybe, it's really glossed over) but who had access to cultivation-style energy and had made a name and career for himself as a freelance assassin/fixer of sorts. Some noble or another assaulted a friend of his so he paid them back, but ultimately got caught and put on death row. It's here that the MC gets a visit from a mysterious entity that informs him of the cycle of rebirth, which seems to have a finite number of stops, and the next life will be the last. As a reward for all the MC's entertaining lives and deaths, the entity says he'll set him up with a fun final life.
Similar to Legend of Archmagus, the MC is reborn by inhabiting the still-warm deceased body of a 20-year-old nobleman bastard whose reputation is poor. The upside is that our MC got to keep his prior life's memories and the ability to use energy.
It's a standard but fun setup and what I liked most was probably the particular setting, which was something Europeanish circa the 1800s. I really enjoy reading authors from places other than the US for this reason since there is a great blend of imagination and different cultural influences that are a breath of fresh air for me.
The MC is a guy who lived in a modern-day Earth society (maybe, it's really glossed over) but who had access to cultivation-style energy and had made a name and career for himself as a freelance assassin/fixer of sorts. Some noble or another assaulted a friend of his so he paid them back, but ultimately got caught and put on death row. It's here that the MC gets a visit from a mysterious entity that informs him of the cycle of rebirth, which seems to have a finite number of stops, and the next life will be the last. As a reward for all the MC's entertaining lives and deaths, the entity says he'll set him up with a fun final life.
Similar to Legend of Archmagus, the MC is reborn by inhabiting the still-warm deceased body of a 20-year-old nobleman bastard whose reputation is poor. The upside is that our MC got to keep his prior life's memories and the ability to use energy.
It's a standard but fun setup and what I liked most was probably the particular setting, which was something Europeanish circa the 1800s. I really enjoy reading authors from places other than the US for this reason since there is a great blend of imagination and different cultural influences that are a breath of fresh air for me.
November 18, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
A good read. It was a little bit more sophisticated than my normal reading. At least that is the way it came across to me. One of the things I like least in books is politics. This one had noble maneuvering which is a cousin to politics but for some reason I enjoyed it. The story starts with a man about to be killed for taking revenge on the man that killed his sister. He has some powers and was something of a "fixer". The guy you call when you want things done and problems to go away. Before he dies, he is visited by someone who tells him he has been watching over his many lives and it is very entertaining. He is going to give him a couple of boons for his next life..... his final life. He will still have his power but also, he will be able to keep his memories. He wakes up in a body that is like his but isn't. He wakes up in the body of a bastard son of a noble who is kind of a waste of space. He was in a recent duel and was pretty much left for dead. Well in reality, he did die and now our MC is inside his body. This had a Legend of the Arch Magus feel to it. Mc is now in a body that is weak and has poor energy. He knows what he is supposed to do but it is going to take time. There is magic in this world but there isn't much. The magic system isn't explained in any great detail. Max needs to deal with the mess his last host left for him which was a lot. Tons of debt, people challenging him to more duels, and then there is the problems with both sides of his family. Overll, I felt it was an enjoyable read.
A good read. It was a little bit more sophisticated than my normal reading. At least that is the way it came across to me. One of the things I like least in books is politics. This one had noble maneuvering which is a cousin to politics but for some reason I enjoyed it. The story starts with a man about to be killed for taking revenge on the man that killed his sister. He has some powers and was something of a "fixer". The guy you call when you want things done and problems to go away. Before he dies, he is visited by someone who tells him he has been watching over his many lives and it is very entertaining. He is going to give him a couple of boons for his next life..... his final life. He will still have his power but also, he will be able to keep his memories. He wakes up in a body that is like his but isn't. He wakes up in the body of a bastard son of a noble who is kind of a waste of space. He was in a recent duel and was pretty much left for dead. Well in reality, he did die and now our MC is inside his body. This had a Legend of the Arch Magus feel to it. Mc is now in a body that is weak and has poor energy. He knows what he is supposed to do but it is going to take time. There is magic in this world but there isn't much. The magic system isn't explained in any great detail. Max needs to deal with the mess his last host left for him which was a lot. Tons of debt, people challenging him to more duels, and then there is the problems with both sides of his family. Overll, I felt it was an enjoyable read.
January 9, 2024
Really intriguing off the bat but falls apart quickly.
The Last Life series is a Russian series that was translated quite well, but the prose is a bit odd. Its extremely conversational and reminds me of internal monologues of shounen anime characters- only imagine if the characters didn't really interact with other characters. The writing is pretty juvenile but readable. This wouldn't be so much of an issue if the main character actually made any human connections.
Instead, the story is wrapped up in observations about the world in a conversational info dump style. You can get really far in the book and start to wonder not just why you should care about any side character introduced, but what justifies the main character as well. Jack/Max starts off as a really fascinating character with a cool backstory, but as soon as the "plot" gets going, he becomes an observer without any real emotional journey.
This is not billed as a Lite RPG but I do thing it has a lot of elements of one. The characters talk a lot about potion stats and power building and the world is described like you are living in a Bethesda game. This does feature a man traveling to another world, even if it is a little non traditional. I don't get the appeal, but its clearly working for others.
The Last Life series is a Russian series that was translated quite well, but the prose is a bit odd. Its extremely conversational and reminds me of internal monologues of shounen anime characters- only imagine if the characters didn't really interact with other characters. The writing is pretty juvenile but readable. This wouldn't be so much of an issue if the main character actually made any human connections.
Instead, the story is wrapped up in observations about the world in a conversational info dump style. You can get really far in the book and start to wonder not just why you should care about any side character introduced, but what justifies the main character as well. Jack/Max starts off as a really fascinating character with a cool backstory, but as soon as the "plot" gets going, he becomes an observer without any real emotional journey.
This is not billed as a Lite RPG but I do thing it has a lot of elements of one. The characters talk a lot about potion stats and power building and the world is described like you are living in a Bethesda game. This does feature a man traveling to another world, even if it is a little non traditional. I don't get the appeal, but its clearly working for others.
December 17, 2022
Good start
Good 1st book. Progression certainly RPG this is not. Still the premise is not new but the story is well done. A lot of combat. Lot of fun. So biggest prob for MC is the politics. He has to learn fast and adapt to the world that killed his body donor and its all political. With training and abilities brought with him from his old world and adapting to new magic system, he is off to dominate the locals. I enjoyed the show. You will too. Looking forward to the next book.
Good 1st book. Progression certainly RPG this is not. Still the premise is not new but the story is well done. A lot of combat. Lot of fun. So biggest prob for MC is the politics. He has to learn fast and adapt to the world that killed his body donor and its all political. With training and abilities brought with him from his old world and adapting to new magic system, he is off to dominate the locals. I enjoyed the show. You will too. Looking forward to the next book.
March 18, 2023
If you enjoy stories involving reincarnation into another world, this one is definitely for you! The writer delves into the world brilliantly and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. I really had a hard time putting this book down😀
February 10, 2024
Recently I have discovered that I have a soft spot for these reincarnation stories. I love the concept of someone with the knowledge and experience of a long or hard life getting a second chance to put that knowledge and experience to good use. Often they turn into wish fulfillment territory as the reincarnated character goes from success to success with some ease, but I have never subscribed to the theory that there is a wrong way to tell a story; a truly gifted story teller can make any scenario work with enough effort and creativity.
Such is the case here. This is a book about what is basically a Gary Stu easily solving problems that should be beyond him. The way the author gets away with telling this kind of story is that he leans really heavily into the fun that could be had with this premise. It turns this book into a happy little escape from reality that I couldn't help but love.
This book reminded me a lot of Legend of the Arch Magus, a series with a really similar premise that is a guilty pleasure of mine. That too leans heavily on the fun aspect to overcome its shortfalls, and it really needs to because (while I do love those books), they really aren't that well written and there is a lot for the 'fun' to make up for.
This book is actually quite well written which means that this series has the potential to be a new favourite of mine. However, I haven't read enough to be confident of that yet which brings me to my only real issue here; I wish this book was longer.
It seemed I had only been reading a short time and the story was just getting going before the story was over. It's not that it ended abruptly, but rather that I was just hoping for more.
I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how the story continues.
Such is the case here. This is a book about what is basically a Gary Stu easily solving problems that should be beyond him. The way the author gets away with telling this kind of story is that he leans really heavily into the fun that could be had with this premise. It turns this book into a happy little escape from reality that I couldn't help but love.
This book reminded me a lot of Legend of the Arch Magus, a series with a really similar premise that is a guilty pleasure of mine. That too leans heavily on the fun aspect to overcome its shortfalls, and it really needs to because (while I do love those books), they really aren't that well written and there is a lot for the 'fun' to make up for.
This book is actually quite well written which means that this series has the potential to be a new favourite of mine. However, I haven't read enough to be confident of that yet which brings me to my only real issue here; I wish this book was longer.
It seemed I had only been reading a short time and the story was just getting going before the story was over. It's not that it ended abruptly, but rather that I was just hoping for more.
I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how the story continues.
April 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The Good:
When it comes to Portal fantasy in all its guises, I've noticed a profound difference in tone between North Americans and the rest of the world (especially East Europeans). Americans seem to be bound to some silent requirement for a good Vs evil dichotomy. As a result, a large number of stories are rather "unsophisticated" when it comes to interpersonal dynamics. Those that escape this frame are called grimdark... 😅
The rest of the world doesn't seem to be thus constrained, and it shows in the level of pragmatism exhibited by their tales. And I guess that's what I liked best about this book: the resolutely mature (in its original sense) tone of the tale.
The Less Good:
Pacing is not the best. Some events are rushed through while we spend longer on seemingly unimportant stuff.
I'm not sure what part of my issues are linked to translation, but sometimes, the grammar is overly complicated. It made some sections hard to understand.
The Bad:
Not certain that anything in the book deserves to be here.
The Conclusion:
I binged it, and I am looking for the next book already. I like this one.
The Good:
When it comes to Portal fantasy in all its guises, I've noticed a profound difference in tone between North Americans and the rest of the world (especially East Europeans). Americans seem to be bound to some silent requirement for a good Vs evil dichotomy. As a result, a large number of stories are rather "unsophisticated" when it comes to interpersonal dynamics. Those that escape this frame are called grimdark... 😅
The rest of the world doesn't seem to be thus constrained, and it shows in the level of pragmatism exhibited by their tales. And I guess that's what I liked best about this book: the resolutely mature (in its original sense) tone of the tale.
The Less Good:
Pacing is not the best. Some events are rushed through while we spend longer on seemingly unimportant stuff.
I'm not sure what part of my issues are linked to translation, but sometimes, the grammar is overly complicated. It made some sections hard to understand.
The Bad:
Not certain that anything in the book deserves to be here.
The Conclusion:
I binged it, and I am looking for the next book already. I like this one.
February 17, 2023
Politics! Arraigned marriages! Weak to strong, and fast! An overpowered, confident, near omniscient main character! As a typical Russian politics book, this was well done, much to the credit of the translation team. Despite the large amount of named characters and families, I did not find myself confused too often. However I imagine I will be when I pick up Book 2 in a few months, so I do hope that there will be a summary at the start.
The ending was lackluster, but it doesn’t ruin it for me.
The ending was lackluster, but it doesn’t ruin it for me.
June 14, 2026
An engrossing, polished new series brimming with potential.
Ah, you know that feeling when you are young and you start a new relationship that seems so exciting and full of possibilities? That’s the feeling I have after months of reading average and below average dribble in the progression genre, then finally picking up this book that’s been sitting in my kindle for months and remembering why I love this genre in the first place.
I love almost everything about this book. The characters are effortlessly dimensional. The MC is likable more so than most MCs in early novels in the genre. Unlike with so many of those, we actually have context for our MCs personality and decision making. I also LOVE how the MC thinks first before he speaks and takes us through his thought process. This is writing at a higher level than most of the genre. It’s not the highest level, but this isn’t literature. My only gripe about the MC may be that he is a bit cocky. However, that’s not a knock, it’s awesome to have MCs who are NOT over idealized and have flaws. Plus it’s shameless fun when he owns some moron or another Taylor Sheridan Style.
The plot is engaging and clearly setup to be able to take the narrative in a myriad of directions. This isn’t an endlessly repetitive power scaling romp. Though, there are hints at some trope elements here, being this shadow frontier and cryptic words of the entity who sent the MC to this new world about a potentially looming cataclysm. Even if that is a pretty common plot line in progression, I like that MC isn’t some prophesied savior slash “the one” situation. He’s just a guy put in front of some coming doom and the entity who sent him there does not care if he dies or fails or the world is destroyed. He’s just in it for the laughs. Brilliant. This plot reminds me, in some ways, of the plot of A Soldier’s Life. That’s an isekai rather than reincarnation situation, but there’s a lot of similarities with plot being open for a lot of narratives not based on power scaling and some looming threat on the horizon for the MC to help confront. And like this series, the MC isn’t a savior.
The world building and magic system are interesting as well and reflect some of my favorite ways to set up series in this genre. First, there’s no system. This one is cultivation-based but there aren’t many people who can do so. This means, unlike most cultivation series, there’s not grades or [skills] or anything of the sort. Magic isn’t some path laid out for everyone to follow. It’s mysterious and more akin to a combination of talent and preparation/practice, athleticism essentially. I find this type of set up for a magic system effective for series in this genre as it limits power gaps which allows for series that are more immersive, being more relatable, and also able to tell stories that are lateral and not always power scaling. For the MC to gain magical power, he must train, cultivate, and make use of magical materials.
The world building is basically a late medieval or even renaissance type of world, but one lacking firearms, I know how so many of you hate those in this genre. Guns in the MCs old world, not in this new one. The culture of this kingdom the MC finds himself in seems to be modeled on pre-revolutionary France. There’s at least one large continent, with MANY countries, principalities, etc, full of nobles all fighting each other both within their own countries and between them as well as making the expeditions to the shadow frontier for materials and also as a GOT Wall situation. There’s a lot of potential with this set up for a lot of stories.
The progression element is a little light in this book as the magic system is so bare bones. But there’s a clear path for it. Now it won’t come with skills sheets or stats or anything like that, but there’s a way to grow magical power.
The pace of this book is polished and tight. The author knows just when to not bore us with the details and let us fill in the gaps. And that payoffs are great because the author effortlessly makes us like or dislike people and our MC so well delivers the payoffs we love to see. But it’s not gratuitous. Most people are clearly gray area (realistic), with a few on either side being good or evil (realistic). And not everyone on the evil side gets their due (realistic). Seeing the trend? That’s great to me, the less predictable the better.
As for my gripes, only a couple minor ones. It’s not wholly clear when the MC becomes so informed about things on this new world, such as average salaries for various commoner careers. But it seems he has some significant knowledge from the prior inhabitant of his new body from languages to what a maid can expect to earn a year or what a new farm costs, but he does not have his old body’s memories. I think the author could have cleared up this distinction by spelling this out a little more often.
Also, the dueling culture. Certainly interesting. But doesn’t make a lot of sense the way it plays out in the story. There’s clearly a honor code, and even a dueling arena so people aren’t fighting on the streets, that’s all fine. The issue is the scale and the lethality of these duels. It’s simply not sustainable for so many nobles to be dying on a daily basis in some random third largest city of some backwater county on the edge of a kingdom. If we scaled that to the whole country, literally hundreds of noble scions would be dying every single day. There’s one duelist who fights three duels in one day, kills the first two guys, both entitled nobles then fights MC. Apparently this arena is being used all day everyday and people dying is more common than not, which isn’t how dueling worked in historical societies precisely because that isn’t sustainable. In the renaissance era, duels were rarely to the death. Often to first blood, or they’d cross blades a couple times and call honor satisfied. It was more often a dance of social theater than actual out-for-blood situations. And even in Japan, where dueling was more often deadly, nobles weren’t engaging in it. It was their martial class that was doing so on their lord’s behalf or on their own.
I also dislike how short the book is. I wouldn’t have a problem with that if these were free with Kindle U or a few bucks a piece, but they’re not. They’re $9 for 300ish pages. That’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’ll do it because as I implied, I’m in the infatuation/crush phase right now.
In conclusion, an exciting series that I can’t believe I’ve never heard about. It has to be because it’s not on Kindle U. Understandable because the pay isn’t great, especially if you don’t write at least 500 pages. But that gatekeeping, as poorly as it’s compensated, may make up for it with being promoted by algorithms and pushing people to audiobooks that have better margins. But $9 or not, I’m hooked for now. 5/5 Highly Recommend!
Ah, you know that feeling when you are young and you start a new relationship that seems so exciting and full of possibilities? That’s the feeling I have after months of reading average and below average dribble in the progression genre, then finally picking up this book that’s been sitting in my kindle for months and remembering why I love this genre in the first place.
I love almost everything about this book. The characters are effortlessly dimensional. The MC is likable more so than most MCs in early novels in the genre. Unlike with so many of those, we actually have context for our MCs personality and decision making. I also LOVE how the MC thinks first before he speaks and takes us through his thought process. This is writing at a higher level than most of the genre. It’s not the highest level, but this isn’t literature. My only gripe about the MC may be that he is a bit cocky. However, that’s not a knock, it’s awesome to have MCs who are NOT over idealized and have flaws. Plus it’s shameless fun when he owns some moron or another Taylor Sheridan Style.
The plot is engaging and clearly setup to be able to take the narrative in a myriad of directions. This isn’t an endlessly repetitive power scaling romp. Though, there are hints at some trope elements here, being this shadow frontier and cryptic words of the entity who sent the MC to this new world about a potentially looming cataclysm. Even if that is a pretty common plot line in progression, I like that MC isn’t some prophesied savior slash “the one” situation. He’s just a guy put in front of some coming doom and the entity who sent him there does not care if he dies or fails or the world is destroyed. He’s just in it for the laughs. Brilliant. This plot reminds me, in some ways, of the plot of A Soldier’s Life. That’s an isekai rather than reincarnation situation, but there’s a lot of similarities with plot being open for a lot of narratives not based on power scaling and some looming threat on the horizon for the MC to help confront. And like this series, the MC isn’t a savior.
The world building and magic system are interesting as well and reflect some of my favorite ways to set up series in this genre. First, there’s no system. This one is cultivation-based but there aren’t many people who can do so. This means, unlike most cultivation series, there’s not grades or [skills] or anything of the sort. Magic isn’t some path laid out for everyone to follow. It’s mysterious and more akin to a combination of talent and preparation/practice, athleticism essentially. I find this type of set up for a magic system effective for series in this genre as it limits power gaps which allows for series that are more immersive, being more relatable, and also able to tell stories that are lateral and not always power scaling. For the MC to gain magical power, he must train, cultivate, and make use of magical materials.
The world building is basically a late medieval or even renaissance type of world, but one lacking firearms, I know how so many of you hate those in this genre. Guns in the MCs old world, not in this new one. The culture of this kingdom the MC finds himself in seems to be modeled on pre-revolutionary France. There’s at least one large continent, with MANY countries, principalities, etc, full of nobles all fighting each other both within their own countries and between them as well as making the expeditions to the shadow frontier for materials and also as a GOT Wall situation. There’s a lot of potential with this set up for a lot of stories.
The progression element is a little light in this book as the magic system is so bare bones. But there’s a clear path for it. Now it won’t come with skills sheets or stats or anything like that, but there’s a way to grow magical power.
The pace of this book is polished and tight. The author knows just when to not bore us with the details and let us fill in the gaps. And that payoffs are great because the author effortlessly makes us like or dislike people and our MC so well delivers the payoffs we love to see. But it’s not gratuitous. Most people are clearly gray area (realistic), with a few on either side being good or evil (realistic). And not everyone on the evil side gets their due (realistic). Seeing the trend? That’s great to me, the less predictable the better.
As for my gripes, only a couple minor ones. It’s not wholly clear when the MC becomes so informed about things on this new world, such as average salaries for various commoner careers. But it seems he has some significant knowledge from the prior inhabitant of his new body from languages to what a maid can expect to earn a year or what a new farm costs, but he does not have his old body’s memories. I think the author could have cleared up this distinction by spelling this out a little more often.
Also, the dueling culture. Certainly interesting. But doesn’t make a lot of sense the way it plays out in the story. There’s clearly a honor code, and even a dueling arena so people aren’t fighting on the streets, that’s all fine. The issue is the scale and the lethality of these duels. It’s simply not sustainable for so many nobles to be dying on a daily basis in some random third largest city of some backwater county on the edge of a kingdom. If we scaled that to the whole country, literally hundreds of noble scions would be dying every single day. There’s one duelist who fights three duels in one day, kills the first two guys, both entitled nobles then fights MC. Apparently this arena is being used all day everyday and people dying is more common than not, which isn’t how dueling worked in historical societies precisely because that isn’t sustainable. In the renaissance era, duels were rarely to the death. Often to first blood, or they’d cross blades a couple times and call honor satisfied. It was more often a dance of social theater than actual out-for-blood situations. And even in Japan, where dueling was more often deadly, nobles weren’t engaging in it. It was their martial class that was doing so on their lord’s behalf or on their own.
I also dislike how short the book is. I wouldn’t have a problem with that if these were free with Kindle U or a few bucks a piece, but they’re not. They’re $9 for 300ish pages. That’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’ll do it because as I implied, I’m in the infatuation/crush phase right now.
In conclusion, an exciting series that I can’t believe I’ve never heard about. It has to be because it’s not on Kindle U. Understandable because the pay isn’t great, especially if you don’t write at least 500 pages. But that gatekeeping, as poorly as it’s compensated, may make up for it with being promoted by algorithms and pushing people to audiobooks that have better margins. But $9 or not, I’m hooked for now. 5/5 Highly Recommend!
June 5, 2023
Despite the central character being arrogant, there's a good story here. Jack the Dodger has drawn the attention of a God that wants to set up an epic last season of his many reincarnations. Taken to another world to inhabit the once-dead body of an alternate Jack, he must redeem years of laziness and excess.
His arrogance is only tolerable because his enemies are so much worse. I just hope his personality continues to improve as he learns empathy for the downtrodden.
His arrogance is only tolerable because his enemies are so much worse. I just hope his personality continues to improve as he learns empathy for the downtrodden.
February 28, 2023
I would consider this cultivation light and portal fantasy.
It is extremely good, and I can't wait to read more of the series. This reminds me of the Arch Magus series.
It is extremely good, and I can't wait to read more of the series. This reminds me of the Arch Magus series.
March 5, 2023
Great book!
Great start to a new series. It reminded me a little of P.S. Powers and their books and thats a compliment! Can't wait to see more of where the story takes us
Great start to a new series. It reminded me a little of P.S. Powers and their books and thats a compliment! Can't wait to see more of where the story takes us
April 1, 2025
“Bastard,” the 1st installment of Alexey Osadchuk’s "Last Life" series, published in 2023 and narrated by Ryan Burke, is a captivating blend of fantasy, reincarnation, and gritty determination that hooks listeners from the outset. This audiobook delivers a fast-paced, immersive experience that showcases Osadchuk’s knack for crafting compelling characters and intricate worlds, brought to life by Burke’s skillful narration.
The story follows Jack, a magically gifted assassin from a previous life where he thrived as a fixer for the elite - clean, efficient, and exorbitantly paid. His downfall comes swiftly when he crosses the wrong adversary, ending his old existence. Yet, death is not the end. A mysterious supernatural force transplants his consciousness into the body of Max Renard, the illegitimate son of a disgraced noble in a magical multiverse. Max’s predicament is dire: his father’s execution has stripped him of status and home, relegating him to a backwater town on the kingdom’s fringes. Jack, now Max, must navigate this new life with his old skills, a sharp mind, and a burning desire to reclaim power.
What sets “Bastard” apart is its protagonist. Max is no wide-eyed hero; he’s a calculating, no-nonsense survivor whose past as an assassin informs every decision. Osadchuk excels at portraying his internal struggle - balancing the instincts of a killer with the vulnerabilities of his new identity. The world-building is equally impressive, though lean on overt magical spectacle. The magic system teases more than it reveals, hinting at deeper layers to be explored in future books, while the political intrigue and societal hierarchy provide a rich backdrop. The western outskirts of the kingdom feel alive with tension, from petty rivalries to looming threats, making Max’s journey a tightrope walk of strategy and chance.
Ryan Burke’s narration elevates the experience. His voice carries a rugged gravitas that suits Jack’s hardened perspective, while his pacing keeps the story’s rapid momentum intact. Burke deftly handles the supporting cast - each character distinct, from scheming locals to haughty nobles - adding depth without overshadowing the main narrative. His delivery of the dialogue, often laced with dry wit, enhances the audiobook’s entertainment value.
Highlights include Max’s early confrontations, where his assassin’s cunning shines through, and the gradual unraveling of the kingdom’s power dynamics. The plot doesn’t linger; it propels forward with precise action and subtle foreshadowing, leaving listeners eager for what’s next. However, the magic system’s vagueness might frustrate some.
“Bastard” should appeal to fantasy fans who enjoy smart protagonists and tight storytelling. It’s not a sprawling epic but a focused, character-driven tale that promises more. For those seeking a fresh take on reincarnation with a gritty edge, this audiobook is a standout listen - engaging, well-crafted, and primed for a series worth following.
The story follows Jack, a magically gifted assassin from a previous life where he thrived as a fixer for the elite - clean, efficient, and exorbitantly paid. His downfall comes swiftly when he crosses the wrong adversary, ending his old existence. Yet, death is not the end. A mysterious supernatural force transplants his consciousness into the body of Max Renard, the illegitimate son of a disgraced noble in a magical multiverse. Max’s predicament is dire: his father’s execution has stripped him of status and home, relegating him to a backwater town on the kingdom’s fringes. Jack, now Max, must navigate this new life with his old skills, a sharp mind, and a burning desire to reclaim power.
What sets “Bastard” apart is its protagonist. Max is no wide-eyed hero; he’s a calculating, no-nonsense survivor whose past as an assassin informs every decision. Osadchuk excels at portraying his internal struggle - balancing the instincts of a killer with the vulnerabilities of his new identity. The world-building is equally impressive, though lean on overt magical spectacle. The magic system teases more than it reveals, hinting at deeper layers to be explored in future books, while the political intrigue and societal hierarchy provide a rich backdrop. The western outskirts of the kingdom feel alive with tension, from petty rivalries to looming threats, making Max’s journey a tightrope walk of strategy and chance.
Ryan Burke’s narration elevates the experience. His voice carries a rugged gravitas that suits Jack’s hardened perspective, while his pacing keeps the story’s rapid momentum intact. Burke deftly handles the supporting cast - each character distinct, from scheming locals to haughty nobles - adding depth without overshadowing the main narrative. His delivery of the dialogue, often laced with dry wit, enhances the audiobook’s entertainment value.
Highlights include Max’s early confrontations, where his assassin’s cunning shines through, and the gradual unraveling of the kingdom’s power dynamics. The plot doesn’t linger; it propels forward with precise action and subtle foreshadowing, leaving listeners eager for what’s next. However, the magic system’s vagueness might frustrate some.
“Bastard” should appeal to fantasy fans who enjoy smart protagonists and tight storytelling. It’s not a sprawling epic but a focused, character-driven tale that promises more. For those seeking a fresh take on reincarnation with a gritty edge, this audiobook is a standout listen - engaging, well-crafted, and primed for a series worth following.
January 13, 2023
Bastard: last lift book 1
This book was very slow. Going the first hundred or so pages. After that book pick up the pace a lot. I enjoined the characterisation, and the plot line. Can’t wait for the next book.
This book was very slow. Going the first hundred or so pages. After that book pick up the pace a lot. I enjoined the characterisation, and the plot line. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars, interesting, not a 4 stars but good enough to continue the series.
April 16, 2023
Apparently, this is a translation, and it really shows. I made it to chapter 3 and have to call it a DNF at this point.
The prose is absolutely terrible.
- Switches between 1st and 3rd person
- Mixing of formal and very informal language
- Lots of grammatically incorrect sentences (especially misplaced commas)
- Grammatically correct sentences that make absolutely no sense
- Very repetitive choice of words
- Why the hell are all the names and titles french?
- Weird local british vocabulary. Or am I the only one that doesn't know "batty"?
- Weird series of short sentences.
- Redundant language
"I would have preferred to leave this little town quietly. Which I hinted at in conversation with Bertrand. But that was another miss. The very idea frightened the old man. As it turned out, the moment I secretly left town without informing all my creditors, I would be declared a wanted man, and any guard would be free to arrest me in the next town I reached."
This is not an outlier, it is a genuine example of the level of language to expect in this book. If you think this is anything but terrible, I cannot help you. Please go ahead and read this book.
The prose is absolutely terrible.
- Switches between 1st and 3rd person
- Mixing of formal and very informal language
- Lots of grammatically incorrect sentences (especially misplaced commas)
- Grammatically correct sentences that make absolutely no sense
- Very repetitive choice of words
- Why the hell are all the names and titles french?
- Weird local british vocabulary. Or am I the only one that doesn't know "batty"?
- Weird series of short sentences.
- Redundant language
"I would have preferred to leave this little town quietly. Which I hinted at in conversation with Bertrand. But that was another miss. The very idea frightened the old man. As it turned out, the moment I secretly left town without informing all my creditors, I would be declared a wanted man, and any guard would be free to arrest me in the next town I reached."
This is not an outlier, it is a genuine example of the level of language to expect in this book. If you think this is anything but terrible, I cannot help you. Please go ahead and read this book.
May 20, 2023
It was an enjoyable experience. The story had a strong narrative and great characters.
However, there were a couple of elements that detracted from my reading experience. The first was the narrator's French accent in the audiobook. While I understand the attempt to add authenticity to the story, it ended up being a distraction for me. Instead of enhancing the immersion, it shifted my focus away from the plot, which was a bit frustrating.
Another aspect that left me somewhat perplexed was the author's use of overwritten negative dialogue for Max . It felt excessive and unnecessary. I found myself questioning its purpose and how it contributed to the overall narrative.
Despite these flaws, I found the story to be engaging enough that I will continue with the series. The intriguing plot and the fact that Max doesn't shy away from eliminating his enemies added an appealing edge to the story. It was refreshing to see a protagonist who doesn't hesitate when confronted with difficult choices, setting Max apart from other main characters in similar genres.
Overall this book offers a good story with well-crafted characters. The relationship between Max and his butler was a highlight, adding depth to their interactions. However, the distracting French accent of the narrator and the author's overwritten negative dialogue for Max were noticeable drawbacks. Nonetheless, the intriguing storyline and Max's unapologetic approach to his enemies make me eager to explore what lies ahead in book 2. If you can overlook these minor issues, "Bastard" is worth picking up for a captivating virtual adventure
However, there were a couple of elements that detracted from my reading experience. The first was the narrator's French accent in the audiobook. While I understand the attempt to add authenticity to the story, it ended up being a distraction for me. Instead of enhancing the immersion, it shifted my focus away from the plot, which was a bit frustrating.
Another aspect that left me somewhat perplexed was the author's use of overwritten negative dialogue for Max . It felt excessive and unnecessary. I found myself questioning its purpose and how it contributed to the overall narrative.
Despite these flaws, I found the story to be engaging enough that I will continue with the series. The intriguing plot and the fact that Max doesn't shy away from eliminating his enemies added an appealing edge to the story. It was refreshing to see a protagonist who doesn't hesitate when confronted with difficult choices, setting Max apart from other main characters in similar genres.
Overall this book offers a good story with well-crafted characters. The relationship between Max and his butler was a highlight, adding depth to their interactions. However, the distracting French accent of the narrator and the author's overwritten negative dialogue for Max were noticeable drawbacks. Nonetheless, the intriguing storyline and Max's unapologetic approach to his enemies make me eager to explore what lies ahead in book 2. If you can overlook these minor issues, "Bastard" is worth picking up for a captivating virtual adventure
October 4, 2022
Very engaging read. Always great character development from Alexey that keeps you rooting for the MCs and not wanting to put the book down. Minimal cultivation mechanics but it looks like that will expand much more in the books to come. Looking forward to the next book already.
This is an advance copy review and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
This is an advance copy review and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
October 15, 2022
Okay, when's book 2 coming out?
Seriously, I just tore through this. Very easy to immerse yourself in the story, I enjoyed that it is very light on the progression (though others may not), and it doesn't have some forced romance plot shoehorned into the storyline. That last one alone would have gotten five stars from me, because I'm frankly sick and tired of being knocked out of a good story by half-arsed soft core pron. Everything else is heavenly toppings on a well made dessert!
Seriously, I just tore through this. Very easy to immerse yourself in the story, I enjoyed that it is very light on the progression (though others may not), and it doesn't have some forced romance plot shoehorned into the storyline. That last one alone would have gotten five stars from me, because I'm frankly sick and tired of being knocked out of a good story by half-arsed soft core pron. Everything else is heavenly toppings on a well made dessert!
October 18, 2022
Surprisingly Good Story
I must say at the start of the book I almost gave up because I thought it needed an editor. I stuck it out due to the reviews. After the transition it became much better. This story has real potential! This whole book was a massive build up for what's to come and has potential to be a 5+ book series. The audible for this will be a hit. I am looking forward to book 2 and will be following the author until then.
The MC is OP, but it doesn't hinder the story. I personally love a good OP MC so I might be Bias.
I must say at the start of the book I almost gave up because I thought it needed an editor. I stuck it out due to the reviews. After the transition it became much better. This story has real potential! This whole book was a massive build up for what's to come and has potential to be a 5+ book series. The audible for this will be a hit. I am looking forward to book 2 and will be following the author until then.
The MC is OP, but it doesn't hinder the story. I personally love a good OP MC so I might be Bias.
October 23, 2022
Pretty Good
Extremely entertaining reincarnation story. One of the best I’ve read. MC reincarnated into some other person’s body in a different world, and kept his old memories, and most of his powers. The story is about how he goes about dealing with the myriad of problems facing him, caused by his now deceased predecessor. MC is thoughtful, efficient and isn’t burdened with excessive cruelty or empathy. The pacing is fabulous and the fight scenes are short and sharp. Looking forward to the sequel, and I’m hopeful the author won’t take to long. Very well done !!!
Extremely entertaining reincarnation story. One of the best I’ve read. MC reincarnated into some other person’s body in a different world, and kept his old memories, and most of his powers. The story is about how he goes about dealing with the myriad of problems facing him, caused by his now deceased predecessor. MC is thoughtful, efficient and isn’t burdened with excessive cruelty or empathy. The pacing is fabulous and the fight scenes are short and sharp. Looking forward to the sequel, and I’m hopeful the author won’t take to long. Very well done !!!
November 14, 2022
Wonderful
I balked at picking this up, as the blurb didn't really grab me, but I am glad i did. I really enjoyed this book and am disappointed that there is only one book out at this time. The characters are well done, the world is interesting, and the story is very good. I really recommend you pick this up. Only thing missing for my taste is a romantic sub plot, but maybe something will happen in the future!
I balked at picking this up, as the blurb didn't really grab me, but I am glad i did. I really enjoyed this book and am disappointed that there is only one book out at this time. The characters are well done, the world is interesting, and the story is very good. I really recommend you pick this up. Only thing missing for my taste is a romantic sub plot, but maybe something will happen in the future!
November 15, 2022
Nice Start
Loved this book and it was a great way to start a series. My only gripe is that the author went with a cultivation based magic system. Cultivation magic systems are not all that original or interesting to read about. It mostly amounts to people just being strong and fast (progression is also usually slow and boring) . I hope he writes the magic system in a more engaging way for book two.
Loved this book and it was a great way to start a series. My only gripe is that the author went with a cultivation based magic system. Cultivation magic systems are not all that original or interesting to read about. It mostly amounts to people just being strong and fast (progression is also usually slow and boring) . I hope he writes the magic system in a more engaging way for book two.
December 29, 2022
What the heck is this doping book? All the main character does is dopes himself with mana using literally any crap he can find that has traces of it, beats the baddies, then repeat. There's also overuse of certain words, and instances of saying the same thing twice in different ways.
I don't understand why authors feel that a cultivation story about ingesting substances to get stronger would be interesting to read.
I don't understand why authors feel that a cultivation story about ingesting substances to get stronger would be interesting to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews