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Hawkin's Magic Beers #1
Bronze Rank Brewer
Hawkin rejected adventure to pursue a slower pace of living. Isolated in the wilderness far away from civilization, he fends for himself using the axe he earned on the Lumberjack quest path—the quest path he'd gladly disabled long ago.
After ten rugged years alone in the northern forests, visitors begin to appear. First an ancient, overpowered monster who becomes more friend than foe, then a lost, traveling trio of monks with a peculiar set of skills. The monks share a beer so good that Hawkin is moved to return to the dreaded system he’d long ago abandoned. Hesitantly, he accepts the Brewer’s path.
Dellia, one of a thousand gods, seeks Hawkin’s help to expand her influence among humans. She promises to guide him along the path to becoming one of the greatest brewers the world has ever known. Hawkin’s only condition is that he never leaves his woods. When goblins encroach on his territory, Hawkin’s peaceful existence becomes compromised. Refusing to leave the woods—his true home—he forges an alliance with unlikely companions and sets forth on a journey to brew magic beer.
Numbers go up. Some monsters cause occasional conflict; others become companions. Gods and a system provide quests and rewards in this slice of life adventure.
After ten rugged years alone in the northern forests, visitors begin to appear. First an ancient, overpowered monster who becomes more friend than foe, then a lost, traveling trio of monks with a peculiar set of skills. The monks share a beer so good that Hawkin is moved to return to the dreaded system he’d long ago abandoned. Hesitantly, he accepts the Brewer’s path.
Dellia, one of a thousand gods, seeks Hawkin’s help to expand her influence among humans. She promises to guide him along the path to becoming one of the greatest brewers the world has ever known. Hawkin’s only condition is that he never leaves his woods. When goblins encroach on his territory, Hawkin’s peaceful existence becomes compromised. Refusing to leave the woods—his true home—he forges an alliance with unlikely companions and sets forth on a journey to brew magic beer.
Numbers go up. Some monsters cause occasional conflict; others become companions. Gods and a system provide quests and rewards in this slice of life adventure.
833 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2022
839 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 7, 2023
This wasn't that bad, I didn't think. I made it about a fifth until a goblin horde made me realize that I didn't care much any more.
Hawkin himself is a bit of a tough sell. He's a lumberjack hermit pouting about how awful the "system" is with its quests and skills and inventory and junk. And it isn't helping that we pick up the story right before he Grizzly Adams's a monster that we get PoV for. A PoV that illustrates how OP the Thrush (the monster) is and that the only thing between Hawkin and tummy-town is Thrush's love for smoked fish—a love that makes no sense beyond author say-so, likely because Hawkins needs to retread Grizzly Adams (only with less cuddles).
Anyway, a random goblin horde shows up and our man Hawk is using his axe to knock them out rather than kill them and I lost all sympathy with anything. I mean why? It isn't like Thrush isn't chowing down on them by the handful. And they're destroying his home and all his winter stores. And he thinks knocking them out is a best practice? Ugh. Just ugh. One star and I call shenanigans.
Hawkin himself is a bit of a tough sell. He's a lumberjack hermit pouting about how awful the "system" is with its quests and skills and inventory and junk. And it isn't helping that we pick up the story right before he Grizzly Adams's a monster that we get PoV for. A PoV that illustrates how OP the Thrush (the monster) is and that the only thing between Hawkin and tummy-town is Thrush's love for smoked fish—a love that makes no sense beyond author say-so, likely because Hawkins needs to retread Grizzly Adams (only with less cuddles).
Anyway, a random goblin horde shows up and our man Hawk is using his axe to knock them out rather than kill them and I lost all sympathy with anything. I mean why? It isn't like Thrush isn't chowing down on them by the handful. And they're destroying his home and all his winter stores. And he thinks knocking them out is a best practice? Ugh. Just ugh. One star and I call shenanigans.
October 21, 2022
Could replace the MC with a potion monkey and nothing changes.
The quest system and its rewards make everything else impotent. The characters are not really doing anything, they just follow the prompts. This is a book where all the characters lack agency.
The quest system and its rewards make everything else impotent. The characters are not really doing anything, they just follow the prompts. This is a book where all the characters lack agency.
November 16, 2022
There is a charming core here that I wish was better supported by the writing.
I like the premise. I love that the hero doesn’t want to travel or follow standard quests. I love the kindness and the care between characters. The beers were cool.
I didn’t love the glacial pace, the lack of character agency, or the poor editing. I didn’t love the gross goblin parts—spit and snot and all that. Yuck.
I like the premise. I love that the hero doesn’t want to travel or follow standard quests. I love the kindness and the care between characters. The beers were cool.
I didn’t love the glacial pace, the lack of character agency, or the poor editing. I didn’t love the gross goblin parts—spit and snot and all that. Yuck.
November 11, 2022
It Goes Down Easy
I don't often leave worded reviews on books. I don't often praise the well written worlds as usually a five star rating is fine in my eyes.
This however, requires an extra step.
Bronze Rank Brewer has both a quiet quaintness to it, as well as being uproariously funny, sad, and tugging at your heart strings at times.
The book is an amazing blend of over the top characters, slice of life antics, and a goblin pirate fleet. Yeah. And it fits together too.
Definitely one of those top shelf bottles that you just can't seem to put down.
I don't often leave worded reviews on books. I don't often praise the well written worlds as usually a five star rating is fine in my eyes.
This however, requires an extra step.
Bronze Rank Brewer has both a quiet quaintness to it, as well as being uproariously funny, sad, and tugging at your heart strings at times.
The book is an amazing blend of over the top characters, slice of life antics, and a goblin pirate fleet. Yeah. And it fits together too.
Definitely one of those top shelf bottles that you just can't seem to put down.
October 31, 2022
Not good
For one thing the mc is unbelievable so not beliveble that it kinda made me sick!!:Then the monster turned into a very bad merchant stoped being a monster!!! Then the mc got all of the loot boxes and brewing books as many as he recieved he should have been over lv 100 ,then he goes on and on about not leaving his area to go do quests!! I wished I had not wasted my time with this !!
For one thing the mc is unbelievable so not beliveble that it kinda made me sick!!:Then the monster turned into a very bad merchant stoped being a monster!!! Then the mc got all of the loot boxes and brewing books as many as he recieved he should have been over lv 100 ,then he goes on and on about not leaving his area to go do quests!! I wished I had not wasted my time with this !!
November 29, 2022
slow start but gets better and better
The beginning if the story spent a lot of time on Hawkins’ daily life and his senses, which seemed excessive until he begins to brew—and finally all the discussion of smell, taste and flavor finally had something to do with the story, and things got interesting. Hawkins’ encounter with Thrush was another bump up and I think he’s my favorite character. Certainly an engaging one, as well as the most difficult to write. Few authors manage to write a convincingly alien character, but Thrush is done well, and his biology is fascinating. Barnacle-eyes is another gift. The story doesn’t really have an ending; it more stops in place. This usually bothers me a lot, but Bronze Rank Brewer is a longer book, so it feels filling, if not complete. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out where the story is going as the series continues.
The beginning if the story spent a lot of time on Hawkins’ daily life and his senses, which seemed excessive until he begins to brew—and finally all the discussion of smell, taste and flavor finally had something to do with the story, and things got interesting. Hawkins’ encounter with Thrush was another bump up and I think he’s my favorite character. Certainly an engaging one, as well as the most difficult to write. Few authors manage to write a convincingly alien character, but Thrush is done well, and his biology is fascinating. Barnacle-eyes is another gift. The story doesn’t really have an ending; it more stops in place. This usually bothers me a lot, but Bronze Rank Brewer is a longer book, so it feels filling, if not complete. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out where the story is going as the series continues.
June 14, 2023
A man in the middle of nowhere meets a group of brewers and starts drinking beer regularly. Then, decides beer making is something that he would like to do, although he was retired from adventuring and the quests that the "god-goddesses" place on the adventurers of this fantasy other world.
The action is slow. Even if you are a fan of beer, like I am, this book has little to offer. Because main character is in the middle of nowhere, his supplies for beer-making are "magically"-delivered when he completes the beer quests that a Goddess has assigned for him.
Not much to this story. Because the character does not like to travel or adventure, he is like a shut-in adventurer that just leaves his home to hunt and gather supplies for his survival.
The writing is not bad, it's just not that interesting.
The action is slow. Even if you are a fan of beer, like I am, this book has little to offer. Because main character is in the middle of nowhere, his supplies for beer-making are "magically"-delivered when he completes the beer quests that a Goddess has assigned for him.
Not much to this story. Because the character does not like to travel or adventure, he is like a shut-in adventurer that just leaves his home to hunt and gather supplies for his survival.
The writing is not bad, it's just not that interesting.
April 22, 2023
A bad story that couldn't even stick the landing.
Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations and was a disappointing read. The plot was unengaging and the characters lacked depth or likability. The writing style was tedious and made it difficult to stay invested in the story.
Despite my expectation for a sequel to pick up from where the first book left off, coupled with other shortcomings, the underwhelming ending of this installment has left me with little motivation to continue with the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations and was a disappointing read. The plot was unengaging and the characters lacked depth or likability. The writing style was tedious and made it difficult to stay invested in the story.
Despite my expectation for a sequel to pick up from where the first book left off, coupled with other shortcomings, the underwhelming ending of this installment has left me with little motivation to continue with the rest of the series.
October 23, 2022
KU Review
I enjoy crafting books from time to time just for the psychological break from adventure and drama. This one, however, kept me glued to the pages like an epic. Hated for it to end and can’t wait for the follow up.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
I enjoy crafting books from time to time just for the psychological break from adventure and drama. This one, however, kept me glued to the pages like an epic. Hated for it to end and can’t wait for the follow up.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
February 23, 2023
great
This is a long book and it takes a minute to get going. There lulls but it’s part of a long story. I loved it. Great book, great story, and every bit of the length was worth it!
This is a long book and it takes a minute to get going. There lulls but it’s part of a long story. I loved it. Great book, great story, and every bit of the length was worth it!
November 7, 2022
So clever!
I loved this. It avoided one of the main problems I see in fantasy crafting novels. Authors will write a fantasy book about crafting but forget the fantasy part. It ends up being mostly a how to guide in a sense. This was different and so so fun. The MC crafts beers in wonderful and unique ways to achieve some really fun and intriguing purposes.
I also really liked that the author included different career paths for the side characters. They were explored enough to bring diversity to the story, without taking away from it. Can’t wait for book 2.
I loved this. It avoided one of the main problems I see in fantasy crafting novels. Authors will write a fantasy book about crafting but forget the fantasy part. It ends up being mostly a how to guide in a sense. This was different and so so fun. The MC crafts beers in wonderful and unique ways to achieve some really fun and intriguing purposes.
I also really liked that the author included different career paths for the side characters. They were explored enough to bring diversity to the story, without taking away from it. Can’t wait for book 2.
January 6, 2023
Fun First Outing!
The book is a bit longer than it needs to be (gets off to a really slow start), and the beer powers had me rolling my eyes sometimes. But Thrush and Barnacle-eyes are great characters and a blast to read. The perpetually-sinking goblin fleet is a really fun idea. And it's refreshing to read about magic beer brewing, which comes with a set of powers not found in combat LitRPGs.
The only character that didn't really work for me was Abigail Yak. The author spends a lot of time developing her and her quest but it doesn't really go anywhere. There's definitely potential for her to be more interesting in the next book, but in this one you could literally skip every chapter narrated from her perspective, except for the last 10% of the book, and learn everything you need to know. (Apart from the bit with Hiccup. Hiccup is a minor character but he's a lot of fun and that part was good).
Room for improvement, but looking forward to the next one :)
The book is a bit longer than it needs to be (gets off to a really slow start), and the beer powers had me rolling my eyes sometimes. But Thrush and Barnacle-eyes are great characters and a blast to read. The perpetually-sinking goblin fleet is a really fun idea. And it's refreshing to read about magic beer brewing, which comes with a set of powers not found in combat LitRPGs.
The only character that didn't really work for me was Abigail Yak. The author spends a lot of time developing her and her quest but it doesn't really go anywhere. There's definitely potential for her to be more interesting in the next book, but in this one you could literally skip every chapter narrated from her perspective, except for the last 10% of the book, and learn everything you need to know. (Apart from the bit with Hiccup. Hiccup is a minor character but he's a lot of fun and that part was good).
Room for improvement, but looking forward to the next one :)
February 19, 2023
This is role-playing game lit, and it sounded funny, and I love funny fantasy, so I gave it a try. It was way too video gamey for my taste. As soon as the author announced the point value of the loner lumberjack's ax, I was out.
June 30, 2025
Crunchy but too long-winded
There were a lot of different POVs and not all of them were interesting. The crunchy was crunchy, and I liked Hawkin's Brewer path and Thrush's Merchant path - but the rest of the POVs were unnecessary and pretty much filler to pad the KU page count.
There were a lot of different POVs and not all of them were interesting. The crunchy was crunchy, and I liked Hawkin's Brewer path and Thrush's Merchant path - but the rest of the POVs were unnecessary and pretty much filler to pad the KU page count.
July 7, 2023
Can't give a good review.
Stoped at about 25% read. When the author got to the spit beer I had enough.
Tried to skip past the spit beer section. Gave up after 7 chapters with same trash..
Stoped at about 25% read. When the author got to the spit beer I had enough.
Tried to skip past the spit beer section. Gave up after 7 chapters with same trash..
December 13, 2022
I abandoned the book after 25pct. It just was weird and didnt keep my interest. Many parts were just plain gross. Do yourself a favor and skip this book.
August 20, 2024
Audio: 4 Stars - THere are some voices that really bothered me.
Story: I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. Perfect crafting/slice of life balance and I loved Thrush. That said, at midway point the story went downhill. First so many POV is just confusing. I get providing feedback on characters is important but completely separate storylines is too much, which I believe was the cause for such a long book. Also, some of the chapters are completely unnecessary. I did not need a step by step of Abigail's trip to understand she spent a lot of time traveling to find the MC. I get the MC is a kind hearted man, but sometimes I wondered if it was kindness or just plain stupidity. The Barnicleyes character started ok but at the end is completely vulgar, rude and annoying overall. I was wishing some shark will eat her! Finally what really frustrated me is that this book was supposed to focus on crafting but at the end there are SO many god politics that I completely lost interest. Especially with the introduction of yet another rude annoying character. Will not continue the series. Onto, my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. Perfect crafting/slice of life balance and I loved Thrush. That said, at midway point the story went downhill. First so many POV is just confusing. I get providing feedback on characters is important but completely separate storylines is too much, which I believe was the cause for such a long book. Also, some of the chapters are completely unnecessary. I did not need a step by step of Abigail's trip to understand she spent a lot of time traveling to find the MC. I get the MC is a kind hearted man, but sometimes I wondered if it was kindness or just plain stupidity. The Barnicleyes character started ok but at the end is completely vulgar, rude and annoying overall. I was wishing some shark will eat her! Finally what really frustrated me is that this book was supposed to focus on crafting but at the end there are SO many god politics that I completely lost interest. Especially with the introduction of yet another rude annoying character. Will not continue the series. Onto, my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
December 24, 2024
Saw this for a while. I'm going to give it a try.
It took a while for me to get used to the author's way of writing (prose). It was extra descriptive. It felt as if the author put most of his effort into bringing the scenery to life. Like when you are done reading it, you will experience it too. After a few chapters (and a different POV) I got used to it.
The monster in this book sounds like something I read about before, but the description is nightmare fuel. Then I don't know if the hermit was socially starved for so long that he welcomes a demonic looking thing into his house, all while eyes as big as his (the hermit) head pulses.
This book had a good premise, but the execution was bad (in my opinion). I don't like passive (carpet) protagonists that just sits and takes what happens to them, especially when they have power. And while the protag does stand up for himself now and again, he is too "take it on the chin" for me.
Dear lord the goblin is annoying.
I won't read a sequel. I think the monster would have made a better protag than the passive hermit.
3/5 Stars
It took a while for me to get used to the author's way of writing (prose). It was extra descriptive. It felt as if the author put most of his effort into bringing the scenery to life. Like when you are done reading it, you will experience it too. After a few chapters (and a different POV) I got used to it.
The monster in this book sounds like something I read about before, but the description is nightmare fuel. Then I don't know if the hermit was socially starved for so long that he welcomes a demonic looking thing into his house, all while eyes as big as his (the hermit) head pulses.
This book had a good premise, but the execution was bad (in my opinion). I don't like passive (carpet) protagonists that just sits and takes what happens to them, especially when they have power. And while the protag does stand up for himself now and again, he is too "take it on the chin" for me.
Dear lord the goblin is annoying.
I won't read a sequel. I think the monster would have made a better protag than the passive hermit.
3/5 Stars
November 21, 2022
A fabulous world and a great story
I loved this book, the world is interesting, the people are fun, the journeys thay go on are enjoyable! Great read!
A few minor annoyances, the MC powers up way too fast. We are told that he will level slowly, because he chooses not to travel, that it normally takes years to get to bronze, he is silver inside of a year... this story would is a great slow paced book, and the leveling should be slow paced, make years pass, have the goblins not show up immediately, have it take a few years to get to bronze, it'd fit so well (doesn't even need extra story, just build in time skips) I would love that slow natural pace!
Next, the mist wall beer is way to powerful! It's a silver rank beer, and can build an impenetrable wall for year? No way, a gold teir beer can only protect a camp site for a night, or water walk for a few minutes, silver beers were imparting seconds of skills, and brief memories, no way a silver beer is this powerful!
Anyways, great novel, I loved it, and highly recommend it!
I loved this book, the world is interesting, the people are fun, the journeys thay go on are enjoyable! Great read!
A few minor annoyances, the MC powers up way too fast. We are told that he will level slowly, because he chooses not to travel, that it normally takes years to get to bronze, he is silver inside of a year... this story would is a great slow paced book, and the leveling should be slow paced, make years pass, have the goblins not show up immediately, have it take a few years to get to bronze, it'd fit so well (doesn't even need extra story, just build in time skips) I would love that slow natural pace!
Next, the mist wall beer is way to powerful! It's a silver rank beer, and can build an impenetrable wall for year? No way, a gold teir beer can only protect a camp site for a night, or water walk for a few minutes, silver beers were imparting seconds of skills, and brief memories, no way a silver beer is this powerful!
Anyways, great novel, I loved it, and highly recommend it!
December 28, 2025
Bronze Rank Brewer is a slice-of-life RPG novel that I really needed to read at this moment. Featuring Hawkin, a hermit who doesn't like to travel as he is tired of adventure and just prefers the peace and quiet of his woods and slow-paced life, as he embarks on a brewing quest. Reluctantly, he becomes good friends with a mysterious monster and a goblin, not to mention a goddess who seems to think he will become the greatest brewer in the world.
While this was a tad long, and I did think some parts of it could have been edited, it was still interesting and I enjoyed the journeys of all three main characters as they embarked on their brewing, merchant, and admiral quests. With a couple of secondary plot lines being introduced as the story progressed, I am definitely curious as to what will happy to our merry band of misfits in the next book.
And while I enjoy my high-stakes LITRPG, I am really appreciating these slower-paced fantasy RPG books and look forward to reading more of them.
While this was a tad long, and I did think some parts of it could have been edited, it was still interesting and I enjoyed the journeys of all three main characters as they embarked on their brewing, merchant, and admiral quests. With a couple of secondary plot lines being introduced as the story progressed, I am definitely curious as to what will happy to our merry band of misfits in the next book.
And while I enjoy my high-stakes LITRPG, I am really appreciating these slower-paced fantasy RPG books and look forward to reading more of them.
December 30, 2023
Not your typical LitRPG. Not even your typical crafter LitRPG. Hawkin has actually rejected the system and all of its quests to live an isolated life in the woods with his axe as a tool. Now, he isn't exactly unpowered. But he isn't overpowered either. But one taste of beer changes his mind and he reluctantly returns to the system to become a great brewer. There are some funny hi-jinx along the way and humorous scenes. Also, of course, he encounters some monster troubles. So he joins up with an odd assortment of friends to make sure he can stay in his beloved woods and still make great beer.
I love there is someone who just refuses to deal with the system. Even when he finally goes back to the system, he rejects most of the quests and only takes the ones that fit what he wants to do. Definitely a different take on most LitRPG. There is also a lot of humor. Read responsibly and enjoy.
I love there is someone who just refuses to deal with the system. Even when he finally goes back to the system, he rejects most of the quests and only takes the ones that fit what he wants to do. Definitely a different take on most LitRPG. There is also a lot of humor. Read responsibly and enjoy.
October 3, 2023
Hawkin has retired to the far woods, not because he is a socially awkward nerd protagonist but because he really likes being out in nature. He isn't interested in leveling or fighting or adventuring but after an encounter with passing monks he discovers that he is VERY interested in brewing beer.
The main focus is less on the beer and more on the growing of a found family. This isn't made up of mostly similar people but of a highly diverse cast of creatures. There is a goofy goblin, a shy ummm animal thing (I forget), a female human with a very very slow building romance plot, and a Deus Ex Machina named Thrush.
Thrush is a "nightream", half stomach, half dream, half nightmare.
There are many descriptions of beer up to the standards of an effusive food celebrity.
The second book is a bit tired. There's only so much to say about beer.
The main focus is less on the beer and more on the growing of a found family. This isn't made up of mostly similar people but of a highly diverse cast of creatures. There is a goofy goblin, a shy ummm animal thing (I forget), a female human with a very very slow building romance plot, and a Deus Ex Machina named Thrush.
Thrush is a "nightream", half stomach, half dream, half nightmare.
There are many descriptions of beer up to the standards of an effusive food celebrity.
The second book is a bit tired. There's only so much to say about beer.
August 16, 2024
This was a great listen!
An ex-adventurer turned hermit happens upon some monks. They give him beer. It reawakens his System and drives him to discover the joys of craft brewing. He befriends a mythic beast, employs a goblin, and makes a trade deal with goblins and orcs all while plotting how to stay a recluse and protect his land. The mythic beast gets him what he needs and he puts up a magical fence. A potential love interest that has been investigating him finds him and is commanded by her god to find out why his destiny is to become one of the best.
Smooth voiced narrators. Great flow. Easy listen story. The resolution goes on for a few chapters more than needed in this book and seemed more suited to an epilogue, bonus content, or the beginnings of the next book. Still, I loved the story and will be returning for the next in the series.
Please enjoy
An ex-adventurer turned hermit happens upon some monks. They give him beer. It reawakens his System and drives him to discover the joys of craft brewing. He befriends a mythic beast, employs a goblin, and makes a trade deal with goblins and orcs all while plotting how to stay a recluse and protect his land. The mythic beast gets him what he needs and he puts up a magical fence. A potential love interest that has been investigating him finds him and is commanded by her god to find out why his destiny is to become one of the best.
Smooth voiced narrators. Great flow. Easy listen story. The resolution goes on for a few chapters more than needed in this book and seemed more suited to an epilogue, bonus content, or the beginnings of the next book. Still, I loved the story and will be returning for the next in the series.
Please enjoy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
A slow, relaxed read that feels like a vacation
I don't drink so this book has been fascinating to read about the creation and production of beers and ales. A lot happens in this book as our hermit learns how to be a brewer. Even though a lot happens, it is told in such a way that the time feels relaxed and calm (similar to relaxing with a good beer).
Hawkins is dubbed the main character but a good percentage of the book focuses on the monster Thrush and his experiences. Than we get little side stories from the goblin (barnacle-eyes), the female brewer (forgot her name), and the blue bestie (Boggo).
My only complaint is the inconsistency in the author's use of character naration. Sometimes he lets you know in advance whose perspective we read and other times we have to figure it out.
Have fun!!
I don't drink so this book has been fascinating to read about the creation and production of beers and ales. A lot happens in this book as our hermit learns how to be a brewer. Even though a lot happens, it is told in such a way that the time feels relaxed and calm (similar to relaxing with a good beer).
Hawkins is dubbed the main character but a good percentage of the book focuses on the monster Thrush and his experiences. Than we get little side stories from the goblin (barnacle-eyes), the female brewer (forgot her name), and the blue bestie (Boggo).
My only complaint is the inconsistency in the author's use of character naration. Sometimes he lets you know in advance whose perspective we read and other times we have to figure it out.
Have fun!!
December 17, 2022
One of the most unique adventures
This book is an adventure. It doesn’t center around combat, which is strange but refreshing. The combat it features is unique, it pushes the storyline without taking the stage. The magic is original and intriguing. Thrush, the enigma, is a thrilling mystery. It offers a peaceful trek through nature, hobbies, passions, lived experiences. Its like a rich story simulating a simple life that weaves through complex changes, with great character development. The character development is 10/10. It is told from the perspective of multiple characters, and the narratives overlap well. The only bad part about this book will be waiting for the sequel.
This book is an adventure. It doesn’t center around combat, which is strange but refreshing. The combat it features is unique, it pushes the storyline without taking the stage. The magic is original and intriguing. Thrush, the enigma, is a thrilling mystery. It offers a peaceful trek through nature, hobbies, passions, lived experiences. Its like a rich story simulating a simple life that weaves through complex changes, with great character development. The character development is 10/10. It is told from the perspective of multiple characters, and the narratives overlap well. The only bad part about this book will be waiting for the sequel.
January 6, 2023
First time I've read a book by James Ghoul, and I'm looking forward to the second!
Bronze Rank Brewer is a very unconventional RPG type novel, where the main character, Hawkin, decides to embark on a brewing quest. He doesn't want to travel; he loves his woody wilderness. He is very sociable and friendly. He befriends both a hideous, deadly monster who becomes a friend and helper and also earns the loyalty of a rejected goblin. And a goddess.
The goddess is of astral planes, not of brewing. Somehow, she thinks Hawkin will become the greatest brewer ever, and the brewing god is upset. So he sends his most trust-worthy brewer to find Hawkin and find out his secret.
You will enjoy this one.
Bronze Rank Brewer is a very unconventional RPG type novel, where the main character, Hawkin, decides to embark on a brewing quest. He doesn't want to travel; he loves his woody wilderness. He is very sociable and friendly. He befriends both a hideous, deadly monster who becomes a friend and helper and also earns the loyalty of a rejected goblin. And a goddess.
The goddess is of astral planes, not of brewing. Somehow, she thinks Hawkin will become the greatest brewer ever, and the brewing god is upset. So he sends his most trust-worthy brewer to find Hawkin and find out his secret.
You will enjoy this one.
December 6, 2023
Equally this also needs a full review at some point.
Weirdly the comfiest read of the year bar none. Bookshops & Bonedust was close if not for some weird food imagery descriptors, but this was...oddly near perfection.
Bottle up The Long Dark and cozy fires and simplistic food in a book and pair that with a simple quest of brewing the best possible beer the MC can make.
Are the characters deep? No.
Worldbuilding? No but I am very interested to see why Thrush is feared.
5/5? Fuck yes.
When you love a book the imperfections are minor and this is that book. A whopping 800+ pages for comfy vibes at 5 bucks and also on KU? It's a good book to read near a fire or at bedtime.
If you love cozy fantasy, here's your winner.
5/5
Weirdly the comfiest read of the year bar none. Bookshops & Bonedust was close if not for some weird food imagery descriptors, but this was...oddly near perfection.
Bottle up The Long Dark and cozy fires and simplistic food in a book and pair that with a simple quest of brewing the best possible beer the MC can make.
Are the characters deep? No.
Worldbuilding? No but I am very interested to see why Thrush is feared.
5/5? Fuck yes.
When you love a book the imperfections are minor and this is that book. A whopping 800+ pages for comfy vibes at 5 bucks and also on KU? It's a good book to read near a fire or at bedtime.
If you love cozy fantasy, here's your winner.
5/5
October 9, 2024
It took me a while to get into the book but since it has 800+ pages/21+ hours, it didn't matter, I still had ways to go. And then I fell in love with it. With Hawkin's relaxed attitude and with his kindness. With Thrush's relaxed attitude and with his kindness - and the occasional casual murder. I mean, his moral compass is, basically, "Hawkin wouldn't like it, so I won't eat you." What's not to love?! And then there's Barnacle-Eyes, a female goblin who wants to be an admiral, and the blue besties, kinda underground squirrels, and... yeah. It's sweet. A real slice of life kind of a story that's intentionally slow going. Too bad the ending is rather abrupt, no natural divide, the story is simply interrupted with a TBC as if the author ran out of pages or time.
March 28, 2025
Great Start
I really enjoyed this book. I found the interactions between, Thrush, Hawkin, and the goblins hilarious at times. I loved how Hawkin, Thrush, and later on Barnacle-eyes helped each other; it was true friendship and camaraderie; they were more like a family, albeit an unconventional one. The only thing I didn't care for was Abigail; she knew something was up with Potere, but still did his bidding even though he mentioned killing. And Hawkin was so smitten that he just accepted her staying there and opened up everything to her. I totally wanted to slap him to wake him up; that went beyond hospitality and trusting. Ill definitely read book 2, but I hope he wakes up and use his brain.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the interactions between, Thrush, Hawkin, and the goblins hilarious at times. I loved how Hawkin, Thrush, and later on Barnacle-eyes helped each other; it was true friendship and camaraderie; they were more like a family, albeit an unconventional one. The only thing I didn't care for was Abigail; she knew something was up with Potere, but still did his bidding even though he mentioned killing. And Hawkin was so smitten that he just accepted her staying there and opened up everything to her. I totally wanted to slap him to wake him up; that went beyond hospitality and trusting. Ill definitely read book 2, but I hope he wakes up and use his brain.
October 30, 2022
for those who love slice of life
This book is is very slow burn dude going about his business learning to brew beer so for the readers who need a lot of action all the time this is not the book for you. For those of us who love a good slice of life with engaging loveable characters that is well written with an interesting world it's also nice that characters stay in character. I don't like beer so while the beer talk is maybe a bit overblown can I just say you do not want to be eating in some parts of this book I was gagging the goblins are gross trust me on this. Totally want to read the next book.
This book is is very slow burn dude going about his business learning to brew beer so for the readers who need a lot of action all the time this is not the book for you. For those of us who love a good slice of life with engaging loveable characters that is well written with an interesting world it's also nice that characters stay in character. I don't like beer so while the beer talk is maybe a bit overblown can I just say you do not want to be eating in some parts of this book I was gagging the goblins are gross trust me on this. Totally want to read the next book.
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