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Empyrean Chronicles #1
Mercenary of Empyrea
I don’t know who I am. I only know what I need to be.
I awoke in a tomb. I had nothing but a big sword and uncertain memories from uncertain lives.
I was a great warrior who wandered this land before being killed by an ageless tyrant wizard-king. I was a warrior of a very different sort, who lived in a city of steel and glass.
In this life, I’m more than I was – stronger, more powerful, more dangerous. But that wizard-king still lives, and he’s still hunting me.
All I have is my sword and my skills. So I’ll gather the gold, weapons, and women I need, and if that wizard gets in my way again . . . our next meeting will be very different from the last.
Mercenary of Empyrea is an isekai fantasy adventure in the theme of classic barbarian pulp fiction, and contains graphic violence and unconventional relationships.
I awoke in a tomb. I had nothing but a big sword and uncertain memories from uncertain lives.
I was a great warrior who wandered this land before being killed by an ageless tyrant wizard-king. I was a warrior of a very different sort, who lived in a city of steel and glass.
In this life, I’m more than I was – stronger, more powerful, more dangerous. But that wizard-king still lives, and he’s still hunting me.
All I have is my sword and my skills. So I’ll gather the gold, weapons, and women I need, and if that wizard gets in my way again . . . our next meeting will be very different from the last.
Mercenary of Empyrea is an isekai fantasy adventure in the theme of classic barbarian pulp fiction, and contains graphic violence and unconventional relationships.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2022
283 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dalton
81 books319 followersMichael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 22, 2024
Double trouble
I chose four stars because, 1) any virgin that has sex with a man with a dick of a certain minimum girthyness and up, will need her pussy stretched open to a certain extent first before the guy sticks his dick in it. Otherwise, there will be some uncomfortableness to a little pain being felt as her pussy is forced to stretch open further first time by an object bigger than the size it is naturally with the muscles inside having never been stretched that much before. And the girthier the dick, the longer it takes for her pussy to strech to accommodate it no matter how wet her pussy gets before insertion. The wetness is meant to help the dick to glide and feel better, not make the muscles in her pussy strech easier or faster. And with all three women's first time with Cayden that difficulty was never mentioned to have happened. Neither was the breaking of the hymen. And that is always painful for any women with an intact to a partially intact hymen. Never mind the morning after soreness. And 2) there are 2 chapter 32's in this book. Obviously, the person that had the job of the last go through of this book before it was released was sleeping on the job or something. I tried to report it but couldn't. So I'm using this review to report this mistake hoping it will get through to those who published this book to fix that.
I chose four stars because, 1) any virgin that has sex with a man with a dick of a certain minimum girthyness and up, will need her pussy stretched open to a certain extent first before the guy sticks his dick in it. Otherwise, there will be some uncomfortableness to a little pain being felt as her pussy is forced to stretch open further first time by an object bigger than the size it is naturally with the muscles inside having never been stretched that much before. And the girthier the dick, the longer it takes for her pussy to strech to accommodate it no matter how wet her pussy gets before insertion. The wetness is meant to help the dick to glide and feel better, not make the muscles in her pussy strech easier or faster. And with all three women's first time with Cayden that difficulty was never mentioned to have happened. Neither was the breaking of the hymen. And that is always painful for any women with an intact to a partially intact hymen. Never mind the morning after soreness. And 2) there are 2 chapter 32's in this book. Obviously, the person that had the job of the last go through of this book before it was released was sleeping on the job or something. I tried to report it but couldn't. So I'm using this review to report this mistake hoping it will get through to those who published this book to fix that.
November 16, 2022
a fun adventure read
this story I feel is Well written. the characters are well betrayed in what they look like and how they act and some what how they think. the story for me is interesting I like the idea and I like the World building. the story might have a little too much spicy scenes but it does not take away from the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
this story I feel is Well written. the characters are well betrayed in what they look like and how they act and some what how they think. the story for me is interesting I like the idea and I like the World building. the story might have a little too much spicy scenes but it does not take away from the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 28, 2022
Great read
I have recently had issues finishing books. They would all have a very common theme/flow. However, I read this one to the end and enjoyed every minute. this was a very pleasant surprise
I have recently had issues finishing books. They would all have a very common theme/flow. However, I read this one to the end and enjoyed every minute. this was a very pleasant surprise
October 12, 2023
Bit of a guilty pleasure, but I enjoyed this enough I had to give it 5 stars.
Like all of Dalton's stuff I've read so far (Demon Hunter, Shifter Girls, and Master of Thieves), the prose is great, the setting is surprisingly decent, the characters are quite well rendered, and the relationships between the main characters are quite nice.
I had some qualms initially about this book because the cover blurb suggested it was some sort of Conan/dumb barbarian thing. Which couldn't be further from the case. Also a bonus: This is set in the same universe as Master of Thieves, and as I noted in my review there, I was really hoping to get a chance to revisit the world, so that was a pleasant surprise. (I would recommend reading that series first, but it's not required.)
In all honesty if this was my first exposure to Dalton's work, I'm not sure I'd have given it 5 stars, but I really loved the characters and plot arc of Demon Hunter and the setting of Master of Thieves, and this book feels a lot like the plot and characters of Demon Hunter shoved into the setting of Master of Thieves, which is exactly what I wanted.
I would note, incidentally, that this is a fairly different take on isekai than some - rather than the "average guy MC gets hit by a truck, then wakes up in a fantasy world with all his memories" this is "guy wakes up with amnesia in a fantasy world" and .
So yeah, the tagline may be "an isekai barbarian fantasy" but it's not really isekai and the protagonist isn't really a barbarian. I love Dalton's work, but I feel like he's let down by his marketing which often gives a very misleading view of what his books actually are.
Like all of Dalton's stuff I've read so far (Demon Hunter, Shifter Girls, and Master of Thieves), the prose is great, the setting is surprisingly decent, the characters are quite well rendered, and the relationships between the main characters are quite nice.
I had some qualms initially about this book because the cover blurb suggested it was some sort of Conan/dumb barbarian thing. Which couldn't be further from the case. Also a bonus: This is set in the same universe as Master of Thieves, and as I noted in my review there, I was really hoping to get a chance to revisit the world, so that was a pleasant surprise. (I would recommend reading that series first, but it's not required.)
In all honesty if this was my first exposure to Dalton's work, I'm not sure I'd have given it 5 stars, but I really loved the characters and plot arc of Demon Hunter and the setting of Master of Thieves, and this book feels a lot like the plot and characters of Demon Hunter shoved into the setting of Master of Thieves, which is exactly what I wanted.
I would note, incidentally, that this is a fairly different take on isekai than some - rather than the "average guy MC gets hit by a truck, then wakes up in a fantasy world with all his memories" this is "guy wakes up with amnesia in a fantasy world" and .
So yeah, the tagline may be "an isekai barbarian fantasy" but it's not really isekai and the protagonist isn't really a barbarian. I love Dalton's work, but I feel like he's let down by his marketing which often gives a very misleading view of what his books actually are.
April 29, 2024
Review of books 1-2
Most of Dalton is pretty good, and this is no exception. The series is tighter and better written than Makalang, at least in these first few books. Also, this is a shared universe that intersects with other haremlit authors you may or may not have read (I hadn't) as well as Dalton's Master of Thieves duology. The MoT references are more like easter eggs than plotholes though, and they're worth reading if you're curious about the fantasy setting.
The only mildly annoying part is the AI art. I don't know why he did this but in the second book he claims that fan reception was positive. Well here's me saying it's NEGATIVE, MIKE, PAY YOUR ARTISTS WHAT THEY'RE WORTH IF YOU WANT ANYONE TO BUY YOUR BOOKS!
Empyrea does something that rarely happens in Dalton's books, or Haremlit in general: a second male protagonist who doesn't have a harem but does have offscreen, recurring sexual encounters with named female characters. It's unusual simply because Haremlit is a male power fantasy genre that is obsessive about control and the one guy being the center of everything, no other man allowed to compete.
tbf it's a genre staple but it's extremely dumb and unrealistic and forces adventuring parties / covens / thieves guilds to be all hot bi women. Adding another guy into the mix, even one who isn't dating the same girls, diverts attention away from the MC's exploits, but also adds more depth and character; we get to see a bromance between Jaroslev and Cayden which is kinda cool and sets it apart from most everything else Dalton's written.
Most of Dalton is pretty good, and this is no exception. The series is tighter and better written than Makalang, at least in these first few books. Also, this is a shared universe that intersects with other haremlit authors you may or may not have read (I hadn't) as well as Dalton's Master of Thieves duology. The MoT references are more like easter eggs than plotholes though, and they're worth reading if you're curious about the fantasy setting.
The only mildly annoying part is the AI art. I don't know why he did this but in the second book he claims that fan reception was positive. Well here's me saying it's NEGATIVE, MIKE, PAY YOUR ARTISTS WHAT THEY'RE WORTH IF YOU WANT ANYONE TO BUY YOUR BOOKS!
Empyrea does something that rarely happens in Dalton's books, or Haremlit in general: a second male protagonist who doesn't have a harem but does have offscreen, recurring sexual encounters with named female characters. It's unusual simply because Haremlit is a male power fantasy genre that is obsessive about control and the one guy being the center of everything, no other man allowed to compete.
tbf it's a genre staple but it's extremely dumb and unrealistic and forces adventuring parties / covens / thieves guilds to be all hot bi women. Adding another guy into the mix, even one who isn't dating the same girls, diverts attention away from the MC's exploits, but also adds more depth and character; we get to see a bromance between Jaroslev and Cayden which is kinda cool and sets it apart from most everything else Dalton's written.
July 24, 2023
Interesting and exciting adventure with a barbarian warrior using his wits not just his sword.
The MC awakens inside a tomb with the limited memories of two people. An ancient barbarian from the realm he is now in and a negotiator from earth who is a martial artist and an outdoorsman. He escapes but is soon captured by a band of orcs. Using memories of his minds, he fights and maneuvers his way out of the dangerous situation, gaining a beautiful orcan wife in the process. Though she is definitely not a fan of her new life. The adventure continues as more memories surface and the MC takes a job as a caravan guard. They meet another (male) warrior who joins their band, before starting the MC's harem and have additional adventures before confronting a great evil. Just want to note that in most harem stories, I skip through the bedroom scenes because they are usually so similar. However, I found the amorous scenes to be well written and engaging, which added to the story rather than being literary porn.
The story is well written, interesting and engaging. The characters are realistic and memorable. The worldbuilding is decent and the included artwork adds to the story. All told this is a well done, quality sword & scorcery adventure written for a discerning adult audience, rather than pablum for a childlike audience.
As usual, after reading the other books in this saga, I will search for other works by the author as its always a joy to find good authors.
The MC awakens inside a tomb with the limited memories of two people. An ancient barbarian from the realm he is now in and a negotiator from earth who is a martial artist and an outdoorsman. He escapes but is soon captured by a band of orcs. Using memories of his minds, he fights and maneuvers his way out of the dangerous situation, gaining a beautiful orcan wife in the process. Though she is definitely not a fan of her new life. The adventure continues as more memories surface and the MC takes a job as a caravan guard. They meet another (male) warrior who joins their band, before starting the MC's harem and have additional adventures before confronting a great evil. Just want to note that in most harem stories, I skip through the bedroom scenes because they are usually so similar. However, I found the amorous scenes to be well written and engaging, which added to the story rather than being literary porn.
The story is well written, interesting and engaging. The characters are realistic and memorable. The worldbuilding is decent and the included artwork adds to the story. All told this is a well done, quality sword & scorcery adventure written for a discerning adult audience, rather than pablum for a childlike audience.
As usual, after reading the other books in this saga, I will search for other works by the author as its always a joy to find good authors.
March 14, 2024
Crom! This is my first time reading Michael Dalton and I was generally impressed. As a fan of classic Robert Howard stories, I would have been more excited for a straight sword & sorcery tale, but I thought the isekai elements were atypical enough to be interesting. Our MC is more an amalgamation of two reincarnations (one our Conan-esque barbarian and the other a weekend-warrior corporate lawyer), which is cool, but becomes a bit over-explained. I also thought the whole thing about the ladies being identical to women in previous lives was unnecessary and detracts from their current relationship-building by implying some form of controlling destiny (maybe it will be better explained). I really appreciate the author effort to provide illustrations; I wish more would do that. Overall I really like the author’s writing style and he does a great job with the harem/sex elements IMO. I’m looking forward to continuing this series.
October 21, 2022
Solid fantasy/Isekai story. MC is sensible and one of the better Conan analogues I've seen recently. Conan (Robert E. Howard original version) is my gold standard for "barbarian" characters, and elements of this hearken back to those original stories where Conan is as much a thief as a fighter.
Of course this story is updated with Isekai elements, and a composite personality from a botched summoning. It also turns into a harem along the way, but at gradual pace and it works organically. In fact, it's pretty obvious that he's building an adventuring party. Something I look forward to see developing more in book 2.
Of course this story is updated with Isekai elements, and a composite personality from a botched summoning. It also turns into a harem along the way, but at gradual pace and it works organically. In fact, it's pretty obvious that he's building an adventuring party. Something I look forward to see developing more in book 2.
July 15, 2025
I don’t know about his other books, but this series certainly just seems like a vehicle for writing sex scenes. The first few chapters didn’t have any of it, but after that, it’s every other chapter, and they aren’t short scenes. I wasn’t aware it was going to be like this from reading the description.
The adventuring parts are fun, but the stakes never feel very high, because nothing majorly negative ever happens to the main characters. They get through everything more or less unscathed. The characters don’t have much personality, either. There’s some characterization, but they’re pretty generic.
Take the sex scenes out… there probably wouldn’t be much left.
The adventuring parts are fun, but the stakes never feel very high, because nothing majorly negative ever happens to the main characters. They get through everything more or less unscathed. The characters don’t have much personality, either. There’s some characterization, but they’re pretty generic.
Take the sex scenes out… there probably wouldn’t be much left.
January 21, 2025
Smooth and engaging beginning
Alternate universe, isekai barbarian tale, fantasy races, quest, harem adult situations
Cayden awakens in a sarcophagus, and so his adventure begins. Bit by bit, he wins over his ortina (orc) warrior wife; Valindra the mage; Jaroslav, Cayden's barbarian friend; and Ysanel, rogue trained princess. And comes to the attention of the evil wizard.
Excellent editing, great interior artwork (though hard to see much detail in landscapes on a Kindle screen). Fast paced, engaging, and fun. Onto book 2!
Alternate universe, isekai barbarian tale, fantasy races, quest, harem adult situations
Cayden awakens in a sarcophagus, and so his adventure begins. Bit by bit, he wins over his ortina (orc) warrior wife; Valindra the mage; Jaroslav, Cayden's barbarian friend; and Ysanel, rogue trained princess. And comes to the attention of the evil wizard.
Excellent editing, great interior artwork (though hard to see much detail in landscapes on a Kindle screen). Fast paced, engaging, and fun. Onto book 2!
November 23, 2022
Excellent story. Shades of Conan but different. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to more exploits of group as they adventure their way through the world. I like that the author didn’t just give us one enemy but made it more of an adventuring story with antagonists and beasts all the way through. Definitely want to see book 2 and soon!!!
January 8, 2023
Waiting on the next adventure
Great start to a new series. Great story so far, I'm glad it popped up in my recommendations.
Good characters that are fleshed out. I did like the pictures they let me see through the eyes of the author. The world building was well done. Already waiting on the next
Great start to a new series. Great story so far, I'm glad it popped up in my recommendations.
Good characters that are fleshed out. I did like the pictures they let me see through the eyes of the author. The world building was well done. Already waiting on the next
May 4, 2023
Good adventure.
You asked us to tell you what we thought about the art in the book. I liked it, it gave my imagination a base of sorts. The whole story is so good, I had trouble putting it down. Not a lot of plot twists, but still, a very different situation for the two to find themselves. Hope #2is just as good!
You asked us to tell you what we thought about the art in the book. I liked it, it gave my imagination a base of sorts. The whole story is so good, I had trouble putting it down. Not a lot of plot twists, but still, a very different situation for the two to find themselves. Hope #2is just as good!
July 3, 2023
Quest!
I have enjoyed reading this book. The characters are entertaining and have enjoyed their experiences. I really like the illustrations. They make the experience more enjoyable. One suggestion to the author. Please make the illustration page size instead of the quarter page size!
I have enjoyed reading this book. The characters are entertaining and have enjoyed their experiences. I really like the illustrations. They make the experience more enjoyable. One suggestion to the author. Please make the illustration page size instead of the quarter page size!
July 18, 2023
Great adventure
Read one of this authors other tales and decided to give this a try. The addition of the art in this one helped with imagery through out. Story has been compelling this far but I'm curious whats going to be in the next book since most of my questions were answered in this one.
Read one of this authors other tales and decided to give this a try. The addition of the art in this one helped with imagery through out. Story has been compelling this far but I'm curious whats going to be in the next book since most of my questions were answered in this one.
March 6, 2024
Amazing, this is my kind of story. It is interesting and the author is creative. A badass hero kicking ass in loving, caring relationships with young, beautiful heroines.
It isn't classic barbarian pulp fiction as the preview blurb suggests (I suggest reading classic Robert E Howard stories like "Red Nails" or the "The Frost-Giant's Daughter") but it is great for what it is.
It isn't classic barbarian pulp fiction as the preview blurb suggests (I suggest reading classic Robert E Howard stories like "Red Nails" or the "The Frost-Giant's Daughter") but it is great for what it is.
October 31, 2024
Ugh. Is every Dalton story the same? Supposed badass MC that really isn't. Gets captured quickly. Meets a beautiful girl who happens to be a raging, belligerent, crass, stuck up, megabitch. This time he had to fight her in unarmed combat and barely won. hahahaha! I don't know what happened after that because it went into the trash.
October 18, 2022
Very good start
Really enjoyed this series. Liked the Mc, not your typical Isekai story which I really liked. Enjoyed the characters and it had an older fantasy book feel to it. Looking forward to the next book.
Really enjoyed this series. Liked the Mc, not your typical Isekai story which I really liked. Enjoyed the characters and it had an older fantasy book feel to it. Looking forward to the next book.
October 19, 2022
Great
This was a fun fast paced romp. I enjoy the characters, as well as the MCs journey of self discovery. The women added nicely to the story, and the world continues to grow. A proper first entry to a, hopefully, long running series.
This was a fun fast paced romp. I enjoy the characters, as well as the MCs journey of self discovery. The women added nicely to the story, and the world continues to grow. A proper first entry to a, hopefully, long running series.
October 25, 2022
the pictures really added some ambiance
The book was good looking forward to the next one. May have wtry some others in this world. But i liked the pictures a lot as they helped add to the world building with beautiful vistas and important characters
The book was good looking forward to the next one. May have wtry some others in this world. But i liked the pictures a lot as they helped add to the world building with beautiful vistas and important characters
October 27, 2022
Excellent
This is a really good book and a great start to a series. It has a really good mc and side characters. There is quite a bit of action and good world building. I’m looking forward to the next book.
This is a really good book and a great start to a series. It has a really good mc and side characters. There is quite a bit of action and good world building. I’m looking forward to the next book.
October 30, 2022
Great story
I really enjoyed it. The story reminded me of my childhood and reading Conan for the first time. Lol and the addition of a sexy orc woman only enhanced the enjoyment. I'm looking forward to book two.
I really enjoyed it. The story reminded me of my childhood and reading Conan for the first time. Lol and the addition of a sexy orc woman only enhanced the enjoyment. I'm looking forward to book two.
November 1, 2022
Great read
Excellent new series start from this author. A well written overall enjoyable book with a likable MC and some additional heroines to keep the story moving. Definitely want to read the next one.
Excellent new series start from this author. A well written overall enjoyable book with a likable MC and some additional heroines to keep the story moving. Definitely want to read the next one.
November 12, 2022
10/10 Suprised me.
I'm very hesitant with new series and authors in this genre. It's really easy for it to become a simple formula or be too pulp like and fail to endear you to the characters.
This novel delivered in every aspect. Eagerly awaiting a sequel.
I'm very hesitant with new series and authors in this genre. It's really easy for it to become a simple formula or be too pulp like and fail to endear you to the characters.
This novel delivered in every aspect. Eagerly awaiting a sequel.
December 27, 2022
Fast paced and fun
The story had good pace without being rushed. The pictures were compressed and didn't add as much as they could have. They were, however, good quality and subject choice was good
The story had good pace without being rushed. The pictures were compressed and didn't add as much as they could have. They were, however, good quality and subject choice was good
January 4, 2024
A great beginning
Having read the old Conan novels this felt familiar but at the same time new since it was written with today’s perspective, the addition of spicy bits only feels natural and adds to the story, I’m eager to see what awaits our friends in book 2
Having read the old Conan novels this felt familiar but at the same time new since it was written with today’s perspective, the addition of spicy bits only feels natural and adds to the story, I’m eager to see what awaits our friends in book 2
October 12, 2024
Very good writing and a well developed story
This story reminds me of Robert Howard's Conan stories. The characters are well managed with their ideas/abilities and yet still have mysteries about them. The action is well paced. Looking forward to starting Book 2 in the series!
This story reminds me of Robert Howard's Conan stories. The characters are well managed with their ideas/abilities and yet still have mysteries about them. The action is well paced. Looking forward to starting Book 2 in the series!
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October 19, 2022Love the new series
This is so far my favorite series from Michael Dalton. I hope this series is one of his longer ones. The MC is very orginal
This is so far my favorite series from Michael Dalton. I hope this series is one of his longer ones. The MC is very orginal
November 6, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure harem novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Jarislov. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure harem novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Jarislov. I anxiously await the sequel.
December 10, 2022
A great first in a series.
I'll see about this book is it was an outstanding read. I cannot wait for the next in the series and others after.
I'll see about this book is it was an outstanding read. I cannot wait for the next in the series and others after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews