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Battle Mage Farmer #4
Fermentation
John has failed. The apocalypse has come.
But it's been awfully quiet for an apocalypse. After stopping Kythov the Eyeless, John and the gang barely managed to stabilize the world’s mana supply, only sort of poisoning the world in the process. With a farm to run, a valley to develop, and a mysterious door to another dimension to study, John is going to have his hands full.
Even worse, despite the apparent peace, turmoil stirs and ancient threats have begun to surface. When a mysterious tower of mages arrives in the valley, bent on enslaving the people under John’s watch, he and Ellie are forced to take a trip to try and determine if they are friend or foe. At the same time, the powerful new emperor of Allera has ordered his implacable army to raze Lepiera’s capital, where Ben happens to be apprenticing, to the ground.
John’s Doom Points might be gone, but the Apocalypse Points that appeared in their place threaten to blow up everything he has worked so hard to establish.
Book 4 of the bestselling Fantasy LitRPG Series by Seth Ring, author of Nova Terra. Get your copy today and explore a world whose secrets have been buried under decades of war.
But it's been awfully quiet for an apocalypse. After stopping Kythov the Eyeless, John and the gang barely managed to stabilize the world’s mana supply, only sort of poisoning the world in the process. With a farm to run, a valley to develop, and a mysterious door to another dimension to study, John is going to have his hands full.
Even worse, despite the apparent peace, turmoil stirs and ancient threats have begun to surface. When a mysterious tower of mages arrives in the valley, bent on enslaving the people under John’s watch, he and Ellie are forced to take a trip to try and determine if they are friend or foe. At the same time, the powerful new emperor of Allera has ordered his implacable army to raze Lepiera’s capital, where Ben happens to be apprenticing, to the ground.
John’s Doom Points might be gone, but the Apocalypse Points that appeared in their place threaten to blow up everything he has worked so hard to establish.
Book 4 of the bestselling Fantasy LitRPG Series by Seth Ring, author of Nova Terra. Get your copy today and explore a world whose secrets have been buried under decades of war.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
1097 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
February 25, 2023
This series is getting more depressing with each book.
February 23, 2023
So this is a two star for me, but a lot of people will like it so let me tell you why.
The overall story is rather simple with some fun bits. The issue is the repetitive story beats. It is the same thing over and over every book. I read a lot and so this holds no surprises for me. The fights, the enemies, the connections are all very obvious. This is fine in the first few books where the characters and setting carry the series, but now those funny moments are few and far in between. Lastly, all the characters that make this a fun series are being swapped out or forgotten. It is still interesting, so someone who wants a light read will find this a four. Three of you want to get invested in the characters. Two if you are about the story.
The overall story is rather simple with some fun bits. The issue is the repetitive story beats. It is the same thing over and over every book. I read a lot and so this holds no surprises for me. The fights, the enemies, the connections are all very obvious. This is fine in the first few books where the characters and setting carry the series, but now those funny moments are few and far in between. Lastly, all the characters that make this a fun series are being swapped out or forgotten. It is still interesting, so someone who wants a light read will find this a four. Three of you want to get invested in the characters. Two if you are about the story.
February 24, 2023
Let down
A whole lot of build up for two battles a few pages long. What did we find out this book? Bad stuff is coming. What progress was made to stop the bad stuff? John captured some mages that won't talk and made some cheese. Honestly the legendary beasts did most of the work anyway.
A whole lot of build up for two battles a few pages long. What did we find out this book? Bad stuff is coming. What progress was made to stop the bad stuff? John captured some mages that won't talk and made some cheese. Honestly the legendary beasts did most of the work anyway.
March 1, 2023
Overall I liked it, but it feels like it's getting nowhere. That doesn't mean nothing happens, but there's only so long you can hold the "apocalypse" over a story. Spoilers follow.
The MC has one tool to use to deal with all the BS that's happening, and that is overwhelming force. Hamstringing him for reasons I won't spoil here is getting frustrating. Thing is, in this world even an OP character is barely enough; anything less dooms the whole thing.
Someone's review said this gets more depressing as it goes along, and I can definitely agree. The end was super depressing, and at last count there are at least three catastrophic threats. If John can't do what he does best, this world has zero chance. If things don't brighten up in the next book I may abandon this series as being too dark. Likewise, if John doesn't give Ellie what she wants by then he will simply be too obtuse an MC for me to care about.
The MC has one tool to use to deal with all the BS that's happening, and that is overwhelming force. Hamstringing him for reasons I won't spoil here is getting frustrating. Thing is, in this world even an OP character is barely enough; anything less dooms the whole thing.
Someone's review said this gets more depressing as it goes along, and I can definitely agree. The end was super depressing, and at last count there are at least three catastrophic threats. If John can't do what he does best, this world has zero chance. If things don't brighten up in the next book I may abandon this series as being too dark. Likewise, if John doesn't give Ellie what she wants by then he will simply be too obtuse an MC for me to care about.
September 28, 2023
It continues being the nice read as was true for the previous books. Sadly the text indicates that this was originally meant to be a trilogy as now all of the sudden 'never before seen' enemies come out of the woodwork on all sides and more world building gets added to increases the stakes with the introduction of not one, not two, but three world ending disasters heading for the world. It gave me a strong Chinese wuxia novel feel where everytime the same cycle appears where stronger enemies come to take down the protagonist, which has to grow stronger and defeat them, for even stronger enemies to appear again, etc.
Despite that I still enjoyed the book, there is some nice fleshing out of the mage class and the superiority feeling hinted at in earlier books. The characters are further fleshed out, where I am personally quite intrigued by Ferdy as always, and the inter character relationships are further explored and strengthen between the main characters. The characters and the setting are the strongest point of the novel, where the main character in this book actually does go through some logical growth versus the somewhat deus ex machina from the last novel.
Would still recommend reading the series so far as I am enjoying my time with it and am now patiently waiting for part 5 to be released as an audiobook.
Despite that I still enjoyed the book, there is some nice fleshing out of the mage class and the superiority feeling hinted at in earlier books. The characters are further fleshed out, where I am personally quite intrigued by Ferdy as always, and the inter character relationships are further explored and strengthen between the main characters. The characters and the setting are the strongest point of the novel, where the main character in this book actually does go through some logical growth versus the somewhat deus ex machina from the last novel.
Would still recommend reading the series so far as I am enjoying my time with it and am now patiently waiting for part 5 to be released as an audiobook.
February 6, 2024
I think I must finally be over the bait-and-switch that started this series, as I enjoyed this book. It doesn't deliver on the promise of a retired battlemage who has become a farmer as the main character here is far from retired. I also maintain that the story is far more interesting when it does focus on the farming aspects of things. Maybe it's just me, but the exploration of magic and thinking outside the box to make a bigger difference than just fighting is something that I find really interesting, and it's a shame to go back to more standard fantasy tropes.
That being said, though, I really did enjoy this book a lot more than I was expecting. I put it on for an easy read and I end up getting really hooked into the story.
Another thing that might be more taste than objectivity is that I really like how OP the main character is and how his growth just keeps going. I love characters with endless potential, and it seems like we have one here. I know a lot of people will hate the same aspect that I am praising, and it definitely comes down to taste. Yes, John does get things a bit too easy sometimes, and the constant repetition of him being underestimated by his opponents might wear on some people. However, I enjoy that sort of thing as the wish fulfilment fantasy that it is, and it doesn't bother me at all... In fact, I actually enjoy it.
There is also a lot of teasing of things to come in this book, and it all sounds epic. So basically, what I'm saying is that now that I finally move past what I feel was a bait and switch, I am really looking forward to what comes next. The series has settled into a comfortable rhythm, and I'm enjoying it a lot.
It's an easy reading five stars for this one.
That being said, though, I really did enjoy this book a lot more than I was expecting. I put it on for an easy read and I end up getting really hooked into the story.
Another thing that might be more taste than objectivity is that I really like how OP the main character is and how his growth just keeps going. I love characters with endless potential, and it seems like we have one here. I know a lot of people will hate the same aspect that I am praising, and it definitely comes down to taste. Yes, John does get things a bit too easy sometimes, and the constant repetition of him being underestimated by his opponents might wear on some people. However, I enjoy that sort of thing as the wish fulfilment fantasy that it is, and it doesn't bother me at all... In fact, I actually enjoy it.
There is also a lot of teasing of things to come in this book, and it all sounds epic. So basically, what I'm saying is that now that I finally move past what I feel was a bait and switch, I am really looking forward to what comes next. The series has settled into a comfortable rhythm, and I'm enjoying it a lot.
It's an easy reading five stars for this one.
February 24, 2023
this was a mess
I like the world and the chapters are readable. But this is a mess.
First, it seems to meander, taking far too long to develop any kind of narrative force. Partly due to the number of story threads. But also because this book is being used to introduce a number of different threats.
There are also a few too many copy editing flaws. Chapter 40 in particular. And a few scenes that seem to lose track of the action.
I am still somewhat interested in continuing to follow the series. But this was lacking.
I like the world and the chapters are readable. But this is a mess.
First, it seems to meander, taking far too long to develop any kind of narrative force. Partly due to the number of story threads. But also because this book is being used to introduce a number of different threats.
There are also a few too many copy editing flaws. Chapter 40 in particular. And a few scenes that seem to lose track of the action.
I am still somewhat interested in continuing to follow the series. But this was lacking.
February 26, 2023
I was looking forward to this release. So, let me say it was 1/2 a story. Is the author attempting to introduce a pensive aspect to John? The reason I liked this character is that he wasn’t stupid. It seems like he is regressing. Don’t compromise his stability. There is enough going on with Ellie, Katrina, and the farm. Leave out the dragon!
March 7, 2023
KU Review
Definitely not a lighthearted farming adventure anymore. The stakes keep getting higher. At least we still have bull and chicken to lighten the mood.
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.
Definitely not a lighthearted farming adventure anymore. The stakes keep getting higher. At least we still have bull and chicken to lighten the mood.
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.
March 16, 2023
Why are there only 422 pages in these books? I need more. It seems like the book goes by so quickly that I just barely get into the story and I find myself at the end of the book. The last page comes so suddenly that I find myself ripped out of the world I am in and thrust into a story hangover which I have difficulty overcoming.
December 8, 2024
I'm not binging these because they're good but they have a nice vibe I guess
January 14, 2025
Well, shit...
Also, this series really makes me want to venture out and try more varieties of cheese haha.
Also, this series really makes me want to venture out and try more varieties of cheese haha.
May 25, 2023
I laughed so hard when I heard they killed her. To save one fucking life you would doom countless millions. Yeah math jives. Should have just committed suicide. No wonder she couldn't keep her own throne. She was already tired of her life coz her husband had died but she was chasing immortality?? Anywho it made me chuckle.
June 23, 2024
Escalation series. It’s the end of the world as we know it. So of course there are new threats rising up to make the apocalypse worse.
John just wants to make his cheese dang it!
John just wants to make his cheese dang it!
March 5, 2023
I'm getting the feeling that this is going to be a looong series. I don't mind, so long as The Eternal Flame still finds life challenging.
Small niggle: If John can lodge a controlling flame in anyone's heart, why fight?
Small niggle: If John can lodge a controlling flame in anyone's heart, why fight?
November 1, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None I recall.
Violence: Moderate. Lots of fighting between big monsters and mages. There's a big battle where lot of people die. There's a torture scene off screen but we see the aftermath with someone missing limbs, fingers, and an eye. A person cuts off their own legs to escape prison. It's grim.
Sexual: Mild. Ellie and John have sort of domestic moments of hand holding. A brief talk about weddings in the valley. Ellie fans herself and blushes a few times when she's attracted to John's looks or what he does. There is one offhand comment about seduction.
Triggers: Mind control and slavery are in this fairly heavily.
This review is from listening to the Dramatized Audiobook version (which is a super fun way to listen to the story).
This is going to be my last book in the series.
I had issues with the last book due to the violence, and wondered if it would get worse. I had a major trigger moment at the end with violence/torture. I do not do that, in any way shape or form, and it greatly disturbed me to the point where I had a hard time calming down. Specifically:
Also, I was bored for the majority of the book. This was a reset of sorts, since the last book ended with John failing to stop the apocalypse. Now, in this one, we're set on a slow-down of the apocalypse, with John slowly discovering numerous threats to the world that he has to stop in order for everyone to survive said apocalypse. A huge chunk of the book is John making combines, trying to figure out how to distribute food, saving townsfolk, traveling, and learning all over again where he stands in his new quest line of disasters to avert.
We get more information about John's powers and how he developed them, which felt kinda out of nowhere if I'm honest. ooookay. I guess.
The entire story fell flat for me because it gave me the same vibe as some of those never-ending anime shows that just keep giving you a bigger/badder villain to beat. (Looking at you DBZ) And while I know this series has an end, this book just killed my desire to reach it and wade through the violence that is inevitable.
I loved John the farmer, I do not love John the Eternal Flame who is so overpowered he's the only one who can save everyone. I did not want him to
And Ellie? She got weird when she got her class. And the way she reacts to John I like how she's John's sanity anchor, but that last bit made my eyes widen and cringe a little.
So, I enjoyed the first two books, but the escalation of violence and the overall tone of the books make me bid the series and author farewell.
Profanity: None I recall.
Violence: Moderate. Lots of fighting between big monsters and mages. There's a big battle where lot of people die. There's a torture scene off screen but we see the aftermath with someone missing limbs, fingers, and an eye. A person cuts off their own legs to escape prison. It's grim.
Sexual: Mild. Ellie and John have sort of domestic moments of hand holding. A brief talk about weddings in the valley. Ellie fans herself and blushes a few times when she's attracted to John's looks or what he does. There is one offhand comment about seduction.
Triggers: Mind control and slavery are in this fairly heavily.
This review is from listening to the Dramatized Audiobook version (which is a super fun way to listen to the story).
This is going to be my last book in the series.
I had issues with the last book due to the violence, and wondered if it would get worse. I had a major trigger moment at the end with violence/torture. I do not do that, in any way shape or form, and it greatly disturbed me to the point where I had a hard time calming down. Specifically:
Also, I was bored for the majority of the book. This was a reset of sorts, since the last book ended with John failing to stop the apocalypse. Now, in this one, we're set on a slow-down of the apocalypse, with John slowly discovering numerous threats to the world that he has to stop in order for everyone to survive said apocalypse. A huge chunk of the book is John making combines, trying to figure out how to distribute food, saving townsfolk, traveling, and learning all over again where he stands in his new quest line of disasters to avert.
We get more information about John's powers and how he developed them, which felt kinda out of nowhere if I'm honest. ooookay. I guess.
The entire story fell flat for me because it gave me the same vibe as some of those never-ending anime shows that just keep giving you a bigger/badder villain to beat. (Looking at you DBZ) And while I know this series has an end, this book just killed my desire to reach it and wade through the violence that is inevitable.
I loved John the farmer, I do not love John the Eternal Flame who is so overpowered he's the only one who can save everyone. I did not want him to
And Ellie? She got weird when she got her class. And the way she reacts to John I like how she's John's sanity anchor, but that last bit made my eyes widen and cringe a little.
So, I enjoyed the first two books, but the escalation of violence and the overall tone of the books make me bid the series and author farewell.
July 4, 2024
Ring gives us our first look at the world after the apocalypse quest failed. It’s a world in which John Sutton no longer has to restrain his power to avoid triggering the apocalypse and he is indeed mighty. We also learn (as does John) that there is a new tower of mages in the world which was isolated during the past couple of centuries. These mages are playing their own game and John has to figure out what to do with them. Not to mention a new magically-powered army invading John’s territory.
This book has all the action and excitement of the earlier novels, but it also has John make a big (and frankly incomprehensible mistake). On the way to the new tower to come to terms with the new mages, John stumbles across a machine (or factory) that makes magical things. He learns that one of the sages of the tower has the ability to make such things. While in the tower, the machine (which he disabled but left intact) is dismantled. By coincidence, the sage whose mastery is such things was “out” when John arrives. It never occurs to him that he could be recovering the machine.
Similarly, one of the sages deals in very sophisticated mind-controlling curses but it is not until very late in the story (after Ring has given John a powerful new reason to constrain his own power) that John even suspects that there could be a connection to other curses he is encountering.
This was just stupid. And there was no reason for it. Better solutions (such as the sages fleeing John when his power proves too great for them) could have been invented. What is worse, John leaves them a piece of his most powerful magic to analyze. It really makes no sense. He has just met them. He does not trust them. But he gives them a chance to learn how to counter or copy his most powerful magic. This really irritated me.
On the other hand, we finally learn why John has been able to grow so powerful and that there is a downside to his amazing strength.
This was a good book which establishes very serious threats that will doubtless take up even more books to come.
This book has all the action and excitement of the earlier novels, but it also has John make a big (and frankly incomprehensible mistake). On the way to the new tower to come to terms with the new mages, John stumbles across a machine (or factory) that makes magical things. He learns that one of the sages of the tower has the ability to make such things. While in the tower, the machine (which he disabled but left intact) is dismantled. By coincidence, the sage whose mastery is such things was “out” when John arrives. It never occurs to him that he could be recovering the machine.
Similarly, one of the sages deals in very sophisticated mind-controlling curses but it is not until very late in the story (after Ring has given John a powerful new reason to constrain his own power) that John even suspects that there could be a connection to other curses he is encountering.
This was just stupid. And there was no reason for it. Better solutions (such as the sages fleeing John when his power proves too great for them) could have been invented. What is worse, John leaves them a piece of his most powerful magic to analyze. It really makes no sense. He has just met them. He does not trust them. But he gives them a chance to learn how to counter or copy his most powerful magic. This really irritated me.
On the other hand, we finally learn why John has been able to grow so powerful and that there is a downside to his amazing strength.
This was a good book which establishes very serious threats that will doubtless take up even more books to come.
February 28, 2023
Warning - there are spoilers here for the first three books.
Think that fighting off the Wolf King and making him an ally is enough, think again.
Think that finding a lost Mage Tower, and battling through to master it is enough, think again.
Think that fighting off an army of the Undead, and creating a doom scenario is enough - well, maybe - but wait, there's more.
John is starting to enjoy the fruits of his labors. The cheese business is going well. The wheat is being processed, and while it uses the excess mana to grow, the residual mana is drained back into the ground making it non-toxic for human consumption. Then, the mages arrive and decide to conscript his friends and neighbors into the upcoming Beast War. It isn't too hard to imagine what happens when they don't consult with John first. Mages, not the smartest people in the land.
I am really surprised at how this one is progressing. I see several reviews complaining because they think the original premise of "Farming" is gone. The quaint little life that John has built is eroding and losing it's focus. I don't think so. Look at the book titles. Book 1 - Domestication (John establishing the farm and fighting to build it up. Book 2 - Germination (John is seeking to find a way to save the world through farming - let that idea Germinate for you.) Book 3 - Cultivation (The seeds have been planted but not every crop is going to be successful, sometimes you need to work the land and eliminate the weeds. Book 4 - Fermentation, (you start to reap the crops, but sometimes things don't work out the way you think.) I like it. This book hits you in so many ways, without you realizing it. The slow build up of characters, their interactions with John and the subtle foreshadowing that takes place through all of the books has a devastating effect. I loved it. Now to twiddle my thumbs and wait for book five. Long Live the Eternal Flame.
Think that fighting off the Wolf King and making him an ally is enough, think again.
Think that finding a lost Mage Tower, and battling through to master it is enough, think again.
Think that fighting off an army of the Undead, and creating a doom scenario is enough - well, maybe - but wait, there's more.
John is starting to enjoy the fruits of his labors. The cheese business is going well. The wheat is being processed, and while it uses the excess mana to grow, the residual mana is drained back into the ground making it non-toxic for human consumption. Then, the mages arrive and decide to conscript his friends and neighbors into the upcoming Beast War. It isn't too hard to imagine what happens when they don't consult with John first. Mages, not the smartest people in the land.
I am really surprised at how this one is progressing. I see several reviews complaining because they think the original premise of "Farming" is gone. The quaint little life that John has built is eroding and losing it's focus. I don't think so. Look at the book titles. Book 1 - Domestication (John establishing the farm and fighting to build it up. Book 2 - Germination (John is seeking to find a way to save the world through farming - let that idea Germinate for you.) Book 3 - Cultivation (The seeds have been planted but not every crop is going to be successful, sometimes you need to work the land and eliminate the weeds. Book 4 - Fermentation, (you start to reap the crops, but sometimes things don't work out the way you think.) I like it. This book hits you in so many ways, without you realizing it. The slow build up of characters, their interactions with John and the subtle foreshadowing that takes place through all of the books has a devastating effect. I loved it. Now to twiddle my thumbs and wait for book five. Long Live the Eternal Flame.
October 22, 2023
Good read, slower but good!
The first critique ,and really my only critique of this book in the series, was the contrite action of the supporting characters belittling or making the main character not understand a situation, and because he didn't understand his situation they had to bring him back on track and basically repoint his moral compass. There was a lot of world building and plot line advancement in this book. That can take away from the pace of the story so I thought it was a little slower as they tried to develop the next series of challenges that the main character faces...
Also the story has basically been the main character having good dialogue in relations with all the supporting cast but never relying on them. It felt like the author was trying to make the supporting characters become as important or better, and that the main character would not be able to advance without the supporting characters input.. most of this felt the worst when the supporting characters just stopped acting as supporting and started to become better than the main character. Normally none of that makes a difference when reading a story and can actually build a better story, however when I read it here it made me feel like an adversary to the supporting characters instead of thinking it was a good thing.
My review....It's a little convoluted but you have to keep your dialogue correct for Amazon or else they won't allow you to review.
Overall the series is good and I recommend it!!!!
The first critique ,and really my only critique of this book in the series, was the contrite action of the supporting characters belittling or making the main character not understand a situation, and because he didn't understand his situation they had to bring him back on track and basically repoint his moral compass. There was a lot of world building and plot line advancement in this book. That can take away from the pace of the story so I thought it was a little slower as they tried to develop the next series of challenges that the main character faces...
Also the story has basically been the main character having good dialogue in relations with all the supporting cast but never relying on them. It felt like the author was trying to make the supporting characters become as important or better, and that the main character would not be able to advance without the supporting characters input.. most of this felt the worst when the supporting characters just stopped acting as supporting and started to become better than the main character. Normally none of that makes a difference when reading a story and can actually build a better story, however when I read it here it made me feel like an adversary to the supporting characters instead of thinking it was a good thing.
My review....It's a little convoluted but you have to keep your dialogue correct for Amazon or else they won't allow you to review.
Overall the series is good and I recommend it!!!!
January 17, 2025
Fermentation by Seth Ring is the fourth Battle Mage Farmer book, and I feel weird about it. Part of it seems like continuity broke down a little bit at times, while at others it felt like there were several retcons. The plot seems fine, but it almost feels like Ring decided he needed to add a couple of other things to the story to make things work. John's too powerful, so let's add another reason to keep him restrained. John's power is far greater than anyone else's, so let's provide a backstory for it that doesn't make too much sense when you think about it and is odd that it was never mentioned before. Also, if John needs to grow in power in order to trigger a sleeping threat that already existed, then shouldn't that person had destroyed the world already given the entire point of the "grow wheat" plot? As for the other kingdom surge in threat also leaves questions. And then, of course, there's the new Mage Tower. If you just take things in stride, this book is a significant improvement from the earlier one. But now I feel like this book is telling me not to pay too much attention, and just go with the flow, which is bad in a different way. Hopefully Ring only needed to pivot like this because he wasn't sure how to set up the next arc and things will become more consistent, but if not... then I'm really not sure.
April 19, 2023
Battle Mage Farmer: 4
The author has an aversion to winter. This one starts the following spring. John has failed to avert the apocalypse, but he's still getting quests. This book returns to the farming premise, at least for a bit. John has all kinds of ideas to help feed the people where food is becoming scarce due to the high mana levels, though his solutions rely heavily on magic, which doesn't seem like a viable fix for the general populace. The author skillfully keeps several plot threads running, and the characters continue to develop, not stagnate or fill stereotypical roles. The animals continue to be endearing and hilarious. Unfortunately, the story is getting repetitive with John defeating the big bad, only for an even more powerful one lining up behind it, and there's always some reason why John just can't let loose with his abilities, and these reasons are wearing thin. The power creep is getting ridiculous. This book ends disappointingly on a cliffhanger. I really want to love this series, but it feels like the author is just throwing up more and more obstacles to drag out the chapter count rather than have an overarching story. 3.5 rounded up generously to 4 just because Ferdie is awesome.
The author has an aversion to winter. This one starts the following spring. John has failed to avert the apocalypse, but he's still getting quests. This book returns to the farming premise, at least for a bit. John has all kinds of ideas to help feed the people where food is becoming scarce due to the high mana levels, though his solutions rely heavily on magic, which doesn't seem like a viable fix for the general populace. The author skillfully keeps several plot threads running, and the characters continue to develop, not stagnate or fill stereotypical roles. The animals continue to be endearing and hilarious. Unfortunately, the story is getting repetitive with John defeating the big bad, only for an even more powerful one lining up behind it, and there's always some reason why John just can't let loose with his abilities, and these reasons are wearing thin. The power creep is getting ridiculous. This book ends disappointingly on a cliffhanger. I really want to love this series, but it feels like the author is just throwing up more and more obstacles to drag out the chapter count rather than have an overarching story. 3.5 rounded up generously to 4 just because Ferdie is awesome.
March 28, 2025
There is a bit of a repetitive quality to this book, but it’s a series, so that shouldn’t surprise anyone. The question that always plagues the super powered character is, “what challenge can the world hold?” Since the fun in this series, for me, is the underestimating-overcoming cycle that always takes the villains by surprise, I couldn’t help but dread the inevitable check on the power of the MC. I think the author does an excellent job of giving the MC massive power and then limiting it in a way that doesn’t diminish the character’s greatness, while still giving him an avenue toward victory. Having read several books ahead of this one, I can say that this is something he continues to do well. I continue to appreciate the fact that this appears to be a series I can recommend to my 12-year-old. Oh, and the magical bull continues to be one of my favorite characters . . . in all of literature.
March 8, 2023
BMF: TRANSFORMATION
I like this series.
I think the main characters and the stories. I, and i am sure plenty of us that understand wanting stories that deal with action and D&D levelling, know that development of character strength and ability is needed.
What is not needed is this Puritanical and unrealistic approach to John and Ellie's relationship. This could have been handled at the end of book two when she finally got her powers and was able to be an equal to him and someone he could really trust.
Nope. It is drawn out by the author and will take the pedantic turn of her going off (leaving) or John not trusting her (for some idiotic reason).
This will cause a loss in popularity and readership. Don't make a big deal of them getting together just make it real.
That's the only change needed.
N~
I like this series.
I think the main characters and the stories. I, and i am sure plenty of us that understand wanting stories that deal with action and D&D levelling, know that development of character strength and ability is needed.
What is not needed is this Puritanical and unrealistic approach to John and Ellie's relationship. This could have been handled at the end of book two when she finally got her powers and was able to be an equal to him and someone he could really trust.
Nope. It is drawn out by the author and will take the pedantic turn of her going off (leaving) or John not trusting her (for some idiotic reason).
This will cause a loss in popularity and readership. Don't make a big deal of them getting together just make it real.
That's the only change needed.
N~
May 12, 2023
Gods I love this slice-of-life series... Now that John is back and on his farm, he takes a break just to relax. His idea of relaxing is doing the day to day chores around his farm, yeah I know 😆. The first thing is harvesting the wheat, and improving the speed time to do that he'd hafta to reinvent the columbine cutting and threshing all in one. The second thing he decided, was to mill the wheat, and he even took the time to bake a cake a real treat! (Man I want some 😆!) But soon John's tranquility is interrupted by a more pressing issue. Protecting the valley and those that live there. And seriously what good is a Farmer without his trusty, tanky monster beast Ferdie (bull) and of course Sigvald (cock), two of the best monsters living on the farm!
So I say grab the book and let Michael Kramer's voice performance carry you through the day! 6 ⭐'s
So I say grab the book and let Michael Kramer's voice performance carry you through the day! 6 ⭐'s
May 27, 2023
Rating 5.0 stars
This one went back to the formula that worked so well in the first book. Back to farming. That's not all there was since he is a battlemage and there needs to be some fighting. In the last couple of books, the author focused more on the fighting and magic aspect and left out the pleasure of day-to-day life. John likes being on the farm, making cheese, and coming up with equipment to help with farming. There is joy in what he was doing. It is good to have that back. We learn more information about how John got his powers and what it means. We also learn that there are more than a few dangers lurking in the dark that will cause doom to the planet. There is hope, sacrifice, loss, and duty on display in full force in this one as well. Overall, a really good addition to the series. I am glad the author went back to what drew me into this series in the first place.
This one went back to the formula that worked so well in the first book. Back to farming. That's not all there was since he is a battlemage and there needs to be some fighting. In the last couple of books, the author focused more on the fighting and magic aspect and left out the pleasure of day-to-day life. John likes being on the farm, making cheese, and coming up with equipment to help with farming. There is joy in what he was doing. It is good to have that back. We learn more information about how John got his powers and what it means. We also learn that there are more than a few dangers lurking in the dark that will cause doom to the planet. There is hope, sacrifice, loss, and duty on display in full force in this one as well. Overall, a really good addition to the series. I am glad the author went back to what drew me into this series in the first place.
December 20, 2023
Entertaining, but not particularly special.
The protagonist in this series is perhaps the most powerful being in the world of the story, which causes problems in providing challenges. While in the first book, those problems were mundane but relatable, with each book, the challenges become more existential.
To maintain suspense, the author has been adding constraints that make the protagonist avoid use of his overwhelming power, but this becomes more strained with each book. In this book, we find out that there are three separate world-destroying threats that the protagonist must prevent.
The conceit of a ridiculously powerful protagonist was an interesting one, but the cracks in the edifice are expanding.
I don't regret buying this book, but I'm unsure when I might buy the next book.
The protagonist in this series is perhaps the most powerful being in the world of the story, which causes problems in providing challenges. While in the first book, those problems were mundane but relatable, with each book, the challenges become more existential.
To maintain suspense, the author has been adding constraints that make the protagonist avoid use of his overwhelming power, but this becomes more strained with each book. In this book, we find out that there are three separate world-destroying threats that the protagonist must prevent.
The conceit of a ridiculously powerful protagonist was an interesting one, but the cracks in the edifice are expanding.
I don't regret buying this book, but I'm unsure when I might buy the next book.
March 20, 2024
So disappointed
I loved the first 3 books. The fact that John was super OP wasn’t detracting at all. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect those he cared about. In this book the author decided to start putting insanely stupid handicaps on him in, I guess, an attempt to make him more manageable. Suddenly he has gone from one extreme, killing everyone, to the polar opposite of almost a pacifist by refusing to kill anyone. This is all in the moronic guise of his internal struggle.
Honestly there are so many plot holes in this series now you could lay an 8 lane highway down with room to spare. I might try the next one, but this book completely ruined my enjoyment of the series. I had to struggle to finish this one.
I loved the first 3 books. The fact that John was super OP wasn’t detracting at all. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect those he cared about. In this book the author decided to start putting insanely stupid handicaps on him in, I guess, an attempt to make him more manageable. Suddenly he has gone from one extreme, killing everyone, to the polar opposite of almost a pacifist by refusing to kill anyone. This is all in the moronic guise of his internal struggle.
Honestly there are so many plot holes in this series now you could lay an 8 lane highway down with room to spare. I might try the next one, but this book completely ruined my enjoyment of the series. I had to struggle to finish this one.
February 24, 2023
Awesome, but ahhhhh!
Of course after the last one we knew that the apocalypse has come and John had to now stop it from going any further. Well this book introduces us to the major events/players that John has to stop, while leaving the minor things tantalizingly blank. We get some really interesting world background info, some more cool details about John and what makes him so special, and of course the book ends as usual with a cliffhanger that just demands the next book. We also get to see Ferdie being a certified bad bull! Loved it! May can’t come soon enough for the next book!
Of course after the last one we knew that the apocalypse has come and John had to now stop it from going any further. Well this book introduces us to the major events/players that John has to stop, while leaving the minor things tantalizingly blank. We get some really interesting world background info, some more cool details about John and what makes him so special, and of course the book ends as usual with a cliffhanger that just demands the next book. We also get to see Ferdie being a certified bad bull! Loved it! May can’t come soon enough for the next book!
July 25, 2023
Very unsatisfying, poor structure
This is not a story. It is 50% of a story. It's very obvious where the story is headed, and it's infuriating that the characters see 2+2 everywhere they look and refuse to add them together to make 4. The author has stumbled into a successful series you see, and resolving issues might one day result in a conclusion.
The pacing is sluggish, and the characters have become stupid, and the issues that were resolved by the previous three books are all back again. I feel betrayed as a reader.
I might -maybe- check out the next book, but if it's more of this, I'm out.
This is not a story. It is 50% of a story. It's very obvious where the story is headed, and it's infuriating that the characters see 2+2 everywhere they look and refuse to add them together to make 4. The author has stumbled into a successful series you see, and resolving issues might one day result in a conclusion.
The pacing is sluggish, and the characters have become stupid, and the issues that were resolved by the previous three books are all back again. I feel betrayed as a reader.
I might -maybe- check out the next book, but if it's more of this, I'm out.
September 24, 2023
This bastard is busy taking care of his farm while a kingdom's crazy usurper is killing thousands of people. Who gives a damn about food when there won't be any people to feed with beast army coming and humans trying to destroy each other. John's priorities are so fucked up that all I wanted to do is to shatter his skull with a punch, which will hopefully knock some sense into him. If he had gone to that kingdom from the beginning he would have known what they were doing😡 I'm so mad right now. Ferdie was the saving grace for my anger. His chapter at the end made me laugh so hard. Everyone is hell bent on destroying the world they might as well find a new planet and make it their home.
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